Medical Reports: Going gray

WSVN -- Kids love birthday party's. But for some, us blowing out another birthday candle may not be as exciting.

Jerry Macias: "I do worry about being 40."

To try to stay young, Jerry keeps up with new technology.

Jerry Macias: "The pressure to stay young does affect me to a degree. I do catch myself trying to stay within the trend."

For Annette, exercise is the answer.

Annette Hershey: "Now that I'm 31, I just want to exercise more, drink more water, get better rest."

And, of course, a good moisturizer to keep the skin young doesn't hurt. But staying trendy, working out and wearing anti-aging creams may not be enough. Doctors now say how you feel about aging may have you going gray.

Dr. Evelio Sosa: "Thinking that you are decrepit, that you are obsolete, that you're unproductive, those are negative thoughts that can impact you."

Being too positive isn't good either.

Dr. Sosa: "Those who focus and obsess about staying young can certainly become more negative or detrimental because then they, in a way, default their goals."

Doctor Sosa says the best thing is to find the right balance.

Dr. Sosa: "The thoughts of maybe seeing yourself as an experienced person with wisdom to share with others."

And having the right attitude is not just about living longer. Doctors say, having positive thoughts about aging also helps you recover faster after having surgery and even after a heart attack.

Dr. Sosa: "Certainly they are able to recover quicker from their illnesses."

But how do you keep things in perspective? First, look for good role models. For Jerry, it's his aunt and uncle.

Jerry Macias: "They have had a huge impact on my life and how I deal with life."

Two, don't become a victim of society's pressure to stay young.

Annette Hershey: "I check my perspective on it, and I realize that what's really important is how you feel about yourself."

Diana Diaz: "If you find yourself obsessing about aging, doctors say you might need professional help."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dr. Evelio Sosa
747 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 600
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-441-9497