Secrets of a long healthy life!!

I know I keep banging on about health and fitness and the benefits derived from a good plan and actions.  I see my family and friends glaze over when we discuss what you should be doing and compare with what we are doing.  As we reach out mature years you realise that all the investment pays off and in the main you get the body you deserve.  However it is never too late!!

Thats why I thought I would share these articles with you and also the quiz below....fascinating reading with some helpful advice.  The Mail does tend to produce some useful health articles which highlight current research.  I know they are probably included in other publications but I find reading the Mail on line is easy and enjoyable.

Its my birthday on Saturday and I suppose these anniversaries make you take stock!! We are all saints and sinners!!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2822882/Key-longevity-mind-sense-purpose-extend-life-two-years.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2818200/Middle-aged-women-30-minutes-exercise-day-cut-chance-developing-breast-cancer-fifth.html


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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2821157/Try-test-reveals-brain-age-read-knock-years-it.html

ANSWER EITHER 'TRUE' OR 'FALSE' TO THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS: 

1. I get between seven and eight hours (or more) sleep each night.

2. I eat at least five or more servings of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants daily.

3. I eat at least one serving of blueberries, raspberries or blackberries daily.

4. I eat baked or grilled fish high in omega-3 fatty acids at least three times a week.

5. I take fish oil supplements high in omega-3 fatty acids or flaxseed supplements at least five times per week.

6. I take folic acid supplementation and a daily multivitamin.

7. I take a low-dose aspirin daily.

8. I drink red wine or grape juice at least five times a week.

9. I exercise most days of the week for at least 30 minutes each time (total of three hours or more of strenuous exercise weekly).

10. I read challenging books, do crossword puzzles or Sudoku, or engage in activities that require active learning, memorising, computation, analysis and problem solving at least five times a week.

11. I have ‘longevity genes’ in my family, with members who have lived to 80 and older without memory loss.

+7

The quiz asks whether a person eats at least five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day

12. My total cholesterol is below 5.2 mmol/l.

13. My LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol is below 3.3 mmol/l.

14. I am not obese (less than 1.4 stone overweight for a woman; less than 2.1 stone overweight for a man).

15. I eat a Mediterranean style diet — one high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, with olive oil as the source of fat and little red meat.

16. Instead of butter and margarine, I use olive oil and no trans-fat spreads.

17. I have never smoked cigarettes.

18. I have normal blood pressure.

19. I do not have diabetes.

20. I do not have metabolic syndrome (high triglycerides, central obesity, and hypertension), also called insulin resistance syndrome.

21. I do not have a sleep disorder such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnea or untreated insomnia.

22. Daily uncontrolled stress is not a problem for me.

23. I have a strong support group and enjoy many activities with friends, colleagues, and family members.

24. I have no problems with short or long-term memory.

25. I’m ready to prevent Alzheimer’s and am willing to do whatever it takes. 

+7

And those taking part in the quiz are asked if they drink red wine or grape juice five times a week

NOW ADD UP HOW MANY QUESTIONS YOU ANSWERED 'TRUE' TO... AND SEE WHAT YOUR SCORES MEAN: 

0-11: You have a high risk of Alzheimer’s. Add 10 years to your chronological age for your Real Brain Age. Right now, call your doctor and talk openly about health problems you have. Ask if you’re doing all you can to manage these problems.

12-14: You have a moderate risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Add five years to your chronological age for your Real Brain Age. While there’s not a lot of disparity between your Real Brain Age and your chronological age, you need to understand the risks you have that increase the chances of Alzheimer’s. 

15-19: OK. Your Real Brain Age is the same as your chronological age. That said, you have a mild risk of Alzheimer’s disease, so pay attention. Carefully review the quiz to see what changes you need to make to your diet, exercise, mental stimulation or rest and relaxation. 

20-22: Not bad! Subtract ten years from your chronological age for your Real Brain Age. You are doing a lot to take care of your physical and mental health. Check the specific questions that you marked ‘False’ and be sure to pay attention to changes you need to make.

23-25: Congratulations, you are ageing well! Subtract 15 years from your chronological age for your Real Brain Age. You are presently healthy, with a youthful and productive mind. Unless things change in your life, your risk of Alzheimer’s disease is extremely low.

