Time keeps moving forward, and while we can’t turn back the clock, maybe we can “slow it down” a bit. Biological age assesses the vitality of your cells, offering insights beyond the measured years on a calendar. You can help nudge your body’s internal timekeeper to adopt a more relaxed pace, ensuring your cells and tissues remain as lively as your spirit. Countless lifestyle tweaks can help your biological clock tick at a slower pace.
We all know someone who looks like they’ve found the fountain of youth. This phenomenon is influenced by various factors that define our biological age, which gauges cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and immune health. This differs from our chronological age, which is simply the number of years we’ve lived.
Biological age consistently outshines chronological age in predicting health; a younger biological age often means better health and reduced age-related disease risk. Epigenetic testing can offer insights, though with varying accuracy. Unlocking our biological age might seem complex, but slowing it down doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of strategies for aging gracefully, vibrantly, and leisurely.
Foods that fuel longevity
Nutrition is crucial for preserving youth. A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and nutrients can noticeably decelerate aging. Foods like berries, nuts, leafy greens, and fish support skin and body wellness.
As Dani Abate, aesthetician at Plain Jane Skinbar, says, “Excess sugar can break down collagen and elastin. Remember that what you put in your body will show on your face.” Not thrilled about dietary changes? Satisfy both your cravings and your clock with these helpful recipes.
Keeping up appearances―to slow the signs of aging
Maintaining skin health is easier than you think. Chloe Loomer and Dani Abate, skincare aestheticians, advise, “Stick to the basics: cleanse, exfoliate, tone, nourish, and protect. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are great for UV protection.”
And don’t forget to nourish from within. Drink plenty of water and enjoy a diet full of healthy whole foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Try adding collagen-rich foods to your diet or a collagen supplement. Use natural creams with aloe vera and shea butter for extra care, and remember your omega-3s and antioxidants like CoQ10—for keeping your skin health and elasticity in check.
Move it or lose it
Exercise is not just about staying fit—it’s also about keeping your spirit young. Regular physical activity boosts endorphins and enhances mood, while also preserving muscle and bone strength. Whether you dance, practise yoga, or make time for a brisk walk, daily movement wakes up your body and keeps you feeling young.
Sleep―your secret weapon
Quality sleep is essential for cellular repair and rejuvenation, aiding muscle recovery, memory consolidation, and hormone regulation. While sleeping, your brain clears out toxins that accumulate during the day, boosting mental clarity and cognitive function. Restful sleep does wonders for your long-term health. And, it’s nature’s simplest (and cheapest) beauty secret.
Social relationships help us live longer
Human connection acts as a powerful ingredient for a longer, happier life. Chatting with friends, sharing a laugh, or just knowing someone’s got your back can help slow down your biological clock. Join a book club, volunteer at your local library, take that Italian cooking class you’ve always dreamed about, or invite your neighbour to go for a walk.
Friends can ease stress, lift our mood, and remind us what really matters. Cultivating friendships and maintaining close relationships can not only lead to a longer life, but it can also lead to a life well-lived.
Maintain your Zen (and your youth)
Chronic stress accelerates aging by raising cortisol levels, leading to inflammation and skin issues. Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can effectively manage stress. Chloe Loomer, clinical director at Plain Jane Skinbar, notes, “Stress significantly impacts skin health, making relaxation a vital antiaging strategy.”
Lifelong learning―stay curious
A curious mind is a youthful mind. Embracing new challenges isn’t just soul enriching—it can add years to your life. Curiosity and a love of learning keep the brain agile, so engage in interesting hobbies, pick up that book you keep meaning to read, or learn a new skill. Be a student for life.
The power of positivity―laugh your way to a longer life
Positivity enhances mental and physical health, boosting immunity, reducing stress, and extending lifespan. Cultivate optimism through affirmations, social connections, self-care, and humour. Laughter, a natural stress reliever, lightens life’s burdens. And, honestly, a day without laughter is like a cupcake without frosting (which, come to think of it, is just a muffin—but you get the gist).
Tip for timeless skin
Fun fact: 90 percent of aging is caused by environmental damage, and regular use of sunscreen can reduce skin aging by as much as 24 percent.
This article was originally published in the March 2025 issue of alive magazine.
