When you first see signs of aging, your first instinct may be to panic. But there's nothing to be afraid of! There's plenty you can do to fight off aging's effects. In this article, you'll find some great suggestions that will help you cope with the many ways that aging changes you.

Sugar has been proven to have an aging affect. You don't have to cut it out of your life completely, but definitely cut back on it. It has been shown to actually reduce the lifespan in multiple studies. Stick with foods that are naturally sweet like fruits to help your sweet cravings.

Keep your body hydrated to reduce the affects of aging on your skin. Our skin is one of the first things to show the signs of dehydration with sunken eyes and leathery skin. Keep up your water intake and make sure to eat foods that are high in water content like cucumbers and oranges.

Whiten your teeth to take some serious years off of your age. Years of drinking coffee and wine and smoking can do a serious number of the appearance of our teeth. Shave off some years by having your teeth professionally whitened. The difference it makes will astound you.

If you find that you are feeling lonely when you are at home, consider getting a pet. They are wonderful companions and will provide you with company when no one else is around. Be sure that you pick the pet that will work out the best for you. If you do not want to commit to just one pet, consider being a foster home for animals in shelters.

If you are feeling down because the thought of aging has you in a funk, just smile and laugh. You have the wisdom that those younger than you do not. Laugh and smile often, and occasionally cry, but laugh more. It's true that laughter is the best medicine because laughter releases your body's feel-good emotions called endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.

Regular hearing screenings are import as we grow older. Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions in older people. Have a screening done at age 50 and if there are no problems, have another one done in five more years. If a problem is found, be sure to have the screenings done annually.

Exercise your brain. Strive to learn something new everyday. Keeping the brain active also keeps it healthy, sharp and alert. It sounds crazy, but if you stop working this precious organ, you may just forget how to use it. If you're not sure how to keep it active, buy a book of brainteasers and solve them all.

It is good to grow old. Your long life is an achievement. Our commercial culture pushes us toward denial of old age. We are told we should dye our hair, try to look young. But a healthy head of white hair can be worn with pride. You worked long and hard to attain this point in your life!

Don't waste too much of your time worrying about aging. Relax and enjoy life instead! This article will help take away the stresses of aging and let you have fun instead. And now that you're more relaxed, you'll be looking and feeling younger even before you put these tips into practice.