There are so many articles, websites, videos, etc., on how to look our best as we age. Celebrities endorse products and we believe every word as they line their pockets with our money. They sell books after their ghost writers type every page.
For many years, I had been less than truthful about my age. I felt embarrassed, fearful and almost ashamed. I fought hard to stay youthful. I practiced daily rituals of health, wellness and emotional positivity in my quest for the fountain of youth.
As a 60-year-old proud woman, I am writing this in hopes of encouraging others to feel and look your best according to your own desires.
When I was a young girl, I watched my Grandmother get out of the car. She struggled so to move her body. There was no strength and she lacked flexibility. She couldn't have been much older than I am today. It left a permanent picture in my mind about aging. I didn't want to end up weak, fragile and in pain.
At around thirteen, my mother bought me my first set of beauty treatment products. It consisted of facial wash, toner and moisturizer. Sunscreen didn't exist in cosmetics in those days so there was little science to anti aging in these products. It did, however, make me feel like I was doing something proactive in my quest to look forever young.
Little by little, I would add to my collection of makeup products until I had a draw full. I was obsessed with them. I adored nothing more than walking into the makeup department and testing products as if I were testing some kind of delicacy.
I would read every beauty magazine I could and scoured them for health and anti aging advice. Keep in mind, I was just a teenager. I started stretching exercises every morning to keep my body agile so not to age. As the years went on, I started to go to the gym. Although my workouts were never outlandish, they were consistent.
When I became pregnant in my mid twenties with my first daughter, Jane Seymour had written one of the first books regarding exercise and fitness for pregnant women. I read this voraciously. I practiced every word. It actually paid off. I had felt wonderful, strong and beautiful throughout my pregnancy. My labor was only four hours and my recovery was easy. My second pregnancy five years later, was exactly the same.
Food was and will always be, an important weapon in my anti aging crusade. It's never something that needs to be crazy. A smart balance of fruit and veggies, rarely red meat, lots of nuts and hummus, limited sugar, only whole wheat products, no artificial sweeteners and no soda.
My portions have shrunk and my indulgences are few. I wanted to keep with the ten pound theory. Never gain more than ten pounds of your high school graduation weight. This one is a difficult rule for most. Some find it laughable, but in all seriousness, it makes sense. If you maintain a healthy diet and exercise, why not?
My skin care routine has calmed down since my teen years. I've found a wonderful product that my dermatologist makes which consists of retinol, glycol acid and hydroquinone. That is my secret to young looking skin. I will proudly admit to Botox on my forehead and why not. If you are given an option to look better, why wouldn't you?
I find that one of the most aging signs on someone is their teeth. Crest Strips to whiten are an amazing tool. Men and women both should make this part of their routine. It takes years off of your smile which brings me to the most important part of anti aging, let your inner glow show on your face. Smiling is one of the best ways to look healthy and young. Your face lifts and lights up. It makes you feel happy too!
I live a life of positivity, despite my adversities which were many. I am spiritual and grateful for everything in my life. Aging well has only helped me to stay strong and resilient. Maybe it has been a distraction to help me get through the hard times, either way, I am proud of who I am and if being a little obsessed with staying young is seen as shallow and trivial, then so be it. That attitude is one of my beauty secrets!