The Art Of Aging Gracefully, By Sharon Stone

September 30, 2014

It’s not uncommon for celebrities to opt for a facelift to look younger. After all, in their business, it’s important that they are questioned on their “secrets” to looking younger.

Actress Sharon Stone, who became a sex symbol after her sizzling role in Basic Instinct, explained the dilemma in an interview she gave to a fashion magazine. ‘I can’t tell you how many doctors try to sell me a facelift. I’ve even gone as far as having someone talk me into it, but when I went over and looked at pictures of myself, I thought, ‘What are they going to lift?’ . . Frankly, I think that in the art of aging well there’s this sexuality to having those imperfections. It’s sensual.’

It’s not a crime looking your age; but only a few like Stone manage to stand their ground.

The emotional trauma of aging is more pronounced in women. Blame it on media’s portrayal of what is ‘hot’ or social mindsets that require women to maintain their “youthful looks”, while male counterparts age without drawing much attention.

“There are generic emotional issues such as putting their youth behind, watching friends pass away and children grow up to be independent that affect both sexes. However, women bear the added mental burden of menopause,” says Dr. Sonar, an India-based psychologist.

Age related diseases such as arthritis, cataract, osteoporosis, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and Alzheimer’s can also pile up. “It’s harsh, but the important truth about aging”, says geriatric specialist Dr. Leena Gangoli. Prevention in these cases comes from maintaining healthy habits like regular exercise, rest and a balanced diet during your youth.

And, it’s never too late to start …

Eat well
A woman above the age of 50 needs about 1600 to 2000 calories per day, depending on her level of exertion. Remember five basic rules while planning your diet; reduce sodium, increase intake of good fats, look for hidden sugars, add fibre and cut out bad carbohydrates. If you feel taking notes is too laborious, just aim to put five colors on the plate in every meal.

Be cautious and don’t overeat like you would when you were a teenager. As you grow older, the body starts to take time to digest meals. Small meals at frequent intervals works better.

Add foods that boost immunity and fight illness-causing toxins to your diet. Brain foods like fish and nuts packed with omega-3 fatty acids can help improve focus, while decreasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Exercise regularly
Research shows that sedentary lifestyles are more likely to put you at risk of diseases like arthritis, cardiac failure and osteoporosis than old age. Also, maintaining your weight will prove more difficult as the metabolism will slow down with age.

Exercising regularly helps increase metabolism and build muscle mass. Burning more calories will also ensure you build an appetite and eat at regular intervals.

Live and love
Achieving inner peace may sound like an uphill task. However, it’s important to understand that even small joys can go a long way in brightening your day. Meditation can help build self-acceptance and self-control that’ll help you make peace with aging.

It is equally important to take up a hobby and pursue it regularly. Doing well at the hobby of your choice can fill you with a healthy competitive spirit and a sense of achievement even post retirement.