Tips for ageing well – Vitality is the best tonic

I’ve been pondering ageing recently. For the first time in thirty years my Mum now lives in the same city as me. As a result I have been spending time with many of her friends- I guess you could call them ‘women of a certain age’…all of whom look fabulous. Not just for their age, they stack up well against any number.

I leave their company and wonder what it is about them that I find so inspiring, so truly invigorating.

I’ve concluded that it is their vitality. Their total engagement – in the conversation, in their interests, in the world around them; passing on their opinions, but never judgemental. The effort that they make seems almost out-dated. Except it’s not. Elegance is timeless, as is etiquette, manners, and quiet self confidence. Now that is a tonic in the me, me, me world we have become.

Granted, young children under foot don’t factor in their lives any more – the kids have long moved out of home, taking with them sleepless nights, endless loads of washing, chauffeuring offspring to sports and refereeing sibling ‘discussions’. A lack of these I am sure will gift me with a certain calmer glow, at some point…

In the interim I will watch from the sidelines and ponder the future, (in relative terms I’m still young) but changes are afoot.

Some I don’t mind; like the thicker skin I’ve developed; and the ability to speak the truth often. I don’t love the few extra kilos that creep on when I let down my guard – even for a minute – I really dislike that it takes twice as long to lose them again.

Strangely though, as wrinkles appear and my hair begins to grey, I actually feel better in my skin. I have never shied away from the options available to maintain a semblance of youth. I always said that if I felt I needed it I would go under the knife; hell I’d go the whole carving set if I thought it might help. Some might call that vain – I call it pleasing yourself – whatever ‘it’ entails.

However as that sweeping statement drifts closer to becoming reality, I wonder how far down the path of self improvement I will really wander…we have all seen the results of ‘too much’ work…and it isn’t pretty…

I’ve experimented with growing the colour out of my hair. I hung in there for a year before I was back to the bottle – I didn’t look like ‘me’ or certainly not how I feel…so I’ll stick to ‘blonde’ for now…

There are many wonderful role models for ageing with grace, Linda Rodin pictured above is one such chic chick.  She is in her mid ‘60’s and beginning  a new career, developing a fancy, schmancy facial oil.  I think I have a girl crush…her style is amazing, and yes she used to be a model – however the most fabulous appeal is that she has found what works for her…and work it she does.

My conclusion is this; develop a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your style, a sartorial elegance as it were – one that feels right for YOU – then own it.

Add to that great hair, groomed nails and a healthy, fit body and you are pretty well set.

Oh and a pair of cool glasses might help too!

Try Linda’s amazing facial oil – Olio Lusso. 

WHAT DO YOU DO TO KEEP HEALTHY AND FIT (and ageing gracefully…)?

Image. Lindarodin