11 Everyday Habits That Could Be Aging You Faster, According To A Doctor
How to stay youthful longer!
A 28-year-old woman refused to get off the couch for anything that sounded even slightly inconvenient. No play, no concert, no “just come with us,” because in her head it was always going to be crowded and impossible to park.
Her days got easier, but the excuses started stacking up. She stopped trying to keep up with what her grandkids were doing, ignored the small moments that used to make her light up, and even when she felt guilty about money, she couldn’t decide whether to hold onto every last dollar or give a little for something bigger.
Then the pill cabinet and the “I’ll just take something” routine showed up, and suddenly the whole pattern looked harder to undo.
Making excuses to stay in
We’ve all been there—sometimes, a cozy night on the couch sounds better than going out. However, Pollock points out that this tendency becomes more common with age.
"Even simple things like going to a play or a concert. People say, ‘I don’t think I’ll be able to do that. It’ll be crowded, and parking will be a nightmare.'"According to Pollock, people often look for reasons not to go rather than simply deciding to go.
However, research shows that social activities are associated with a longer, healthier life. Choosing plans over excuses can help us stay active and engaged.
PexelsAvoiding Connections with the Young
It might feel challenging to keep up with the latest slang or trends from younger generations, but Pollock believes that refusing to try can speed up aging.
“I see this play out daily in my clinic and on my wards,” she shared. “When people can tell me about what their grandchildren are up to or have them visit, they really light up and seem much more engaged.”According to Pollock, an “exceptional skill” as we age is to stay “interested in the young and benevolent towards them.”
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Holding onto your cash
If you're still reeling from your latest online splurge, this might be a bit of a stretch. But giving a bit to charity—if it’s within your budget—can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment that does wonders for mental health.
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Her couch-to-concert refusal was supposed to be harmless, but it slowly turned into a whole lifestyle of “reasons not to go,” even when parking was solvable with a quick search.
Nutrition plays a pivotal role in how we age.
Incorporating a variety of colorful foods can ensure diverse nutrient intake, improving skin health and vitality.
The article emphasizes the critical role of social connections in mitigating the effects of aging.
Taking Too Many Pills
It’s tempting to reach for painkillers whenever a headache strikes, but some medications, like antihistamines, can have long-term effects on your brain. Studies shared by The Telegraph suggest that extended use may even raise the risk of dementia.
If you’re already taking medication regularly, Pollock recommends talking to your doctor before making any changes. She uses the acronym ‘BRAN’ to help people weigh their options: Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, and Nothing.
“Always read the small print,” she advises. “A is for Alternatives, and finally, N stands for Nothing. What happens if you do nothing?”
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Dwelling on every little ache
This loops us back to those puzzling aches and pains. Pollock pointed out that distraction can be "useful when dealing with minor complaints." She explained that pain, low mood, and anxiety often feel worse when there's nothing else to focus on.
"We know that at any age. So staying engaged and keeping interests beyond your own health is really important," she added.
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Moving to a Bungalow
It might be a surprise, but having stairs in your home can benefit you as you age. A 2018 study of over 6,000 people aged 65 and older, published in BMC Geriatrics, found that stairs helped prevent age-related physical decline. Climbing stairs strengthens leg muscles and keeps arteries flexible, supporting a healthier heart and body.
Pollock advises: “If you move into a bungalow while you’re still able to manage stairs, try to find another way to keep up that muscle strength."You see lots of people now pop into a lift to go two or three flights of stairs. You think, ‘For goodness’ sake, don’t do that!’”
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While she kept skipping plans, she also started shutting down conversations about what her grandkids were up to, and those visits became something she “didn’t really have the energy for.”
This is similar to a worker refusing to adjust snacking for a boss’s newborn’s severe food allergy.
Physical activity emerges as a cornerstone in the battle against premature aging, as highlighted in the article.
Avoiding Tech
This one’s an easy fix. Pollock explains that refusing to get comfortable with new technology can isolate one from everyone else.
“Embrace tech,” she says, “and learn to use FaceTime so you can stay connected with your grandkids when they’re off traveling. There’s really nothing to gain from being a Luddite.”
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Refusing to get a hearing aid
If you’re not dealing with hearing issues now, it might seem like nothing to worry about—until age catches up. However, Pollock explains that poor hearing is linked to cognitive decline. Admitting you may need a hearing aid could help protect against that decline.
"And it is one of the things that we can do that will help improve your chances of not getting dementia," Pollock added.
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Too Much Sitting Around
There’s always the temptation of that comfy sofa, but Pollock explained that “being able to stand from a chair is the key to maintaining your independent life.”
“You need to stand up every 20 minutes,” she advised. “If you’re watching TV, that means getting up every ad break. Don’t just sit there mindlessly hitting ‘next episode.’”Pollock encouraged people to keep moving, even if it leaves them winded.
“I’ve had people tell me, ‘I don’t like walking fast or running because I get out of breath.’ But that’s the point—you’re kind of supposed to!” she said.“Exercise that leaves you a little breathless is actually a very good thing for most people.”
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By the time she was debating whether to hold onto her cash or give a bit to charity, her routine was already training her brain to look for comfort instead of purpose.
The article highlights the significance of mindfulness practices in combating the effects of aging.
Assuming you won’t need constant guidance
While many people will experience seeing a physiotherapist later in life, Pollock emphasized that one need not depend on them every step of the way.
“What the physio does is tell you what you need to do, and then you get on with it. You don’t need to have a session with them every time,” she explained.“It comes back to people wanting a magic pill to make them stronger and improve their balance. But, I’m afraid, that’s in your own hands. Do your physio exercises, build your strength. Grab a walking pole and start moving again. That’s really important.”
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Thinking that age means frailty.
We naturally lose some muscle as we age, but that doesn’t mean older adults can’t boost their strength. Simple exercises like walking, lifting one leg at a time from a seated position, or even using household items like a milk carton as weights can help keep muscles strong before frailty sets in.
Pollock includes these kinds of exercises in her routine by doing 20 squats while she brushes her teeth.
“My daughter calls them ‘meanwhile exercises’—things you can do while waiting for the kettle to boil,” she explained.The doctor also suggested balancing on one leg with closed eyes.
“With practice, you can actually improve your balance—not just maintain it, but make it better.”Beyond exercise, Pollock emphasized the value of a positive mindset.
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And when headaches hit, the “just take something” habit kicked in, mixing in meds like antihistamines that could drag the whole system down over time.
Aging happens to everyone, but how quickly we feel older can depend significantly on our daily habits.
The emphasis on nutrition and exercise serves as a cornerstone for maintaining vitality as one ages. Simple dietary adjustments and regular physical activity can effectively counteract the wear and tear of time.
Additionally, the article underscores the critical role of mental well-being in the aging process. Engaging in mindfulness practices can not only reduce stress but also enhance overall life satisfaction, contributing to a more youthful outlook. Furthermore, the importance of nurturing strong social connections cannot be overstated. Building and maintaining relationships provides emotional support that bolsters resilience against the challenges of aging. By weaving these insights into our daily routines, we can cultivate a lifestyle that promotes longevity and a more youthful presence.
The excuses felt small, until they started running her life, one couch night, one missed visit, and one too many pills at a time.
For another household standoff, read about a roommate demanding shared pet care costs, and the refusal that followed.
