By the time you reach your 50s, you should have a pretty good idea about what you’re doing, barring the odd ill-advised sale purchase. You know what suits you and you know what you like. So why are women still being told what they can and can’t do?
Forget all the advice, however well-intended, about age appropriate dressing and acting your age – these ‘rules’ are made to be broken.
‘Rule’ 1: You should cut your hair
Older women can’t go long, we’re told. But one look at people like Sarah Jessica Parker (52), Julianne Moore (56) and Oprah (63) proves you can go to any length. The reason older women are often told to go for the chop is because hair does thin with age.
But your hairdresser can create volume by adding some layers through the length, while something as simple as opting for a side-parting will create a softer look if you have a long, straight style. You can also use volumising shampoos and conditioners for a fuller bodied ‘do.
‘Rule’ 2: You should dress your age
You’d be forgiven for thinking you can only wear 50 shades of beige and elasticated waistbands once you reach a certain age. There seems to exist some unwritten rule that the older you become, the more plain and sensible your wardrobe should be.
But, it’s not about age, it’s about style and there’s no reason to change yours just because there’s an extra candle on the cake. You can embrace bold colour and prints at any age, shoes can be comfortable and chic – think brogues, backless loafers and studded kitten heels – and no outfit is out of bounds as long as it fits and flatters.
Related: 20 fashion finds that will make you look slimmer this winter
‘Rule’ 3: You can’t go in certain shops anymore
Once you’re out of your 30s, some high street shops are classed as no-go areas. But with very few brands actually catering to the over-50 customer and those that do either charging crazy amounts for a dress or specialising in the beige and bland, why discount the more affordable end of the high street?
Once you get past the slightly disconcerting rails of crop tops and short shorts at the door, you can pick up stylish pieces for a fraction of the price you’d pay in pricier shops targeted at older women.
‘Rule’ 4: You can’t go off the beaten track
Globetrotting is no longer the preserve of gap year kids. According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research in the UK, the over-50s now account for 58% of travel spend and are seeking more adventurous and inspiring holidays, wanting to soak up as many exotic, far-flung experiences as possible.
The study of almost 10 000 over 50s also found that more than a third (36%) planned to increase their spending on long-haul holidays after retirement, with destinations like America, the Caribbean and India becoming increasingly popular.
Adult all girls’ holidays are also on the rise, with older women choosing to spend time bonding with their friendship group rather than on the traditional beach holiday with their partner. Whatever fun-filled getaway you choose, the world is your oyster.
Related: 10 journeys every woman should go on
‘Rule’ 5: You can’t start over
Many people are now postponing retirement into their 70s, so don’t spend all that time in a job you don’t enjoy. In fact, now might be the time to finally make those long-held ambitions a reality and start your own business. You wouldn’t be alone because, forget bright young things, more and more people over the age of 50 are starting up new businesses, coining the phrase ‘oldpreneurs’.
It makes sense – you’re still young, yet you also have lots of experience under your belt, loads of useful contacts and you probably have more disposable income than in your 20s, 30s and 40s. The stats are in your favour as well.
Research by the Cranfield School of Management in the UK found that businesses owned and/or managed by people in their 50s were more profitable and had better revenue growth. In other words, now’s the perfect time to dream big.
‘Rule’ 6: You should avoid aerobic exercise
While exercises like yoga are brilliant for staying supple and strengthening muscles, it is also recommended that healthy adults combine this activity with regular aerobic exercise, like dancing, tennis and cycling. Anyway, regardless of the health benefits, it’s fun. There’s no reason why you can’t work up a sweat at any age as long as you’re in good health.
Related: Get used to morning exercise
‘Rule’ 7: You should cover greys
Don’t bury your silver. If you do want to embrace your natural colour, but have uneven grey patches, get strategic highlights to even out the patchiness. Or if you’ve been colouring your hair for years and want to avoid that in-between period as you allow the grey to come through, hairdressers recommend switching to semi-permanent colour to cover re-growth, using a lighter shade each time. And with all grey hair, conditioning is key to avoid it looking dry or frizzy.
‘Rule’ 8: You can’t enjoy an active sex life
The best sex often comes later in life when you feel more comfortable in your own skin and have fewer inhibitions in the bedroom. While the menopause can lead to vaginal dryness due to the drop in oestrogen, this doesn’t have to adversely impact your sex life. It can be treated effectively with vaginal lubricants or vaginal HRT.
Plus, forget the idea that the menopause will mean a lower sex drive – many women find they still enjoy a great sex life after the menopause. In fact, some find they have a renewed or even redoubled libido and can have several orgasms, one after another, until very late in life.
From: Good Housekeeping UK
Photo: iStock/SolStock
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