17 Secrets TO AGING Gracefully

In a day and age where 50 seems to be the new 30, there are endless methods and tricks for turning back the clock. Some habits like your daily beauty routine may feel effortless, while sticking to any exercise regimen can take a bit more discipline. While it is impossible to avoid the aging process altogether, there are things you can do in your own life to make the experience more enjoyable. However you choose to take on the inevitable aging process, remember that age is just a number, and graceful aging begins when you can embrace the journey and not merely endure it.

Graceful aging is best defined through acceptance of your age, not defiance. “By taking good care of yourself and respecting your mind, body and spirit, age becomes less important,” Tammy Stokes, author of “Live Your Healthiest Life” admits. “But what really matters is how you feel throughout the process.”

IN MY 30s

JENNIFER SLOAN Foodie Yoga & Meditation Teacher SL Columnist - Where Locals Go

My number one tip for looking great and feeling great is to enlist the experts — they are out there and they would love to help. take the stress off of yourself and trust those that have done the training and do the continuing education. In example, for all of my hair care needs, I go to Brandy at HeadCase in Keller. I have never demanded that Brandy cut or color my hair any certain way. Instead, I tell her what I am trying to achieve, whether it be slimming my face or trying a trend, and like effortlessly casting a spell, Brandy makes it happen. I’m glad she didn't let me highlight my hair orange like Avril Lavigne (a moment of temporary insanity I tried to have last year) because who knows how brassy I would be today. She doesn't just look at your hair style for the moment, but for the long haul. What will your hair look like if you get too busy and don’t make it in for color for 11 months? (Raising hand. It's me.) For skincare, I only trust my face to Dr. Polit at Beautopia. While going to a doctor, as opposed to an injector, seemed more costly on paper, it actually ended up being more cost efficient for me. Dr. Polit only uses the highest quality injectables and skincare products, so now I only have to go in every nine months as opposed to every three. It’s not only saved me time, but money. And my skin’s never looked better!

There is definitely an art to dignified aging — and most of us are already familiar with the ways in which we can incorporate healthy lifestyle habits like plenty of rest and water, healthy diet, regular exercise. But, what about the deeper meaning of aging gracefully? This list provides some inspiration on how to truly appreciate the process. Here’s 17

(1) Be practical.

Secrets to Aging Gracefully:

“You’re not going to look 20 at age 50. Acceptance is at the core of aging well,” notes Alyson Hoag, founder of Authentic Beauty. Setting realistic goals is a top priority, otherwise you will lack the confidence that embodies graceful aging. “Stay focused on the here and now— not what you looked like 20 years ago,” she says. “It’s all about being true to the person you are today.

(2) Live in the moment.

What if you had a wonderful life and you never knew it? Worrying about the future or wishing circumstances were different only causes unnecessary stress and anxiety. Remain grateful for this day—it’s the only one you have.

(3) Celebrate you.

“If you want to enjoy a better quality of life and age with grace, then celebrate the person you are,” Stokes says. All too often, we participate in negative self-talk that results in a feeling of inadequacy. Focus on forgiving, accepting, loving yourself. Be kind to the “little child” within.

(4) Whiten your teeth.

A beautiful smile is worth a thousand words. “Smile from the inside out,” Hoag advises. Enhance your grin with teeth whitening—people are drawn to those who smile a lot. And, a gorgeous grin just gets better with age!

(5) Work with children.

If you want to stay young, play young. Whether you volunteer your time at a pediatric hospital or lead a Sunday School class at church, children have the ability to teach adults what truly matters. “Seeing the world through a child’s eyes helps us find the goodness in life,” Hoag says. “It also allows us to tap into the enthusiasm we had as children.”

(6) Keep it real.

Nothing is sexier than authenticity. Live a life that resonates with your inner being. When you discover your authentic self, material things lose their value and people see the real you. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us.” Let your inner beauty shine through.

(7) Laugh often.

Learn to let go and really laugh—it keeps your soul young. “Stay lighthearted and maintain a healthy sense of humor. Nothing is more unattractive than grumpy old men and women,” Stokes says. The health benefits of laughter include lower blood pressure, stress relief, memory improvement and oxygenation of the blood. Smile and laugh often—your body and soul will love you for it.

(8) Update your hairstyle.

