AGING WITH STYLE

People who know me too well know how much I dread to age…just like every other woman. The mere thoughts of looking like Madea in Madea’s Witness Protection drives me nut. I don’t want the wrinkles, my skin looking like boiled meat, saggy breasts (though, we can handle this with push-up bras) or lose my attractiveness. The media hasn’t helped any better…making us believe that the younger the better. Even the ‘tweenies’ have practically pushed us out of the ‘beauty market’. I want to be in my forties and still wear those ‘hot’ dresses. I want to be known as sexy grandma…one that wears the skimpy clothes*wink*. 

I have realised that the fear of aging can prevent me from embracing the changes and I have dealt with these fears. I will it share you how I did it:

 It started from me: Aging gracefully starts from my perception of me and that comes from within. You cannot stop people’s view about you; your view about yourself matters the most. You are as good as you feel about yourself. Most women control aging with money; focusing on fixing the outside and ignore the whole inside. I have heard people say things like ‘’I am young at heart’’, ‘’Age is in the mind’’. This shows that age is a number and not a limitation.

Reformed diet:  Healthy diet strengthens and protects our bodies from diseases; certain nutrients can keep the skin cells functioning properly, hydrate your complexion and prevent us from environmental factors. I have improves my health as well as the condition of my skin by drinking plenty of safe water. The interesting one I discovered and its really working for me is drinking lemon and warm water early in the morning…it washes and sets my system up for the day. Introducing lots of Vitamin C (citrus fruits, red pepper, tomatoes, melon) in my meals which contains powerful antioxidants will help reduce wrinkles and less dry skin (at least I won’t look like a walking boiled meat); protein will help keep my weight down; Omega-3 fatty acids will guard my skin against sun damage (this Nigeria sun can make omelettes); and whole grain is packed full with antioxidants and minerals.

Good sleep: I am one of those that don’t really like to sleep…very funny. A friend of mine told me to try and get good sleep for 8 hours and I will share the testimony. I did and it worked…I was very alert, my brain worked sound. Anti-aging research has shown that the amount of sleep you get can go a long way to add years to your life. Good sleep boosts your mood, improves your memory, makes you alert, improves your blood pressure, spurs creativity, reduces fatigue and prevents premature aging.

Healthy lifestyle: Cultivating healthy habits can have notable impact on health and age. It can maintain healthy weight level, aging process (the physical and mental health change with age) and turn away the possibilities of developing chronic diseases. Avoid drinking, No smoking, good sleep, manage stress by taking time to relax, Avoid drug abuse (both orthodox and hard drugs), No indiscriminate sex, exercising regularly will keep me fit and in shape. Be happy at all times –laugh and play.

Cultivate healthy relationship: There should be at least one person you connect with-whether a family member or a friend. One who will not relate to you based on how you look but on what you are deep inside. He or she will shield you especially from the impact of a hurtful experience(s) and you will find peace and love in their company. Be around people who will always make me laugh and happy.

Engage yourself: Engage yourself in activities that would keep you busy-extracurricular activities. Take a class or attend a seminar. Partake in voluntary services like social works, community development or church activities. Getting busy can make you happy and keep your mind activated. Research has shown that the busier people are the happier they are.

Be spiritual: When the spirit is taken care of, it improves the length and quality of our lives. Stay away from toxic emotions. Meditation helps you relax. There is a strong mechanism in meditation that can turn around the damages of aging and bring youthful exuberance at any age. It also switches on your body’s own natural healing force. Read the scriptures daily, pray, listen to and watch sermons and inspirational messages, read good books, meditate at least 5 to 20 minutes daily.

Being gerascophobic is harmful. You can bring in the joy you felt when you were younger. Do whatever it is you want to do regardless of your age. You can get that degree at 50 or start that business at 60…I attended a seminar and a woman in her 70’s gave us a talk on how she started her paint factory when she clocked 70. You can do whatever you want to do when you make up your mind to do it. You might not have the figure 8 shape but always think of yourself that you are in the best shape of your life.  Be beautiful, successful and confident no matter how old or young you are. View life as an adventure.