Like the success of Will Smith’s children and the occasional bout of IBS, aging is one of life’s harsh inevitabilities.  In 2011, with grey hair shampoos and anti-wrinkle creams flooding the market, it’s hard to tell how best one might fight this process.  Want a hint?  Don’t just sit around hoping you’ll luck out and age gracefully like George Clooney (and yes, I know you’ve thought of this, because I have too).  In reality, combating aging takes forethought, a little bit of money, and a real commitment toward treating your body right.  Here are four simple dos and don’ts for staving off Father Time:

DO exercise regularly.  Our bodies tend to soften with age, which means you’re going to need to work harder to stay toned as you get older.  That said, you needn’t be a gym rat five days a week.  While a Nordictrack treadmill is a great investment for the flat, it’s also important to vary your workouts and take things outside when possible.  Make it a point to jog outside twice a week, or even better, buy a lightweight mountain bike for the weekends or your daily commute.

DON’T be a slave to your job.  Unhappiness has a way of wreaking havoc on our bodies, and even if you enjoy your work, there’s a good chance you’re doing too much of it.  Try starting your work day earlier so that you can leave before the evening and spend time doing the things you really enjoy, like swimming or playing with your kids.

DO wear sunscreen (religiously) and a moisturiser.  Not only will these products keep your skin looking younger and healthier, they’ll also help prevent serious problems like skin cancer.  You might also find an eye cream that helps you prevent wrinkles, but make sure to check the ingredients and try a few before settling on one.

DON’T buy beauty products indiscriminately.  There’s a million anti-aging products on the market, but chances are they a) don’t work, or b) aren’t necessary for you.  Do you research and ask a doctor before using anything you might not need.

DO embrace your greys.  Choosing to dye your hair is a personal decision and one that works for many people, but it can also be costly and look ridiculous if done poorly.  The key to maintaining grey, or even thinning hair, is to keep it short and wash regularly with a special grey hair shampoo.  This will prevent the unsightly yellowing that can result from some regular shampoos and give your silver locks a healthy sheen.

DON’T freak out and invest in hair plugs and gimmicky hair recovery methods.  Once your hair is gone, it’s a cold hard fact that it’s not coming back.  Besides, a woman is much more likely to dig your self-confidence than she is your perfectly-groomed head of hair.

And finally…

DO stay active.  We men have a tendency to get down and out when we see the signs of aging, but really we should accept the changes and continue to live the way we want.  Staying active, be it through weekly sports activities, engaging in a hobby, or stimulating your mind through ongoing learning, is not only going to help you younger; it’s likely to keep you happier as well.

Did you know?

Of the 21 men to be named “Sexiest Man Alive” by People Magazine, eight were over the age of 40.

-Jeff O.

Tweet