Sunday, February 03, 2008

The Easiest Way Not to Look Old

There's a new book out, How Not to Look Old. I haven't read it yet but I have read and heard plenty about it. The author, a former editor of Glamour offers a myriad of valuable tips such as shortening your skirts and cutting bangs in order to project that youthful image many of us aspire to.
Clothes, hair and makeup visually define who we are and hint at our age. But there's another important factor in the equation; one that shouts old no matter how well you've nailed the perfect skirt length or lip color and that's posture and bearing. If you don't pay attention to them, all else is for naught.
Just look around any mall and you'll see what I mean. As we age osteoporosis and the force of gravity conspire to cause many of us to bend at about a 25 degree angle from the waist. We just sort of pitch forward. Some of us may be a bit hunched in the shoulders or our necks may have shortened . I realize I'm not painting a pretty picture here but as I said, look around and you'll see what I mean. If you're focused on achieving that youthful look, it's something that must be addressed .
The solution is simple; make a concerted effort to straighten up. The most effective way is to lift from the rib cage which may over time, have taken to resting on your stomach. Try this first standing sideways in front of a full length mirror. You'll notice that as you lift the rib cage,your shoulders drop and your chin raises a bit; your lower back lengthens and flattens as does your abdomen. Now practice walking in this position. It may take a little practice but keep at it and soon it will become automatic.
This is a trick I learned from my mother who even at 85 did not want to look like an old lady and never did.
Cheers, Barb

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Barb. Oh, you are so right about combatting osteoporosis now. An easy and good way to strenghthen your spine, according to my personal trainer, is to jump up and down (like jumping an invisible rope) for a few minutes a day.

Cheers,
Girl-Woman

Anonymous said...

Hallelujah!!
Posture! A great tip and reminder for all of us. Even 30 and 40 year olds begin the "slouch" and tummies begin to pop and necks poke out. I was personally made aware of my posture when a physical therapist was helping me with a neck problem. I had to learn to bring shoulders back and down to stretch the trapezoids. It made a big difference in my pain and I hope there is a difference in my apperance. No "old lady" look for us!
Jeanette

Anonymous said...

God, I'm glad I'm not the only one who has noticed this!

Lately I've realized that I do just this, leaning forward with a curve. I too am trying to combat this by trying to make a focused effort to stand up straight as I walk!