There’s a clear distinction between just ageing and ageing gracefully.

This distinction comes down to your habits. Ageing gracefully isn’t about avoiding wrinkles or maintaining a perfect physique, it’s about health and longevity.

It’s about cultivating behaviors that will help you look and feel great well into your 60s and beyond.

Incredibly youthful women in their later years often exhibit certain behaviors that contribute to their youthful appearance and vibrant energy. And savvy ladies know there are specific actions that can help maintain this youthfulness without resorting to extreme measures.

Here are some behaviors to incorporate into your routine to help you age gracefully, just like these timeless women.

1) Embrace a positive mindset

The power of thinking positively is not to be underestimated, especially when it comes to ageing.

And women who age gracefully certainly understand the influence of a positive mindset.

Often, we’re faced with the choice between seeing our age as a burden or embracing it as a gift. And let me tell you, the choice isn’t always easy.

Enter the realm of positive thinking.

Positive thinking is a concept popularized by Norman Vincent Peale in his 1952 book, The Power of Positive Thinking. The principle idea is that our thoughts can significantly impact our reality.

Consider this. It’s the driving force behind affirmations, visualization, and the like.

When a woman is faced with the inevitable process of ageing, she can choose to dwell on negatives or highlight the positives.

So if you want to look and feel young into your 60s and beyond, it’s beneficial to adopt a positive mindset about ageing.

2) Regular exercise is key

I can’t stress enough the importance of regular physical activity, especially as we age.

Women who maintain a youthful glow into their 60s and beyond often attribute their vibrancy to a consistent exercise routine.

For instance, my aunt Marjorie, who’s in her 70s, is one of the most energetic and youthful women I know. And she’s been religiously doing her morning walks and yoga sessions for as long as I can remember.

The principle behind it is simple: Regular exercise promotes better health, improved mood, and increased energy levels.

So if you’re aiming to look and feel young as you age, incorporating physical activity into your daily routine is a must.

But remember, it’s not about strenuous workouts or pushing your body to its limits. It’s about finding a balance and choosing an exercise routine that you enjoy and can sustain.

3) They prioritize a balanced diet

Eating a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining a youthful glow into your 60s and beyond.

Women who embody this youthful vibrancy often have a careful approach to their nutrition. They understand that what they fuel their bodies with can significantly impact how they look and feel.

Consider the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Research has shown that individuals who adopt this dietary lifestyle tend to live longer and have fewer age-related diseases.

So, if you aspire to age gracefully, paying attention to your diet should be high on your list.

Remember, it’s not about extreme dieting or depriving yourself of the foods you love; it’s about balance and nourishing your body with what it needs.

4) They practice regular skincare

Taking care of your skin isn’t just about vanity; it’s a crucial aspect of overall health.

Women who look and feel young in their 60s and beyond often have a consistent skincare routine that they’ve maintained for years.

Skincare goes beyond just washing your face and applying moisturizer. It involves protecting your skin from the sun, staying hydrated, and using products that suit your skin type.

So, if you want to maintain that youthful glow, it’s time to pay attention to your skin.

Remember, it’s not about trying every new product on the market; it’s about understanding your skin and giving it the care it needs.

5) They cultivate strong relationships

There’s something incredibly youthful about maintaining vibrant, meaningful connections with others.

Women who look and feel young in their 60s and beyond often have an array of strong relationships that they invest time and energy into.

Whether it’s family, friends, or community connections, these relationships provide a sense of belonging and purpose that can positively impact overall wellbeing.

So if you want to age gracefully, don’t neglect the importance of cultivating and maintaining strong relationships.

Remember, it’s not just about having a large social circle; it’s about the quality of the relationships you nurture and the love you give and receive from them.

6) They make time for hobbies and passions

Life can get busy, and it’s easy to lose sight of the things that bring us joy.

Women who look and feel young in their 60s and beyond often have hobbies or passions that they devote time to.

For instance, I’ve realized over time that painting not only fuels my creativity but also gives me a sense of calm and happiness. It’s something I make sure to prioritize no matter how hectic life gets.

So, if you aspire to age gracefully, it’s essential to carve out time for activities that make your heart sing.

7) They prioritize rest and relaxation

Rest and relaxation play a significant role in our overall health and wellbeing.

Women who maintain a youthful appearance and energy into their 60s and beyond often emphasize the importance of rest and relaxation.

This includes getting adequate sleep, taking breaks when needed, and engaging in activities that help them unwind and de-stress.

So if you want to look and feel young as you age, remember to prioritize relaxation and rest.

It’s not about being lazy or unproductive; it’s about understanding the importance of recharging your body and mind.

8) They embrace their age

Arguably the most important behavior of all: Women who look and feel young in their 60s and beyond wholeheartedly embrace their age.

They don’t run from it or try to hide it; they celebrate it. They understand that every year brings more wisdom, more experiences, and more opportunities.

So if you want to age gracefully, love every stage of your life – the past, the present, and the future.

Embrace your age; it’s a testament to the wonderful journey you’ve been on and the exciting path that lies ahead.