As I’ve been getting older (and wiser), I’ve been exploring more natural ways to stay active and healthy, especially as I become more mindful about what I put into my body. Whether it’s through supplements, topical solutions, or just better lifestyle choices, I’m finding that small changes are making a difference in my life. In this post, I’ll share some of the tips and products that have helped me feel my best, even after long days of hiking like pictured above when my husband and I tackled the Navajo hike at Bryce Canyon with an elevation gain: of 575-ft! Aging smart is all about finding what works for you to stay active while supporting your health in a natural way.
Embracing Natural Products for Pain Relief
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As we age, it’s important to find ways to stay active and maintain our health. One natural product that’s been a game-changer for me is this anti-inflammatory cream. During a recent trip to Utah and Idaho, where we hiked through miles and miles of rugged terrain and even scaled the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America! This cream provided much-needed relief for my joints and helped with rapid bruise relief after a fall climbing down to the hot springs. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to keep moving comfortably with extreme vacation hikes or everyday at-home endeavors!
Doctor Hoy’s arnica boost recovery cream was a lifesaver during this trip, which was the first time I tried it. I packed the 3oz tube and my husband and I used it daily! We were thrilled that it helped our joints and pain while being all-natural. Topical pain relief cream is new to us as we are in our mid-to-late 40’s so finding a product that works and is natural is a huge win in our book. This anti-inflammatory cream also supports healing from impact injuries, joint pain, and muscle soreness, making it good to have on hand for all ages.
The Importance of Exercise and Adequate Protein
Staying active through exercise, especially resistance training is key in my approach to aging smart. Over the past year, I’ve been incorporating resistance training into my routine, and it has made a world of difference. My teens started me on this journey as they were building muscle for their health and to improve their throws for shotput and discus. My son has taught me and my daughter so much about building muscle naturally and avoiding harmful substances. You can follow his journey on Instagram for more tips: Orley.Lifts. Their throws were the best ever last year because of their resistance training, so I jumped on board! Even though my teenage daughter was just learning about resistance training, she really helped me all last year to keep motivated and get stronger. I know that if I hadn’t been consistently training, I wouldn’t have been able to tackle the 470 ft sand dune, there’s no doubt in my mind.
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a leading expert in nutrition and exercise, emphasizes the importance of protein intake and resistance training for maintaining muscle mass and overall health. According to Dr. Lyon, getting enough protein is crucial, especially as we age. She recommends 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. This is easier than it sounds! We start our day with a protein-rich breakfast, like eggs, whey protein, milk, and breakfast meats.
At home, it’s even easier to make sure you are getting enough protein when you meal plan, incorporating protein-rich foods into every meal. You can even enjoy high-protein desserts, like this delicious High Protein Banana Bread recipe I created for Acme Fresh Market, to boost your daily protein intake without adding too many calories.
Learn more about Dr. Lyon’s recommendations for healthy habits for aging.
Discovering the Benefits of Drinking Water & Natural Supplements
As we age, staying well-hydrated becomes essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing dryness and wrinkles. Drinking enough water also supports joint lubrication, reducing the risk of stiffness and discomfort. Additionally, proper hydration aids in digestion and helps maintain optimal kidney function, crucial for overall health as we get older.
Another natural supplement I’ve recently started incorporating into my routine is creatine. Initially, I learned about it from my son, who studies nutrition at Ohio University. We even listened to a podcast by Huberman Labs during our trip that highlighted the benefits of creatine, particularly for aging adults. Creatine helps with cognitive function, muscle strength, and bone health.
My husband and I started taking my son’s creatine during our trip to aid in muscle recovery. We liked it so well that we bought our own when we got home and use it daily. I know add it to my water bottle, combining two things that I know aids in my health – water and natural supplements. Small changes like this take zero effort and can improve our health as we age.
While I wish I had adopted these healthy habits in my 20s, I’m grateful to be learning and implementing them now. Using natural products and techniques has allowed me to stay active and even more vibrant than before. Whether it’s through anti inflammatory cream, supplements, or a balanced diet rich in protein, I’m committed to aging gracefully and strong. It’s never too late to start!
