Varicose veins. Hair loss. Hair growth in unwanted places. Lack of energy. Oh, the pleasures of aging.  Now we can add another discouraging challenge of growing older: decreased resistance to stress-related disorders. Not only does stress cause our bodies to deteriorate faster, our ability to ward off the negative side effects of anxiety decreases with age.

Just as our bodies lose the ability to quickly or easily recover from physical stress, making us more prone to infections and illness as we age, we also experience a reduction in our emotional stress-fighting systems over time. The older we are, the more stress affects us, and the longer it can take to recover. Here are some ways you can combat the age-related effects of stress and keep your body and mind in tip-top shape:

Get enough sleep

Insomnia and other sleep-related disorders increase with age. If you're chronically tired, your ability to deal with stressful situations is hampered. Dealing with this issue is especially important with regard to stress, as lack of sleep can cause stress, and stress can cause insomnia. Break out of this cycle by getting moderate exercise, avoiding excessive alcohol, and going to bed at the same time every night. Ask your doctor for help if you're still experiencing problems.

Challenge your brain to think

Push yourself mentally by doing crossword puzzles, read books that make you think, or take up a new hobby that requires mental concentration. These exercises keep your brain active and will help fight the natural mental aging process.

Turn off the TV

As entertaining as it may be, the TV is completely passive. It requires nothing of you, and encourages you to shut your brain down. That's the last thing you want to do! Turn your TV time into communication time. If you are limited in mobility and have used the TV for entertainment because it's easy, you may want to try new ways to communicate with others and keep your mind active. You might enjoy going online and participating in a forum with like-minded individuals. Check reputable websites like AARP or your own church or community group to get started.

Be social

Having a social network has been proven to help people age gracefully, with higher levels of life satisfaction, and to maintain their physical and mental health. Join a club, take a class, or attend regular worship services to connect with others. Call or visit friends, play cards or games with groups of people. Do something, anything, to keep yourself entertained and your  mind active while being engaged in an activity with other people.

Get physical

Just as getting enough sleep will help you combat stress monsters, moving your body will give you a big boost, too. Take a water aerobics class, join a walking club, or take a yoga class. Not only will these activities keep your body healthy and more able to fight stress, they'll also help you feel less stressed in the first place.

Growing older doesn't mean giving in to a weakened body and mind. You can fight aging on every front. Not only are these methods easy, they're fun!  You can develop stress-fighting abilities that will help you age well and improve your overall health for a long, long life.