Well-aging

What we want is to age healthily, enjoying everything life has to offer as our best selves. This means taking care of our health and physical appearance naturally to feel great, regardless of our age.

The goal isn’t to look younger than we are but to embrace the age we’re at—proud of having reached it and eager to live the present to the fullest. Often, we’re the ones who impose limits on ourselves, but when treated with care and love, our body generally responds well.

When we say care, we don’t just mean aesthetic treatments; we’re talking about the essentials: keeping our body healthy and fit so it can support us in all our activities—travels, dreams, sports, or anything else our imagination dares to pursue.

What does taking care of our body to achieve our best self mean?

First and foremost, it means knowing our body well so we can care for it properly. You can’t treat your body at 50, 60, or 70 years old the same way you did at 30. As we age, our body loses certain abilities, but with self-awareness, we can compensate and continue chasing our dreams.

What are the key points to keep in mind?

As we age, our body tends to become inflamed, leading to chronic conditions like arteriosclerosis, osteoarthritis, or arthritis. The vascular system, which delivers nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, is especially important to maintain. Here are the key pillars:

• Nutrition free of saturated fats. Saturated fats clog our arteries and hinder blood flow. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are packed with essential minerals, is crucial. Proteins are equally important because they build tissues, muscles, and skin. At the clinic, people often ask about treatments to firm up sagging skin, and one of my first questions is: “How much protein do you eat daily—animal or plant-based?” Many respond that they don’t like protein and stick to salads, vegetables, and pasta. With a diet like that, it’s no wonder the skin lacks firmness and structure.
• Nutrition is the oxygen of our body. Oxygen is the single most essential nutrient we need, as we can only survive minutes without it. Proper breathing is often overlooked but is fundamental for good health. Learning techniques—like inhaling through the nose, expanding the lungs, and maintaining consistent breathing patterns—can significantly improve our quality of life.
• Frequent and balanced exercise. A balanced exercise routine includes strength training, flexibility exercises, and cardio. Strength helps maintain muscle mass, which naturally decreases with age. Flexibility, achieved through stretching or yoga, keeps joints supple. And cardio ensures the heart and lungs remain strong, boosting stamina for activities like hiking, swimming, or dancing energetically for longer periods.

Keep the mind active and relaxed. Neuroscience has shown that the brain’s neurons and the connections between them diminish when we stop using them. This often happens when we retire or disengage from certain activities. The solution? Learning new things, stepping out of your comfort zone, and encouraging your neurons to adapt and form new connections. This keeps the brain active and ready to tackle new challenges, no matter what they are.

Understand and respect your body’s biological rhythms. Knowing when to sleep, how long to rest, the best sleeping position, when to eat, and when to exercise is crucial. Our body operates on finely tuned biological clocks that we should respect to optimize our health and efficiency.

Maintain the appearance of your face over the years naturally.

As aesthetic doctors, we specialize in helping patients maintain their facial features naturally as they age. This isn’t about changing your face but about preserving its structure and keeping it looking its best throughout life.

Studies show that when we see a reflection in the mirror that we like, our brain becomes happier, more optimistic, and motivated to take on new challenges.

As my swimming coach recently told me: “Núria, the only limit is the one you set for yourself.”