Aging Gracefully
LIVE 10:30 AM EST
HASHTAG: #AMCoffee
Be Daily Part of #AMCoffee Conversations & Prizes
Grab a cup ‘o Joe and share what’s on your mind for an hour today
Our daily routine can really suck up not only our efforts, but also our thinking, forcing it into an “unchangeable” template. Routines are helpful and necessary to keep us sane and effective. However, with our lifestyle change and us growing older the routine may become obsolete and call for a change, and an update to suit our needs more accurately.
Aging Gracefully can and should be a process of joy and reinventing yourself in many ways, your thinking included.
You skin calls for a change. Your physical body needs different routines in workout. You diet calls for different nutrition balance as well. With all that in mind, let’s peep into the changes that do take place within us. And what we, women, could do to make those necessary transitions with grace, with joyful attitude and love in our heart.
We’ll touch upon Skin, Hair, Teeth, Sleep, Physical Exercise, Anti-Aging efforts, and Mind.
What does it mean to you to AGE GRACEFULLY, no matter where you are right now in your biological age chart?
Good morning! To me, aging gracefully, means being healthy and feeling good. No matter your age, please take care of yourself!
Good morning ladies!! Aging gracefully to me means to accept the changes life (and age brings) with a good attitude.Which can be super hard to do, especially in our society
Good morning all. To age gracefully is to except your looks and to know you are not as young as you use to be. 🙂
I say I need some help in aging gracefully Good morning ladies
i just hope to not look old before my time it is really starting to bother me i dont think my husband likes the way i look anymore so i have to try and do something
Good Morning Everyone. Hope everyone has a great and joy filled day
My Dear GALZ,
All of us understand the some of the moments of aging. What we need to know is that we can and should do it Together and Make it our Personal Journey with Grace, in a Graceful Way.
Support comes from learning and sharing.
Results really become visible from our personal Implementation.
Realize that you Do Not have to be in it Alone. Stretch your arm and open your palm to receive a lot of friends into your daily life.
Good morning, Aging gracefully means doing everything I can do, to keep myself in shape and helping my body age gracefully. Its a Lot of work.
Barbara,
Once you’re in a routine, take is with a bit more cheer, sweet person!
A lot of work is thinking it through, choosing your support group, making out a plan –> daily routine.
Once you’re in your routine, you’re in the regular current of life!
I never had really thought about aging gracefully. I am at that time in my life where I figure that I am too old to change anything and just will deal with the way I look and the habits I have because I feel its too late to change.
Dear Jill,
May I suggest this one –> Never is late to have JOY and good Time as we age. When you have THAT Attitude –> things happen Gracefully Your Way!
With all my love, my #AMCoffee buddy!
I think I just needed a little nudge and encouragement. Thank you for your kind words 🙂
With dignity,intelligence,quick wit and a great sense of humor! After all they’ve gotten me this far!
Retweet, Repin, Shout-Out!
RETWEET #1
RETWEET #2
REpin #3
REpin #4
REpin #5
pinned and tweeted
did the all! @wblack1125 #AMCoffee board
Ive Done My duties Miss Laura 🙂
Done all above.
Done 😀
@buttmonkee8
Re-tweeted and pinned @beclewis and RebeccaSwenor13
Comparing Yourself In Your Mid 20s
Many women make this mistake comparing themselves to what they look like in their 20s.
Nothing wrong going down the memory lane. What many fall victims to is their inability to adjust their Thinking, their Wardrobe, thus their Entire Behavior to the age they are in.
Many inadequacies like Low Self-Esteem could be that “trapped vision” of yourself in the younger version of you.
The fact is your mind can make you feel no matter what. The fact is your body, your face, your life overall are becoming more sophisticated with experience you gain. EMBRACE IT, Practice It, Start Living It.
Society doesn’t help here-Women get past 30 and look good “for their age” (making us want to go back to when we just “looked good” ,or rather felt good about ourselves) Men get to be in their 60’s and you don’t hear He looks good for “his age”, just that “He looks good”! I think that’s one big reason it is so hard for many women to turn 30 (and the 29 forever joke started) 30 wasn’t actually hard for me personally ….but I did find myself stressing a bit about 35 and do not know exactly why but I think its because I now looked my age 😉
I will say you are right about society and with the actors and all the things they do but hay we are getting old we can stop that so I just go with it I need help with my eyes
I do my best when I dont look in the mirror alot. I only look when I have to. I feel in my head better than I look. I jave gained alot of weight due to disability so its better not to, Im much smaller in my head. Best part is my “people ” love me for ME Especially my new grandson..
Julie,
Of course your Family and Friends LOVE you for Who you are!