We’ve all seen it: old lady hair. Whether your thinning, straggly hair hasn’t seen shears in 20 years, or you’ve maintained an outdated short do for too long, it’s time to get current. First, flip through a magazine or browse the Internet to find a hairstyle you like (age-appropriate, of course). Then, take the picture to your hairstylist and talk it over with him or her. Be open to suggestions regarding cut and color.

IN MY 30s

KATIE-ROSE WATSON Food Blogger Cookbook Author SL Columnist - Rose Table Recipes

I’m sure readers won’t be surprised to know that I cook at home most days and eat mostly chicken, seafood, and tons of veggies. I also grow a lot of my own food — which is equal parts fun and delicious! I have tons of healthy recipes on therosetable.com and even a Garden Recipes section full of delicious dishes made with vegetables I grow. As for exercise, I walk my dog every day and I love doing yoga in the garden, swimming laps in the summer, and working out in my home gym. I love to bake so thank goodness I also like to run! I’m also an equestrian and have owned horses for my entire adult life. Horseback riding, driving, and even just grooming a horse is great exercise and you have the added mental health benefit of spending time outdoors. I feel more relaxed as soon as I get to the barn. Horses really are the best personal trainers!

IN MY 40s

ELENA ELLIS Publisher Creative Director Owner of Society Life Magazine

I have always wanted to keep my skin looking healthy enough that I didn’t need a bunch of makeup to cover it up to feel good in my skin. I rarely wear makeup because I work from home, but even when I do I’m a minimalist. Three biggest tips to keeping your skin healthy at any age is sunscreen, sleep and hydration. I’m no good without 7-8 hours every night of sleep and I’ve been wearing sunscreen since my teens. This is the main reason I think most people think I’m in my 30s even though I’m pushing 50. I follow the K.I.S.S. Rule for my routine (Keep It Simple, Stupid). I have Eczema so these products work wonders for my sensitive, dry skin. I wash with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Then in the day, I wear Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 Sunscreen. I like the tinted one to even out my complexion. At night, I apply some Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion to hydrate. I also drink a lot of water (and some wine). And I love to cook my family’s favorite foods in the healthiest way possible. Always active, I keep up with my three kids and three dogs — the only time I’m sitting is at my computer.

IN MY 50s:

SHANNON SALINSKY Freelance Writer SL Columnist - Momilies

By the time you enter your 50s you care less and less about spending time and money on trends/fashion, and more about spending quality time with friends and family. You pause before you commit to something, considering how much time and effort it will cost. As I enter into the midpoint of my 50s, these are things that help me manage looking and feeling my best:

Quality skincare. If you haven't already, it's long overdue to purchase a quality skincare regimen. No scrimping here, get something of high quality, but not too overwhelming with steps, so you’ll actually use it. Never skip a morning and evening skincare routine. Even when you're sick, stick to your routine and it may even make you feel better.

Water. Drink lots of water. If you are bored with the taste of water, infuse it with fresh fruits or other herbs. If you're thirsty, you're already behind in the number of ounces you need for the day. There are tons of apps to help you track it if needed.

Friends. Treat yourself to a weekend away with friends once or twice a year. There are few things that are better for your soul than this!

Sleep. Get more sleep. I chose to not have a TV in the bedroom as a young adult. I continued this approach after I married. It has served me well. You’ll do more for your body and your skin by getting more sleep than all the spa treatments money can buy.

Supplements. Educate yourself on supplements and at what ages you may need to increase certain items. I was unaware of the need to increase calcium and I'm paying for it now. Be ahead of the curve on this one!

Exercise. Get moving. I don't exercise a lot, but I never miss a walk. I have a large dog and we get out there year round, no matter the weather. Experiencing the seasons, even the harsh ones, is good therapy. It’s a nice time to talk to God, talk to the neighbors or catch up on a phone call. It does more for your soul than you can measure.

Volunteer. It can be through a formal organization or offering to bring dinner to a friend who had surgery. Give of your time without expecting anything in return. It does wonders to refresh and renew your spirit.

(9) Get creative.

In her book called “Aging Artfully,” author Amy Gorman challenges conventional perceptions of old age by documenting the lives of 12 women ages 85 to 105, who are actively engaged in the visual and performing arts. Through these profiles, Gorman reveals the gratifying and youthful nature of creative expression. It’s true: exercising the right brain well into the golden and bonus years keeps life fun, fresh and full of excitement.

(10) Enjoy meditation.

Finding your Zen or calm place to just be is revitalizing for anyone. So, enjoy some quiet time alone in the morning to journal, or read and slowly sip your coffee. Meditation helps you to relax physically and mentally, putting aside the day’s worries and just delighting in the moment. What’s more, it actually keeps you spiritually centered and connected throughout the day.

