5 mistakes women make that are aging them faster than they realize

Aging well isn’t just about looking good.Everyday choices play a big role in how we age, and one longevity doc says a few bad habits may seem harmless — but are actually having a real impact on your body.The good news? You can still backtrack on these mistakes.“Women in their 30s and 40s have something incredibly valuable that no supplement, drug or biohack can give them later: time,” Dr.Robin Berzin, founder and CEO of Parsley Health, told The Post.

The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, including two days for strength training — but that doesn’t mean you should sit around the other 23 hours after a workout.Many Americans sit for eight to 10 hours a day, which can age us faster by affecting heart health, body mass index, cholesterol and blood sugar.A UC San Diego study published in February 2024 found that older women who sat more than 11 hours a day had a 57% higher risk of premature death than those who sat less than nine and a half hours a day.While more movement is the correction to sitting all day, it doesn’t have to be big.“Build movement into your day: walk after meals, take stairs, stand up regularly and maintain strength,” Berzin, a Columbia-trained physician and functional medicine expert, said.Berzin recommends women stop focusing on the number on the scale and instead start thinking about muscle growth.“The goal in midlife should increasingly shift from weight loss at all costs to preserving lean mass,” she explained.And eating less while spending copious amounts of time on the treadmill can work against that goal.Instead, consuming enough protein can boost growth and maintain muscle mass, with a recommended daily amount of 0.36 grams per pound of bodyweight.Muscle is a key asset for longevity, helping regulate blood sugar, support metabolism, strengthen bones and preserve balance, mobility and independence as we age.It’s never too late to start strength training either.A 202...