Are You Aging Faster Than You Think?

In my last post, I shared how small, everyday choices—like what you eat, how you sleep, and how you manage stress—add up over time. Those habits become the foundation of your health, even when you don’t see the results right away.

But here’s where I want us to go next: aging. We can’t stop time, but we can influence how our bodies move through it. And lately, the research has been sobering. Some studies are suggesting that Millennials and even Gen Z may not live longer than our parents. Life expectancy for younger generations in the U.S. is actually declining in some reports, especially with rising chronic conditions and lifestyle-related disease. That was a wake-up call for me—and I think it’s a wake-up call for all of us.

I used to tell myself I had until 40 to really get my health in order. I thought there was more time. Then at 36, life hit me with a health crisis that ended with a diagnosis of early menopause. I can still remember how shaken I felt—like my body had skipped a whole chapter. That moment taught me the truth: none of us have unlimited time to “get it together.” Waiting can cost us more than we realize.

And I know I’m not the only one. Since the pandemic, so many women younger than 40 have found themselves in unexpected health battles—autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, infertility, depression, anxiety. Research now shows that COVID infections are linked to higher risks of autoimmune conditions and other chronic diseases. Younger adults are showing up in clinics with health issues we used to only expect in older populations. The data is catching up to what many of us already feel in our own bodies.

So here’s the real question: are you aging faster than your age says you are? Maybe you’re constantly tired no matter how much you sleep. Maybe your cycles are off or your hormones feel “off.” Maybe you’re gaining weight even though you haven’t changed much in your diet, or you’ve noticed your skin and hair aging quicker than expected. Or maybe it’s the brain fog, the low energy, or the blood pressure creeping up. These can all be whispers from your body that something deeper is going on.

The good news is, there are steps we can take to slow this down. Start with the basics: protect your sleep like it’s medicine, because it is. Move your body every single day, even if it’s just a walk or 20 minutes of weights at home. Fill your plate with colorful, anti-inflammatory foods—greens, beans, fish, nuts, and plenty of water. Get your labs checked instead of guessing—things like hormones, thyroid, insulin, vitamin D, and inflammation markers can tell you so much. And don’t underestimate stress. Even five minutes of deep breathing, prayer, or journaling can calm your nervous system and literally slow the aging process in your cells.

And then there’s connection—don’t forget this one. Relationships, laughter, and purpose aren’t just “feel good” things, they’re protective. Women who feel supported and connected age better, period.

Healthy aging doesn’t start at 60. It starts now—in your 30s, 40s, and 50s. Science calls it “inflammaging,” when low-grade inflammation chips away at our health year after year. But we have so much power to push back against it. The choices you make today are what allow you to be vibrant tomorrow.

Since it’s Healthy Aging Month, I want to remind you: you’re not too young to start thinking about how you want to feel 10, 20, even 30 years from now. Ask yourself: what’s one thing I can do this week to take better care of my future self?Maybe it’s lifting weights, maybe it’s getting to bed earlier, maybe it’s calling your doctor for that lab panel you’ve been putting off.

Sis, the time is now. Let’s choose to age with strength, grace, and intention—together.

Your Healthy Aging Self-Check

If you’re wondering whether your body is aging faster than it should, here are a few next steps to help you check in:

✅ Labs to Ask About

• Complete blood count (CBC) & comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

• Hemoglobin A1c & fasting insulin

• Lipid panel (cholesterol, triglycerides)

• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) for inflammation

• Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T4, Free T3)

• Hormone panel (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol)

• Vitamin D & B12 levels

✅ Questions to Bring to Your Provider

• Are my results showing early signs of metabolic or hormonal imbalance?

• Do I have markers of inflammation that could speed up aging?

• How do my lab numbers compare to optimal health ranges, not just “normal”?

• What steps can I take now to protect heart, bone, brain, and hormone health?

✅ Wellness Next Steps

• Track your sleep, cycles, mood, and energy for 2–4 weeks.

• Start a simple strength training routine (2–3 days per week).

• Build one anti-inflammatory meal into your day.

• Choose one stress management practice (prayer, journaling, breathwork).

• Connect with a trusted friend, coach, or wellness community for support.

Sis, this checklist isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about taking the first step, then another, and another. Small, intentional actions compound into the kind of aging we all want—strong, graceful, and vibrant.

Start simple , take action and Make wellness your best accessory!

Your sister in wellness,

Lauren