So, as they say these days, 50 is the new 40 (largely thanks to advances in “anti-aging" facial products, "wrinkle free" cosmetics, botox shots and plastic surgeries galore). You must have also commonly heard that 40 is the new 30, due to many 40 year olds still looking spunking hot and being more active and looking younger these days (which is largely thanks to the recent explosion of 40 something “hot” celebs, like Nicole Kidman, Teri Hatcher and my all time favourite Jennifer Aniston). Hence my question to all you babes out there is, "If celebs (who are human beings just like all of us) can pull off the new 30 or the new 40; why can't all of us?"
The pictures which I posted above are real pictures taken from a "Miss 50 years old" beauty contest held in Las Vegas last year. The organisers have verified and confirmed the age of the contestants. Nearly all the contestants are uber hot and sexy. Yes, they may have had the help of plastic surgery, botox, restylane etc but you do have to admit that they are pretty attractive and can still cause a few traffic accidents should they be strutting down your local roads or streets. So, babes, are you still afraid of hitting the 50 mark?
Turning half a century old can be daunting, irking and definitely scary. This will be one of the most important milestones in anyone's life. A few years back when Oprah Winfrey -the Queen of positive thinking turned 50 years old, she embraced the new half a century age with such optimism that it puts alot of us to shame. I quote her," We don't have a clue what we're doing in our 20s, barely improve in our 30s, finally get our act together in our 40s and only hit our stride in our 50s." It is so once upon a time and outdated that hitting the big 50 is seen as the first step to retirement. Now, it looks more like a passport to freedom, as energetic and still youthful 50-somethings take advantage of better health, better finances and plenty of energy, to make 50 really the new 40.
There’s no doubt that aging gracefully is a big part of the idea behind 50 is the new 40 , but settling on a fitting style and current fashion after turning fifty is still a challenge for many. Yet we’ve all seen them. Walking down the street or shopping in the mall, we come across an absolutely stunning 50, 60, or even 70 year-old woman. Trust me, we all can be head-turners or stunners even in our golden years but we just have make sure to do it right! Turning fifty doesn’t necessarily mean you wake up one morning and find that your jeans don’t fit, your cleavage is more than a little farther off, and you can suddenly see more of your scalp (with your glasses on of course, hahaha!) It can however feel this way if you think and imagine things that way. Aging gracefully doesn't necessarily mean higher collars and wearing more muted colours and loose fitting clothes. Your body may change, but please take my advice, fashion after 50 does not have to mean sackcloth, ill form fitting clothes and ashes!
Do you remember the timeless beauty and classic style of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis? In my opinion, she represents the epitome of aging gracefully and beautifully for all women above 50. Iconic fashion role models for women embracing their midlives display the type of classic good looks and poise that make it clear they are comfortable with their age, their bodies and their style. My list of iconic 50 something women includes Sophia Loren, Susan Sarandon, Jane Seymour, Faye Dunaway and last but not least, my all time favourite and idol - Lauren Hutton! Hutton proves that getting older doesn't mean a woman has to turn into a sexless shrew. Now pushing 60, Lauren remains eye-catching in both formal and casual situations. As a matter of fact, her very achievement of showing that middle age can be sexy is pretty sexy in itself. Below are some pictures of Lauren Hutton.
Closer to home, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute and give thanks to 2 very important 50 something women in my life. Both of them have showered me with unconditional love and support. They are none other than my own mother, Susan, who lives in Singapore and my mother in law, Annie Woo. My mother in law has been my pillar of support ever since I married her first born, hubby dearest Richard Ng. She really welcomed me into the family that she has painstakingly built up all these years with such open arms that the mere thought of her only brings warmth to my heart and soul. She was giving me useful advice all throughout my first pregnancy, she did all the food and groceries marketing for me during my confinement and for the past 4 years took my son Issac under her day care whilst I worked in the corporate world. My mother in law is a simple yet simply and absolutely gorgeous woman in her heart, spirit and soul. As for my own mum, I will never be able to find words deep enough, sincere enough, meaningful enough to describe her. She has been relentless in her love, care and concern for me all these years. I have too many times disappointed her and let her down that I know I have singlehandedly caused a rift in our mother/daughter relationship and she has built this invisible wall to "protect" herself against hurt and disappointment. My mum was a beautiful and innocent 20 something mummy when she had me, she was a paranoid but somewhat confident 30 something mummy and in her 40's, she became a mummy with certain self assurance and a quirky dark sense of humour. Mummy, I know that you are reading and following my blog. I am not writing this to please you or to put you on a pedestal. I am writing this from the bottom of my heart, that I too (in about 15 years time), will be half the 50 something mummy and lady that you are!
So babes, don't forget to embrace your 50 or soon to be 50 with vigour, love, energy and positivity! Life after 50 can be alive, happening and well. Till next time...............
