How to age gracefully

Sep 04, 2009

Age comes to us all. And no, it does not call for plastic surgery or slathering yourself in cosmetics to look good despite your age. Every woman can slow down the visible signs of old age like wrinkles, sagging skin and aching limbs.

Age comes to us all. And no, it does not call for plastic surgery or slathering yourself in cosmetics to look good despite your age. Every woman can slow down the visible signs of old age like wrinkles, sagging skin and aching limbs. AGNES KYOTALENGERIRE tips you on how you can preserve your beauty

Eat healthy
Hanifa Bachou, a senior nutritionist with Mwanamugimu nutrition unit, Mulago Hospital, recommends a balanced diet with protein, low-fat, high-fibre, vitamin C and minerals. Bachou explains that fruits contain vitamin C, which rejuvenates the cells, keeping the skin radiant.
Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will help to keep the skin hydrated.
Bachou adds that when a woman reaches menopause, she begins to experience hormonal imbalance, which affects the tissues especially the bones, making them thin and ache. To stem this, Bachou advises taking foods containing calcium such as milk and fish (mukene). Besides, Bachou advises against drinking alcohol and smoking, because they compromise one’s health.

Fit as a fiddle
Bachou adds that aging women tend to gain excess weight which causes complications like hypertension, arthritis and diabetes. She recommends regular exercise. It not only maintains fitness but also encourages one to sweat, which helps remove toxins from the body. However, she recommends simple exercises that strengthen the heart, bones and muscles.

Detoxify regularly
David Ssali, a naturopathic with Dama Medical Herbs, explains that when toxins build up in the body, they cause health problems such as headache, bad breath and skin disorders like acne. He recommends to use antioxidants to eliminate toxins from the body.

Widen your interests
One of the challenges when growing old is boredom. Keeping yourself busy will help to keep the mind and body sharp. You can, for example, tend a flower or vegetable garden at home.
Take charge of your brain and strive to continue learning. You can read books on different subjects, take short courses and take part in voluntary activities.
Continuous use of the brain, will enable you to remain sharp.

Love your skin
Faridah Mutyaba, a skin specialist with Body Care, explains that the skin cells are born, they grow, die and are replaced. “The replaced cells become dry, rough, less-firm and lose their resilience as we age,” explains Mutyaba.
She advises that you can keep your skin glowing by moisturising it regularly, especially after taking a bath. Moisturising your skin will prevent dryness.
To get rid of dead cells, she advises scrubbing your face and body at least once a week. Exfoliating gives the skin a new and healthy glow.
Gillian Asiimwe, a skin consultant with Giva Beauty Solutions, explains that when the sun’s ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin, they destroy the cells. As a result, the skin darkens and develops wrinkles. To protect your skin from such harm, Asiimwe advises applying a lotion with sunscreen and vitamin E.
She adds that to avoid dry and cracked lips, apply lip balm.
To reduce the aging signs of wrinkles, lines on the face and keep the skin firm, Asiimwe advises that you apply anti-aging products. These products come in brands like L’Oreal, Gallia and Goodlife brands and are available in most beauty shops.
“Placing thin slices of cold cumber around the eyes for 20 to 30 minutes will help fight the dark circles around the eyes,” advises Asiimwe.

Keep your nails clean
Nails tell a lot about you. So, go get your manicure and pedicure regularly. Alternatively, with the right equipment, you can do it in the comfort of your home.

Dress gracefully
Dressing smartly is part of aging gracefully. Choose attires that convey maturity and elegance, which flatter your body shape.

Beautiful hair
Look dazzling with a hairstyle that is appropriate for your age. If you go for a hair piece, choose one that matches your facial shape, complexion and hair colour. Alternatively, you can dye your hair, but choose a dye that blends with your complexion.

Get enough sleep!
Enough sleep helps the body and skin to relax and also rejuvenates it.

Manage your stress
Worrying makes you age faster. When feeling stressed, take baths with sensuous oils like lavender. If you can afford it, go for a body massage.

Be friendly
Maintain a strong social network of family, friends and colleagues. Interacting with people not only improves your mood, but also outlook to life. Besides, keeping in high spirits all the time enables one to live longer and look younger. Remember, happiness is neither a gift nor a talent, but something that everybody can pursue. So go for it and own it!

Remain goal oriented
Regardless of your age, you can still set one, five, ten or twenty-year goals. Keep on growing!

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