The process of ageing begins at birth. It is a natural phenomenon which we are all subjected to. In the early years of growth and adolescence even as we grow and build new tissues, cells in our bodies are dying and being replaced. Medical science has now developed techniques for prolonging and improving the quality of life. Health care, a balanced diet, proper exercise and adequate medication have resulted not only in longer life but also in increased youth and vitality through the middle years.

Attitude is everything. Yes, Everything. It is more vital than events. It’s more important than what’s happened. Because attitude d e t e r m i n e s whether we are happy or unhappy, fulfilled or empty, the positive perspective assures us that we can never fail. A hopeful attitude guarantees internal success. Attitude- the altitude adjuster determines whether we fly high or low, crash or soar, glide or slide.

Anybody can have a positive attitude when things are going well. What really matters is how you act when things are going badly, that determines the strength of your character. An appropriate attitude means feeling hopeful in challenging times. Stop yourself. Count your blessings. Look for the good.

Even if it has been slowed down nevertheless the ageing process continues. The external signs of ageing are familiar – grey hair or baldness, wrinkled skin, loss of flexibility, stiffness of joints etc. while there is no specific age for these signs to appear, it is only after the 40s that the real ageing process becomes evident. It is but natural that we enter the fourth decade of our existence with some trepidation and yearning to withdraw and roll back the golden years of youth. But since that is not possible. It is wiser to look  ahead while advancing in age. You cannot defy what is ordained for all mortals. But you can delay or slow down the process of decline if you want.

Ageing no longer has to be a one-way ticket to worsening health, decreasing vitality and fading looks. While women of the previous generations might have resigned themselves to a gradual loss of mobility and vitality, bravely enduring the “inevitable” aches, pains and inconveniences of mid-life, we can if we wish to have it otherwise.

Women of Today:

The woman of today wants to remain in control, both mentally and physically even as age catches up with her. Free of the burden of early marriage and incessant child bearing and rearing, she now has time and capacity to stand up and face the crunch of the dreaded 40s and 50s.

We can take courage from the fact that aches, pains, malfunction and memory lapses are no longer the “inevitable” corollaries of ageing. It is true that as we grow o l d e r , reaction time slows and the blood flow to the brain r e d u c e s slightly as the blood vessels become a little less elastic. But since essential skills remain not only intact but also well-ingrained with use over the years, our additional experience makes up for any shortfall in speed. To suppose that an individual excels in intelligence at 20 and declines from then on would mean rejecting the accumulated effects of experience, knowledge, judgment and practice and assuming that intelligence owes everything to physiology.

There is no doubt that life has become more complex and stressful over the years and this holds true more so for the woman of today who shunts between the home and office striving to excel at both the fronts. The result is that recall of the minute details of day –to-day life eludes her, making her unduly apprehensive of the advancing age.

The sort of memory loss that is associated with age, and is independent of tiredness and lifestyle stress, becomes apparent much later in life. Although short-term memory is the commonest cerebral victim of later life, it does not necessarily indicate anything sinister.
Depression, for instance, can also lead to memory lapses in the elderly. Unlike t h e degenerative b r a i n diseases like Alzheimer’s or Dementia, it is r e v e r s i b l e and can be treated. It is heartening to know that even short-term amnesia is not inevitable.

Circumstances have as much to do with failing memory as fading mental faculties.   Stimulation, variation and the challenge of learning new things are the best way of brushing away the mental cobwebs. The adage “use it or lose it” applies as much to the body as to the brain. Activity is an essential part of life, be it of the mind or the body. It we continue to move and use our bodies well in our day-to-day living, we will be able to find the strength, energy or perservance to do what we want or need to do.

It is not super fitness acquired at expensive gyms and aerobic classes we need to strive for, but long-lasting fitness which can be attained by incorporating a little activity into our daily lives. As we enter our 40s, sedentary muscles waste quickly or tire sooner, making us slowly withdraw from activity. Immobility, which was earlier voluntary or selfimposed,
now becomes involuntary and superimposed. The heart and lungs become lazy as they get accustomed to supplying less blood to undemanding muscles. Even the bowel refuses to move. But do not lose heart if the formidable 40s catch you sitting around. It does not take that much exercise to reverse the situation even after years of inactivity. Within weeks of incorporating activity into your life, fat stores decline while muscle tone builds up and the metabolic rate rises.

