7 Ways to Look and Feel Younger
Let’s face it. We all get older. But don’t you find it interesting that there are people in their 70s that have more energy and joie de vivre than some people in their 40s? What is the secret to living life to its fullest and looking good in the meantime. I certainly don’t have all the answers but here are some ways I try to look and feel younger. Making an effort to improve your health, attitude, appearance and spiritual connections will enhance your life.
1) Posture and Shrinking
Working on your posture is W.O.R.K. However, if you do not, you will eventually be stooped over, look shorter and older.
There are several reasons why a person may lose some height as they age: osteoporosis, flattening of the feet, dehydration (which can cause our spinal discs to compress), stooped posture due to loss of core muscle strength.
The good news is that you can improve your posture and slow down shrinkage by exercising and eating right. Calcium and Vitamin D are key to building strong and healthy bones – but vitamin C and vitamin K also play an important role in bone health. Strength exercises are a must, whether lifting weights, playing tennis, running or jogging, as they all contribute to bone health.
Bad habits that contribute to shrinking include slouching, a lack of physical activity, smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeine excessively, extreme dieting, taking steroids and poor nutrition.
Four years ago I had my first bone scan and I was surprised to find out that I have some bone density loss. Actually, it made me mad because at that time I was working out 6 days per week. So I consulted with my chiropractor, started using bone building supplements and changed my workout routine. The latest bone density scan test results show a big improvement~much to the surprise of my doctor. I am nearly back to normal bone density.
I take Strontium (one capsule) from Ortho Molecular Products every morning.
And I take 2 Bone Builder Forte from Metagenics at night.
Please check with your doctor before taking any supplements. You can find these on Amazon.
Admittedly, during the pandemic, my exercise program took a bit of a nose dive. Even though I tried keeping active, it’s not the same as working up a sweat and pushing yourself. Trust me, I groan nearly every time I need to go and workout. But if we don’t put in the time, we will never get the positive results.
2)Sitting is the New Smoking
Get up and move. I try to limit the time I spend at my computer writing this blog, and I am always trying to practice good sitting posture. When I walk, I squeeze my shoulders together and engage my gluts, while holding in my abdomen. This very hard task isn’t something I am yet to retain throughout my walk, but I keep trying!
I cannot say enough about Pilates as I take a one hour class twice a week. This gets me to move in ways I typically wouldn’t and it is part of my weekly exercise program. Pilates keeps your core very strong which also helps with your posture. And it’s a wonderful community of like-minded women, who are trying to age the best way we can.
3) Keep Hydrated
Dehydration negatively affects the body in several ways. It is the main cause of heat exhaustion. It also leads to a loss of strength and stamina. Chronic dehydration will lead to kidney problems. For some reason, I have not been drinking enough water. Please join me in trying to drink half your body weight in ounces every day. There is a quick way to tell if you are not drinking enough. Check your urine. It should be a light straw color. And being hydrated plumps out the wrinkles!
4) Care for your skin and hair
Dry skin and dull hair just makes you looks older. There are so many products available at all different price points. Invest in a good haircut. Keep yourself groomed. It only takes a few minutes to tidy yourself up if your are going out in public. You will feel better and as a result, look better too. Haircut by Roscoe at Pucci Salon.
5) Are you Happy?
We all look much better if we are smiling. Smiling is an instant face lift. Are you happy? If not, what can you do to add happiness to your life. Though life can certainly throw you curve balls, happiness can be a choice…..your choice.
My friend, Chloe recently sent me this quote from Pavana Reddy. “Your soul is attracted to people the same way flowers are attracted to the sun. Surround yourself only with those who want to see you grow”.
Quite honestly, dump those people in your life that are energy vampires. Life is too short to be robbed of your spiritual essence. Be happy. Keep smiling. To see my post about the Importance of Smiling, click here.
6) Limit your Media time
I no longer watch the news. It is the best thing I have done this year to promote positivity in my life. And I don’t care if I am not informed. So much of the news isn’t really news, but opinions and if something is monumental, I will hear about it. The benefits are enormous as I am no longer spending a few hours a day watching television and getting frustrated. Now, if I do watch television at the end of the day, it’s something happy before I head to bed.
Getting off of my smartphone is another goal of mine. There are some benefits with checking in a few times a day but if you find yourself spending hours watching other people’s lives, then it may be time to put the phone down and use that time for yourself. Studies show a correlation between social media and depression. For more information on this, click here.
7)Care for Others
If you focus your efforts on helping others, it’s amazing how good you will feel. Pick up the phone and call a friend. Help a neighbor or an animal. Get involved in your community. So many people need a helping hand and doing so will take your mind off your own problems and give you a sense of well being.
There are so many things we can do to increase our happiness and health. One of my top blog posts of all time, 10 Tips on Aging Well is full of even more information. See it here.
