Suhasini is smiling. A person she barely knows has just told her that she looks too young to have such grown up children. The compliment fills her with a warm glow. At 47, what is Suhasini’s secret? Good genes, good luck or good choices?

Graceful aging is a combination of all these. Suhasini has a good self-image and strives to make herself look and feel good. She is aware of all the right choices she must make to maintain her looks and health. She knows that graceful aging and living longer depends on many factors and that she can control some of them.

Make laughter your friend

Laughter makes the face radiant in a way that no expensive skin cream can. Laughter also releases endorphins which are mood elevators. There is no doubt that people who are cheerful and find the funny side of things, live longer and more importantly, live healthier. People who are positive and happy also have the power to spread joy around. Chronically depressed and cranky people have more minor ailments and have a greater propensity for major illnesses. So smile your way through life.

 Pamper yourself

Culturally, Indian women tend to let themselves go after they are married and have had children. It is important to pay attention to the way you look- it is good for your self-image and boosts your confidence. Make sure you moisturize your face daily. Get a beauty routine which you follow regularly.

 Invest in a weighing machine 

 The best investment you can make for your health is buying a weighing machine. Being thinner matters, because increased waist fat can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease and stroke. Excess fat also raises the risk of some cancers. If you were a healthy weight at 20, try to maintain your weight at no more than 5 kilos above that for the rest of your life.

 Cut those calories 

 Thinner people appear younger than overweight ones. There was a good reason that our elders promulgated the concept of fasting on certain days. In a recent study, the hearts of people who consumed fewer calories, appeared 10 to 15 years younger than those of heavy eaters. Of course, it is wrong to fast continuously but you can substitute a salad or fruits for one meal. Raw vegetables and fruits contain anti-oxidants which will make your skin glow.

 Walk your way to health 

 Just walk briskly for 30 minutes, 5 days a week. With age, blood vessel walls tend to stiffen up and lose their elasticity. Exercise keeps vessels pliable. Mild exercise also reduces the risk of diabetes, certain cancers, depression, and aging of the skin.