by BJ Armstrong

"Did you hear the latest government study on aging? It cost $240 million dollars and provided compelling evidence that the average American is living longer."

"What causes old age, Grandpa? "Living"
"The only way to keep from growing old is to die young"
"The best thing about getting old is that all those things you couldn't have when you were young, you no longer want."
"The worst thing about growing old is having to listen to a lot of advice from your children."

As we age there are many changes in our body that affect its appearance. Some people, by mid-life show there is a decline in muscle mass and an increase in body fat. As we get older, skin undergoes wear and tear.
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"It is better to wear out than rust out"...Author unknown.

Nothing can make you look older than wrinkled dried-out skin. Gravity begins to pull the skin down, which can cause it to loosen and become flabby.

Perhaps the worst assault to skin is caused by exposure to these August summer sun rays. Light from sunlight can damage skin cells and cause premature aging and skin cancer.

Remember, the sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Try to confine your outdoor activities to early morning and later afternoon. Don't forget to wear sunscreen with a protection of at least (SPF 15). Also,  remember to put on at least half an hour before going out in the sun. Another reminder, reapply after swimming or at least every two hours. There are several products on the market that can help you tan without ever stepping outside. The skin bronzers can give your skin a healthy glow. Don't forget the sunglasses! They will help deter fine lines around the eyes and protect against cataracts.

For decades vitamin E researchers have claimed that if used on the skin, vitamin E oil can help prevent the signs of aging. A recent

study suggests that vitamin E may reduce wrinkles. Here's an important note, use only creams that list vitamin E near the top of the ingredient list. This means that it is a primary ingredient. Although wrinkles will still be there, they will be less noticeable. Several studies have shown a link between taking vitamin E supplements with preventing diseases:

* Heart Disease.... Studies showed over a two-year period, patients had a 40%

lower risk of heart disease than those who derived vitamin E through diet alone.
*Cancer Fighter .... A study by the National Cancer Institute suggest that taking vitamin E protects against various forms of cancer and may even cut the risk in half over a period of time.
* Diabetes .... In an Italian study, taking a daily 900 mg. of vitamin E for four months helped people with

type ll diabetes better than insulin.
* Brain .... Researchers at the Neurological Institute of New York are considering using vitamin E plus other vitamins on patients with Parkinson's disease.
* Eyes ... Researchers suspect that cataract damage can be prevented by taking vitamin E.
* Arthritis ... Studies suggest that vitamin E may relieve some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Based on blood and skin tests, people taking vitamin E may show a dramatic boost in their immune system also. Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, sweet potatoes, nuts, wheat germ, whole grains, just to name a few foods.

Caution: Do not take vitamin E if you are taking blood thinner medication or have a vitamin K deficiency. Talk to your doctor first.

As we age, the top layer of skin begins to thin. This makes it difficult for skin to retain its moisture resulting in older-looking skin. Drinking water can help your skin retain some of its freshness. Try to drink 6-8 glasses daily. If you don't replace water lost to urination and sweat, your body will pull it from skin cells. This will age your skin.

Water is involved in nearly every body process. We cannot live for more than a few days without water. If you had no access to water, other sources of water can be found in fruits, vegetables, juices, watermelon, lettuce and celery. If you are running a fever, be sure to drink lots of water. If you drink a lot of coffee, tea or colas, there can be water loss. Try drinking a glass as soon as you get up in the morning. Then drink a glass or two before eating. A person can pace themselves throughout the day to get in the correct amount of water. It is good for the body, especially the skin.
Living Water

That none need suffer in spirit His agony of thirst on the cross,
to all that ask He gives living water of the spirit  ......... Edward A. Gloeggler

"Children are a great comfort in your old age - and they help you reach it faster too."
"Adolescence is the age at which children stop asking questions, because they know all the answers."
"We get older when we have a birthday, but that's one time that every woman wants her past forgotten and present remembered."

A ninety-five year old gentlemen entered a life insurance office and told the agent he wanted to take out a $300,000 whole-life policy. "But you're simply too old," the agent said after a moment's consideration. "No insurance company would start a new policy on a ninety-four year old client." "Sonny Boy," the applicant steamed, "are you aware of the mortality demographics within the United States of America?" "Why, yes, Sir, I believe I know the statistics pretty well." "What percentage of the population is known to die between the ages of 90 and 120?" "Er, something less than 5 percent..." "Then what, exactly, is your problem with my age bracket?" The agent wrote the policy!