The Art of Aging Gracefully+15 Healthy Aging Tips to Feel and Look Your Best

In this article, the art of aging gracefully, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned (so far!) about aging gracefully along with my favorite healthy aging tips to help you look and feel your best.

Healthy Aging or Aging with Grace

The aging process is a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon that happens to us all.

Natural changes happen in the body and our minds as we age.

While aging is an inevitable part of life, we can live a healthy lifestyle. We can choose healthy aging.

What is Healthy Aging?

Healthy aging refers to slowing or reducing the undesired effects of aging. (source)

The goals of healthy aging are maintaining physical and mental health, avoiding disorders, and remaining active and independent.

This is done by developing healthy habits such as following a nutritious diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use, exercising regularly, and staying active.

The sooner a person develops these habits, the better.

However, it is never too late to begin.

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The Meaning of Aging Gracefully.

Aging gracefully means growing older with grace.

It’s about living the best life possible. Like a bottle of good wine, aged cheese or a beautiful old oak tree, we too can strive to be our best selves as we age.

Looking good as we age is the icing on the cake!

The Art of Aging Gracefully + 15+ Healthy Aging Tips:

Many factors can influence how gracefully we age, including genetics, diet, lifestyle, and overall well-being.

That said, we can choose a proactive approach to growing older to help us look and feel younger as we age.

To age gracefully by adopting healthy aging.

1. DON’T SMOKE.

Please, please, please.

Research shows that smoking prematurely ages your skin. Smoking is also expensive! Just think of all the fun things you can do with the money you will save once you kick the habit!

Not to mention, it can kill you. So there’s that.

In addition to living a smoke-free lifestyle, research shows that limiting alcohol use is also beneficial in extending life expectancy.

A new study analyzed data from nearly 600,000 people who drank at least some alcohol and monitored their health over time.

They found that higher alcohol consumption was associated with a higher rate of stroke, fatal aneurysms, heart failure, and death when compared with people who drank in moderation.

2. Want to age well? Wear sunscreen every day!

Sunscreen is the number one anti-aging product on the planet.

I didn’t start wearing sunscreen until I hit 40. Then I had an epiphany and decided to get my *hit together and jump on the wear sunscreen bandwagon. The evidence and data are undeniable, people.

The sun not only causes cancers but will also age your skin like an old handbag if you are not careful!

Just do it. Wear sunscreen! Apply sunscreen with 50 SPF every day without fail. No excuses.

Apply it to your face, the tops of your hands, and your decolletage daily, no matter if you think you will be in the sun.

Believe it or not, you get sun even inside through the windows.

If you’re going to be outside for long periods, but with the dang sunscreen everywhere the sun shines, consider wearing long sleeves and a hat!

And don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen often!

3. A Solid Skincare Routine for Mature Skin

If we want to age gracefully, we must take good care of ourselves and our skin.

If I could tell my 20-year-old self, one thing or two would be to put a little bit more time, effort, and money into a good skincare routine.

Good skincare takes a lot of effort and time (and money!), but the results are worth it!

Related article: Nighttime skincare routine

4. Visit The Dermatologist Annually

Have your entire body checked for skin cancer.

If there are changes that worry you, call your doctor right away. Older, fair-skinned people are at high risk and must have a yearly check.

And remember: IF IT GROWS, IT GOES!

If something is growing on your skin, insist on having it removed. Doctors can be wrong.

5. Use Anti-aging Retinoid Creams

Retin A is a long-standing holy grail in skincare.

Retin A fights dull skin and wrinkles. It’s also great for acne. Pimples AND wrinkles?! WHISKEY, TANGO, FOXTROT!

 I use retinoid cream all over my body! It has helped with the whole creapy skin thing.

6. Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize.  

Dry skin looks older. Period. Am I right? Well, moisturized skin looks better and younger! Full stop.

Use good quality moisturizing soaps and lotions. Please make sure they are emollient! Another great way to increase the moisture in your skin is to run a humidifier in your bedroom. 

If you live in a dry climate, as I do, consider increasing the humidity in your home. The humidity is so good for your skin that your plant babies will love it!

Related Article: The Best Moisturizers for Older Women

7. Say No to Stress

Managing stress is vital in aging gracefully.

Stress can be a killer.

And will put on the years faster than just about anything. I have had seasons when I could see the stress on my face and how aged me seemingly overnight. REALLY.  

My husband once went through a super stressful time, and soon after-and, a big gray patch of hair appeared on the back of his head.

Overnight! True story!

My top ten de-stress tactics for women over 40+

1. Practice gratitude
2. Meditate: There’s an app for that!
3. Do Yoga or go for a walk
4. Get some fresh air and a little vitamin D!
5. Journal (I love morning pages)
6. Limit the news
7. Call a friend
8. Less Screen time 
9. Get some sleep!
10. Get crafty!

Related article: How to make a Stress Management Plan

8. Stay Well Hydrated!

When talking about aging gracefully, water is vital!

Unless you live under a rock, you’ve heard how important drinking enough water is. Right?!

I know I have. The thing is, even though I know it, I still struggle with getting enough water consistently. Sound familiar?

Staying hydrated helps our entire system run better and hydrates skin from the inside out—hydrated skin= younger-looking skin.

How much water? At least 1/2 your body weight in ounces per day. 

Here are a few ways to help get enough water every day:

• Please drink a full glass of water first thing in the morning
• Buy a large water jug with time stamps on it
• Set a timer on your phone. Drink 8 ounces every hour
• Limit other beverages such as soda, iced tea, and even coffee
• Eat water-rich foods (fruits and veggies)

9. Move Your Body

The Key to aging well is maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

Maintain a healthy and active lifestyle by making exercise a regular part of your routine.

