Hunching over your laptop
You know the posture that elderly people tend to get, that makes them chronically hunched over? Now people are getting that at much younger ages because so many of us are constantly bending over a phone, laptop or tablet, says David A. Shapiro, DC, CEO of Complete Spine Solutions. “Also known as ‘tech neck,’ this forward head posture rounds the upper back and puts stress on the front of the spine,” he explains. This habit can actually weaken your spinal structure, causing arthritis, a common ailment among older people, he adds. Check out five body hacks that will perk you right up.
Eating junk food
No one thinks junk food is good for us (right?!), but eating processed, low-nutrient foods regularly can age you faster than you can say “Where’s my denture cream?”, according to author and registered dietitian Shawn M. Talbott, PhD. “Eating a diet full of fibre-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains, like the Mediterranean diet, helps you sleep better and protects against stress – two things that will help you look and feel younger,” he says. Is your diet not showing results? Here are 20 reasons why.
Using a straw
Plastic straws are not only bad for the environment – they’re also bad for you, causing you to look older than you are, says Joseph Cruise, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon. “Using your lips to sip from a straw can lead to lip lines and wrinkles surrounding your mouth,” he explains. Thankfully, the solution is simple: Ditch the straw and drink your (unsweetened) beverage straight from the glass. Check out 50 health secrets every woman over 50 should know.