Have you ever asked a real estate agent, what is the most important factor when it comes to selling a home? Their response was probably something you've heard before: "Location, location, location. "Well, curiously, when it comes to our health and well-being even a little overweight, the real estate proverb is true, too.

Study after study has shown that when our bodies store fat, the location is almost as important as the amount of extra weight. People whose bodies store the most fat in their bellies are at higher risk of heart disease, certain types of cancer, diabetes and even premature death.

You need tools to avoid belly fat. And aging adds its challenges. Some people find that the battle of the belly becomes more difficult as they age. After all, our metabolisms are starting to slow down, and arthritis or other health problems can make it harder to stay as active as we once were.

Cutting calories and exercising regularly - like swimming or cycling - are the first two big steps; there are other things you can do in your fight against belly fat.

The 5 best ways to reduce belly fat as we age

1. Cortisol

Cortisol has been called the stress hormone. Cortisol is released by our bodies when we are sick, scared or even when we feel a lack of control over events in our lives. High cortisol levels have been linked to immune deficiency, heart disease, high blood pressure and even memory loss. Even worse, if you are trying to lose weight around your waist, cortisol tells your body to store belly fat. A study published by the National Institutes of Health, "Cortisol Response and Fat Distribution in Women," found that when women were subjected to stressful situations, those who felt least in control of the situation had the most cortisol and gained weight in the abdominal area. Relaxation techniques - such as meditation or yoga - in response to stress can reduce toxic cortisol levels and prevent extra weight around your waist.

2. Get enough sleep

You may associate lack of sleep with poor immune system health or your ability to focus, but a study published by "Natural Science News", shows a strong correlation between sleep and weight gain. The study showed significant weight gain in study participants who reported the fewest hours of sleep. To lose overall weight and lower your waistline and belly fat, get enough sleep.

3. Supplementation

Many vitamins and minerals have been shown to have an impact on weight gain. This is especially important for the elderly. As you age, it's harder for your body to get all the nutrients you need from your food. This makes supplementation even more important than ever. Vitamins and minerals that are indicated to facilitate weight loss and maintenance of a healthy weight include vitamin D, chromium, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene.

4. Whole grains

The benefits of whole grains cannot be disputed. They stabilize blood sugar levels, prevent hunger and reduce cholesterol, which is good for anyone hoping to maintain a normal weight. And, since weight gain often means more belly fat, the whole grains you add to your diet will slim your waistline. Oats are an excellent choice for whole grains. Oats are not only rich in anti-fat fiber, but also a good source of magnesium, chromium and protein.

5. Drink more water

We've all heard the old adage, "Drink eight glasses of water a day. It turns out that drink enough water Every day can be even more important as we age, especially if we want to lose weight. A 12-week study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, with middle-aged and older participants, showed that participants who drank 500 ml of water before each meal lost 44 percent more weight on a low-calorie diet than those on a low-calorie diet alone.