Small tip-tip: Looking in the mirror would only boost your self-confidence, acceptance, and allow you to re-invent yourself in a creative, time-appropriate way!
Also, knowing your skin condition, eye condition would allow you to spot EARLY SIGNS of possible diseases.
AFRAID BE NOT looking into the Mirror! It’s your Friend.
I know I should and some days I wake up anf while I wash my face I look and there are those really great days when I am telling my self that I am beautiful. I need to do it more often just lately been stressed and I know it shows so if I dont look i wont stress more. Early signs of what things? Funny thing I hav always written great little things on my kids mirror to help them start their day….things like You are great just the way you are…..I just have forgotten lately to put it on my mirror 🙂
I see age spot starting, I want to cry. I’m fighting a losing battle , I think. But I guess its just that time in life.
Barbara,
I’ll be doing a more thorough research on the Age and Dark spots for our skin. I’ll share all results with you, GALZ.
The only think that doesn’t show my age on me is my hair. Yes 45 and not one grey hair yet. 🙂 My son Chace is 23 and he has grey already but takes after his father. The thing I hate the most is how stretchy my skin started get on my neck and face or maybe arms too.
Even though I wish I had the body that I had at 20. I would never trade all the fun and experiences that I have had since turning 40. I may be looking older but I sure had fun getting here
Physical Exercise Is Your Buddy Forever!
Some people start feeling aches here and there, and have it as an excuse to abandon their physical exercise routine. DARE NOT!
As we grow older, physical activity actually can be more than help on its way:
– Allow more movement of lymph liquids
– Moisturize the areas within your body where it’s needed: like in your knees and shoulders
– Normalize blood sugar
– Keep heart muscle tone – hey, Heart needs love and exercise, too!
– Lower risk or speed of dementia
Usually those who have been physically active all their lives, transition easily from decade to decade into a new, updated for their bodies, routine.
It’s OK not to run a marathon. What’s not OK is avoid Any physical activity.
Find yoga, power walking, classes that keep you interested and all those muscles pumping oxygen and food your muscles need to stay in sync with you and your lifestyle.
I did not know exercise lowered the speed of dementia but have always strongly believed no pain no gain (within reason of course). I’ve watched my father physically “fall apart” after using aches and pains throughout his body to stop doing any sort of physical activity so I sort of did know if you give up on your body it will give up on you. If you are using age (and normal signs of aging) as an excuse to not be able to do anything, it is only a matter of time before you wont be able to
I have not slowed down I am still at the same speed I was in my younger years I can blame this on my grandson he keeps me moving all day some time I would just love to relax once in a while lol
Karen,
Your grandson is a huge support group of one little powerful Man, indeed!
I think theres a lot of truth to kids keep us young (LOl -even though they sure make us feel old sometimes) 😉
yes he is a gift from god
Oh so thats why Im going crazy…..lol
Now the winters over I’ll get back to my exercising. Those first few days are a killer. Winters in WV are really bad.
It weakens your body and you age more I believe if you are not doing some exercise. It literally helps with fatigue also to exercise. If you have limitations then you just don’t do as much. Physical Therapist told me one time ” if it starts to hurt then that is your limit.” Just time to build it up as u go. Anyway I tend to over due it and work past the burn than pay for it for three days. Limitations as you age are important because you are not that 20 yr old again.
Shortchanging Your Sleep? Think More Than Once!
Even if you still juggling those parental duties and child-caring duties, you gotta take a look at your sleep habits.
Short of sleep shows first on your face! Then, with more and more not-enough sleep hours, the unrest accumulates in your entire body, leading to serious health conditions like cardiovascular disease, increases your risk of obesity, diabetes.
Studies show that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as the common cold. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick.”
How much sleep you need? It’s individual. But optimal amount of sleep for most adults is 7-8 hours of good sleep each night. Teenagers need 9-10 hours of sleep. School-aged children may need 10 or more hours of sleep.
Check Out this Inforgraphic –> Lose Sleep, Lose Your Mind & Health
This is one I have ALWAYS needed to work on 😉 I’ve never liked sleeping….would rather be doing something else. I Like to go to bed Super late and get up on the early side….always trying to squeeze more “time”. I do believe I personally only need 6-8 hrs a night (and been that way since I was a teen) but most Im lucky to get 4-5.I am realizing as I age though I do not function as well as I did 10 yrs ago on 4 hrs-Lol .Oh & It does seem to be catching up with my face. I need to set myself a bedtime and then stick with it 😀
I have a hard time with this after grandson goes to bed I find my self doing things that I need to get done and going to bed late and then I get up early so I must set me a stop time and get my rest god knows he gets his 10 hours of rest
and when I do go to sleep I am up 3 or more times going pee
Lol-me too but Im hoping that goes away after baby gets here 😉 (Usually its only once I have to get up to pee)
I dont sleep worth a damn, I wake restless most every day. I get tired during the day and would love to nap but I am watching a 1 yr old. Didnt think it would wear me out . Im 53 and its kicking my butt. Even though I am worn out at night I get into bed and I wake up…it is really aggravating
Im a sleeper, I could sleep 10 hours at a time. If I can I take a nap in the afternoons for a hour.
