Three years from now, do you expect to be as strong and agile as you are today? How about six years from now?

If you answered “Yes” – write down three things you do on a regular basis to challenge your strength, mobility and endurance. If you answered “No” – consider why that is. Do you believe functional decline and physical impairment is just an unavoidable part of aging?

I find that many articles written for “seniors” have an undercurrent of ageism. There seems to be a general expectation that as we age we must prepare for becoming physically frail.

For example, articles on aging-in-place often reference “senior friendly” or “senior access” rather than focusing on the issue of functional impairments regardless of age. This turns otherwise helpful information into a subtle reinforcement of the idea that it’s “normal” to become physically frail with age.

Frailty Does Not Have to Be Part of the Aging Process

To be clear, I’m not speaking against universal design! I think it’s a great way to support independence regardless of age or functional status. I’m opposed to attaching the expectation of frailty to the normal aging process.

This is an aspect of ageism that is often overlooked but has a proven impact on outcome. Studies with adults over 60 have shown that:

• Those exposed to negative stereotypes of aging functioned significantly worse on cognitive and physical tests than those exposed to positive images of aging.
• Those with positive age stereotypes were 44% more likely to fully recover from severe disability than those with negative age stereotypes.
• Those who expect health to fail are inactive and low age expectations amount to very low levels of physical activity.
• Those with a more positive self-perception of aging lived an average of 7.5 years longer.

Lifestyle Factors Like Being Sedentary Impact Frailty

Decades of research show that physical frailty is preventable – and even reversible – at any age. Yet physical frailty is still a leading cause of nursing home admission. I have never heard anyone say, “I want to live in a nursing home when I’m 80.”

Still, there is a serious gap between intentions for remaining independent and actions. Even though about 90% of physical decline into frailty is due to lifestyle factors, the vast majority of adults over 65 still report being sedentary.

Staying Active Is Essential!

If you plan to stay functionally independent for your full lifespan, then being physically active isn’t just a good idea – it’s a necessity! In a previous article I outlined the average loss of strength as 1-1,5% per year after age 30. Age does not cause the vast majority of functional decline – inactivity does!

As inactivity causes dramatic loss of muscle mass, it’s easy to see why many adults reduce activity with age. They first give up on physical activities as they become more difficult. Then they start finding even small things increasingly difficult until eventually it’s a struggle to climb stairs or rise from a chair.

Say No to Frailty!

Just say no to avoidable frailty! The good news is you don’t have to be a tri-athlete to prevent becoming frail! Commit to protecting your independence by gradually improving your strength, mobility and endurance.

Walk briskly to build heart and lung endurance, challenge your leg and arm strength, engage in activities that support joint mobility. Most of all, change your expectations of aging to fit with the latest body of research showing that physical frailty is not a “normal” part of aging!

Remember that unless you are challenged by a disease process that prevents your body from improving strength, endurance or mobility, your current physical function is a direct reflection of your lifestyle habits. That means, you can change your habits and physical function – one small step at a time!

To get started with lifestyle changes, visit my website for a free downloadable Vitality Portfolio Tool-Kit.

Are you happy with your currently level of fitness? What are you doing to increase your strength, mobility and endurance in your 60s? Do you feel frailer as you are getting older? Please share your thoughts and experiences below!

Tamra Judge’s Floral Ruffle Top

Tamra Judge 2021 Instagram Fashion

Tik Tok saw it first! But thankfully Instagram did soon after for those of us who don’t have Tik Tok (me). And indeed it certainly is game time because Tamra Judge is winning in her floral ruffle top. Sure floral print for Spring/Summer is groundbreaking. But what’s amazing is that this top isn’t bank-breaking either. And it’s still fully stocked. That surely won’t last for long so get off Tik Tok and go get yourself a new cute top.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop Her English Factory Floral Top

Click Here to Shop Additional Stock

Photo Credit: @tamrajudge

Originally posted at: Tamra Judge’s Floral Ruffle Top

From TikTok to Instagram trends, it’s all about the retro vibes these days. Sorry millennials—the ’90s and 2000s are included. To make sure your hair joins in on the throwback action, there’s one look that should be on your radar—the retro flip hairstyle trend. Our favorite celebs including Rihanna and Kylie Jenner have been rocking the look and doing it really well.

This hairstyle originated in the 1960s and was later popularized in the ’90s, hairstylist Cash Lawless reminds us. It’s officially back with a vengeance. The best thing about this flip hairstyle is that there are so many ways to rock it. Whether you’re throwing in some hair clips or adding bangs, there’s a twist to this look to suit you.

