It's never too late to make some life-altering changes, which is why we love these simple tricks for achieving a healthier, happier, more-balanced life at 50 and beyond.
1. Make Time for Adequate Shut-Eye
We've all experienced the benefits of a good night's sleep. Still, studies show that older adults have trouble reaching their recommended seven to nine hours of shut-eye a night. Sound familiar? To fit in more snooze-time, try moving your bedtime up by 15 minutes and setting your alarm for 15 minutes later. If you lay in bed awake, try some relaxation techniques to wind down, and make sure that you're using your bed only for sleep or you-know-what (wink wink, nudge nudge).
2. Help Improve Your Skin Overnight
Put those hours of precious sleep to work by using a night cream that can visibly reduce signs of aging.
Aveeno's Absolutely Ageless Restorative Night Cream has been clinically proven to reveal softer, smoother, younger-looking skin in as little as a week. The nourishing formula helps strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier, which helps maintain a healthy complexion and boosts skin's elasticity. And, despite being superhydrating, it doesn't feel greasy or clog pores.
3. Enhance Your Natural Glow
Skin tends to lose moisture with age, which can lead to a lackluster complexion. Though hydrating and elasticity-boosting skin care products are your best bet, you can fake your way to a dewy complexion with light-reflecting makeup products. Try sweeping on some highlighter on your cheekbones over your blush or layering your foundation over a radiance-boosting primer.
4. Start a Gratitude Journal
At this point in your life, you probably have a lot to be thankful for, so why not take a few minutes each day to reflect upon and jot down those things in a gratitude journal? Studies show that an attitude of gratitude can do everything from deepening relationships to improving emotional health to helping you sleep better.
5. Fill Your Plate With Healthy Fats
You may have been raised to fear the F-word (by which we of course mean fats). However, healthy fats, found in foods like salmon, avocados and olive oil, have many benefits, including helping us maintain the health of our brains, joints, hearts and skin.
6. Get a Move On
No excuses, ladies: You should be exercising each week -- regardless of age. But that doesn't mean you have to pump major iron or train for a marathon. Aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise, which can mean a bike ride or a brisk walk. Get a friend in on the action for some calorie-kicking camaraderie.