Aging Gracefully

While no one has found the elusive fountain of youth, you can take steps to grow older gracefully — and healthfully. Try these timeless techniques:

Quit smoking. Not only does tobacco use lead to lung cancer, emphysema, and other serious illnesses, it also causes wrinkles, discolors teeth, stains fingers and hair, and inhibits your sense of smell.

Exercise regularly. Getting 30 minutes or more each day can help you fight disease, manage your weight, and sleep better — all of which improve quality of life.

Avoid UV exposure. Too much sun can zap your skin’s youthful appearance, resulting in freckles, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity… not to mention skin damage and cancer.

In recent years, supplements like human growth hormone (HGH) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have gotten a lot of buzz as anti-aging marvels, but they’re not right for everyone — consult your doctor first.