Anti-Aging Secrets

Recently Oprah has aired several shows on women, over the age of 40, who are aging gracefully. Her most recent “anti-aging” show was not only entertaining, but it was also enlightening. As I approach my 39^th birthday I’ve realized that from others’ perspectives the outside is aging fairly well, but the inside (my thoughts and viewpoint) may be the key to maintaining my youth. 

My hormones and organs are doing things they haven’t done before. Or they’ve stopped doing the things they used to. My brain is trying to come to terms with life’s accomplishments or the lack thereof. And the heart is beating to a different drum – so to speak. But what the phenomenal women (including Geena Davis and Nora Ephron, the author of “I Feel Bad About My Neck”) on Oprah’s most recent show shared were practical tips – like color your hair – but they also (possibly unknowingly) shared a certain mindset that goes along with maintaining a youthful appearance and outlook. A take-it-as-it-comes attitude, which they said is the secret to aging.

Some of their advice included: savoring each moment for what it is and nurturing friendships.

I guess this conversation really isn’t a new one. Scientists, beauty professionals and chemists are constantly working on and revealing new products and ways for women to maintain their youth. And women are grasping and grabbing at it like it’s their life’s blood. But it seems to be more than just looking young that they’re after. (Why am I saying “they” when I feel the same way?) What they’re after is a more fulfilling and long life and, oftentimes, feeling and looking young make life a lot better. 

The other key is as women are having children later in life they want to be around much longer to see their children grow up and enjoy the retirement life they’ve always dreamed about. The burden of extra pounds, health problems as a result of those pounds and feeling a little dowdy often don’t support this desire. 

CBSnews.com (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/05/03/earlyshow/series/main692737.shtml) recently ran the story “Anti-Aging Secrets for Women 40+ by Peggy Northrop, MORE magazine’s editor-in-chief, which was in the latest installment from The Early Show's "Reaching For More" series. 

“Women who are 40 and older look very different from their mothers and grandmothers of the same age years ago. What's changed when it comes to aging in our generation is that we don't accept looking middle-aged or less than stylish, Northrop says.” 

The tips include follow the health pyramid, have sex, take stock of your life, exercise, relax and take a vacation. So, if you’re still trying to maintain that youthful appearance and also feel like it on the inside; add these things to your list of things to do. Along with the microdermabrasion, Botox, mud wraps and the like. And, always remember that it’s not necessarily what you’re doing on the outside that counts the most; it’s what’s going on inside that matters.