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How to fight the signs of aging

Is aging taking a toll on your mind and you don't know what to do? Well, take a breather, for an expert has revealed new ways to keep the clock at bay.

Dr Jennifer Ashton, CBS News Medical Correspondent, said the most noticeable effects of aging start with your skin.

"When you look at your skin -- as early as age 40 -- believe it or not, you can see signs that our skin is aging," CBS News quoted her as saying.

"It loses kind of its firmness and its texture and the first thing that you can probably see with your naked eye is signs of sun damage.

"The best thing you can do to prevent (skin damage) as early as age 20 is to start using a sun protection factor, SPF, every single day. Most people only think about it when we're going to the beach or in the summertime. Not so. In fact, when you just leave your house, go to your car, walk your dog, you're getting that sun damage. So you want to use an SPF of at least 30 every single day," she said.

Stay healthy with a good diet and no smoking

Likewise, vision can also be affected by age. Ashton has suggested some basic preventive measures, such as good health, good diet and not smoking that may help retain you eyesight.

She said, "You also want to get an official dilated eye exam starting at age 50, even earlier if there's any history or you're having any problems."

It is also advisable to give rest to your eyes regularly, she said.

Ashton said, "It's not going to prevent things like glaucoma or macular degeneration, but for people who are reading all day long, looking at a computer screen, even watching monitors, just 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes try to take a break for 20 seconds and focus your eyes about 20 feet away. It will make you feel better."

Increase your calcium intake

Another, important factor as a person grows old is bone health. Ashton suggested an intake of calcium rich diet.

And, "If you're not getting it in your diet in terms of yogurt, broccoli, kale, milk, you need to go for a supplement," she said.

Moreover, even metabolism slows with age.

"As you age to keep your metabolism revved, you need to eat less, exercise more, lifting weights very important. You'll burn more calories at rest," she said.

Ashton added a good sleep of seven to nine hours is a must to stay healthy.