(11) Keep love alive.

“Love helps you stay young,” Stokes says. “If you are married, then behave as if you are dating your spouse. If you are single, get out and mingle. Learn to give and receive love fully.” When we give ourselves completely to another person, we become vulnerable—an essential component of intimacy.

(12) Get creative.

Dress it up. People certainly take notice when they see an older man or woman who is stylish. On the other hand, they never fail to notice someone who is dressed too young for his or her age. Don’t be the latter. “Dress appropriately for your age,” Stokes says. “And choose what looks best on your body type, even if it’s not always the latest fashion trend.”

(13) Find your passion.

Oftentimes, busy lives keep us from pursuing our passions. If you have something on your bucket list, make time for it. “Find ways to play and laugh every day. I believe aging gracefully comes from your state of mind—when you act young, it shows on your face,” Hoag says. Travel, take piano lessons or sign up for a triathlon. Whatever you do, enjoy all that life has to offer.

(14) Be healthy.

While diet has everything to do with good health, there is more to a healthy lifestyle than food. Other ways to maintain your overall wellbeing include staying fit, caring for your skin and eating super foods.

“Do not rely on aesthetics to make you beautiful. Good health is natural beauty guaranteed,” Stokes admits.

(15) Build intimacy.

We desire meaningful relationships based on honesty, respect, love, trust, appreciation and togetherness. While we have a primal need for sex, we yearn for a deeper connection with those we love. We need intimacy. Work on improving your relationships, from your significant other, to your friends and your family, to your Higher Power. Cultivate togetherness through conversations, kind gestures and romance.

(16) Pamper your skin.

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Beautiful skin makes a world of difference in your appearance— think Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Wear sunscreen religiously, drink plenty of water (divide your weight by two—that’s about how many ounces of H2O you should consume daily) and enjoy regular facials, microdermabrasion and peels (consult your dermatologist first). Here’s another tip: Avoid washing your face in the shower or at the sink with hot water, as heat is drying and aging. Instead, try to use cool water from the tap or, even better, spring water from a bottle.

(17) Stay grateful.

When we are mindful of the blessings in our lives, we invite more of the same. In the book, “Codependent No More” by Melody Beattie, she says: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Graceful aging

is

MARY

IN MY 60s

I’ve been told that I don’t look my age. At 66, I hope that means I look more like 50 rather than 70. When asked about my antiaging regime, I typically get a cringed ‘ooh’ instead of affirmative ‘ahs.’ That’s because I’m a skinimalist (Skin + Minimalism). I keep it basic and pared-back. I wash my face with Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleaner, hydrate with Eurcerin Advanced Repair Cream, and put on a tinted foundation with Broad Spectrum SPF 15. I’ve intermittingly used fancy face and eye repair creams, but I’ve never seen that much difference. Are you ready for me to drop my biggest beauty bomb? Don’t cringe. I have used exfoliating gloves on my face once a week for over 30 years. It seems to act like micro-needling. For me, it improves the appearance and texture of my skin. This inexpensive treatment minimizes my wrinkles and smooths texture. I use soft and light circular motions on those areas that tend to wrinkle first — forehead, upper lip area, outer eyes, neck, and décolletage. Call me crazy, but my $2.99 exfoliating gloves do the trick!

IN MY 70s

the outside as we on the inside. While aging gracefully will mean something different to each and every person, it’s entirely up to you to determine what makes you feel good. Whether it be embracing your naturally gray hair or keeping an annual appointment with your dermatologist for a cosmetic pick-me-up, it’s about the journey — not the destination. Now go make the years to come your own.

I’ve had seven-and-a-half decades to figure out what works for me. Eating healthy is, and always has been, a top priority. I have had a supplement routine for a long time that includes Ester-E, Ester-C, CoQ10, and other vitamins including Balance of Nature so I get everything my body needs to stay healthy. I also take SeroVital which helps me keep my energy levels up and assists me in getting restful sleep at night. This is important because age-related issues with sleep like waking early and insomnia would hurt my need for a good 8 hours nightly. Serovital has also improved the elasticity of my skin. I’ve made a point to take very good care of my dental health to keep my own teeth for my lifetime, as well as taking care of my eye health. Mobility is a big issue for many peers my age, but I still take care of my home and my garden for both my body’s health and health of my soul!