Paths to Healthy Aging by Dr. Mehrdad Ayati M.D., Dr. Arezou Azarani Ph.D l Ways to Look Young l Tips for Aging l Hope for Aging

Over-the-Counter Supplements

Over-the-counter vitamins & supplements: Over-the-counter vitamins and supplements rarely contribute to better health and can even be harmful. Vast marketing campaigns at every turn entice people to take these unneeded vitamins and supplements—currently a $68 billion global market—despite the absence of evidence for their benefits. These unregulated substances can interact with prescription medications with serious consequences to health. The general public does not need vitamins and minerals supplements if they eat a balanced diet and are in good health and do not have medical conditions. And, if your doctor decides that you do need vitamins and supplements after running blood tests you should only take such supplements under the very close supervision of your doctor.

Physical Fitness

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Physical Fitness: In America we spend $2.6 billion per year on gym memberships. While 15% of us have gym memberships only 8% actually show up at the gyms. The public is commercially influenced to exercise and not moderately (which is very healthy) but excessively and obsessively, which can be both unrealistic and dangerous for aging bodies. However, healthy physical fitness can be achieved by moderate exercises, which could be performed outside of a gym and without purchasing expensive exercise gears. Examples include walking in the part with your friends, spouse, or walking your pet, gardening, yoga, Thai Chi, etc. Also, note that engaging in moderate level of exercise is not only important for staying fit and healthy but it is also crucial for maintaining and improving mental health and cognitive functions.