Well, it’s official; aging really sucks.  I still refuse to accept the fact that I’m getting old whether I like it or not.  Menopause is annoying and ironically, after using face creams since I was 16 years old and successfully fighting off wrinkles, I now find to my chagrin, that gravity is the true enemy…and not just on the face.  As the late, great, Joan Rivers used to say, EVERYTHING goes south.  Oh well…sigh.  Anyway, I personally choose to go down fighting.  If you feel the same, read on to explore the options.

1. Hair.  I always used to wonder why older women often have short, unfeminine haircuts.  Now I know.  Hot flashes.  However, short hair at an age where your skin is starting to lose it’s elasticity can look a bit harsh, as can dark hair colors.  Longer is more feminine.  If you don’t want to grow your hair, consider streaks to soften your look.  Also conveniently covers premature grey, so why not?

2. Fitness.  Paramount as we age.  I both work out with weights and am active in sports five out of seven days a week, which helps me keep fit, feeling and looking good. Voila!  The perfect recipe for self confidence and good health!

3. Sensible Diet.  I am not a Vegan.  I eat a variety of foods and love to eat but nothing too fancy.   I’m actually a meat and potatoes (and vegis) kind of girl, which may seem boring to some but keeps calories down so I can cheat on the weekend.  A typical supper for me is baked chicken or fish or the occasional steak with boiled or baked vegis or a huge salad.  Don’t forget to drink lots of water and stay hydrated!

I also have a sweet tooth which is hard to fight at times.  I don’t buy cookies or foods that will tempt me and keep them in the house.  That’s entering the danger zone of too much temptation.  I also like to binge on junk food a few weekends per month but only if I have guests who will help me eat it when they come over.  That way, I get a taste but can’t pig out.  Strategy lol.

4. Skin Care.  I like to get samples of skin care products from the pharmacy and try them.  I will buy anything that has a visible, overnight effect.  There are some fantastic innovations in anti aging skin care these days so don’t be afraid to try the latest skin treatments on the market.  I have both a morning and night skin routine with slightly different products.  See my blog on skin care here but keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different so find what works best for you.  Don’t be shy to talk to the sales rep.  They have to take courses with each company to know the pros and cons of all their skin and beauty products for ALL skin types.

5. Health.  Take care of your health! Ever wonder why old people’s lives seem to become one long chain of doctor’s appointments? Well it starts now.  As you age you have to pay attention to every little warning sign your body is giving you and take prompt action.  Life becomes an endless round of dentist, optometrist, gynecologist and other doctor appointments, mammograms and tests.  This was not necessary when we were young, now it’s different so suck it up! Neglect those appointments and you’ll be getting fitted for dentures before you can turn around and possibly much worse, so schedule it in people!

6. Music.  I am a singer and firmly believe that singing and music are great for your health.  Indeed there is scientific evidence that sounds made while singing, resonate through the head and nasal passages and help stimulate the ‘third eye’.  This also mimics the vibrations of ‘ohming’ while meditating. It’s all good…helps de-stress and relax us.  Not the next Mariah Carey? Fear not…don’t let it stop you if you’re off key, sing when no one else is around or in the shower.

7. Speaking of Meditation…This one is still a work in progress for me.  I listen to guided meditations on YouTube through headphones while I am falling asleep. I also sometimes do this during the day if I’m feeling particularly stressed.  Find a quiet place and plug in…just let go and relax.  I find it difficult to calm my mind but it’s a worthwhile goal and has many, many, health benefits.

8. Make Up.  Minimal.  Nobody wants to evoke memories of Tammy Faye Baker (R.I.P.) shovelling on make up with a trowel.  Less is more.  When you’re over 40, make up tends to look ‘crepey’ (lol my autocorrect just changed that to ‘creepy’ which could also unfortunately be true) and collect in fine lines.  Always use a moisturizer, then a make-up base such as SmashBox Photofinish or Joey Invisiline etc. so everything goes on smooth and flawless and STAYS that way.  Don’t forget that sunlight is the enemy!  If you like a bit of tan, I’m not saying you should look like Morticia Addams but keep your sun exposure to after 2:30 p.m. when the rays are less damaging and settle for a golden glow, not George Hamilton’s sun dried leather look.

9. Retail Therapy…indulge your passion, clothes, shoes, boots, jewelry, skin care…even something as small as a new nail polish can brighten the day if you’re feeling down. Joy!

10. Sex Appeal! Dressing and looking your best will give you a confidence radiating from within that oozes sexiness.  Guaranteed. Cue whiplash here…  Smokin’!