Doctor’s advice on aging gracefully: Eat less food, monitor mood – Houston Chronicle

Many supplements, creams and gadgets on the market claim to help people ward off the negative effects of aging. However, the key to living well into old age doesn’t come in a capsule or “age-defying” lotion, says Dr. Paul O’Leary, an internist practicing at the Kelsey-Seybold Clinic-Kingwood, who has a few practical tips for aging gracefully.

O’Leary’s recommendations include eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising for 30-60 minutes at least three times a week. Controlling meal portion sizes is also important.

“I think one of the worst habits that gets overlooked and that can wreak havoc on your body is overeating,” O’Leary said. “You will feel much better and can lose weight if you slowly decrease your portion sizes at each meal. Staying on top of your health and your weight will make a significant impact later on in life. It could be the difference between enjoying your later years or regretting things you could have done differently.”

Along with overeating, smoking and stress topped O’Leary’s list of things to avoid if you want to look and feel great as you age. He also advises thinking positively and seeking treatment for depression or anxiety.

“Keeping a positive mindset and minimizing the amount of stress in your life are two of the most important factors in determining your state of mind,” O’Leary said. “It’s also important to be aware if you are having any symptoms of depression or anxiety. They both are very common, especially as you begin to age, and many people will put off seeing a professional until either one has gone on for too long and made a significant impact in their life.”

When he’s not busy seeing patients, O’Leary and his wife, Jami, enjoy traveling and taking their two pugs for walks in the community.

“There really is no clear definition of what is old anymore,” O’Leary said. People are living and working longer than ever and maintaining a good quality of life well into their 70s and 80s.”

For more information on Paul O’Leary or his internal medicine practice at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic-Kingwood, call 713-442-2100 or visit www.kelsey-seybold.com/find-a-location/pages/kingwood-clinic.aspx#.UuIPghDn_IU. The Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is also on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Google+.

NAME: Dr. Paul O’Leary
AGE: 30
OCCUPATION: Internal medicine physician
COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Practices at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic-Kingwood
FAST FACT: O’Leary earned his medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Megan Mattingly-Arthur is a freelance writer. She can be reached at neighborhoods@chron.com.