Bored Panda asked Dr. Avena about the link between our diets and the aging process. “We know from literature that environmental factors play a large role in our brain’s aging process, including food,” she explained to us.

“Ultra-processed foods and excess added sugar have been shown to contribute to the development of dementia,” she said, referring to a study published in 2022.

“Overall, eating a minimally processed diet and limiting added sugar is optimal for the aging process and can support other areas of aging, including skin, immune, and bone health,” Dr. Avena said.

Meanwhile, we were curious about which foods we should eat more and less of as we all grow older. Dr. Avena, the author of ‘Sugarless,’ was happy to shed some light on this.

“We should embrace more whole foods, like fatty fish, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and legumes,” she told Bored Panda.

“As we age, we should shy away from things like baked goods, sodas, and candy,” the neuroscientist said.

“They ultimately do not help meet our nutritional needs in later adulthood.”

Of course, it’s the quality of your life, not the number of years lived, that really matters. However, the more high-energy years you have available, the better. In other words, even if we talk about seizing the day and living life to the fullest, we shouldn’t ignore good habits that will keep us healthy in the future. Our daily choices quickly add up over the years.

The longer we live, the more purpose and memorable moments we can (theoretically) pack into our lives. And being able to stay independent and active for longer as we age is a huge boon. That means being more mindful of what we eat, how much we move, how much we invest in our positive relationships, and how we keep our minds and wits sharp.

Adults 65 and over are urged to spend at least 150 minutes doing moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. That comes out to at least 30 minutes of, for example, brisk walking each day for 5 days a week or 22 minutes every day.

Alternatively, you can opt for 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise a week. That includes activities like hiking (fun!), jogging (yuck!), and running (please, God, no). You should also spend at least 2 days each week strengthening your muscles. The exact activities or exercises aren’t as important as the fact that you’re consistently active. And many of us are better at consistency and discipline when doing the things that we enjoy.

You might personally be drawn to tennis, golf, or football because you like the social aspect of the sports. Or you might embrace swimming, cross-country running, or yoga because you love how they make you feel or because they give you more time to be with your thoughts.

It’s never too late to start taking care of your body. Any exercise is better than none. Even if you’re starting out slow and having a hard time, you’re still lapping everyone who’s eating potato chips and binging Netflix on the couch. If you’ve never lived a healthy lifestyle, you’re going to want to experiment with various sports and activities until you find what works best for you. You might be surprised by what you discover.

Phil Daoust wrote a fascinating series of articles in The Guardian about his fitness journey. He opened up about how he’s been physically inactive and had a poor diet for most of his life. Now, at 60, he’s running 30 to 40 kilometers every week, on top of doing yoga and high-intensity interval training.

“At home, I can barely pass a mirror without pulling up my shirt to admire the faint beginnings of a six-pack. When I’m running and I overtake someone decades younger, I get such a bounce in my step that even I think I deserve a slap,” Daoust quips.

“But here’s the thing: what’s mostly going through my mind is not: ‘I’m amazing!’ but: ‘I’m amazed!’ For three-quarters of my life, there was nothing to suggest I might ever get into shape,” he shared.

According to Daoust, even simple walking can still be powerful and enjoyable. Meanwhile, you shouldn’t focus on exercise that your social circle or experts suggest is great for you: do what you like. “Your starter exercise does not have to provide an all-body workout or stretch your mind as well as your muscles. Your priority should be to get moving, and become comfortable with your body so you can branch out when you need to,” he explains.

In the meantime, if you find that you’re not having fun with a particular activity, you should try to figure out the underlying reasons. It might be that you like the activity itself but not the environment you’re in, or vice versa. Running on a treadmill, in the city, and on nature trails is very different. Whether you run alone, with music, or with other folks by your side is also going to change your experience.

What are the top things that you’ve noticed that mean you're (probably!) getting older, dear Pandas? What do you do to feel young, fit, and energetic? What words of wisdom would you share with anyone younger than you?

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this. If you have a moment, scroll down to the comments.