Motion and the right emotions help slow the aging process

Most women are hard at work making sure the signs of aging don't impact their exteriors... cosmetic surgery, wrinkle creams, injections... but how many women wake up each day and ponder, "I better think about my insides and regenerate my cells in order to stay young?"

According to Dr. Henry S. Lodge's article in Parade, "You can Stop 'Normal' Aging," sending your cells the message to grow, will keep you young in spite of Father Time's ever present nature.

It was invigorating to be reminded that our cells are constantly regenerating, and that every day our body is "1% brand new." Exercise is the key to this treasure chest of youth.

"The hard reality of our biology is that we are built to move. Exercise is the master signaling system that tells our cells to grow instead of fade. When we exercise, that process of growth spreads throughout every cell in our bodies, making us functionally younger. Not a little bit younger—a lot younger. True biological aging is a surprisingly slow and graceful process. You can live out your life in a powerful, healthy body if you are willing to put in the work."

Physical exercise isn't the only factor involved in the healthy aging of our bodies.

"...emotions change our cells through the same molecular pathways as exercise. Anger, stress and loneliness are signals for “starvation” and chronic danger. They “melt” our bodies as surely as sedentary living. Optimism, love and community trigger the process of growth, building our bodies, hearts and minds."

I think the perfect solution to getting both mandatory daily exercise and love and community, is to rescue a dog from a shelter, walk him or her twice a day, and accept the shower of unconditional love that only a beloved pet can give.

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