Many people are often surprised when they meet someone who looks several years younger than their age. Their skin, muscle tone and energy levels appear younger. The truth is there is no instant fix. However there are habits and dietary choices supported by research that support healthy aging.

How Food Supports Healthy Aging

Woman eating vegetables : Unsplash

Diet plays a larger role than many realise. It’s about choosing the right foods consistently. The right meal improves cell repair and affects how your body ages.  Studies highlight the impact of fibre-rich meals on longevity. They protect cells from damage which slows down aging.

A woman I spoke to last year shared how she changed her diet after turning 40. She replaced foods high in sugar with berries and nuts. Also she cut down eating processed foods and included more seafood. Within six months her skin looked clearer, and her health improved. She hadn’t added new products; she simply changed her diet.

Research also supports the role of protein in maintaining muscle health. As people age, their muscle mass reduces which affects movement. Taking fish, beans or eggs helps the body rebuild and repair muscles. Adequate hydration also supports cell function. Many underestimate how dehydration impacts the body.

Read Also : 7 Vitamins that Supercharge your Body and Brain

The Science of Exercise That Slows Aging

Blavl lady at the Gym : Freepik

Regular physical activity is an ideal way to maintain strength and vitality. Studies show how exercise improves heart health and boosts brain function. Strength training is also essential as it stimulates growth hormones.

An uncle of mine began strength training at fifty-two after dealing with persistent fatigue. He started with simple body weight routines before adding light weights. In a few months, he felt lighter and his energy levels had improved. He said that he felt stronger than he did in his thirties.

Cardio exercises like brisk walking or cycling are also good options. They support circulation which benefits overall skin health. Mindful routines like yoga are also good for joint mobility and help reduce stiffness. People who practise flexibility exercises often report improved mobility.

Lifestyle Habits That Make a Real Difference

Monica :Imbd

The effect of adequate sleep should not be underrated when it comes to health. When you sleep, the body uses that period to repair damaged cells. Also to get rid of wrinkles, try to rest more. Activities like deep breathing or meditation are also helpful.

As you age, reduce alcohol and how you smoke. You should also walk more to boost bone strength and body immunity.

Realistic Expectations and Consistent Effort

There are no short routes to healthy living. You need to be consistent with your exercises and leave a healthy lifestyle. Many people who seem to age slowly follow these routines.  When these habits are followed consistently, you will notice the difference in a short time. There is no better time to start, than now.

The TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa delivered a lively and engaging night. This event highlights the continent’s growing influence in the digital space. Creators, entertainers, and industry players gathered in Johannesburg to celebrate a key moment in Africa’s creator ecosystem. The theme was ‘New Era New Icons.’ It captured the spirit of a generation using short-form content to shape trends and influence entertainment.

Mihlali : Instagram

The event was designed to recognise hardworking creators who have built communities and offered meaningful content. It uses viral videos to spotlight voices across various fields including music, education, food, comedy, storytelling, sports, and social impact. The awards demonstrate how TikTok has grown into a cultural hub. We now have creative content from Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Cotonou, and Johannesburg widely enjoyed across the continent.

Thabsie : Instagram

Johannesburg welcomed top creators, celebrities, and digital personalities from across the continent. Bontle Modiselle Moloi was the host and she brought her signature presence to the stage. The red carpet was handled by Keegan Gordon and Zayaan Noorani, who engaged guests as they arrived. Music also played a central part in the experience, with Ciza, Lord Kez, and Thabsie delivering some of the night’s most memorable performances. DJ sets from Thuli P and DJ Fif Laa kept the energy high between award segments, blending popular hits with emerging sounds that have dominated TikTok trends in 2025.

Thuli Phongolo :Instagram

Read Also : Scoop Makhathini and Pamela Mtanga Set to Host 2025 South African Music Awards

The winners reflected a broad range of creative talent. Nigerian musician Shallipopi took home Artist of the Year after his music repeatedly drove viral challenges and viral soundtrack use across the platform. Raja’atu Muhammed Ibrahim, known for her food-focused videos, earned Creator of the Year for the way she blends culture and storytelling through cooking. Fanuel John Masamaki from Tanzania won Video of the Year for a video that resonates across the continent and drew steady attention. Nigerian storyteller Brian Nwana claimed Storyteller of the Year, while Kenya’s Tunero Animations received the Rising Star award, showing how animation is expanding rapidly within African digital circles.

Keegan Gordon : Instagram

With categories such as beauty, education, food, entertainment, and social change in the spotlight, it highlights the range of creativity on the platform. The audience was excited, celebrating not only the winners but the wider digital community.

What made the night significant was its message about African creativity and global visibility. The awards show the impact of digital storytelling and how powerful real-life stories are. It emphasizes that digital platforms like TikTok can now be used to show the diversity of the African continent. Today, African creators are reshaping perspective, showing the world that talents from the continent are as capable as their western counterparts.

December comes with its own kind of pressure. The lights, the events, the sales and the endless “let’s link up” messages can make you feel like you must do everything before the year ends. Social media doesn’t help either; one scroll and it looks like everyone else is living the perfect festive life. But the truth is, you can enjoy December fully without draining your account or entering January confused. Making the most of the month is  about spending wisely. Once you can balance your desires with finances, December becomes fun and less stressful.

Start with a Clear December Mindset

Happy Family : Instagram

The month only feels overwhelming when you enter it without direction. I learned this the hard way a few years ago when I tried to attend every party and buy every “limited sale” item that popped up. By the second week, my budget was gone, and the rest of the month felt like survival. Since then, I start December by setting simple priorities, what matters, what doesn’t and what I can comfortably afford. Once you know your limits, the temptation to overspend reduces naturally.

Plan Fun that Fits Your Wallet

You can have a memorable December without spending big. Planning smartly can save you from unnecessary spending. Choose events that truly excite you and skip those you don’t fancy. Last year, instead of jumping from one major concert to another, I picked two and planned based on available resources. I still had a great month, and my bank account didn’t suffer. Budget-friendly activities like picnics, beach days, movie nights at home or small house parties can give you just as much fun without stretching your budget.

Read Also : Lauryn Hill’s South African Visit Shows Why the DStv Delicious Festival Still Matters

Enjoy People Without Expensive Outings

Happy african Family: Yahoo News

Most people remember the memories of an outing, not the price. Instead of meeting friends only at restaurants or clubs, look for less expensive alternatives. Host simple hangouts where everyone contributes a quota. You could consider walking with a friend or spending time with relatives. Some of my best December memories are from simple conversations with cousins, and talking about life and eating leftovers.

Create Your Own December Rituals

You don’t have to follow the same traditions every December. You can have simple rituals like cleaning your space while playing your favourite playlist,or journaling. You could also take yourself on a solo date or watch a favourite movie. For some time, my ritual was spending the first Sunday of December at the beach. It became a moment I looked forward to more than any event.

Give Thoughtfully Instead of Expensively

African Couple : Unsplash

December is a good time to share gifts, but you don’t spend lavishly. You can send a thoughtful message, or have a shared meal. In 2023, instead of buying gifts for my friends, I sent them a message of appreciation. It cost nothing, yet it had the right impact.

December doesn’t need to be a financial trap. By choosing joy over pressure, you discover that the best moments are the simplest ones. You can enjoy the month by spending within your means and still end the year with peace.