Life has a funny way of showing you that what you thought you knew wasn't really right at all. Getting older means getting wiser, but most people still do not know much at all until they've lived through it and can use hindsight. Be proactive instead of reactive as you age. Use these aging tips to learn about the process.

Stay younger longer by staying as happy as possible. Stress is a direct factor in damage that is done to your body. By avoiding stress and doing things you love you will stay younger longer. Try taking up meditation and get out of the house and have fun.

One of the best ways to look younger is to refrain from smoking. Another advantage of not smoking is that you will live longer than if you smoke. With that said, it is very important to avoid both primary and secondary smoking because it has very harsh effects to your body.

Understand hormone imbalances and be sure to treat them. As you age, many of the more difficult challenges are caused by imbalances in your hormones. This includes issues like depression, insomnia and weight increases. Go to your doctor if you are feeling off in any way and have yourself tested. Doctors can put you on a plan for supplementing your hormones.

When you get older, it is important to know who you are and what you like. When you focus on what you like, and keep things around you positive, you accent the good things you have going in your life, and will not allow any negative emotions or situations to bring you down.

For healthy aging, consider grazing over six smaller meals, instead of three big ones. Studies have shown that this helps your body absorb more nutrients, control its weight and decrease the potential for heartburn. In fact, some studies have shown that eating the same amount of calories in six smaller meals has led to considerable weight loss!

Feel free to have a drink and a good meal once in a while. Even if you are watching your diet closely and do not consume alcohol on a regular basis, you should take the time to have a good glass of wine that you used to love and a great meal that was your favorite. Enjoy things in life.

Eat more nuts throughout the day. Nuts are a great food to help prevent aging. They have many healthy vitamins, minerals and fats, which will help balance your daily nutrition. Plus, they are an excellent way to stop your processed food cravings between meals, leading you to a much healthier lifestyle!

Leave the friends that are upset along and find ones that are positive. There have been studies that have proved laughter and smiles can keep you looking young. So spend your days with fun people, rather than the grumpy bunch.

Simply put, eating more fish and less red meat will help you prevent heart disease! It is known that the saturated fat in meat increases cholesterol which in turn contributes to heart disease. Fish is a much healthier choice of protein.

Looking younger depends on not wearing powder makeup and foundation. Although makeup is supposed to help people look better, it makes the skin less elastic and contributes to the skin losing hydration. It is okay to wear it every now and then, but for the most part try to just use mascara and lip gloss and avoid putting makeup directly on the skin.

Deciding to get proactive with the aging process means that you're not willing to leave things to chance. The tips you've just read in this article can help you lead a healthier and more active lifestyle. They will help you to actually understand the aging process and what you can do to go with the flow instead of struggling to swim upstream.