What does it mean to be “ageless”? Do you want to feel better and more vibrant? Would you like to slow the aging process? Lisa continues her conversation today with meditation teacher and founder of “Yes to Success” Debra Poneman. Debra says it IS possible to feel healthy and vibrant, no matter what your age. It’s a matter of looking in the mirror and feeling happy. Aging gracefully is about loving yourself at any age and not judging others. Some people choose to dye their hair, have “work done,” etc, while others prefer the natural look. Debra asks us not to judge either way. The key is to be happy with ourselves.  

 

She discusses the importance of exercise at any age, and shares studies which have shown high intensity training and endurance training to offer optimal benefit, as well as stretching and yoga. She also talks about the many things people can do to have more restorative sleep. Anti-aging hormone is the human growth hormone, which can increase depending on our sleep habits. Sleep affects our mood, our immunity, even skin elasticity.  

She also talks about Blue light from our screens leading to macular degeneration and how computer screens are especially dangerous to youth. For health benefits, she recommends turning off your computer at least an hour before sleep and also adding a Blue light blocking screen. 

She talks about more ways to slow and reverse the aging of the brain and discusses her upcoming “Ageless” course with her co-host Ronnie Newman, who conducts brain research at Harvard. Nutrition, friendship, and sleep all play very important roles in the healthy aging process, but the longest-living people in the world have one aspect in common – it’s community! Whether in-person or online, community and social connection are extremely important keys to longevity. If you are connecting with happy people, you will walk away feeling happier. 

Debra discusses optimal brain health and function including eating better and getting stress in check. Meditation is a key way to calm stress. By adopting lifestyle choices like regular meditation and yoga, we can regrow brain cells and stave off memory loss. Breathing exercises also help with stress control. She demonstrates an easy, calming breathing technique known as “straw breath.” This is Part 2 of the interview. Info about Debra Poneman’s upcoming online program: www.TheAwareShow.com/Ageless.