We caught up with Lawless, as well as hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, to get the scoop on this re-emerging style and exactly how to make it work on your own hair at home. In addition, stylist and salon owner Ursula Stephen gave us the scalp-care tips we need to ensure the health of our hair. Keep reading to find out.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Source: Instagram

Book That Haircut

Before you can nail the style, you have to have the right cut. This isn’t really a DIY situation. After all, you don’t want to get scissor-happy on your hair or extensions and end up ruining the look before you have a chance to rock it. Lawless stresses having the proper cut before attempting this style. “[This] is going to be your foundation for whether or not you pull this off well,” he says. “A one-length haircut, with significant density on the ends and with the length meeting just at the collarbone, will get you a beautiful, full, long-lasting flip that hits right at the shoulder. You can go a little longer, but I recommend you flip the hair once the length gets past the collar bone.”

Wash and Prep the Hair

Whether you’re opting to try this style on your natural hair or with hair extensions, it’s essential to care for your strands first. The last thing you want to do is damage your hair in the process. The shampoo, conditioner and leave-in products best for you depend on your hair’s needs, but both Lawless and Fitzsimons recommend starting with a heat protectant. We like Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray ($13.99 at Amazon).

Stephen emphasizes caring for your scalp while sporting on-trend styles. If you have textured hair and are opting for wigs or extensions, this is especially important. She recommends using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner line such as Dove Dermacare Scalp ($4.99 at Amazon).

Source: Instagram

Add Volume With the Right Products

Fitzsimons is no stranger to the voluminous hair flip and has even done the style on Kylie Jenner. If you’re concerned with volume while blow-drying, especially if you’re not using hair extensions, he recommends NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Volume Blowout Jelly ($13 at Ulta) to pump up the volume in your strands and achieve non-sticky hold. For heat protection and memory (lasting, touchable hold), Lawless loves Seven Haircare Heat Defense ($19 at Amazon) to prepare your hair for the big flip.

Choose Your Hot Tools

Since you’re working with heat again, you should apply additional heat-protectant to your hair. Fitzsimons likes Tigi Copyright Custom Create Heat Protection Spray ($14 at Amazon) which conditions and softens hair. The actual hot tools you use depend mostly on what you feel comfortable with. While Lawless prefers using a curling iron for better heat control (300 degrees or less!), on the flip side, Fitzsimons prefers a flatiron with rounded plates. 

Source: Instagram

Section Hair and Start the Flip

There are so many modern twists to the flip; the possibilities are endless. If you’re like Fitzsimons and love a classic look with a touch of a ’90s feel, you can keep it parted down the middle and add some ’90s-inspired accessories. To switch it up a bit, Lawless is a fan of the trending half-up half-down style.

Once your hair is dry, cur pieces outward, rotating the flat iron or curling iron toward you. Remember to lightly comb through your hair before curling to avoid tangles throughout the process. Also, be sure to refrain from tightly clamping your hair with your tool to prevent denting the hair. You don’t want crimp lines going through the ends.

Make It Last

If hairspray makes you think of crunchy, stiff hair, we have some great news. Both hairstylists recommended some of their favorite soft hold products to help make the style last without the crunchy feel. Lawless recommends Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 ($18.50 at Ulta), which resists wind and humidity all day. Fitzsimons, on the other hand, loves Redken Fashion Work 12 Medium Hold Hairspray ($21 at Ulta), which contains vitamins A and E.

Treat Your Scalp

If you choose to achieve this style using wigs, Stephen reminds us to care for our hair underneath. You want to keep your hair and scalp moisturized at all times. If you’re concerned with product build-up between washes, she recommends using a lightweight natural oil such as jojoba. This particular oil mimics the natural oil (or sebum) that comes from our scalps. All hair types can use jojoba oil, but the amount varies based on texture and density. For example, curly to kinky hair textures will probably require more than straight or wavy hair types.

Whichever way you flip, this retro style is totally worth giving a go this season and beyond.

Many of us constantly live with questions hanging over us – questions concerning our life in general, especially when we transition to the retirement years. Perhaps you feel something is “off”, but you can’t put your finger on it. Do you know what “it” even is?

If so, I believe these feelings are more
normal than you’d think. After all, we’re told that it’s important to look at
our life from time to time and make sure it’s all we want it to be.

We want to make sure it’s the best it
can be.

We Don’t Know What We’re Asking

However, the problem usually arises because we
don’t really understand the questions we direct to ourselves.

We don’t understand what we want so how can we
expect to answer in a way that fits us and works for our lives?

Does that make sense? Let me give you an
example.

As I (as well as many of my friends) neared
the age of 50, I found that there were common thoughts and feelings we seemed
to frequently discuss when we were together.

And, after much reflection, I realized that
many of us were asking ourselves the very same questions and desperately
wanting to find the answers to them.

But we never really knew – for sure –
what we were asking ourselves.

So, I’m hoping that by listing these questions
below you will connect with one of them (or even all of them) and if so, maybe
take some time to answer them in detail.

