There’s a tricky paradox when it comes to aging. We all want to look young, right? But sometimes, the very things we boomers do to stay youthful can actually make us look older.
And I’m not just talking about that purple hair dye that seemed like a great idea at the time.
I’m referring to those everyday habits, those seemingly harmless routines that we’ve been told will keep us looking spry and vibrant. The reality, however, can be quite the opposite.
In this article, we’re going to explore seven things boomers often do in an attempt to hold onto their youth, but which, unfortunately, could be accelerating the aging process instead.
And don’t worry – it’s not all bad news. Understanding these pitfalls is the first step towards making better choices. Remember, wisdom comes with age and it’s never too late to learn something new.
1) Chasing the latest trends
Ah, the allure of the new and shiny. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the latest fashion or beauty trend is the ticket to a more youthful appearance. And hey, who doesn’t want to be seen as hip and up-to-date?
But here’s the thing – not all trends suit all people. What looks fabulous on a 20-something model in a glossy magazine can often have the opposite effect on a boomer.
Instead of making us look younger, these trends can sometimes highlight our age rather than disguise it. They can draw attention to areas we’d rather not emphasise or simply make us look like we’re trying too hard.
Remember when everyone was getting their eyebrows microbladed? Sure, thick, defined brows are in style, but if they’re too dark or dramatic, they can actually accentuate fine lines and wrinkles.
The key here is to be discerning. Some trends may suit you perfectly. Others, not so much. The trick is knowing the difference – and that takes a certain level of self-awareness and honesty with oneself.
Before jumping on the next big trend, take a moment to consider whether it truly suits you or if it could potentially age you more.
2) Overdoing the bronzer
I’ve been there, folks. A few years ago, I decided to embrace the bronzed look. I thought a healthy tan would make me look younger, more vibrant.
I was picturing myself looking like a sun-kissed supermodel, fresh from a beach vacation.
So, every morning, I’d carefully apply my bronzer, convinced it was taking years off my face.
Imagine my surprise when a good friend gently pointed out that instead of looking youthful and fresh, my heavy bronzer was settling into my fine lines and making me look older.
Here’s the thing: when it comes to makeup, less is often more, especially as we age. Our skin changes over time and what worked for us in our 30s may not be the best choice in our 50s and beyond.
Excessive bronzer can emphasize wrinkles and make your skin look dry or uneven. It’s important to find a balance – enough to give you a healthy glow but not so much that it highlights the things you’d rather hide.
The lesson I learned? A light touch can go a long way in maintaining a youthful appearance.
3) Neglecting the neck
While we may be diligent about applying sunscreen and moisturizer to our faces, many of us forget about the neck.
But did you know that the skin on our neck is thinner and has fewer oil glands than the skin on our face? This makes it more susceptible to the aging effects of sun and environmental damage.
Leaving the neck out of your skincare routine can result in an imbalance. You might have a youthful-looking face, but if your neck shows signs of aging, it can actually make you look older.
Don’t forget to extend your skincare routine down to your neck. It deserves the same TLC as your face.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget about your hands either – they’re another often-neglected area that can show signs of aging.
4) Skipping strength training
It’s no secret that regular exercise is key to staying healthy and vibrant as we age.
But when it comes to what type of exercise, many boomers tend to focus on cardiovascular activities like walking or biking. Don’t get me wrong – these are great for heart health and overall fitness. But they’re not the whole picture.
Strength training is often overlooked, especially by women, due to misconceptions that it will result in bulky muscles. But here’s the truth: strength training can actually help you look and feel younger.
How? Well, as we age, we lose muscle mass – it’s a natural part of aging. But strength training can slow this process down.
It helps to maintain muscle tone, which not only keeps you looking fit and youthful but also supports your joints and keeps your metabolism humming along nicely.
Don’t shy away from the weights section at the gym. A balanced workout routine that includes both cardio and strength training is a powerful tool in your quest for youthful vitality.
5) Sticking to the same hairstyle
Confession time: I had the same hairstyle for decades. It was my safety blanket, my signature look.
But as I got older, I started to realize that my beloved hairstyle was doing me no favors. It was making me look dated, not younger.
Our hair changes as we age – it can thin, become more brittle, and yes, go grey. Sticking to the same haircut and color we’ve had for years, or even decades, can end up highlighting these changes rather than disguising them.
Sometimes a fresh cut or a new color can work wonders. It can frame your face differently, draw attention to your best features, and give you a boost of confidence. And who doesn’t feel younger when they’re rocking a new look that they love?
Changing your hairstyle can be a leap of faith, but it can also be an exciting opportunity for reinvention. After all, it’s just hair – it’ll grow back!
6) Avoiding fats
For years, we’ve been told that fat is the enemy. But not all fats are created equal.
While it’s true that we should limit unhealthy fats like trans and saturated fats, healthy fats are actually crucial for our wellbeing – and our looks.
Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, and avocados, are essential for keeping our skin supple and moisturized from the inside out. They can help to keep your skin looking youthful, glowing and smooth.
On the flip side, a diet low in these fats can lead to dry, flaky, and wrinkled skin. And while we might think we’re doing our waistlines a favor by cutting out fat, this can actually age us prematurely.
Don’t fear the fat. Embrace healthy fats as part of a balanced diet for both your health and your appearance.
7) Neglecting sleep
If there’s one thing that trumps all other anti-aging efforts, it’s a good night’s sleep. Lack of sleep not only leaves you feeling groggy and less focused, but it can also age your skin.
When you’re asleep, your body is hard at work repairing and regenerating cells – including your skin cells. Denying yourself the necessary hours of sleep disrupts this important process.
Persistent sleep deprivation can lead to dark circles, puffy eyes, and an overall dull complexion. It can also contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
If you want to maintain a youthful appearance, make sure you’re giving your body the rest it needs. Prioritize sleep – it’s the ultimate beauty booster.
Embracing the journey
The quest for youth is as old as time itself. We’re often drawn towards the idea of turning back the clock or, at the very least, slowing it down a little.
But in this pursuit, we sometimes lose sight of an important truth: aging is a natural part of life.
Growing older isn’t something to be feared or fought against. It’s a journey to be embraced, with each line and wrinkle telling a story of a life lived.
Remember, there’s no magic potion or secret ritual that can halt the aging process.
And while it’s important to take care of ourselves – through diet, exercise, and good skincare habits – it’s equally important to accept and celebrate our age.
As the great actress Audrey Hepburn once said, “The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.”
Instead of focusing on looking young, why not focus on feeling young at heart? After all, age is just a number. It’s how you feel inside that truly counts.
