There's nothing less attractive than someone desperately clinging to the last remnants of their youth.
We think it's far sexier to be comfortable in your own skin. Even the biggest post-50 heartthrob George Clooney has spoken about the importance of embracing each extra candle on your birthday cake. I'm a big believer in the idea that you can't try to look younger. You just have to try to look the best you can at the age you are, he said in a recent interview. And he has the salt-and-pepper hair to prove it.
Taking a leaf from Clooney's book, here are some of the little things that people aging gracefully have in common.
1) They work out to get strong, not skinny
Cardio is good, but strength training is a must, especially as you age. As early as in our 30s, we start to lose muscle mass up to five per cent per decade, if we don't work to maintain and build it. In fact, according to Ken Kim, an internal medicine specialist, after age 45, we lose one percent every year. That can add up. Strength and resistance training to build muscle not only counters that, it can help you stay strong and independent as you age, so you can keep up with your day-to-day activities.
2) They stress less
Numerous studies have shown that stress, whether it's from work or family, can cause aging on a cellular level — maybe even causing you to age a decade faster. On the outside, stress can cause sleepless nights (dark circles), skin dehydration and even hair loss in extreme cases. So take a moment and breathe. Your golden years are to be enjoyed.
3) They let go of regrets and grudges
You can't move on to the future when you're stuck looking back at the past. Learn from your mistakes rather than replaying them in your head. As the Zen proverb says, Let go or be dragged. Consider meditating. Try this morning meditation routine and start your morning with a cup of coffee and a little mindfulness to help you live in the moment.
4) They learn something new every day
Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks. Stay curious. Try something different. All of these things help break you out of your monotonous routine and can help you get out of a rut. Plus, learning something new can give you confidence. One study showed that older adults who took up a new activity for three months showed considerable improvements in memory compared with those who only engaged in familiar activities.
5) They don't overdo it with the makeup
We're all for dressing up and putting on a bit of makeup. But don't be tempted to overdo it. The key is to enhance what you've got rather than piling on layers of foundation to cover up what you don't like. Too much makeup will end up looking mask-like and unnatural, sapping your natural glow and eventually settling in and accentuating fine lines and wrinkles.
6) They stay positive
Complaining about old age won't make you any younger. Instead, choosing positive thoughts can bring a number of benefits including better coping skills, a better immune system and even a longer life. Yes, that's right. A study of nearly 100,000 women over 50 found that optimists had a 14 per cent lower risk of death in the study follow-up and were 30 per cent less likely to die from coronary heart disease than their pessimistic peers. Another study found that even in people with heart disease, those who stayed positive were 58 per cent more likely to survive an additional five years. Now start seeing that glass as half full.
7) They get enough sleep
It may be harder to fall asleep and stay asleep with age. But aim to make sleep a priority anyway. Mireille Guiliano, who's written a book on aging, counts sleep as one of the essentials of aging gracefully. Don't underestimate the power of sleep on your skin, hair, energy, balance, and mood, she reportedly said in an interview, adding that eight hours and no less should be the goal. Make sure your bedroom is not a place for work or television a half hour before you should be asleep, and that it is well ventilated. At night, it must be dark and quiet. Investing in a good mattress and pillows also matters. The French average nine hours of sleep a night — and that makes me smile. Oui.
8) They eat and drink to their health
The idea that you are what you eat is definitely true, especially as you age. Dermatologist Patricia Farris stressed the importance of getting vitamins from foods we eat rather than just supplements. She said it's never too late to beef up your diet with enriching foods to ward off further aging. Make sure you're eating a rainbow of foods, rich especially in Vitamins A, C, E, D and K.
9) They embrace their changing looks
George Clooney has said he won't be dyeing his hair anytime soon. He even added that going to such measures can sometimes make you look worse. We're all for ditching the dye if you're comfortable with it. Instead of covering up your grays, here's a simple idea. Draw attention to your hairstyle rather than colour with a new cut.
BDST: 1712 HRS, JUNE 18, 2015
Edited by: Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor
