Secrets of youth: 5 habits to follow from the age of 20
Habits you should adopt at 20 for a long life (photo: Freepik)
Youth is not only about age but also about lifestyle. The habits that should be adopted at 20 to keep energy, youth, and longevity have been named, according to Eating Well.
Stay active every day
Melinda Steele, M.D., explained that a brisk walk, dancing, or engaging in your favorite sport strengthens the body, sharpens the mind, and boosts your mood.
Physical activity can also help you feel more confident, especially when it comes to self-care and achieving daily goals.
Research has shown that young adults who exercised at least twice a week for six months scored significantly higher in tests on self-efficacy, self-esteem, and body awareness compared to those who led a sedentary lifestyle.
Moreover, making exercise a habit means you're more likely to continue it as you age. Regular cardiovascular exercises can significantly reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older age.
Apply sunscreen
Applying sunscreen daily at the age of 20 is essential for healthy skin throughout life. UV radiation at a young age contributes to up to 80% of visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Look for sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Prioritize sleep
Prioritizing good sleep is one of the most powerful things you can do for long-term health and vitality. Aim to sleep seven to nine hours per night.
Sleep deprivation causes bags under your eyes, making you look older. It can also increase the risk of accidents and negatively impact your mood, physical and mental health.
Over time, poor sleep can also increase the risk of several chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Eat foods to strengthen bones
Low bone mass is caused by many factors, particularly low calcium and vitamin D intake. One food that contains both of these nutrients in large amounts is milk.
However, dairy products are not always suitable for everyone. If you don’t consume dairy due to allergies or intolerance, many non-dairy sources of calcium rich in vitamin D can help provide the nutrients needed to maintain healthy bones.
Switch to non-plastic food containers
One important habit that young women should adopt in their 20s for healthy longevity is to avoid using plastic when reheating food.
Studies show that endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates in some plastic containers and packaging, can transfer more readily into food during heating.
These chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can affect the body's hormonal system and potentially lead to long-term health problems, such as hormonal imbalances and fertility issues.
You may also be interested in what is more important for longevity - genes or lifestyle?
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
