9 Habits That Can Make You Look Older

MSNBC posted the 9 harmless habits that age you. Most of these habits I have mentioned in other posts. Like everyone else, I need reminders, especially these days.

Other than quit smoking and keeping the sunscreen handy, here are other ways to keep you looking young without plastic surgery.

1. Make sure you get enough sleep. This is something I needed to be reminded of. Although, for some reason I am having problems sleeping these days. Here are some really good reasons I need to figure out how to get a couple more hours of sleep.

"The problem with this is that too-little sleep is proving to be really, really bad for your : Research links it to high blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain, and even just looking tired and older."

2. Eating a more sugar than you think. Remember that sugar is in more than candy and cakes. Sugar comes in many forms.

"Many prepared foods contain hefty amounts of sugar, but it's hidden under aliases — including barley malt, corn syrup, dextrose, fruit juice concentrate, maltose, maple syrup, molasses, and turbinado — on ingredient panels.

Watch for stealthy sugar in unexpected foods, like salad dressing.

The more sugar you eat, the more AGEs you develop; these damage surrounding proteins like collagen and elastin, which keep skin firm and elastic. Once damaged, springy and resilient collagen and elastin become dry and brittle, leading to wrinkles and sagging. These aging effects start at about age 35 and increase rapidly after that, according to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology."

Cutting down on the amount of sugar will not only help you look younger, but will help you lose weight as well.

3. Stress. This was the subject of my last article.

"Stress increases the concentration of the hormones cortisol and norepinephrine in the bloodstream, kicking up blood pressure and suppressing immunity. Over time, stress that doesn’t go away can delay healing, harden your arteries, and possibly shrink areas of your brain involved in learning, memory, and mood—talk about feeling older!"

4. Don't just exercise when you need to lose a few pounds.

"Research shows that vigorous exercisers have longer telomeres — cellular biomarkers that shorten as we age — compared with healthy adults who rarely work out. Being active consistently can help fight brain fog, reduce inflammation, and prevent type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions that crop up over time."

Don't let those sneakers get dusty.

5. Don't blare you radio or IPod.

"Hearing loss typically develops slowly, the result of prolonged exposure to thousands of high-decibel insults to the ear, many of which come from exposure to everyday gadgets, like iPods or hair dryers."

6. Call a friend.

"But here’s why making time to cultivate your friendships is so key: One study found that satisfying friendships predict longevity better than even close family ties, and they can protect against obesity, depression, and heart disease, among other health problems."

I know that I miss going to my Grandmothers every weekend and having many of my aunts, uncles, and cousins there to play games and laugh until we cry. So I booked a local hall for all the major holidays this year.

7. Eat your fruits and veggies.

"You’ve likely heard that antioxidant-packed fruits and veggies can help you stay young. These powerful compounds fight free radicals that would otherwise wreak havoc on your body and skin, damaging cells that can lead to cancer and make you look older. But here’s the rub: Antioxidants remain active for only a few hours and need to be continually replenished, so don't think you're set for the week after eating a big salad for lunch on Monday."

Make sure you have some veggies with every meal and have a cup or two of fruit for dessert.

8. Cutting all fat from your diet. This is not a great idea. As we all know by now, some fats are good for the body.

"Cutting out artery-clogging saturated and trans fats is a heart-healthy move, but when it comes to your health and vitality, equally slashing unsaturated fats, like those found in fish, nuts, and olive oil, is like throwing the proverbial baby out with the bathwater. One kind, omega-3 fatty acids, is the ultimate anti-aging fat, essential for protecting your brain, heart, bones, joints, skin, and more. Another kind, monounsaturated, can lower bad LDL cholesterol, raise cardio-protective HDL cholesterol, and decrease your risk of atherosclerosis. Plus, studies suggest that a higher intake of these fats may contribute to longer life expectancy."

9. Ok, this one is mostly for the guys. Have sex. Yep, that is what I said. Sex will keep you active and young.

"Research shows that people with active sex lives have stronger immune systems, less pain, a lower cancer risk, healthier hearts, and less stress. The best news: It can even make you look younger — up to 12 years, a study shows."

Sex will also help you sleep better. To bad Alan works midnight shift.

So, I just ate a handful of pecans, I turned down the volume on my Zen, I ate corn with my lunch, and I skipped the Kristpy Kreme doughnut still on the table next to my desk. I went for a walk this morning and I may need to take another this afternoon to stay awake. I am hoping to get home early tonight and get to bed on time. #9 may never happen with the schedules Alan and I have. I guess I will have to make sure I keep up with the other 8 items.