Today’s Features

I have fond memories of George Burns from when I was a kid. If anyone figured out how to age well …. He adds some words of wisdom at the end of today’s news.

The perfect thing to work on this weekend is shining up your smile. Not just so you look better. It’s a brilliantly simple way to extend your life. Read on -

How to Reverse Your Fading Smile for a 15% Longer Life

Have you ever noticed how your smile seems to change as you age? It's not just your imagination. As we grow older, our once vibrant smiles can fade, affected by a combination of factors from bone remodeling to dental wear and tear to declining mood. 

Is it really a big deal if you smile less as you age? Yes, in fact, it is. Your smile isn't just about aesthetics. It is actually a key to living a longer, healthier life.

Let's face it, aging isn't always kind to our smiles. Bone remodeling can shift our teeth, while loss of muscle tone and skin elasticity can make our smiles less defined. Add to that the effects of years of coffee, wine, and the occasional neglect of our dental hygiene, and suddenly our pearly whites aren't so pearly anymore. It's enough to make anyone want to hide their smile.

But don't despair! There's good news on the horizon. Research is showing that not only can we bring back our youthful smiles, but doing so might actually help us live longer.

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that optimistic people - you know, the ones always flashing those big grins - lived 11 to 15 percent longer than their less cheerful counterparts. Even more impressive? They had 50 to 70 percent better odds of making it to the ripe old age of 85 or beyond.

How is it possible that the simple act of smiling can contribute to a 15% longer life? Let's dive deeper into how that simple upward curve of your lips can actually boost your body's defenses and contribute to a healthier, longer life.

When you smile, you're not just expressing joy – you're giving your immune system a significant boost. Research has shown that the positive emotions associated with smiling can enhance immune function, making your body more resilient to infections and diseases. It's like giving your internal defense system a pep talk and a power-up all at once.

Here's how it works: Smiling reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels in your body. Cortisol, often called the "stress hormone," can suppress your immune system when present in high levels. By smiling more, you're essentially telling your body to relax, allowing your immune system to function at its best.

But that's not all. The act of smiling also triggers the release of neuropeptides. These tiny molecules facilitate communication between neurons and play a crucial role in fighting off stress. When you're less stressed, your body can dedicate more resources to maintaining a robust immune system, rather than constantly battling the effects of chronic stress.

Moreover, smiling and laughter have been linked to increased production of antibodies and activation of T-cells, which are key players in your immune response. A study from Western Kentucky University found that subjects who watched a funny video had higher levels of these immune-boosting cells compared to those who watched a tourism video.

The immune-boosting effects of smiling aren't just short-term either. Regular smiling and maintaining a positive outlook can lead to long-term improvements in immune function. This means you're not just protecting yourself from the common cold today, but potentially reducing your risk of more serious illnesses down the road.

It's a fascinating cycle: Smiling boosts your mood, which reduces stress, which enhances your immune system, which helps you stay healthier, which gives you more reasons to smile. It's a positive feedback loop that can contribute significantly to your longevity.

So, what can you do to bring back that youthful, life-extending smile? Here are a few tips:

1. Whiten up: Consider teeth whitening to remove stains and discoloration. You can use at-home kits or visit your dentist for professional treatment.

2. Brush smart: After enjoying teeth-staining culprits like coffee, tea, or wine, give your teeth a quick brush.

3. Crunch time: Eating crunchy fruits and veggies like raw carrots and apples can naturally remove plaque throughout the day.

4. Smile exercises: Yes, you read that right!

• Try the "Whistle Exercise" by puckering your lips as if you're about to whistle, holding for 10 seconds as you try to smile. Repeat 10 times to strengthen the muscles around your mouth.

• The "Wide Smile": Practice smiling as widely as you can, first with your lips closed, then with your lips wide open, holding for 15 seconds. Do this 10 times to stretch and strengthen your cheek muscles.

Remember, every smile is an investment in your health. It's not just about looking good – it's about feeling good from the inside out. By nurturing your smile, you're nurturing your immune system, and by extension, your overall health and longevity.

So, here's your call to action: Shine up that smile of yours! Practice those smile exercises, show off those pearly whites, and watch how the world responds. You might just find that not only do you feel happier and healthier, but the people around you do too. 

After all, smiles are contagious, and who wouldn't want to spread a little longevity?

We hope you have lots of reasons to smile brightly this weekend!

Be Timeless,

Mary and John

Publishers, AgeBetter.news