There are all sorts of aphorisms about turning 40. If you’re around that age, you’ve probably heard them all. “Life begins at 40,” “40 is the new 20,” and so on. Still, few of us look forward to our fortieth birthdays.
But these days, turning 40 doesn’t mean you’re “over the hill.” It can actually be the beginning of some of the greatest years of your life. Looking and feeling our best might require a little more effort than it did twenty years ago, but it’s certainly attainable. Here are ten tips to help you look great at 40 and beyond.
1. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Sleep is important no matter how old you are, but once you’ve passed up your thirties, a lack of sleep becomes more apparent. The right amount of sleep for one person isn’t necessarily the right amount for someone else, but most adults need somewhere between six and ten hours. Find the amount that leaves you feeling well rested and stick with it.
2. Stay hydrated. As we age, our skin and hair tend to dry out. You can moisturize them until the cows come home, but if you’re not hydrating them from the inside, it won’t do much good. For best results, drink eight glasses of water a day.
3. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. It becomes easier to gain weight as you age, so it’s especially important to avoid junk food, soda and other calorie-packed foods and drinks. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, and stick with lean meats.
4. Be careful what you put on your skin. There are tons of anti-aging treatments out there, but some work better than others. When trying something new, watch for signs of dryness or irritation. Your skin won’t bounce back as easily as it did ten years ago, so it’s important to catch warning signs early.
5. Stop smoking. Smoking accelerates aging in numerous ways, both inside and out. It’s best to never start in the first place, but quitting now will prove to be very beneficial.
6. Keep a good attitude. If you have a poor outlook on life, it will show, and it will make you appear older. Staying positive and wearing a smile will make you feel and look better.
7. Do cardio exercise regularly. Frequent physical activity keeps us looking and feeling young. It helps keep us toned, keeps our hearts healthier and helps our bodies fight off disease. There’s no time like the present to join a gym or start your own exercise routine.
8. Lift some weights. Weight-training provides special benefits for women over 40. It firms the muscles and keeps them from looking flabby. Getting toned also helps to prevent the development of osteoporosis in later years.
9. When drinking alcohol, practice moderation. Heavy drinking is yet another thing that can accelerate aging of the mind and body. Most experts agree that women of any age should have no more than one drink per day.
10. Protect yourself from the sun. A little sun each day is good for us, because it helps the body produce vitamin D. But too much sun causes wrinkles and increases the risk of skin cancer. So if you’re going to be outdoors for very long, slather on some sunscreen.