In a NEW SERIES, we round up the latest
proven age-defying strategies.
Did you know?
Flicking through photo albums makes you
happier than chocolate, music, watching TV or even wine. Researchers at the
Open University found the mood of those looking at personal snaps rose 11%
versus just 1% for more usual cheer-ups.
Get flexible
Once it was just a childhood craze, but
scientists now say hula hooping is good for grown-up flexibility, too. The
American Council on Exercise found it improves cardiovascular health, muscle
tone and suppleness.
It’s worth investing in the right hoop –
size, rigidity and weight are all important. Hoops should weigh around 70g (11/2lb)
and be 40-42ins across for sizes 10-14 and 44-45ins for 16 plus. Instructor John
Parnell says: ‘The bigger the hoop, the easier it is. Once you’ve got the
knack, hooping gives you up to 80 waist massages a minute and burns 50-100
calories every 10 minutes. It improves posture, strengthens the core muscles
and works both halves of the brain, too.’ Priced from £20 (07946 413452; www.hoopguy.com).
Smile, please
The expression on your face makes all
the difference
Want to look younger instantly? Then
smlile! Researchers found that when men and women were shown photos and asked
to guess the person’s age, happy faces were voted the youngest looking. Sadly,
though, dentists say they’re seeing more signs of premature tooth wear due to
diet (increased consumption of sparkling drinks, for example) and stress, which
can cause tooth-grinding. Your dentist may advise a fluoride mouth rinse or a
mouth guard to help restore that smile.
Total recall
Worried about where you put that
whatchamacallit? Can’t remember the name of that thingamajig? Forgetting the
odd thing is completely normal, and memory overload is the scourge of busy
women. But if you’re anxious, try one of these memory improvers:
Check your blood pressure
The higher your reading, the more likely it
is you’ll have memory problems. Thickened artery walls reduce the flow of blood
to the brain – including the hippocampus, where memories are stored. Ask your
GP for a check-up and try exercise and health to get back on track.
Get some sleep
The hippocampus is busy filing memories
while we doze, so if you’re suffering from insomnia your recall will become
affected. Investigate possible causes for your sleeplessness or try
over-the-counter remedies, such as herb-based Kalms Sleep Tablets, aroung £3.99
for 50.
Eat to remember
Eggs can help boost your memory
New research has found that eggs and
chicken – and other foods rich in choline, a nutrient in the B vitamin fanily –
may sharpen memory. The US study found people with a choline-rich diet
performed better in memory tests. Choline is also found in kiney beans, liver
and milk.
