5 subtle signs youre aging well and red flags you shouldnt dismiss

Aging well never gets old.We used to think of successful aging as simply avoiding disease — that concept has evolved over the years to a broader, more holistic view that includes physical, mental, emotional and social well-being.The problem is that it can be difficult to tell how well you’re aging without wearing a premium health tracker or visiting a pricey longevity clinic.Enter Dr.Mitch Ghen, medical director of physician education at Access Medical Labs, who specializes in anti-aging, holistic and integrative medicine.He shares five subtle signs of healthful aging and several warning signs you shouldn’t ignore — no blood work or cheek swabs required.“Stronger grip strength correlates with better muscle mass, cardiovascular health and longevity,” Ghen told The Post.This can be measured at a doctor’s office by squeezing the handle of a dynamometer with maximum effort for a few seconds.

It’s a tougher test than you might imagine.You can also gauge your strength at home by clenching a tennis ball or wringing out a wet towel.It’s just one measure of a healthy and strong muscular system — good flexibility and consistent energy are also indicators.Joint pain and stiffness, muscle weakness and sarcopenia (muscle loss that occurs with aging) are key warning signs that your muscular system may be in trouble, Ghen said.The benefits of regular exercise are endless — it strengthens bones and muscles, increases flexibility and balance, helps maintain a healthy weight, boosts cognitive function, reduces stress and anxiety and enhances mood and sleep.Experts recommend doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise and spending two or more days each week working all the major muscle groups.If you find yourself dizzy, out of breath or fatigued with minimal activity, or notice an irregular heartbeat or swelling, your heart may be having trouble pumping blood effectively.Prolonged illnesses and frequent infections are common red flags of a dist...