That is a very important because lack of sleep can cause anxiety, heart trouble and Dr. Oz on his show said it can affect the insulin in your body to make you have beigining stages of becoming diabetic. Don;t remember what causes the effect but remember showing my son who is like me and doesn;t sleep much. They are doing more sleep studies and finding a lot of negative results for lacking sleep.
Teeth Play It Hard When We Age…Even With Grace
Dental health is closely linked with overall health, and gum disease—which gets more common as you age. Yellowing of your teeth could be associated with a higher risk of heart problems.
SKIP NOT Visits to your Dentist!
Here’s what happens to Teeth as we age.
Acid Erosion
– Go easy on sugary foods, especially carbonated soft drinks and sports drinks.
– Avoid frequent snacking, which causes acid levels in the mouth to remain high over an extended time.
– If you get a craving for something sweet, chew sugarless gum. Chewing increases saliva production, which helps cleanse the mouth and neutralize acidity.
– Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes and floss daily. Daily dental hygiene reduces bacteria levels in your mouth.
– See your dentist every six months for a regular checkup that includes removing plaque buildup.
Mechanical Wear and Tear on Your Teeth
– Avoid chewing ice and other very hard foods.
– Double-check to make sure that pitted foods have no pits before you bite down on them.
– See your dentist regularly. He or she can spot cracked or broken fillings that may weaken teeth. Your dentist will also check for signs of bruxism. In many cases, people who grind or clench their teeth aren’t aware of the habit or the damage they are doing to their teeth. If you show signs of bruxism, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard that can be worn at night to prevent grinding.
Yellowing and Stains on Your Teeth
– Avoid foods that stain teeth.
– Brush regularly to remove plaque buildup, which will help your teeth resist stains.
– Have your teeth cleaned professionally every six months. Your dentist or dental hygienist can remove plaque and tartar that a toothbrush can’t reach.
Gum Problems
Brush and floss regularly to remove bacteria.
– For added protection, use an antibacterial mouthwash.
– Go to your dentist for a regular checkup every six months. This is particularly important for detecting gum disease early. “Although there are symptoms of gum disease that can serve as early warning signs, by the time they appear it’s often too late to reverse the disease process,” says Sam Low, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology.
– Since gum disease is an inflammatory process, eating foods that suppress inflammation may help. Growing evidence suggests that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help dampen inflammation, says Iacopino. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish, fish oil, and flaxseed.
Dry Mouth Syndrome
Here’s what WebMD has on it.
Called xerostomia, dry mouth can drastically increase the risk of decay and gum problems. A healthy flow of saliva helps clean teeth and neutralize acids that otherwise eat away at the tooth enamel.
“Saliva flow doesn’t necessarily decrease with age. But as many as 800 different drugs cause dry mouth as a side effect,” says Iacopino. “Many of these are medications people take as they get older.”
What to do:
– A drop-off in saliva levels can very quickly cause problems. So at the first sign of dry mouth, talk to your doctor.
– A change in prescriptions may help alleviate the problem. If not, your doctor may recommend chewing sugar-free gum. Gum increases saliva flow.
– Saliva-like oral mouthwashes are also available.
I’ve always had oral issues….dentist said more likely bad genes than lack of care (except for flossing-always had a bad habit of not doing that daily as I should but rather every other day)I was diagnosed with gum disease at 28 and they say it is not reversible just that by staying on top of it we can slow its progression. Ive never had much of a sweet tooth so that’s not too much of an issue for me, however finding a dentist I like has been difficult at different points in my life (for the most part though I make it in twice a year for my cleanings whether I like the Doc or not)
I always see my dentist 2 times a year I will never not go to my dentel visit
Unfortunately been very difficult for me in the past few years to get to the dentist due to not having insurance. My finances are too tight. You have to way things out of what is important and rent and food are on the top of list … I have always had bad teeth since I was about 25…It was due to bad decisions on my part..but I quit doing those things in 89….but the repercussions were great
Julie,
I do get it when it comes to financing the Dentist’s office visits and any treatments needed.
