The "New" 30, 40, 50, 60......

Have you noticed that women who look younger than their chronological age are tagged with the label "the new 60" (choose an age).  I would posit that we just are. We look fabulous because our norm is to take care of ourselves by eating well, moving our bodies, and exercising our minds the way that life intended.

We need to have a paradigm shift in our mindset so that a fifty-five year old woman, for instance,  racing around on her red bicycle garners no more surprise than her grandchildren, who are enjoying a ride with her.  Ditto, that she also looks gorgeous. Some of us have great genes and will look great for decade upon decade, even if we don't strictly adhere to "being good" to our bodies all the time, but using our bodies the way they are meant to be used definitely fosters looking great.

The same paradigm shift must happen between our ears.  Some of us seem to have it ingrained in us that once we reach a particular chronological age that we are "old."  And we consider that being old means being limited physically and mentally; e.g, "I'm too old to learn anything new."  You are what you think.  If you're breathing, you can learn.  There are classes all over the place in practically any subject that might strike your fancy.  Is there something you've always wanted to know more about; or something that you always wanted to try your hand at, e.g., jewelry making.  Many of these classes are free or very low-cost.  If you want to take some college level courses, go to www.coursera.org.  These courses are taught by professors from all the top universities, such as Duke University, Harvard, U of PA, etc.  Although you don't earn credits toward a degree, you do earn a certificate for completing the course.  It's a great way to study something in which you have an interest.

 Regarding the physical:  the body is meant to move.  You don't have to go out and run marathons (unless you want to, that is), but you can get out of the recliner and walk around the block and take in the beauty of Nature, work in your garden, ride a bike, take a yoga or pilates class (there are tons of DVDs if you prefer to do this in your home). Oh, and by the way, have you heard of Zumba?!  Fun and sexy!  If you like to dance, look for one in your area. There are many locations that offer Zumba classes for free, so move those feet and shake those hips 'cause hips don't lie.  Check this out: (hang on thru the short commercial)  www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JD7nr2Vt0Q

After this paradigm shift becomes the norm, we will no longer fall over from surprise when we encounter a sixty year-old woman who looks fabulous and has a mind to match.