In the words of Bette Davis, "Aging ain't for sissies." And anyone who's lived long enough to experience middle age may tell you the same.
So before it catches up with you, here are some simple measures you can take to make sure you age as well as possible.
1. Get enough sleep.
You might have heard that as you get older, you don't need as much sleep. While things like hot flashes, medications and even having to run to the bathroom might keep you up at night, there's plenty of evidence that supports you getting a full night of sleep.
Not only can a lack of sleep lead to dull skin, poor sleep as you get older can also lead to feeling blue, feeling foggy and sleepy during the day, troubles with memory and an overall lower quality of life, according to the NIH.
If that isn't enough to convince you to count sheep, several studies have suggested that not getting enough shuteye is linked to Alzheimer's. One recent study found that not getting adequate sleep caused a buildup of proteins known for their association with Alzheimer's disease. Yikes.
2. Get a proper bra.
Regardless of age, wearing a poor-fitting bra that doesn't provide enough support or is too small can completely change the way your clothes fall. So do yourself a favor and head to your local bra specialty store or department store for a proper fitting.
They'll take separate measurements to determine your cup and band size. And if you're self-conscious, don't be. It's estimated that at least 75 percent of all women are wearing the wrong bra size. Try on a few different brands and cup styles to see what works for you and remember, no two bras are alike. And just in case you can't muster the courage to get measured, here's how you can do it yourself at home.
3. Tame your midsection.
Muffin top. Love handles. Yep, it happens to the best of us often with age. The good news is, you can do something about it. According to Harvard Women's Health Watch, belly fat responds better to diet and exercise than the excess flab you have on your hips and thighs. Exercise will help you trim down your waist -- remember, inches are more important than pounds.
Try to get moving for at least 30 minutes a day. And don't forget strength training. Evidence suggests that weight training can help trim your midsection better than just cardio alone. A Harvard study found that men who did just 20 minutes of weight training a day gained less fat around their middle as they aged, than those who just did cardio. A combination of the two is optimal.
4. Freshen up your makeup routine.
We hate to break it to you -- but the same kohl-lined eyes or cornflower blue eyeshadow you used to rock 25 years ago might look severe on you now that you're older. Instead of ignoring aging, make the best of it. Break out of your beauty rut. It will actually help you look younger.
Makeup experts say you should make changes to your beauty regimen according to your skin's new needs. Thinner lips? Make sure you throw on some lip liner to create definition and the illusion of volume. Sparse brows from years of overplucking? Pencil them in. Dull complexion? Don't skip the blush to give you a pop of color. Here are some mature beauty vloggers who can inspire your makeup reinvention.
5. Don't shrink.
After you hit 40, it's believed you lose around half an inch of height every decade. Bone loss is natural -- especially in post-menopausal women -- and you're not just imagining yourself getting shorter. As we get older, the vertebrae in your spine get closer together, causing your body to shorten. And if you happen to develop osteoporosis, it's much worse, leading to things like a curved back and poor posture. To prevent this, its important you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. For calcium, dairy products and tofu are great sources. Salmon and eggs are rich in vitamin D. Any low-impact weight-bearing activities will help reduce the effects of gravity too, like lifting weights, climbing stairs or even yoga. It's also important to stop smoking and reduce your alcohol intake.
Have any of your own tips? We'd love to hear them.
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