Self-maintenance could be improved when you have Flossing, Washing off mouth after each meal, and Brushing doing religiously.
Yes I rinse my mouth often and brush at least 2 sometimes 3 times a day. I floss some but my family has had bad dental troubles. Yes I think that maybe it has gotten worse due to my Heart Troubles too 🙁
Its all in the genes. My doctor told me , if you have dental problems, its a sign od heart disease. Scary.
I have lost two teeth in the back . The dentist gave me prescription fluoride tooth paste because I have sensitive teeth.
Can We Overdo Anti-Aging Efforts?
Some do. Like Botox or plastic surgery… You could come up with a few famous names that do not look like them anymore. Rather, they have their facial features “FROZEN” in time. I’d rather see the Movie than their faces. Sad thing indeed.
What to do to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles on your hands and decoltege?
There’s no magic potion to reverse the process, but good care and quality products do exist.
Check this quick guide Decade-by-Decade< for different skin routines that would keep you happy. • After reading up on many doctors' advice what to do and what products to use, All of them recommend NOT to do invasive surgical routines. What it does is break the natural structure of your skin, your map, and calls for more as we age. • Also what everybody agrees with is using SPF 30 (not even 15) on your face. This is one of the most powerful measures, they say, each one of us can take as we go through life. • Early years are for Prevention, Mid and Later years are for maintenance for our skin needs. • Always pay attention to your NECK! Start caring for it from young age. Same routine for your Neck as you do for your Face. They are a powerful DUO that do give away the signs of aging!
I don’t belive in all that stuff about doing botox that’s not for me and great advice to know that’s for this help full information
I would never do botox, Its so new, never know what the side affects down the road are gonna be. I just don’t think its safe.
No invasive work for me. Even if I could afford it I wouldnt do it. I have seen too many bad things happen. I had an aunt that wanted plastic surgery so bad . She couldnt afford to do it here in the US so she went to lower Mexico to get it done…Very bad results she got an infection when she got back home to Louisiana and passed a few months after. Very sad she wasnt happy with what she had…………I may be overweight and be getting grey and a bit wrinkled but Im here. Here to enjoy watching my children and grandchildren
I wont even color my hair (The 2 times I did in my youth damaged it quite a bit) I cannot imagine using botox and surgery (I will thank the media and Holylwood for never even having the temptation for showing me all those Frozen faces) 😉
My neck has aged a lot he past two yrs and I hate it. My sister who is a yr older is my picture for the future a year a head. Never fails I look at her notice something aged on her and said yep next year I will be like that except for my no grey hair. lol I was blessed to get my grandmothers hair because she did dye it or get grey til she was in her 60 ands had very lil grey when she died ant age 78 I think.
Hair Care
“The fact is that your hair will probably get more gray and thin as you age, and the texture may get coarser as well. Once we get over 40, the hair can get finer – especially around the crown and hairline – due to the follicles shrinking,” she explains. “A steep decline in melanin means we start to see grey hair more obviously once we reach our 50s. And some degree of hair loss will be evident once in our 60s.”
Choose a cut and color that’s flattering, keeping in mind that it probably won’t be the cut and color that worked for you in your 20s and 30s.
Things to Keep In Mind:
– Do NOT be bullied into a certain “age” style, because there are no fixed rules. Your hair is your statement, and no one else’s.
– Treatments for aged hair is nourish and rebalance the maturing scalp, while revitalising the hair fibre.
– It’s not just hormonal changes that leave women a little thin on top. Harsh chemical treatments, vitamin deficiencies, and even hereditary factors could be to blame.
Naturally occurring oils, like argan and coconut, have been proven time and again to add shine, strength, and moisture to brittle hair, thanks to a high concentration of fatty acids that help penetrate the strand’s shaft and repair hair from the inside out. Best of all, the added vitamins are just as good for you on the inside. Look for iron, vitamin C, keratin, and biotin on the bottle to help speed hair growth and strengthen strands.
– Save hair with iron supplements paired with vitamin C (which aids iron absorption), a cheap and effective method.
I have nott done to much with drying my hair only when my daughter went to school for hair I was a ginnie pig for her and I keep up with regular hair cuts and use little hair products I use no sprays even but man I am getting some grays I don’t want lol
I don’t know why but, my hair grow so fast. I need a hair cut every 2 months. I never blow dry my hair. It is getting dry. I tell everyone Ms. Clariol is my best friend.
