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There’s nothing more attractive than those who accept the passage of time and thrive with it. We love the grace and beauty of being comfortable in your skin at every age…
Even the most renowned post-50 superstar George Clooney understands the importance of every extra candle on his 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 proves it with his salt-and-pepper hair.
Taking a glimpse from Clooney’s book, here are 9 simple things that are common in people who age gracefully.
1. They work-out to become strong, not skinny.
Cardio is great but strength training makes an even better work-out, especially with age. We start losing muscle mass as we enter our 30s. After that about 5% is lost every decade without any effort to build or maintain…and it seems to speed up after age 45ish.
Building muscle through strength training counters the problem but it also helps you become stronger with age.
2. They stress less.
Numerous studies have linked stress to aging and in some cases ‘aging faster’ regardless of its origin. It doesn’t matter whether it’s from family or work, as it has the same effect. It can even cause skin dehydration, sleepless nights or dark circles and in some cases even hair loss.
Stress less (pssst – exercise helps, so does meditation, deep breathing and following the other tips in this article.)
3. They don’t hold regrets and grudges.
You can’t move ahead if your are stuck in your past. Stop replaying regrets or holding grudges. As it is said in the Zen proverb, “Let go or be dragged.”
Take out some time for meditation. Try it in the morning with a little mindfulness and one cup of coffee to feel at peace and enjoy that moment.
4. They learn new things every day.
Staying curious or simply trying something different is good for the brain and good for the soul. Break up your routine and keep it interesting! Learning new things can also help build up your confidence – and even memory. According to a study, older adults got involved in a new activity for a period of 3 months showed more improvement in memory as compared to those who were engaged in routine activities only. Learn a language, a new dance, a skill or craft, or what your heart desires!
5. The women don’t overdo makeup.
Stop overdoing it. Follow French women, who focus on good skincare and haircuts, and less on “masking” with tons of makeup. Emphasize what you’ve got and your good points. For instance, focus on one thing and highlight it (great lips with a dashing color of lipstick, or beautiful eyes with a great liner).
Too much makeup gives you an unnatural and artificial look that saps your natural glow. In addition it also adds up more lines and wrinkles to your skin and in the end, makes you look older.
6. They stay positive.
You will never age well by being unthankful in your old age. Instead embracing positive thoughts will not only give you better coping skills, but also a healthy immune system and also a longer life.
According to a study of around 100,000 post-50 women, optimists were found to be have a 14 % less risk of death and be 30 % less susceptible to death from coronary heart diseases than their pessimistic fellows. Another study showed that optimists even with a heart disease have 58% more chance of living 5 years longer than their pessimistic peers. Now it’s time to see that glass as half-full.
7. They get plenty of sleep.
It may become difficult with age to fall asleep or stay asleep as we age, but still make sleep a priority.
Author of “French Women Don’t Get Facelifts” Mireille Guiliano counts sleep as the most important element in aging gracefully and beauty. “Don’t underestimate the power of sleep on your skin, hair, energy, balance, and mood,” she told Parade. “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…. Investing in a good mattress and pillows also matters. The French average nine hours of sleep a night — and that makes me smile.” Mais Oui!