Best Anti-Aging Supplements for Seniors

When it comes to aging, the most common concern tends to focus on appearance and how to maintain a youthful glow. However, aging is much more than just the new fine lines around your eyes or the wrinkles on your forehead – it also involves the ability to move about independently, or your body’s ability to protect itself against age-related diseases. It’s only natural, then, that many individuals want to look for ways to slow the aging process, both in terms of looks and overall health. In recent years, much attention has been focused on anti-aging supplements and what they can do to slow down or reverse the natural aging process. But do these supplements really work? And if so, are there any scientifically proven anti-aging supplements? Read on to find out more about how to fight aging naturally.

What Are Anti-Aging Supplements?

So, what exactly is an anti-aging supplement? Generally speaking, a supplement is something you ingest orally – in the form of a tablet, capsule, softgel, powder, liquid, etc. – that includes ingredients like vitamins, minerals, enzymes, herbs and/or amino acids that are intended to increase the amount of that substance in your body for a beneficial health purpose. In the case of anti-aging supplements, the ingredients are intended to help fight the signs of aging, whether externally (your skin) or internally (your brain or cardiovascular system).

But, while there are some vitamins, minerals and herbs acknowledged by the medical community as having various health benefits, scientifically validated anti-aging supplements are rare; in fact, most supplements you will encounter have little to no scientific backing for their claims of reversing or stalling the aging process. Even those supplements containing ingredients proven through various studies to be beneficial to the aging process – ingredients such as curcumin and turmeric, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, collagen, etc. – have their limitations when it comes to how effective they truly are at protecting the body against visible signs of aging. However, if you look past aging as solely the visible effects of getting older (appearance/skin), supplements can be helpful in promoting healthy neurological, gastrointestinal, renal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, all of which can lead to improved health and well-being and, thus, feeling more youthful. So, what are the best anti-aging supplements for seniors? And when it comes to how to fight aging naturally, what are the best options?

How to Fight Aging Naturally

The best way to fight aging naturally is to keep your body healthy. You can do this without taking supplements, simply through engaging in regular, moderate exercise and kicking stress and other unhealthy habits to the curb, like smoking, excessive drinking, drug use and excessive sun exposure. It also helps to maintain a healthy diet rich in antioxidants. Not sure which foods are the best for obtaining optimal levels of vitamins and minerals? Follow this simple rule: Eat the Rainbow!

By consuming a range of colorful foods – made up of fruits and vegetables – you will be exposed to numerous phytochemicals that benefit the body in different ways.

But, if you’re looking for a supplement to boost your daily health routine, there are certain ingredients said to help with certain aspects of the aging process. These include:

• Collagen. When someone asks, “What is the best supplement for sagging skin?” the most common answer tends to be collagen. But, does taking collagen help aging skin, really? The answer is yes, but to an extent. While studies do show that taking collagen supplements or collagen peptides can help improve skin hydration, roughness and elasticity, that doesn’t mean it will completely eliminate or erase deep-set wrinkles, though it might improve them by reducing the depth of the wrinkle. It’s definitely a good place to start, though, if you’re looking for a more youthful appearance! More importantly, it is also said to help relieve joint pain, boost muscle mass and bone density, and promote heart health, all of which are important to keeping your overall health.
• Curcumin / Turmeric. Curcumin is the key active ingredient in turmeric, which is a spice used commonly in curries; it’s also used extensively in traditional Eastern medicine to treat issues with the skin, digestive system, and general aches and pains. This is because of curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory effects. While there is no definitive research to show the extent to which it can benefit the body, scientific studies have shown it to be associated with a reduction in symptoms of osteoarthritis, diabetes, heart disease, liver damage, cancer, obesity and more.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids. While not necessarily tied to any visible anti-aging effects, omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with beneficial effects in the brain, particularly when it comes to preventing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• Vitamins C & D. While vitamin C works to decrease the effects of sun damage from UV rays (and it helps to stimulate your body’s production of collagen!), vitamin D functions as an anti-inflammatory, and it also helps build bone density and boost immunity, helping you fight against age-related bone loss or diseases.

Other popular supplements to fight against aging include zinc, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), theanine, garlic, ashwagandha and ginseng. Of course, before adding any supplement to your diet or daily routine, you should consult with your physician to ensure you are not at risk of any harmful side effects.

Age in Place at Carnegie Village

If you’re looking for a partner in your health care journey, look no further than Carnegie Village Senior Living Community. At Carnegie Village, our staff is well trained to meet diverse health needs, allowing you to age in place through our independent living, assisted living and memory care programs. We also offer extended stay and rehabilitation right on campus.

It’s our goal to provide the minimal amount of assistance you require to allow you to live the lifestyle you want – and deserve! – as independently as possible, for as long as possible. With restaurant-style dining options, apartments with high-end finishes and numerous opportunities for socialization with residents, family and friends, the possibilities are endless at Carnegie Village.

Contact us today to learn more about all that Carnegie Village Senior Living Community has to offer. We look forward to answering your questions!