When it comes to wrinkles, there are so many cosmetic and invasive solutions available to women today, that if we’re not careful we’re going to look like a tribe of cosmetically enhanced automatons! Rather than throw cash at painful, un-natural solutions like acid peels and Botox injections, wouldn’t it be great to just grow older the natural way?

With age, facial muscles and skin can lose tone, the circulation might not be as great as it used to be. Also sun worshipping may have taken its toll, so there are lots of factors that contribute to skin ageing.

Stress is also a contributory factor. When we’re stressed we tend to tense the muscles in our face, which can result in worry line’ on the forehead or between the brows. Relax more and look for ways to deal with your stress rather than absorb it into the structure of your face!

It’s hard to reverse damage that’s been done, but it is wise to minimise any future risks. Therefore, avoid excess sun, improve the circulation with increased exercise and eat a healthy diet to help maintain the condition of your skin.

Eating foods which are high in anti-oxidants, such as cranberries, blueberries and artichokes is also beneficial. Drinking plenty of water is recommended, so that you eliminate toxins and stay hydrated. Avoid excess alcohol and cigarette smoke, as both these factors will contribute to the drying of the skin.

Adopt a sensible skincare regime using gentle, natural, alcohol-free products to promote moisturisation and skin elasticity. If you’re still worried about wrinkles then you could try facial exercises that work the muscles in the face and jaw, and supposedly increase your muscle tone to promote a more youthful appearance. Facial massage feels wonderful, and the benefits can be enhanced with the use of a gentle, herbal cream or with the healing properties of olive oil.

Alternatively, try adopting an attitude change. Stop trying to fight the aging process and love your lines and wrinkles as a symbol of your wisdom and experience. Embrace some positive lifestyle changes and grow older with grace.

Nothing is worse than sore, painful feet and many women over 50 have to suffer this daily affliction. Too many years of wearing unsuitable shoes and spending hours on your feet as part of you work and home lives with little time to pamper yourself will eventually catch up with you.

Health issues such as poor circulation, diabetes and carrying extra weight can cause foot problems as well. Remaining mobile after 50 is crucial in terms of maintaining your health and enjoying a good quality of life, so place caring for your feet at the top of your agenda.

Bunions, hammer toes, corns and calluses can all be dealt with by a good chiropodist and it’s advisable to consult a professional to ensure that you’re wearing suitable shoes and using the best products available to help alleviate these kinds of problems.

There’s plenty you can do at home to improve the condition of your feet, however.

Firstly, invest in a foot spa. These can cost as little as $10 and provide sweet relief with settings for soothing warmth and gentle bubbles. You can always add a little essential oil to the water and enjoy the relaxing benefits of the natural aroma. Lavender and Rose Geranium will both offer relief from stress and strain and leave you feeling great.

Secondly, regularly remove dry, hard skin with the use of a pumice stone, a foot scrub and a foot file. Don’t let the problem build up and take the risk of suffering from painful, cracked heels. Whenever necessary, smother the feet in heel balm before bedtime, seal it all in with a pair of cotton socks and enjoy the results the following morning. Wearing open backed shoes is a definite No if you are prone to hard skin – opt for a comfortable pair of pumps or canvas slip ons instead.

Finally, remember to dry your feet well and use a good moisturiser on your feet after bathing or showering. There are plenty of non-greasy products on the market that offer intense moisturisation.

We all know that regular exercise is good for us, but it’s especially good for women over 50. It’s never too late to start exercising, and once you get going some of the negative effects on your health of not having exercised regularly can be reversed.

Exercise can help menopausal symptoms and helps reduce the risk of diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease, as well as toning the body and controlling weight.

There are valuable social benefits in participating in group exercise activities as you’ll meet likeminded people, and this can be especially important if you’re no longer tied to the workplace and you value some routine in your weekly schedule. And if the thought of spending hours in the gym bores you and seems too much like hard work, there are plenty of fun ways to get the heart pumping and burn up the calories.

There are no age restrictions to cycling and you can go at your own pace. It’s a great form of aerobic exercise which is all the more enjoyable if you do it with a friend.

Active older people reduce the risk of hip fracture by taking part in regular exercise and cycling is extremely good for increasing stamina, strength and coordination. It also offers that wonderful sense of freedom that we often crave.

For the extroverts amongst us, belly dance is incredibly good for the joints and bones and offers an amazing feel good factor. It strengthens the hip and leg joints and stretches and strengthens the muscles, especially those in the lower back. Belly dancers come in all shapes and sizes and most women report that it helps improve their confidence on many levels.

Rowing offers a total body workout. It strengthens the back whilst working the joints and muscles. It’s also great fun to work as a team if you fancy joining a rowing club and have a natural competitive streak.

Once again, there are no age barriers to rowing. You could simply team up with a friend, hire a boat for an hour or two, and take turns to use the oars, whilst the other person relaxes with a healthy drink or snack and takes in the relaxing vibes of the river.

Looking good over 50 will keep you feeling positive and youthful, but many women opt for short, cropped, austere, grey hairstyles and seem to give up on having luscious locks.

Very short hair is easy to manage, and won’t necessarily need daily washing, but it can appear unfeminine and harsh around the face. If you can resist the pressure to have the chop, you could consider a neat, shoulder length style that frames the face, soft curls or a classic bob. Layered styles are also kind to the over 50s and look trendy and modern.

As a rule, softer hair colours look best on older women, so it’s a good idea to avoid dark colours like jet black, blue-back or dark brown. Your look can also be softened with highlights or by using multi-toned colourants that give a natural appearance.

A good hairdresser will be able to advise you on the best colour for your skin tone, which can change with the menopause and may lighten with ageing.
Of course, there’s no reason why you can’t go for a dramatic look if you can carry it off, and if you want long hair it’s not a problem as long as it’s kept in good condition and well looked after. Although it’s not usually recommended for grey hair, henna will colour grey hairs a bright copper colour, so it’s great for salt and pepper greys who want to make a statement.

It’s important to adapt your makeup colours to complement your new hairstyle and colour and remember that by taking a little time and making the right choices you can look as fabulous as you did twenty years ago. And you deserve to!