Aging takes a lot of people by surprise because of how many changes occur in the human body. Things like hormones get out of whack, and your waistline can expand exponentially. You're certainly not a young buck anymore! Check out these tips on aging and ease into the process a little more smoothly.

You must get plenty of calcium to aid in the prevention of osteoporosis. Milk, skim milk, yogurt, and low-fat cheeses can be good ways to get calcium. Broccoli contains a large amount of calcium as well as other veggies. And take your calcium supplements. Women need 1500 to 2000 mg after menopause and men after the age of 65.

If you are still smoking, quit now! Smoking is never good for you, but it is even more important to quit as you age. Smoking breaks down your skin's collagen leading to premature wrinkles. Smoking is also directly linked to increased risks of cardiac problems and cancers, and the risks only multiply with age. Quit now, no matter what your age, to help your body have a healthy aging process.

It might be harder as you age to take care of things as you used to. Now is the time to simplify. This could be as easy as cleaning out a drawer or even a closet. Once you have seen that you can reduce the clutter, and get rid of things that don't serve a purpose any longer, you can then move on to other parts of your life that need simplification.

Learn how to live a full life while you can still get around and think about ways to live that same life once you are not so mobile. Very few people can get around when they get older the way that they did when they were young, but if you think about how you can make things happen while you are young enough to do them, you are sure to carry on once you cannot.

Want to live a long life and enjoy the aging process? To live longer, stay positive. Studies have demonstrated that those who have a positive attitude also tend to have a longer and healthier life. Look for the humor in life. Laughter can lower that high blood pressure and help drain the stress right out of your body. Numerous studies have shown the positive powers of laughter and how it makes you feel better.

Everyone says it is good to remain active in your old age. This is true. It is also true that this is the right time to step back and contemplate life. What was truly valuable? What was a waste of time? What would you advise your grandchildren to do?

A smooth transition into your senior years is what you're after here. There is no miracle cure that's going to instantly-stop the aging process, but these tips will help you to live a healthy lifestyle and to look and feel your best as you get on in years. And you can't ask for anything more than that.