After 50: why we sometimes “age” prematurely and how to turn things around

Phrases like “she looks like a grandma” are unfair and outdated. Looks have no age, but there are habits and choices that can add years to our lives—or take our freshness back. Below are 5 common reasons why many women over 50 feel/look older, and the exact steps you can take to change that this week.

1) Hairstyle and color that make the face heavier

Problems: too dark or flat color, lack of shape and volume, harsh bangs, frayed ends.
Solutions:

• Ask for soft “face-shaming” (lightening around the face), multi-layered layers , or a long bob – they lift the cheekbones.

• Choose midtones/warm shades and a blending technique , rather than a full “helmet” dye.

• Trim your ends every 6–8 weeks ; use heat protection and gentle styling.

• Root volume: round brush + hairdryer, foam/spray for lift.

  2) Shapeless clothes and “safe” black everywhere

  Problems: too loose cuts, outdated styles, lack of structure, unsuitable underwear.
  Solutions:

  • Clothes to define the waist and shoulders : structured jacket, high-waisted straight pants, straight/A-line midi skirt.

  • Monochrome or 2–3 similar colors elongate the silhouette; add color (scarf, bag, shoes).

  • Try off-white, navy, chocolate, buttery green – they are often more flattering than pure black.

  • Invest in a good bra (correct size = instant “lift”) and smooth, unlined underwear.

  • Shoes: clean sneakers or low heels with a slightly pointed toe visually lengthen the legs.

  3) Skin and makeup: lack of sun protection, hydration and light

  Problems: matte, heavy foundations; skipping SPF; only scrub without active ingredients; neglected neck/hands/lips.
  Solutions (minimal regimen):

  • Morning: gentle cleansing → vitamin C (10–15%) → moisturizer with hyaluronic/ceramides → SPF 30+ year-round.

  • Evening: cleansing → retinoid/retinol 2–4 times a week → nourishing cream.

  • Makeup: light illuminating foundation/BB , a little cream blush, warm eyebrow pencil, brown pencil/mascara , lipstick in lip color + a drop of gloss.

    • Don’t forget your hands, neck, décolleté and lip balm with SPF .

    4) A lifestyle that “writes” on the face

    Problems: lack of sleep, little protein and exercise, chronic stress, dehydration, cigarettes/excessive alcohol.
    Solutions (easy and realistic):

    • Sleep 7–8 hours , go to bed at the same time.

    • Exercise 150 min/week (brisk walking) + 2 strength training sessions – for posture, muscle tone and metabolism.

    • Protein at every meal (eggs/fish/legumes), lots of vegetables, enough water.

    • Breathing 4–6 (inhale 4 sec, exhale 6 sec, 5 min/day) – visibly relaxes facial tension.

    • Quit smoking ; drink alcohol in moderation.

      5) Body language and the “small details”

      Problems: slouching, shapeless eyebrows/glasses from the past, poorly maintained shoes/teeth/nails.
      Solutions:

      • Stand : back to wall – back of neck/shoulders/pelvis touch the wall; 2 min/day + chest stretch.

      • Eyebrows : fill in any gaps with a pencil/powder in a natural tone; avoid very dark frames.

      • Glasses : lighter frames, a slight cat-eye or rectangular silhouette – they lift the look.

      • Teeth and smile : preventive examination/cleaning, light whitening if needed.

      • Nails/shoes : short and clean nails, well-maintained shoes = an instantly more elegant look.