In the 1989 classic Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Indy and his father, Dr. Henry Jones, race against time searching for the Holy Grail. For those of us not familiar with religion, the Holy Grail is the cup used by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper, the chalice of eternal life. In the movie, drinking from this cup will grant the biggest wish of many: to stay forever young, to never die.
Constant evolution in medical technology has increased human lifespan. In the past, human beings were considered old at the age of 30. Today, many people in developed countries like Japan and Singapore live to be 100 or even older. However, we have yet to discover the secret to eternal physical life. Our bodies become weaker, develop wrinkles, and ultimately succumb to time.
It doesn’t mean that we should accept it and do nothing about it. There are ways in which we can look and feel young far below our years. They include having a proper morning and night cleansing routine, exercising our minds, and embracing the changes that come with age.
The Three-Step Process
A proper facial cleansing routine is done twice a day and will usually be as follows:
- Cleanse your face with water and an appropriate soap. As a rule of thumb, choose soaps based on your skin type. The wrong soap will do more harm than good.
- Tone. Besides skin type, pay attention to skin quality, whether you have blemishes, hives, or cold sores. The best toner for acne is one that not only cleanses but also hydrates and treats facial impurities.
- Moisturize. The best way to prevent your skin from premature aging and wrinkles is by moisturizing. A good moisturizer will hydrate your skin and protect it from natural elements, including wind, rain, and sunlight. As such, choose one with sunscreen properties and an SPF of at least 30. There is no greater harm to your skin than permanent exposure to the sun.
Recently, serums have become very popular, especially in Asian countries. You could look into incorporating them into your daily cleansing routine.
Exercise for the Mind
Currently, over five million Americans have Alzheimer’s. Those over 80 years old at the time of diagnosis will only live three to four years. There is no effective cure for the disease. There is also no bulletproof, guaranteed way to prevent it.
But there are things we can do to keep our minds fresh and our memories strong. We stay young by learning by integrating mental activities into our habits and routines. An example could be learning a new language. You are never too old to learn German, Italian, or Japanese. Language studies improve your memory, boost your thinking, and train your brain to concentrate.
You could also try board games like chess or go. Like languages, they will help you keep your brain sharp and develop new skills useful in all areas of your life.
We All Get Old
The key to staying young is embracing the fact that we get old. Our age shouldn’t be a source of shame but rather a sense of triumph. We have survived. We have faced the many difficulties that come with life, and we are still standing. Not only that, but we have gained valuable experience and knowledge.
Our bodies might not be the same. We may not be able to run as fast or jump as high as we once did. Our hairlines might be receding along with our energy levels. But not running doesn’t mean we can’t go jogging instead. Not eating junk food every day doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a party or a Christmas dinner with our families and friends. We can still do most things but in moderation.
Indiana Jones found the Holy Grail, but he couldn’t take it with him. Still, he continued living his life, never stalling, never neglecting another adventure. The date on your birth certificate shouldn’t prevent you from doing so as well.
