We all grow older.
It’s the one thing that all humans share in common. And yet, so many of us fight this inevitability—we worry about how we’ll look, how we’ll feel, what we’ll do with our time, or when we’ll die. We perceive only our youth as a time of excitement, ambition, and hope. Growing older is often seen as an inevitably slow decline. But it doesn’t have to be that way! After all, as you grow older, you have the added benefit of experience, wisdom, and perspective. When done with intention, growing older can be a wonderful and enriching experience of aging gracefully.
In my 49th year, I felt a sense of dread and I was depressed that I was soon turning 50. It seemed like a huge jump from 49. I was going to be halfway to 100. When my parents were in their 50’s, I was only in my teens. At the time they seemed so old to me so whenever I would hear of someone turning 50, it felt old to me. The night before I turned 50, I told my husband that I do not want to wake up turning 50. I wanted to stay in my 40’s. On my 50th birthday, I was almost depressed. But a funny thing happened. Throughout that day, I received all kinds of birthday messages – I felt so loved and accepted! The day ended with my kids and husband making me feel so special. I came to my senses and realized that, yes, I was older but I was still alive and healthy! I had amazing friends and a family that loved me for who I was. No matter what age you are, the age is just a number. The important thing is being thankful for what you have. That day, and every day, I am blessed!
I’m 54 now and loving my life exactly as it is. I am so content with that I have. Today I have a home business that I love, and I’m working with people I actually care about. I have a wonderful, supportive husband, three beautiful daughters, a son-in-law, and a beautiful 4-month-old granddaughter. They all give me so much joy. I’m content in my fifties – a thought that would have made me hurl in my twenties.
Contentment is great - as is calm, tranquil, easygoing, relaxed, and chilled, dude. I know how I feel about most things in my life. I have definite opinions but I still try to learn more about myself and my world all the time. I try not to be one of those know-it-all old folks who dismisses the opinions of others. I’m trying to care less about what people think of me, but that seems to be a losing battle. I’m working on that one. One minute I’m tough, then a random comment will have me in tears. Mentally, I feel more confident, smart, and comfortable in my own skin. I’m a life-long learner. So, with each added year, my world broadens as I experience new and exciting things.
Physically my hair is already mostly gray. I think. I honestly don’t know since I have been dyeing it for the last 17 years. The laugh lines and crinkles around my eyes appeared a long time ago, but they don’t bother me.
The last time you looked in the mirror what did you see? I hope you saw a beautiful person who’s learned many things over the years and has made lasting memories. We all want to look our best but as much as we try to escape it, aging is a natural part of life. Aging doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom though; it’s all about perspective. Looking and feeling your best starts with your state of mind and healthy lifestyle choices. If you want to age gracefully, get back your inner spunk, and look and feel the best you can, then check out these 10 secret health and beauty tips.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
It seems like I harp on this all the time, but it is so important. You don’t want to miss out on life by sleeping through it. However, there are many benefits to getting adequate rest. So ensure you’re sleeping well, and getting at least 7- to 8-hours of sleep a night—more when you are ill and your immune system is low.
Stay Hydrated
One easy way to remain youthful is to sip from nature’s elixir, and by that I mean drink plenty of water. Simple H20 will prevent dry skin, wrinkles, and ensure your hair, nails, and skin remain soft and supple, in addition to keeping your organs and digestive system running efficiently. Plus, those who sip water or herbal teas regularly flush their bodies of stressful, age-causing toxins.
Eat Fresh as Much as Possible
A diet rich in fresh, local fruits and vegetables is one that will keep you young and healthy. Studies show that those who consume a veggie suffer less oxidative damage (due to environmental toxins). Plus, both fruits and veggies contain plenty of antioxidants, which reverse the signs of aging.
Wear Sun Protection
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a nice wide-brimmed hat on a hot day will do wonders for your skin by protecting it from harmful UV rays. While exposure to some sunlight is healthy (offering mood-enhancing Vitamin D), simultaneously protecting your skin—particularly the eyes and face—will reduce the chances of wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer.
Quit Smoking
Smoking ages us a lot! But you likely already knew that. Not only does a smoking habit increase your chances of cancer, but it can also cause heart disease, high blood pressure, and breathing difficulties, which all considerably age the body.
Exercise Regularly
You don’t have to join an expensive gym to get a decent amount of exercise. In fact, staying active can be as easy as taking the dog for daily walks, leaving the car parked to do your errands, playing with your kids more often, or unwinding while you move with a regular yoga class. Not only will an active lifestyle increase your energy levels, but it will also keep you looking and feeling young.
Skip the Refined Sugar
A diet high in refined sugars—the sweeteners you consume in processed snacks, soda, and baked goods—will greatly reduce your energy levels and your longevity. Instead, seek sweetness from natural sources, such as fresh fruits, honey, real maple syrup in moderation, and use other spices (i.e., cinnamon) to heighten your taste sensation.
Moisturize Regularly
I make a point of putting moisturizer all over my body immediately following a shower or bath. Regular moisturizing will do wonders for the smoothness and elasticity of your skin. Moisturizers protect against wrinkles and scarring and they keep the skin soft and touchable.
Eat Good Fats
There are good fats and then there are bad fats. It just so happens that the fats you get from avocados, olive oil, nuts, coconut, and fatty fish (i.e., like salmon and tuna) are really good for you and your skin. Beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids will infuse your skin, hair, and nails with the necessary vitamins and nutrients to keep them glowing.
Focus on the Positive
There is something to be said about those who take a “glass-is-half-full” position in life—they are happy. The more you smile and focus on the positive, the more you avoid stress, banish drama, and remain looking and feeling younger than your actual number age.
Which tips will you apply for aging gracefully? Let us know in the comments below for your name to be put into a drawing! I will pull two names at the end of this week and send a special gift sent to your mailbox. Stay young!
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