Aging is a process of life that does not have to be dreaded. Contrary to popular thought, the changes associated with aging are not always bad. They do, in many cases present certain challenges. We present some ideas on aging in a better way.

Join senior groups, church groups local government groups or hobby clubs. Build a family unit, even if your blood relatives are not near you. It's important to have a network of people around you as you age. Your friends and family can cheer you up during hard times and be your sounding board or first warning signal during bad times. If your family is far away, look to your community.

As we age, our body decreases in hormone production, such as testosterone and estrogen. You doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy drugs. These drugs can cause harmful side effects, so they should be taken under physician's supervision only.

Happiness is contagious, and you should spread it whenever possible. If you can make someone else smile, you will smile yourself. Happiness is free! It's one of the best things you can share with others, and yourself, too.

Do not get stuck in your old ways. The world is changing around you and to think that things will never change is just plain foolish. Evolve to meet the changes and embrace them. Accepting these changes can lead to wonderful adventures for you even through your golden years.

Get the recommended amount of sleep each day. The average adult needs eight solid hours of sleep to feel refreshed. Insufficient sleep is a risk factor for many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and depression.

Get a tea break into your daily routine. Teas have some fabulous benefits when it comes to age prevention. They are chock full of healthy antioxidants and other cancer-battling ingredients. Plus the break itself can be an amazing stress reliever in its own right. Tea breaks are one of the healthiest habits you can form!

To ensure a graceful aging process, be sure to include antioxidants in your daily diet to battle free radicals. While the best source of antioxidants come from foods like tomatoes, carrots, squash and spinach, we know it's not always possible to consume enough each day to make a difference. Experts realize this and recommend taking supplements of Vitamin C and E, in addition to, eating foods rich in antioxidants.

Why not try some proven and well-received Chinese methods which can be either preventative or pro-active? Adding shiitake, maitake, morel and reishi mushrooms in your diet will help lower cholesterol, give you an energy boost, can help prevent high blood pressure and give your immune system overall protection. If the thought of mushrooms is distasteful to you, you can take them in supplement form.

Aging is something that we have no other choice than to accept. It is going to happen no matter how hard we try to prevent it. Why not be receptive to that fact, and apply some of these sensible suggestions on taking much of the stress out of the process?