It’s important that you review the quiz and circle any of the statements that indicate some work is needed. Talk to your GP about your risk factors to see if treatment is indicated. 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2821157/Try-test-reveals-brain-age-read-knock-years-it.html#ixzz3IIoUgByB
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Image and Grooming at 60!!

I noticed from the age of 50 that my skin tone was changing and my once very dark brown  hair  (which I was maintaining) no longer seemed to sit comfortably with my palour!  So overtime I have had my hair streaked with highlights and lowlights until it sort of gave me a kind of equilibrium. 

I know this takes time but it isn't too onerous. It's a small price to pay to  remain attractive and part of the human race! I have mentioned in a previous post that when I was working as a  management consultant and providing advice to decision makers,  we placed great store on image and grooming. Why does this matter? Well it is all about perception. The way you look provide clues as to what you are all about. Some would say - well that's not fair - maybe not but realistically that's the way things are. Look at the politicians they are wakening up to the power of the right image for credibility. With a general election on the horizon - have a look at the efforts which are being made!!! 

When you reach your senior years you suddenly find that you can become invisible. Your once vital opinion may not be sought as ......at your age......maybe it isn't so valuable? ! 

You find that many topical items don't include you anymore.......your age group is not regarded as important - surveys, fashion, jobs........

I would argue that we do matter, that we have a wealth of experience and wisdom. However to remain relevant we must play our part in changing perceptions of the elderly and be aware of our own PR.

 Some talk themselves old, they don't take care of themselves, pay less attention to how they look, neglect cleanliness and grooming......... They also rule themselves out of many interests and activities which are well within their grasp.

However going back to my starting point of  paying attention to my hair.........

last week this article appeared on whether or not to go grey. .......

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2747140/FOREVER-BEAUTIFUL-Don-t-grey-roots.html

Have a read and let me know what you think!!

I know which image is appealing to me! This is only one aspect of getting old .....in my opinion  ....I think men as well as women benefit from a little enhancement in the dye department. More difficult for men to achieve a natural look but so many new products are available to quieten the glow of snowy hair.

You may say well I can't be bothered and of course this is your prerogative .......but be aware of the possible consequences..........

Tomorrow I am returning to my real bugbear.......... yucky teeth!!

Healthy Weight....

Getting older means increased maintenance....tedious but necessary!  If we have looked after our bodies along the way then we hope we have gained some credits! I don't know about you but certainly my conversations with my 60 ish friends and relatives often revolve around ailments and operations and we compare notes.

We look for advice from people we regard as the experts and in my book we look to them as role models.  I have mentioned this before when I had a routine medical overseen by an obese nurse. The consultation had an almost facial quality about it as she provided information on weight, blood pressure and the dangers of a poor diet..........  all good stuff but seemed to have been wasted on her.

This week there was an article in the Mail on this very subject - some medics had decided to take their own advice and lose considerable amounts of weight whilst the last one featured decided not to heed the dangers and his image to patients.

Have a read on the link below and see what you think!

 One fact really disturbed me in this article ...that a recent study revealed that 700,000 people that is half of all NHS staff are overweight or obese!!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2748371/Diet-It-s-job-warn-perils-obese-So-happened-health-experts-realised-fat.html

more clothes!!!

I promised a photo of me wearing the Temperley dress to see what it looks like on - it is very comfortable and covers arms and a few other problem areas!!…..and its different!

Another plus for this dress is that is that it doesn't crease and is easy to pack as is another dress I want to mention.  This is by LK Bennett - I must have had this for about 3 years and it goes everywhere with me as again it doesn't crease and it covers arms and is very flattering and is a comfortable knee length. You can also wash by hand and drip dry! A real bonus when you consider the cost of dry cleaning. I think it cost about £180 but have seen it since in the sale. 

I always have a look at what is on offer in LK Bennett as I have never yet been disappointed.