Unlike the mechanical engines which wear out with continued use, the human body improves. The body is designed for activity and not for a lifetime of sitting around. 
Main Cause: It is now recognised that it is disuse and not age which is the main cause of stiff joints, brittle bones, failing muscles, narrowed arteries or high blood pressure. These days, physical incapacity occurs increasingly often in middle age. Being active not only benefits the body by warding off health hazards or increasing the life span but it greatly enhances the mind.

Psychological benefits come in the form of a pervasive sense of well-being, calm and contentment, a clearer mind, sharper concentration, more energy during the day and a sounder sleep at night. To gain the advantages that an active lifestyle offers, activity must become a way of life. There is no point in doing vigorous exercise for a short duration to get fit or in shape. Past exercise, no matter how vigorous, does not endure. It is only present or continuing exercise which is beneficial to the human being as a whole, encompassing the body and the mind.

And when the mind or body is well attuned, you can stand, not sit back, mind you and watch your skin glow. Exercise increases blood flow to the skin and blood bears oxygen or other nutrients vital to your complexion. So if it is a healthier rosier skin you hanker for, the key word is activity.

7 Ways to keep yourself active:

1. Choose to be Enthusiastic
Corporate presidents voted it the most valuable personality trait. It’s the biggest single factor in successful selling. Think enthusiastically. Talk enthusiastically. Become enthusiastic by acting enthusiastic. Your thoughts and actions
establish your level of enthusiasm.

2. Be Alive to Everything You Do
Walk fast. Put a bounce in your step. A vigorous, hearty handshake indicates you are glad to be alive and happy to be with the other person. A good smile radiates enthusiasm. Put spirit into your speech by varying the tempo, raising and lowering the pitch, changing the tone and modulation. Force yourself to act with enthusiasm, and soon you will feel enthusiastic.

3. Broadcast Good News
No one ever made a friend or accomplished anything worthwhile by transmitting bad news. Good news, on the other hand, promotes goodwill and spreads enthusiasm. The message, “Hey! I’ve got good news” gets the attention of everyone. Take sunshine to school or work. Always aim to make the person you talk to feel better than they otherwise would.

4. The Power of Visualisation
Imagination powerfully influences successful outcomes. When imagination and willpower compete, the imagination always wins. Force of will never keep you striving for success, but proper visualisation will. All peak performers visualise success. Before you try to do anything, close your eyes and visualise yourself doing it well.

5. Positive Self-Talk
What did you say to yourself today? Did you moan and groan about everyone at school or work? Did you complain about your friends to your spouse? What we think is 100% reflected in how we feel. If all we think about is negative thoughts, our actions will be negative. Remember “I’m a dynamic! I’m Healthy! Wealthy! Happy! I do what I ought to do, when I ought to do it, whether I want to or not! No Debate! I love me!”

6. Love Others
How can we become more loving? By bringing encouragement, optimism, and hope to all that we meet. By helping others feel comfortable in our presence. By spreading joy and goodwill. By being concerned about the wishes and desires of others. By understanding, caring, accepting, and forgiving. By becoming more concerned about helping others achieve their individual desires.

7. Never Miss 1 to 6 Above Go, choose your Attitude and choose your own way!

Tip to Women:

Women should become emotionally intelligent. They should be in control of their feeling and equip themselves with the requisite coping skills.

• Control your feelings and focus on yourtargets and health.
• Don’t get agitated over minor issues.
• Too much worry can annoy others.
• Focus on resolving issues.

After crossing certain age, the senior citizens should realise that old age is their last opportunity to do whatever they have liked to do all along – visiting places, reading, listening their all time hit songs, watching old favorite movies and so on. Never forget the golden proverb “A good laugh is sunshine in a house”.