Ageing is natural, but feeling old? That’s a choice. Too often, we hold onto habits that make us feel and look older than we are – especially when we hit that half-century mark.

Now, I’m not suggesting you can turn back the hands of time, but there are certain habits you can kick to the curb if you want to feel and look younger.

Here’s the deal: If you’re over 50 and want to embrace your youth, it’s time to say goodbye to these habits. Trust me, your body and mind will thank you for it.

So, buckle up as we dive into the habits you need to ditch to keep that youthful glow alive.

1) Sedentary lifestyle

Ever heard the phrase “move it or lose it”? Well, it’s more than just a catchy saying.

When you hit 50, staying active becomes more crucial than ever. A sedentary lifestyle is a surefire way to feel and look older than you are.

Consider this: A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that physical activity, even in small amounts, can help to maintain a healthy body and mind as we age.

Now, I’m not suggesting you need to run a marathon. But adding more movement to your day can make a world of difference. Walk instead of driving short distances, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or dance while cooking dinner.

Remember, every bit of movement counts. And the more you move, the younger you’ll feel and look.

So, if you’re serious about embracing your youth post-50, it’s time to kick the sedentary lifestyle habit to the curb.

2) Skipping sunscreen

I’ll admit, I haven’t always been the best at applying sunscreen. I used to think that a tan was a sign of health and vitality. But boy, was I wrong.

Once I crossed the 50-year mark, I started noticing more wrinkles and sun spots that were a clear result of my years of sunbathing without protection.

That’s when I realized: If you want to look younger, you have to protect your skin from the sun. Period.

Now, I never go a day without applying sunscreen. Rain or shine, indoors or outdoors, it’s become a non-negotiable part of my daily skincare routine.

And guess what? My skin has thanked me for it. I’ve noticed fewer wrinkles and an overall healthier complexion.

So if you’re over 50 and want to look young, say goodbye to skipping sunscreen. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it.

3) Lack of sleep

Sleep is not just a luxury, but a necessity for our health and wellbeing. When you’re sleep-deprived, it doesn’t just make you feel older, it can actually speed up the aging process.

Research from the University of California, Berkeley, found that poor sleep can accelerate skin aging and weaken the skin’s ability to recover after sun exposure.

Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. So if you’re regularly clocking in less than that, it’s time to rethink your nightly routine.

Say goodbye to late-night TV binges and hello to a consistent bedtime. Your skin, energy levels, and overall youthfulness will reap the benefits.

4) Negative mindset

Your mindset matters more than you might think. If you’re always focusing on the negative, it can take a toll on your overall wellbeing and even make you feel and look older.

A positive outlook, on the other hand, can do wonders for your youthfulness. It helps reduce stress, improves your resilience, and even boosts your immune system.

If you’re often caught in a cycle of negative thinking, it’s time to break the habit. Start practicing gratitude, focus on the good in your life, and surround yourself with positive influences.

Remember, a youthful spirit starts with a positive mindset. So wave goodbye to negativity and embrace a more optimistic outlook on life.

5) Forgetting to hydrate

Water is life. It’s as simple as that. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and it plays a vital role in nearly every bodily function.

I know we’ve all heard it a thousand times, but hydration really is key to feeling and looking younger. It aids digestion, improves skin elasticity, and keeps our energy levels up.

But sometimes, amidst the busyness of life, we forget to drink enough water.

I want you to think about the plants in your garden. When they’re deprived of water, they start to wilt and lose their vibrancy. The same thing happens to our bodies when we fail to hydrate properly.

So, if you want to feel and look young when over 50 years old, remember to drink enough water every day. Let’s make dehydration a habit of the past, and embrace the vitality that proper hydration brings.

6) Eating processed foods

I was always one for convenience. Quick, easy meals that required little to no effort were my go-to. But then I noticed my energy levels dropping, my skin losing its glow, and my waistline expanding.

That’s when it hit me: my love for processed foods was doing more harm than good.

Processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium. Over time, a diet high in these foods can lead to weight gain, skin issues, and an overall sense of feeling older.

Making the switch to whole, nutrient-rich foods can be a game-changer. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains don’t just taste great – they nourish your body and can make you feel and look younger.

So if you’re over 50 and want to turn back the clock a bit, consider ditching the processed foods. Your body will thank you for it.

7) Ignoring mental health

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health when it comes to feeling and looking young.

Stress, anxiety, and depression can all take a toll on your appearance and energy levels. They can lead to sleep problems, weight gain, and even accelerate the ageing process.

Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help manage stress levels and promote mental wellbeing. Regular social interactions and hobbies can also help keep your mind sharp and youthful.

So if you’re over 50 and keen on preserving your youthfulness, don’t forget to pay attention to your mental health. It’s time to say goodbye to ignoring it and hello to nurturing it.

8) Neglecting regular check-ups

If there’s one habit to say goodbye to immediately, it’s neglecting regular health check-ups.

These appointments aren’t just about catching potential issues early, they’re also about maintaining your overall health and wellbeing. They’re a chance to ensure everything is functioning as it should, and if not, to take the necessary steps to correct it.

Whether it’s your annual physical, dental cleaning, eye exam or any other regular check-up, make these appointments a priority.

They might just be the key to feeling and looking young when you’re over 50 years old.

Reflecting on youthfulness

At the heart of it all, feeling and looking young after 50 is ultimately about cherishing and caring for the body you have.

Consider this: According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, people who adopt healthier behaviors have a significantly lower risk of poor physical function as they age.

It’s not just about saying goodbye to certain habits, but also about embracing those that nourish your body and soul. It’s about choosing activities that invigorate you, foods that fuel you, and thoughts that uplift you.

Whether it’s picking up a water bottle instead of a soda, applying sunscreen even on cloudy days, taking an evening stroll or simply choosing to see the glass half full, every small change contributes towards feeling and looking younger.

As we reflect on our habits, perhaps the question is not just about how to feel and look young after 50. Perhaps it’s also about how we can live our best life at any age. After all, youthfulness isn’t just a physical state – it’s a state of mind.