Some practical low-impact options (meaning they are easy on the joints) include strength training, biking, walking, yoga, and pilates.

Excellent Exercises for Midlife Women

• Strength training
• rowing
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Tai Chi
• Cycling
• Walking
• Kick-Boxing
• Swimming

10. Eat a Healthy Diet + Pro-Aging Foods.

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is essential to age well and stay young and healthy.

Eating healthy involves incorporating plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein into your daily meals.

Eating these foods provides your body with the fuel it needs to function at its best while also helping reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, making healthy eating choices can help you maintain a healthy weight by reducing the calories you consume each day.

If you want to feel your best and look younger at any age, eat a healthy diet!

The Best Anti-aging Foods

Certain foods can help fight the effects of aging, both internally and externally. Here’s a quick list of some of my favorite anti-aging foods.

• Green tea– Green tea is packed with antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage.
  
• Blueberries– Blueberries are another great source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
  
• Tomatoes-Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of some types of cancer.
  
• Olive oil– is high in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, essential for maintaining healthy skin.
  
• Fish– Fish like salmon and tuna are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties.
  
• Avocados– Avocados are a great source of healthy fats and vitamins A, E, and C, essential for maintaining youthful skin.
  
• Eggs– Eggs are rich in protein and other nutrients that help to support collagen production.

11. Take Supplements for Women Over 50

When it comes to our health and aging gracefully, it’s imperative to ensure you’re taking everything your body needs to stay healthy, strong, and vital.

Trust me when I say not all supplements are equal.

You got to do your homework. I am constantly educating myself on the latest and greatest vitamins and supplements.

I take what I believe are the best supplements for women over 50. And I am continually educating myself on the latest and the greatest.

Collagen Peptides are the bomb for skin, hair, nails, and even your joints!

Collagen is a significant component of your skin. It plays a role in strengthening skin plus may benefit elasticity and hydration. And is a vital component of aging gracefully

As we age, our bodies produce less Collagen, and less Collagen leads to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles — no Bueno.

I put two scoops of Collagen in my coffee every morning. It doesn’t change the taste, and it’s an easy way to make sure I’m taking it every day!

Related article: The best supplements for women over 50+

12. Botox! My favorite way to look younger at 50!

I’ve been on the botox train since my early 40s. I only wish I had started sooner!

Botox is by far my favorite anti-aging treatment.

Without Botox, I’ve got serious 11s, deep creases on my forehead, and those dreaded crow’s feet. Botox works like magic to erase them all for about three months that is.

I wrote an entire article about Botox and why I love it so much after all these years if your interested in learning more.

13. Get Your Beauty Sleep!

When I hit 40, sleep started to be a challenge for me.

So finally, my doctor prescribed Ambien about ten years ago (during a rough patch).

I thought I would only need the sleeping pills to get me up through a few weeks, but sadly I became addicted and could not sleep without them.

It took me two years to get myself off of Ambien.

Kicking the sleeping pills was more difficult than I would have ever imagined. And I would not wish that experience on anyone.

If you have trouble sleeping, I beg you to try everything under the sun before taking sleeping pills.

Want to get better beauty sleep?

• Limit the news and all negativity like the plaque
• Develop a bedtime routine and stick to it
• Go to bed at the same time every night
• Make your room as dark and as cool as possible
• Limit screen time before bed and use blue light glasses
• Take melatonin and magnesium every night
• Do sleep meditation or listen to a bedtime story

14. Always Be Learning. 

We should always be learning and never stop learning!

We are so lucky to live in a time when we can hop on google and learn how to do just about anything!

It’s never too late to learn how to do something new or learn about something new! 

Related article: Fun + Creative hobbies for women 50+

15. Keep Your Mind Sharp!

Sounds easy enough!

Playing chess, doing the crossword, or even a jigsaw puzzle will keep your brain active.

A good friend told me about four years ago about cryptograms, and I’ve been doing them ever since!

I think they help keep my brain clicking and are fun too! 

We don’t have to let our minds and bodies down without a fight!

16. Stay Social

Socializing is an important part of staying young.

Interacting with friends, family, and even strangers can keep your mind sharp and give you a sense of purpose in life.

Involvement in social activities such as attending church, joining clubs, or taking classes are all ways to stay socially active.

Staying connected with others helps promote self-worth and provides a sense of belonging.

Having fun with friends can also be beneficial – laughter is known to reduce stress and help you look and feel younger.

The Bible says laughter is good medicine and I believe that’s true!

Spending time with loved ones or taking part in social activities creates lasting memories that keep us alive inside and out, adding more years to our lives.

17. Practice Gratitude Daily

Gratitude is everything.

Gratitude can help us to stay positive, appreciate the gifts and blessings in our lives, and look forward with optimism.

A simple practice of writing down three things we are grateful for each day helps to focus our thoughts on what really matters.

By doing this regularly, we can start to cultivate an attitude of appreciation and gratitude in our lives, which can help us to age with grace.

It also helps to create a positive mindset which is essential for aging well.

By finding joy and pleasure in the simple moments of life, our days become richer and more meaningful.

Having this kind of attitude and outlook can help us to move through life with grace, allowing us to age in a way that celebrates the beauty of getting older.

Practicing gratitude daily is a powerful tool for aging well and with grace.

The Art of Aging Gracefully+15 Healthy Aging Tips to Feel and Look Your Best

Aging gracefully is possible for everyone. To age with grace is to do your best by taking the best care of yourself possible.

While we can’t stop time, there are ways to look younger at 50 and beyond. What do you think? Comment below with your favorite pro-aging tips!

Until next time,

XO, Christine