Over the Hill and Over 50 - Is this really getting old?

Now that we’ve hit the over 50’s, let’s look back

So, here I am….50 something and wondering what the hell happened? 

Wasn’t it only yesterday that I was laughing at my mom walking into the lounge scratching her head saying “What did I come in here for?”........ Now look at me….. doing the same damn thing. 

I remember thinking to myself as my mom entered the room a second time, still wondering what the heck she was doing …… “This will never happen to me, I will never get old and I certainly won’t be anything like mom” rolling my eyes as she entered the room a third time, finally remembering what she had come in for!!

Remember the time we thought that over 50 was old

Another memory flashes by of me going into mom’s bedroom after she had just washed her hair. She had a towel wrapped around her head and was pulling and winding it tighter? What is she doing??? “Look” she said “Look at how this lifts my face! Is this how I would look after a face lift?” ……..My God, my mother is 50 and bonkers!!!

These memories arise as I catch myself doing the exact same things. My mom’s words as she sat in front of her dressing room mirror “It’s like an old woman looking back at me” ……. Yes, that’s me now…… I am almost tempted to wrap a towel around my head, just to see if it makes my wrinkles disappear. Outside we age, but inside we still have our youth running around and out of control. 

Hitting your 50’s is a landmark. It is actually a ‘bench mark’ in the fitness industry. Anyone over the age of 50 is classed as an older adult therefore exercise for this age group is treated with thought and understanding. Even when I studied this subject and qualified as an Older Adult Instructor in my 40’s, I still never thought this would happen to me?

Do we want to look younger now we are in our 50’s

This really got me thinking! Is this the issue? 

Do I want to look younger as I get older? Do I want to be a younger woman? Well actually no I don’t? I want to look the best that I can for sure. 

I don’t know about you but I don’t think a face lift is the answer, neither is botox or fillers? Have you seen what all that stuff does to your face? Even the rich and famous with all their cash, can not make this a good look? 

Like my mom always said…...no amount of money changes a ‘turkey neck’ or ‘mature hands.’  Yes mom, you were always right. That age old adage “growing old gracefully” is pretty much spot on…...well lets just say looks-wise it is …… but a little bit of ‘disgracefully’ here and there won’t hurt anyone!!

Yes, we are the next generation of 50+ year olds

So, what do we have to face moving into the over ‘50’ midlife changes? Social media for a start. Something mom never had to cope with. 

Actually, I could have ‘de-aged’ mom with filters and photoshopping. She would have loved that and the towel would’ve been made redundant. 

We face these images of perfection and we compare ourselves to this fakeness!! Today’s society is not accepting of an older generation, or maybe I have never noticed this until now? Especially women? Why does a man look distinguished and charming with a growing belly, greying hair or a bald head? It just doesn’t do it for middle aged women, does it? 

Some great examples of famous Inspiring Women over 50

But all is not lost? We have some great role models to aspire to. All aging gracefully on the outside with a bit of disgracefully going on inside. 

For example there’s Dame Helen Mirren. Not only does she look fantastic, although she said (about herself).... “Being famous for being cool about not being gorgeous.”.......but I think she is and she has achieved so much in such a difficult industry, yet surviving through decades of change. She has stood up in this anti-ageing industry with some great quotes

“As you get older, naked stuff gets easier. It's more to do with the role than what men in the audience think. There's a liberation about it.”

“All any of us can do is make the best of what we have and live with generosity and kindness. Now that is beautiful.”

 

And …. there was that 2008 red bikini photo that went viral …… Wow!! That photo catapulted Helen right to the top of the ‘Sex Symbol’ hall of fame. This is ‘ageing’ the right way…...so ‘Bravo’ to Dame Helen Mirren.

Then there is Kathy Smith. I have followed Kathy for many years (being in the fitness industry myself). She continues to promote a healthy lifestyle in this ever changing world. 

She looks pretty amazing for a woman of 69 years. She has adjusted her exercise routines and encourages exercise programmes to fit around our own lifestyle and our ageing bodies. She says about her life and energy source:

 “Making every minute count by continually learning, sharing, creating, giving, and experiencing. Each day is a new adventure. The joy I experience by being present for each day allows me to live life to the fullest.”

Finding your inner peace

A big part of acceptance is to be happy inside as well as outside. We need to spend time alone to get to know ourselves. In life we do tend to put others first whether it is for our family, friends or work colleagues. When we do this and feel resentful, then this will disturb our peace and lead to unhappy and stressful thoughts and feelings. 

Selfcare is not a selfish act. Selfcare is harmonising our mind, body and soul. It means we stop comparing ourselves to others and find our own individual paths in life. 

When we reach our 50’s we tend to continue our lives in a way that our younger self created. Now is the time to re-evaluate. Try some self care with relaxation and breathing

50 plus and proud to enjoy life to the fullest

 

Now is definitely a time to say ‘Goodbye’ to this idea of trying to look younger and embrace the idea of defining and nurturing ‘the best version of yourself’ as you age.  Embrace every day and live life to the fullest. By all means admire those ‘role models’..... (And I do), but don’t try to be the same as them, just be your version of an ageless, middle aged, 50+ female living in the moment. 

 

Don’t focus on the things you can’t do anymore? Believe me, I would love to go to the gym 6 days a week, but I just can’t do this anymore. I can however redefine my thoughts on health and fitness for the over 50’s and enjoy the activities I choose rather than exhaust myself on the things that I ‘used to be able to do’.

 

The most important thing you can do is take some time for yourself. To do the activities that make you feel well, are enjoyable and enhance your happiness. 

 

We are so hard on ourselves as we check out all the stuff others are doing. We scold ourselves endlessly for not doing this or doing that!! We are missing the point here somewhat!!

So the point of me writing such a personal blog, other than being over 50? 

I have accepted that I am past the age of youth (it happens)....I can adjust my life to accommodate this age-thing and still be as good (or dare I say) a better version of my younger self? Let’s face it…..being a woman over 50, we have been there, worn the t-shirt and done the rounds. We are now on round 2 of life, the enjoyable round. The round where we accept what we are and we are going to make the most of it!

I have always been a good girl really…...perhaps a bit too good? Err on the side of caution. I felt too much guilt if I didn't go along with the crowd, when really I wanted to do my own thing. Too many times I have let others dictate when I should have stood up and said no? 

Now being a touch over 50, I feel ready to do my own thing ….. To find some excitement, to try the stuff I put to one side and just get out there and enjoy all the things life has to offer. This is why we are here. We have been given this gift of life to have fun, live for the day …….. These are our best years!

To make the best of yourself in body, mind and nutrition you need to look at your overall health. By just making a few small changes in your life you could reap many benefits. We are still young even when we hit our 50’s. 

Now is the time to make improvements that will carry you to a better life in your 50's and beyond. Try my free course for 50's and over to help you understand how these little changes make a big difference

©HealthyForeverFitnessMotivation

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