Eventually, we all get old. But what are the secrets to growing old gracefully?

As we age, our skin, hair and muscles are affected. But exercise, diet, genetics and attitude can all contribute to aging well!

1.) Attitude is everything. Think of aging as a key to wisdom and overall satisfaction with life. After all, with age comes a good deal of wisdom that you can take with you into the future.

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And according to The Journal of American Medical Association, seniors who adapt this way of thinking are 40 percent more likely to recover from a disability than those who view getting older as becoming helpless or useless.

2.) What do you eat and how much? As expected, nutrition plays a key role in how you age.

Dr. Jeffery Benabio, physician director of Healthcare Transformation at Kaiser Permanente Primary Care, says, “The latest research shows that a low-glycemic diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is healthiest.”

Related: The Most Nutritious Nuts Around

He also believes that food that contain omega-3 fatty acids such as walnuts and flaxseed help your skin to continue making essential oils that help you to look younger. Sugar, carbohydrates, and fatty food can speed up the aging process.

Also, overeating can cut life expectancy. It can also lead to cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. The ideal diet to live longer and age well is 2.5 cups of vegetables, 1.5-2 cups of fruit, 6 ounces of grains, 3 cups of dairy, and 5 ounces of protein a day.

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3.) Exercise. You must stay active if you intend to age well. You lose muscle mass as you age, but exercise, resistance workouts in particular, can help increase your muscle mass and strength.

4.) Get together with loved ones. Did you know that by staying social and having friends and family around, you will live longer? Studies by the PLoS Medicine Journal show that you have a 50 percent chance of living longer if you have strong social ties. That’s a great reason to have a family reunion right now!

Related: The Five Fabulous Friends You Need for a Great Life

5.) Limit your sun exposure. Exposure to the sun can cause wrinkles and skin cancer. So protect your skin from the sun with a good sunscreen. This will help keep your skin wrinkle-free, soft, and youthful!

6.) Don’t forget to count sheep! According to the National Sleep Foundation, you should sleep for at least seven to nine hours each night. If you don’t, you risk obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Sleep is when your body repairs itself, so the term “beauty sleep” is real!

Related: How a Humidifier Can Enhance Your Sleep

When you sleep, your body releases a hormone that helps to rebuild collagen and elastin in your skin. And chronic lack of sleep can speed up the aging process.

Candace Kita is managing editor of VIVA GLAM Magazine, where this article originally appeared. 

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