I am constantly trying to be a better, kinder, and more interesting person. My goal is to be active and as healthy as I can be until the day I die. Please share any tips you have on staying young at heart. We need to keep motivating each other!
Happy Tuesday, sweet friends!
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You always have the best tips! Oh, to look as good as you!! I am sharing this in my newsletter this week!
Chloe, Thank you so sharing this post in your newsletter. What an honor!!
Missed Saturday meanderings. Hope all is well?
Nannette, thank you for checking in. Unfortunately, I had a problem with technology where everything froze up for 36 hours. Took several hours to fix, but I’m back online. Will post again this Saturday unless something else happens!
Great post Mary these are great tips!
I love this post. We definitely need to get together soon. Blessings to you.
You’re so lovely! This post is great and love the positivity. At 73 I also have osteoporosis and take shots once a month for a year.
I shared this post with my doctor and though she advised against it, I trust you more than her!
You sure look a lot better I wouldn’t have it in the first place if they (western medicine) would’ve put me on a estrogen replacement back in my 50s!
Bev, I have a very knowledgeable chiropractor who is also a naturopath. I’ve been seeing her since I was pregnant with my first born. During the pregnancy I had significant sciatica pain. The regular doctor wanted to put me on pain killers (I said absolutely not). Two quick adjustments by the chiropractor and I was pain free, without medication. I was sold and have been seeing her ever since. So I do trust her and these supplements were her recommendation. She also warned me to understand that some of the prescribed bone builders act quickly but do not necessarily make the best quality bones. Everyone should do their own research because we all have different bodies. I wonder why your doctor would advise against these high quality supplements, but I suppose writing a prescription is what they are trained to do. Thank you so much for your comments. Hoping you too can reverse your osteoporosis…
I love this post just as much this year! You’re an inspiration my friend! Thanks for the tips and reminders. We can do it!
Barbara, thank you so much sweet friend.
Another thought about feeling and looking younger is to try dancing! Helps with posture, exercise, and attitude. Dance music helps put you in a positive mental place, and when you’re dancing with a partner you have to be “in the moment”.
Glad you’re doing well!
All very good points … I watch far too much news and have begun to wonder why???? Much
is just negative. Am going to turn to first segment which has the weather and turn off.
Maybe will help with sleeping problems. Thank you.
I had the same problem where I would process all the bad news at night. I figured it is just not worth it because it’s no longer news, just people bashing. Having a few extra hours in my day to do something happy and valuable has been nice. Melatonin helps too!
Just lovely, Mary – and so very true. Thanks for sharing a beautiful post.
Jeanne, thank you for your sweet comment!
Great tips. Maybe you should do a monthly feature on this topic. Your audience really seems to like it. Nothing like the loss of a loved one to put things in perspective right?
Yes, after the death of my aunt and spending hours cleaning out her home and her life, it makes you want to live simply and fully. Great idea on a monthly feature!
How wonderful to just read your posts.
YOU are soooooooooooo right…
Mary Eileen, thank you so much for your sweet comment!
Oh my goodness….this might be my favorite post! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Spot on about eliminating the news (which isn’t news). Sharing stories of success, positivity, and creativity boosts our spirits and brings us joy and fulfillment. Our minds feed our health and longevity through exploration and openness to all possibilities! Lovely post!
Melody, you are the perfect example of how to feel and look young. You and Sam are such role models for all of us. Thank you for your sweet feedback.
What a great read Mary, and you look amazing friend!!!
Chas, it’s friends like you who inspire me! Thank you!
You’re amazing Mary and a great inspiration. These are great tips for sure and it shows on you they are working!
Karen, I am so happy we got together when I was back east. You are so incredibly talented (your painting, gathering of history, cooking skills) and your home is decorated and designed to perfection. I should have taken more pictures!!!
Great tips and you are my role model for all of this!! One additional thing is to make sure I do something fun every single day. No exception. Attending to my own fun is my responsibility. We tend to get so busy in our get-it-all-done lives that doing things we enjoy only happen if and when we get our work done. That’s not good for us!
Barbara, you are so right about inserting fun into our lives. I was raised to be a work hard and then after everything is done, then play can commence. But I can easily fill a day with chores and not leave any time for fun. But I am actively trying to turn that around. I’m excited to plan something fun today! Thanks for the reminder.
Such a great post. You are spot on. You are stunning! Hugs and blessings to you.
Renae, thank you so much. We must meet in person some day. I know we are kindred spirits!
Wonderful advice Mary – and obviously it is all working for you!
Cindy, some days are better than others! And you must share what you are doing as I’m sure we would all benefit from your beauty tips!
Mary,
You are beautiful inside and out! Glad we are neighbors!
Karleen
No “News” for us…watch local weather…it has made significant improvement nightly sleeping. It works for us. franki
Franki, so glad to hear you are not watching the news either. The weather in Phoenix tends to be a bit boring….sunny, hot, sunny, hot. Except last week we had rain which was such a treat! Thanks for sharing, my friend!