One of the problems I find with clothing is how much the sizes vary from designer to designer and country to country and the "read across" is not always so accurate.  So it is very important to know your size in say UK, US, France, Italy and then always try on!! Don't be tempted to think that yes this is my size only to be disappointed when you get home.  Buying on line does give you the opportunity to try on and you can return . I have a friend who squeezes herself into what she regards as her size but she is at least one size up and unfortunately it can spoil the image.  Just because you can actually pull up the zip doesn't always mean its your size!!

I read somewhere that the reason the French women look so chic is that they buy a size bigger than they are……not sure this is the answer…….

Remember my comments about trying to give an impression of eight for someone shorter in stature?  I suggested not wearing separates which cut you at the waist and reduce your height?  Well have at look at this link….Heidi Klum and Mel B.  Of course HK is tall and slim but this is accentuated by the slinky dress she is wearing.  Mel B although she has a great figure has chosen a fussy top and skirt which does not do her justice.  If she had worn a dress which followed through as HK's it would have provided a better image.  What do you think??

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2600153/Statuesque-model-Klum-towers-Americas-Got-Talent-judge-Mel-B-pair-edgy-leather-heels.html

Whatever your age you need to understand yourself, the improvements you can make and the clothes which suit.  The more research you do and time spent finding the real you will increase your self esteem and confidence.  Worth the investment!

Bad Taste!

If you are considering whether image is important - just had to post this link!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2596003/Fillies-fake-tan-fascinators-flashy-frocks-Coleen-Rooney-leads-charge-Liverpools-finest-descend-Aintree-day-racing-action.html

views????

Dressing to Suit!!

If you are an apple or one of the other shapes where you do not feel you have a defined waist then you create the illusion of one.  In the last 2/3 years there have been many versions of a panel  dress which seeks to provide a curvier shape.  Kate Winslet I think wore the first one and then there have been many others since who have followed.

Here is one of the more recent ones I have found which is a little more complicated but nevertheless follows these principles.

This is by Antonio Beradi,  reduced to £484 from £1210
on outnet.com

This is expensive but there many cheaper items on other sites and your local department stores.












If you are larger on the hips than the top then the rule is to wear dark colours at the bottom and light at the top. you may want the lighter top part more detailed to draw attention to this area and away from the bottom.  Maybe lace, a pattern and could even be horizontal stripes to attract attention at the top


Example to be found on outlet.com

This dress is £85 reduced from £170

W118 by Walter Baker

If you are big at the top and small on the hips like an inverted triangle then this one might work for you
- dark at the top with a little interest and……. light at the bottom with a peplum, which you can make the most of with your shape

Jason Wu was £3130 down to £939 at Outnet.

Bit steep for my budget but it does give the general idea!

A real no no for a larger bust you wish to disguise - horizontal stripes - more about these later.








More in next post including "height matters", stripes and dress and skirt lengths …but before I go…...

You may have seen the medical reports in the press which talked about obesity and how best to assess if you need to lose weight. We have relied on BMI and other measures which tend to be complicated and difficult to understand and calculate.  This week an alternative was  outlined -a very simple way of deciding if you need to do something…… just using the tape measure!!

"Men with waists of more than 40 inches and women with waist measurements of more than 35 inches are at an incredibly high risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-321572/Tape-measures-better-weighing-obesity-risk.html#ixzz2x4yLyeAf

Advice from the Dame!

Speaking after her Fashion Show at the German Gymnasium in North London yesterday, Dame Vivienne Westwood said:

'Buy less. Choose well. Make it last. Quality, not quantity. Everybody’s buying far too many clothes.

'I mean, I know I’m lucky, I can just take things and borrow them and I’m just okay, but I hate having too many clothes. And I think that poor people should be even more careful.

'It doesn’t mean therefore you have to just buy anything cheap. Instead of buying six things, buy one thing that you really like. Don’t keep buying just for the sake of it.

'I just think people should invest in the world. Don’t invest in fashion, but invest in the world.'

These contraversial  comments were widely reported in the press including the Daily Mail and on the surface seem quite harsh.

On reflection however the remarks may be quite sensible advice.  I remember in my teens that our family had a very limited amount of money to spend on clothes - there were so many other pressing and important priorities. My mother gave me some advice which have remained with me ever since my youth and ties in very well with Westwood's comments.

