As baby boomers start to head into their retirement years, they are faced with the reality and inevitability of the body's natural aging process. Everyone wants to prevent aging - at least the negative effects of aging - but tends to believe it can't be done.

Well, you may not be able to stop aging completely, but you can definitely slow it down. To find out how, keep reading for five simple steps to help you resist aging when the time comes.

Don't Stress the Younger Days Away

Stress is a key instigator of aging. The more you worry, the more those forehead lines begin to show, your hair starts to go gray and you find it a little more difficult to breathe each day. Stress will also accelerate your mental aging because it causes you to become increasingly forgetful and confused.

To avoid or at least minimize stress, you should make your life more organized by planning events and leaving enough time for your day-to-day family activities. Also, focus on mental relaxation and meditation. Take the stress away and you reduce the likelihood of developing premature wrinkles.

Sweat it Out

Working out keeps your body young. As your pores open up while you sweat, you are releasing a variety of toxins and bacterium that otherwise would normally increase the speed of the aging process.

Working out also helps circulate the blood and oxygen in your body, making sure that your organs can work correctly, cells are rejuvenated and nutrients are delivered throughout. Also, a strong body is a young body, so try to exercise for at least 20 to 30 minutes every day, doing some form of aerobic workout that you enjoy.

Purify With Water

Drinking water can do wonders for slowing the aging process. Water helps to hydrate the body, thus cleansing the body of more harmful toxins that cause us to age.

Water also hydrates the skin, giving it a fuller, softer and smoother appearance. So, try to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.

Additionally, many people enjoy the benefits of cleaner filtered, distilled, or spring water which eliminate some of the harmful chemicals that can be delivered with normal tap water.

Nutrients do a Body Good

Eating a balanced, healthy diet can slow the aging process in two ways - it will help you maintain a healthy weight and digestive system, and it'll provide your body with the fuel it needs to fight free radicals, generate new cell growth and maintain your overall strength.

Stick with lean proteins, fruits and vegetables for a diet that will help keep you young and strong for years to come. Try a number of healthy food options to find those you actually enjoy and will continue to eat over the long haul.

Moisturize

The best thing you can do to keep your body looking young is to moisturize inside and out. Obviously drinking water helps with the interior, while the external application of topical moisturizer can help with the outside. You should also use sun screen if you are planning to go outside, and moisturize your body afterward.