Aging has a dark underside that sometimes means that our physical and mental vitality leaves us and we wilt in our twilight years. But this does not need to be. On the bright side, we know that we can preserve our bodies and our minds, and enhance our vitality. This article focuses on the art of aging and what measures we can take to get the fulfillment out of life that we desire.

Eat your veggies! We all were told it as kids and it matters just as much as we age. Antioxidants that are found naturally in vegetables actually will help keep your cells from aging too rapidly. They protect us from the aging that is done to our cells by oxidative damage.

Aging is not a bad thing. With more years comes knowledge. You know the old saying “older but wiser” and that's true. Think of all the life experiences you've had compared to those that are young, and make sure to enjoy the naivety of those that you were once like.

Even if you have never had a massage in your life, go and get one on a regular basis. It is not only great for your body to get the blood flowing and the tense muscles relaxed, but it will also be good for the soul. It will feel great and leave you feeling wonderful and happy.

For even healthier aging, eat more fish and less red meat. Red meat can muck up your arteries by sticking to the linings. Seafood has the exact opposite effect. Seafood not only does not stick as much to the arteries, it even helps prevent other things from sticking as well! As an additional supplement, consider taking omega-3 oil, the same oil found in seafood, every day.

Spend time with people from many different generations. This can be with your family, your friend's families or even at a school assembly. There are many different kinds of events that will allow you to interact with these many generations that you can learn many new and exciting things from.

Make sure you're having regular checkups with your doctor. As you're getting older, more and more things can go wrong with your body. If you're visiting your doctor regularly, they can spot small problems before they turn into big ones. They'll also be able to recommend changes to your routine to keep you looking younger and living longer.

Aging gracefully is everyone's goal in life. A great way to start on that path is adopt a healthy diet – and it's never too late to start. By eating five fruits and vegetables, at least three servings of whole grains, and drinking five to eight glasses of eight ounce water a day, you will be giving your body the proper nutrients it needs to begin the aging process gracefully. There are many easy ways to get fruits and vegetables too – have you tried juicing?

Growing old is old fashioned. Our increased health spans mean that we are younger than we think. Aging with grace is an art and takes effort to see the beauty in it at times. So, go out and live life to the fullest because you are not as old as you think.