Belfast - They say 50 is the new 40, or rather, 60 is the new 50, and in today's society this has never been more true. You just have to look around to see that older women are enjoying a bit of a renaissance.
Once women have passed the half century mark many enjoy the time of their lives - happy, content, and confident - they could easily pass for far younger women. But what is their secret? Here are some simple tips to maintain that healthy youthful glow.
The Mediterranean Diet
Forget fancy face creams, botox or drastic plastic surgery, the secret to everlasting youth might be as simple as taking your taste buds on a tantalising holiday.
A new study has suggested that eating a Mediterranean diet could add an extra three years to your life.
The study, carried out by a team at the University of Gothenburg, which carried out research on the eating habits of 1,200 over-70s, found that those following a Mediterranean-style diet tended to live for two or three years longer. Scientists say that the diet works because it is a rich source of anti-oxidants that fight cancer, heart disease and can slow the ageing process.
The Mediterranean diet is widely recommended as a healthy eating plan by doctors and nutritionists as it is high in fruits, vegetables, fish and wholegrain cereals and low in meat and dairy, which contain large amounts of saturated fats.
For cooking ideas visit: www.mediterranean-food.net
Update your style
One of the fastest ways to look younger is to change hair styles - just because you're over 50, it doesn't mean you can't have long hair. If you want to dye your hair an outrageous shade of purple, go for it, if it suits you and your style. For a fast and fresh look chop in some layers, add a fringe and think texture, it'll take years off!
The fountain of youth
Water is the best beauty treatment. By drinking water, you moisture your skin from within or the inside out. As our skin is composed of approximately 20 percent water, it will wrinkle faster without adequate moisture. Just like the plant, when skin loses moisture, it gets dry. Dry skin shows wrinkles more and causes skin to sag faster than it would normally. Skin that is becoming saggy, either due to aging or weight loss, will plump up nicely when the skin cells are hydrated. Hydrated skin looks younger as it is plumper.
Get some beauty sleep
Beauty sleep is not just a thing of fairy tales. Scientists have discovered that people deprived of sleep for long periods appear less attractive and more unhealthy than those who are well rested. We all should aim to get seven or eight hours of sleep.
When we are asleep, our cells rebuild and repair themselves (the growth hormone functions only at night). If you don't sleep, this function is impaired.
Make a run for it
Exercise, especially cardiovascular fitness is important from several aspects. It slows the process of hardening of the arteries, reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke, keeps weight down, reduces the risk of developing diabetes, reduces LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels, increases HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and reduces the inward signs of aging (i.e., “feeling old,”) as well as the outward signs of aging.
You've every reason to smile
Having a positive attitude can cure so many different ailments in life. A simple smile relaxes the muscles in your face and makes those around you feel at ease. Having a positive outlook on life and smiling will keep you young! - Belfast Telegraph