Stop the Illness Talk(01 of19)
Open Image ModalStop making illness a constant topic of conversation. This goes for illnesses of your own and those of others. Instead, talk about politics, the weather, your pets or long-term goals. (credit:Robyn Beck/AFP)
Adopt Optimism(02 of19)
Open Image ModalStop telephoning friends and relatives and regaling them with bad news. Instead, be optimistic in conversations, large and small.
Get Active(03 of19)
Open Image ModalStop thinking that life has passed you by, but doing nothing to make the years you have satisfying. Turn off the old tapes and sign up for a new activity -- other than shuffleboard -- or a volunteer commitment. (credit:Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
Turn Off Age Envy(04 of19)
Open Image ModalStop resenting young people. Instead, befriend them!
Let Down Your Hair(05 of19)
Open Image ModalStop wearing your hairstyle the same way you did ten years ago. Instead, round up your women friends and take a day trip to a stylist, or go alone.
Talk With Intention(06 of19)
Open Image ModalStop engaging in gossip and filling your conversations with "empty talk." Instead, keep up with news, trends and be sincere. Also, make sure that you're putting energy into your voice -- that's what your vocal chords are for!
Update Your Style(07 of19)
Open Image ModalStop cluttering up your closet with clothes from fifteen years ago. Instead, browse online fashion sites to get a sense of new styles and then treat yourself to a day of shopping. (credit:Romeo Gacad/AFP)
Put Away the Meds(08 of19)
Open Image ModalStop leaving your medications on your breakfast table. Substitute a kitchen or bathroom drawer, or a designer pillbox. (credit:Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Continue Your Education(09 of19)
Open Image ModalStop living in the past. You don't keep up with current affairs and though you are quick to criticize you do nothing to create positive change. Instead, bring a book or newspaper to your next coffee gathering and touch only on interesting events.
Cut Down on Ignorance(10 of19)
Open Image ModalStop dotting your conversations with racist, sexist and/or ageist remarks. Instead, think before your speak!
Clear Out Clutter(11 of19)
Open Image ModalStop skipping out on your spring cleaning. The furnishings in your home have been in the exact same configuration for the past ten years. Family photographs are on the same shelf, wall or table, they adorned years ago. They're faded and dusty, too. Instead, organize a rummage sale, reupholster the ratty old couch and donate your old items to charity -- then reorganize!
Use Your Finery(12 of19)
Open Image ModalStop saving pretty lingerie, towels and fine china for "special" occasions. You should use them every day! (credit:Norbert Millauer/DDP)
Update Your Beauty Regimen(13 of19)
Open Image ModalStop keeping drawers cluttered with tubes of lipstick, mascara, eye shadow, bottles and jars and samples that have been there for years. Instead, recycle old containers and reward yourself with a new shade of red.
Live in the Present(14 of19)
Open Image ModalStop rehashing negative events in your life even though they're in the distant past. Instead, focus on what's happening NOW.
Don't Be in Denial(15 of19)
Open Image ModalStop denying your age. When asked your age you say, "How old do you think I am?," laugh and look embarrassed. Instead, look your friend directly in the eye and answer honestly.
Learn the Art of Flirtation(16 of19)
Open Image ModalStop making no effort to create an ambience of sexual attractiveness in your self or your surroundings. Instead, flirt.
Take Care of Your Skin(17 of19)
Open Image ModalStop using the heavy foundation and skin care products that worked on you when you were thirty, without considering that your skin tone has changed. Instead, sign up for a free consultation at your local cosmetics counter and try something new. (credit:William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)
Remember You Have a Name(18 of19)
Open Image ModalStop allowing people -- especially service people -- to call you "Dear." Instead, stick out your hand and introduce yourself by name.
Forget "Over the Hill"(19 of19)
Open Image ModalStop saying, "I'm over the hill," "I'm too old," and "I had a senior moment." And stop sending greeting cards that belittle growing older. Instead, change potential self-fulfilling prophecies into positive statements.