Mum said to buy one good quality item and use as a base to dress up or down with accessories.  In many respects this was her take on a "capsule wardrobe".  I followed what she said and bought a black jersey suit in the sale.  I chose the suit very carefully to flatter my figure or lack of....... 

At 5 ft 8'' and weighing less than 8 stones it was a challenge.  The suit however had a lined pencil skirt which hung beautifully as it had sufficient "body" with the two layers of material.  The peplum jacket nipped in the waist with a belt  and gave the impression of a curvy shape. I had 2/3 tops which reflected casual or more dressy.  It is surprising how versatile these few items came to be and stood me in good stead for quite a long time.

These days youngsters seem to place a lot of emphasis on buying from the  cheaper high street stores. This may seem like fun but I have heard people say some things you can only wear once or twice and then have to throw them away.

When you are young you could wear a bin liner and still look good!  You have youth on your side and don't have to waste money, and often money you don't have, on inferior goods.  It is surprising how creative you can be if you want to be.

Of course as you get older with perhaps more disposable income you can extend your wardrobe and indulge yourselves - and certainly I am guilty of that.  I am however always mindful of buying quality and shopping around for the best price. Old habits die hard!

Maybe the fashion designers should think a little more about this lucrative silver market.  It doesn't mean to say that clothes have to be "old"  but maybe think about the length of garments and also consider dresses with sleeves which are important considerations when looking to flatter this audience.

Being relatively tall I am often attracted to items only to find that they are far too short - such a shame!!

However I digress.........getting back to Dame Vivienne .....................she may sometimes court controversy but she may be worth a listen!

The Face You Deserve - update!

A while ago I mentioned using Nivea in one of my posts ..........."The Face You Deserve"

In an article today in the Daily Mail they compare the benefit of using the expensive Creme de la Mer and Nivea.

On balance they found that Nivea fared very well if not better in terms of hydration. Both creams were found to be very good but why pay a fortune for a cream if a much cheaper one delivers!

From previous post

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2418153/Claire-used-1-
Nivea-cream-half-face--105-Cr-la-Mer-The-results-VERY-revealing.html

Hair Today - related article!

Update on my post "Hair Today"

check out this link!!!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2396485/The-cut-point-youth-How-age-46-women-decide-chop-locks-favour-mature-style.html

Rejuvenation!

I have had several emails on the tria I use - see my previous post - "Never say never"

Have a look at this link for more info

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2304003/
Tria-laser-gun-2013s-new-beauty-toy-women-450-gun-claims-zap-away-ageing-wrinkles.html

and in summary.......!

Well my fellow silverstrivers  lets have a look at some of the topics we have shared so far................


Cunning Plan!
......importance of having a framework, plan and objectives

Diet 
.......we all have tried many diets and have some have worked and some have not. We understand the importance of keeping on striving to maintain a sensible weight, for health, looks and mobility.  The older we get the more we realise how good weight maintenance helps to ward off many illnesses or conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and poor joints
one website you might like which helps to monitor weight and exercise and provides advice which I have used and have recommended to friends ......
www.myfitnesspal.com 
you can also download as  free app on iPhone

Exercise
.......whatever your poison choose what works for you - gym, walking, pilates, yoga - must be something which works for you!  Check out this link of exercise for over 50s
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2279301/Jane-Fonda-launches-new-exercise-DVD-help-50s-stay-fit-like--despite-having-knee-AND-hip-replacements.html

Fashion
.......remember the uniform?  Look forward to revisiting the Fashion topic shortly.  Hope London Fashion Week delivers some goodies!

Mature Dating
......never too late to find "the one"! We looked at good and not so good experiences. Its worth striving but also worth exercising caution!

Teeth whitening
........in my opinion one of the most important "beauty" treatments involves regular visits to the dentist and hygienist and exploring which cosmetic treatments may work for your teeth.  Good dentistry, good for your looks, health and enjoyment of food!

Cellulite
........not always seen as a problem for all but if you are interested in the physical look and tone of your body then there are many treatments put forward by the cognoscenti.  Each to their own but regular exercise to me is a significant part of the solution.

Laser rejuvenating facials
.... a brief look at whats available - beauty clinics and at home - await readers experiences!!