I used to dye my hair all the time but now I just have let it grow..It is longer than it has every been but it is falling out all the time. I try my best to get great shampoo and conditioner but knowing about the vitamins is a big help Lura I didnt know …Thanks
I do not look forward to it-my hair is one thing I have actually always liked about myself (and I wear it very long-however once it gets “too gray” will feel forced into cutting so I do not look like a “witch” Lol) I know having long thick hair is a blessing because my 32 yr old sister who has always had baby fine hair has suffered premature hair loss and grays since her mid 20s.She is the one that made sure to point out a few yrs ago to me that I too had some grays hiding in there 😉
I hate the thinning in the front considering I always had very thin hair but a lot of it beautician always said. I use Suave with macadamia oil in it. It makes my hair shine and gives it body too.
Aging Gracefully Is Our Respons-Ability to Our Body and Mind
To leave you with some pointers here:
– Revers damage with Idebenone (eh-DE-be-known).
This is an antioxidante that is small enough to penetrate deep into skin to repair damaged cells.
Taken daily, Idebenone Supplements ($60; prioriskincare.com for locations) defend your skin’s health from the inside out.
– Boost Skin, Hair & Nails
Try: Primrose & Black Currant Oil
Dr. Andrew Weil recommends gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fat that helps promote healthy skin, hair. The best sources of GLA are evening primrose oil and black currant oil; take 500 mg of either twice a day and expect to use them for 6 to 8 weeks before you see results.
– Stronger Nails with Omega-3 Oils
“Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for nail health,” says Weil. “Eat a few more weekly servings of omega-rich flaxseed, walnuts, and oily, cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, or take daily supplements with 2 to 3 g of fish oil to get a combined 1 g of EPA and DHA.”
– Stop Hair Loss
Try: Iron & Vitamin C
One cause of thinning hair is anemia. Hair loss occurs because iron deficiency lowers levels of red blood cells, which are crucial to the health of hair follicles. Save hair with iron supplements paired with vitamin C (which aids iron absorption), a cheap and effective method.
– Physical Activity
To boost your energy level and prevention for many chronic diseases.
– Yoga and Meditation
Have been shown that peace inside and expressing love to others boosts immune system. So, smile often and be Social!
I think, Not eating a lot of pre-packaged foods has something to do with it. I grow a garden every year and home preserve all the food I can.
Barbara we grown a garden every year also. I love to be able to just go out and grab some nice fresh goodies from the garden when I need something to snack on. We freeze alot and can what we can.
So much great information here. I really appreciate that I am able to be here this morning to get it.
I had no idea that vitamin c and iron played a role in hair health. I know like most women I am going to have a hard time aging gracefully-I already do…but I am making a constant effort to try (and a constant effort to take care of myself along the way…even though part of that is to slow down the aging process-lol 😉 )
I agree with all of this and make sure you get a good nights sleep. Sleep is Vidal for or emotional stage as well as physical. Sleep charges us like we are plugging ourselves in to be revived.
I have heard a lot about yoga I think I might give it a try what can it hurt well I like todays tipic I will come back later to read other comments
Karen,
My personal experience with yoga –> start with 1 or 2 exercises. Perfect them to the point where you are comfortable doing them and know the flow.
Then, add 1 or 2 more to the mix.
Practice the Mix, then add 1 more.
What it does is Not overwhelm you.
Also, I keep my yoga mat by my work desk! I spring onto it like a frog when I get my breaks (frequent breaks) from the desk and computer screen!
you are wonderful I will try it thanks Laura for making us all feel important
Do anyone know a easy Yoga exercise to help with a bad hip and how to stretch and help my lower back?
Yes, Julie,
Special stretching would relief it significantly.
Please message me in the group, and I’ll try to find a picture or take a picture of myself to show you the position of stretching your legs.
Ok Brain on fade mode here Laura, where do you want me to message you hun??? I really appreciate that 🙂
I love this morning blog. I learn so much. Going to try some of these ideas.
Libbi,
Good morning, BIRD!
Learning and sharing this knowledge among us all makes us a powerful TRIBE! A MORE ENRICHED TRIBE OF GALZ WHO LOVE EACH OTHER’S COMPANY!
Sleep habits sponsored by Casper
What do you think? Would you like a Casper Mattress? –> Watch Casper video in the main Post and See If it sounds persuasive. Share your thoughts, please.
Possibly 🙂 Lol I need to find a good mattress….it seems more affordable than others Ive seen but is it gonna stand the test of time? I like Tysons quote at the end “I am a dreamer.I have to dream and reach for the stars and if I miss a star, then I grab a handful of clouds” .Epic
Jessica,
Do you know that YOU are my inspiration!
I would love to try it. It seems to be a good one. 🙂
wow what a nice mattress I would love it
Need more information I think 🙂 I need a little more to be persuaded 🙂
Wow I would love that mattress 🙂