I believe the effort will be well worth it for
you.

At least it was for us.

The 5 Questions

• Who am I now?
• What do I want to be when I grow up?
• Is this all there is?
• I’m bored – what now?
• I don’t want to sit in a rocking chair, so what do I do instead?

We’ve Changed

Each of these questions is one you could have
asked when you were 18 and just getting ready to leave high school.

Maybe you even asked these questions again when you hit 30 and you realized you were no longer a 20-something and “life was passing you by.” How crazy is that statement?

And, again, at this later stage in life – you
might find yourself asking these questions once again.

With each new phase we enter, I believe we are
different people. What we thought and needed at 18 no longer applies.

Who we were at 30 is probably not who we are
at 50, 60, or 70.

We change. Our likes and dislikes have
evolved. The views we hold are shaped more clearly by our years of experiences.
Our personalities have softened or hardened.

Everything about us is different now –
especially if we had children – the Empty Nest Years are changing us drastically.

So why, then, do we not anticipate the need to
ask ourselves some deep questions at this time of life to see who we really
are… now?

We need to reflect on these questions if we
want a life that is truly fulfilling at our age –
and not just a life that was created back when we were 25.

Because as we all know, that creation may not
fit now. Nothing says we need to stay in a suit that no longer fits.

In fact, I hate to wear clothes that no longer
fit. I can’t sit or stand without pulling and tugging at the clothing and
feeling miserable the entire time I’m wearing it.

Living a life that no longer fits can feel the
very same way.

Maybe you’re ready for a BIG change?

Now What?

Maybe you’re asking yourself some of these
questions right now, but because you didn’t know exactly what they were you
couldn’t answer them.

Now you know.

Ask yourself these hard questions. Take your
time and ponder them. Talk to friends and family about them. But more
importantly, whatever else you may do…

Answer
them!

I promise you that your future self with thank
you for it!

What questions have you been asking? What were
your answers? How do you go about adjusting to the changes after 60? Please
share with our community!

To say that our relationship with food is complex is an understatement, especially when it comes to weight loss. If it was easy, I would put on my dietitian hat and tell you how many carbs, proteins and fats you should be eating.

You’d lose the weight and keep it off, and we’d be done. But, as I’m sure you know it doesn’t quite work that way!

Our Relationship with Food After 60

The reality is that there is SO much emotion and psychology behind our eating, and if we don’t take the time to understand this – and embrace it and heal it – then we aren’t likely to succeed in permanently releasing excess weight.

Pause for a moment and think about your relationship with food in your childhood.

Food as a Treat

When you were learning to use the potty, were you rewarded with little candies? If you had a bad day at school, were you comforted with a cookie? Did you get a ‘treat’ if you ate all your dinner? In these instances, your brain learns to recognize food as a way to feel happy or cared for.

Coping Tool

On the flip side, food is often used as a coping tool that works to tranquilize painful emotions or keep you numb.

If your childhood was chaotic and stressful, you may have subconsciously learned that carbohydrate foods and beverages like bread, cereal, pasta, cookies, chips, donuts, candy and soda made you feel better. And it’s not just because they tasted good.

These sugary foods affect your brain chemistry by increasing your serotonin and dopamine levels – the ‘feel-good’ chemicals that help you feel calm and happy or excited and motivated.

Current research is also showing us that if you have a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), your risk of using food as a coping tool is greatly increased.

ACEs include, but are not limited to: any type of abuse – physical, sexual or emotional; divorce or separation; violence in the home; alcohol or drugs in the home; mental illness in the home; a family member in jail or prison; and not having your basic needs met.

To learn more about how modern-day stressors and childhood traumas affect our weight, I warmly invite you to watch this video.

How to Classify Your Cravings

To discover more about what’s going on with your cravings and emotional eating, start by asking yourself the following questions when you find yourself headed to the pantry or the fridge because you just need “something”:

• How are you FEELING right now? Ask yourself if you are tired, overwhelmed, angry, lonely or anxious? Very often, we are craving relief from these feelings.
• If you eat the food you are seeking, how will that make your BRAIN and HEART feel? Cravings and emotional eating are rarely about your level of physical hunger.
• Is there a childhood memory associated with the food you are seeking? Is the memory a good one or a bad one?
• If you weren’t allowed to eat this food, how would you FEEL?

I love exploring these questions with my clients because it opens the door to a more holistic and healing path when it comes to weight loss and optimal health.

If you’re tired of knowing what you’re “supposed to do” but not being able to do it, I warmly invite you to try a more heart-centered and mindful approach to permanent weight release.

Do you crave certain types of food more often than others? Have you connected your hunger to specific feelings? What do you think about losing weight via holistic methods that take care of your health? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.