1. Endurance Improves
Muscles are made up of individual fibers designed for either endurance (slow twitch) or strength (fast twitch). A meta-analysis found that adults ages 61 to 84 developed less overall muscle fatigue in comparison to 21 to 36-year-olds. Researchers believe that this is in part, due to a greater proportion of slow-twitch fibers in older muscle.
2. Muscles Remember
It takes a great deal of practice to get good at sports that involve repetitive movement. But, once you get into the rhythm, muscles 'remember' and, with just a little prompting, the motion can be repeated efficiently.
3. More Time and Incentive to Train
According to a recent survey of single boomer women, 59% said they work out several times a week, and 54% are more active now than they were at age 35. As we age, we often focus on preventing health problems. This idea is backed by another survey, which found that people 55 and older are more likely to exercise to improve their health, than for other reasons.
Age Bracket: 50+
Advantage: You're Healthier
True, in our 50s, aches and pains are a little more prevalent - but life helps us stay healthier in other ways.
4. Stress Backs Off - Finally
The negative attributes of chronic stress - risk of heart attack, depression and disease - are well known, but at least, stress does ease with age. According to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, stress levels peak in your mid-to-late 20s, then steadily decline.
5. Blood Vessels become more Resilient
The idea that artery linings deteriorate due to oxidative stress (which has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer), is being challenged by some scientists. New research on mice shows the ability of artery linings to withstand oxidative stress may actually improve with age.
6. Sex becomes more Satisfying
In one study, 40 researchers tracked the health of 806 women and found that 61% of survey respondents reported being satisfied with their sex lives. The study also found that 67% of sexually active women were able to achieve an orgasm always, or most of the time.
Age Bracket: 60+
Advantage: You're More Beautiful
Believe it or not, age does enhance good looks. Take a look at some of the most attractive women in this age group - Christie Brinkley, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sharon Stone... but, how do you get more beautiful with age?
7. Temples and Cheekbones get more Defined
By the time 50 rolls along, the fat pads in our face thin out, giving more elegant features.
8. Glowing Replaces Sweat
As we age, our sweat glands weaken, which in turn slows your ability to perspire.
9. Legs Deforest
By the time you hit 50 and you begin to experience menopause, our body hair starts to thin - this may have to do with a decrease in male hormones, or years of plucking and waxing, which weakens follicles.
10. Breakouts Decrease
At this age, our oil glands shrink. As a result, we get fewer breakouts.
11. Pores Shrink
Tight, beautiful skin depends on pore size. In some women, as they age, their oil glands shrink and so do their pores.
Age Bracket: 70+
Advantage: You're Happier
Living life every day with a half smile on our face may seem like an impossible feat when you're young (given all the responsibilities you have), but with age, it becomes a natural countenance.
12. Negativity Declines
Research shows that people generally think more positively after they've hit the 65 mark. Scientists say the amygdala (the part of the brain that is linked to emotion) actually begins to respond less to negative images with age. It was also found that older adults can snap out of negative emotions a lot quicker, because they tend to focus on the positive.
13. Happiness Peaks
A survey (of 23,000 people) conducted by the Centre for Economic Performance in London, saw that there are two happiness peaks in life. One occurs at age 23, and the other, at age 69. It has been speculated that the later-life peak is due to no longer facing disappointment about career and personal goals.
14. Anger, Stress and Worry Decline
In a survey (of 34,000 people) published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, many reported experiencing these emotions less frequently from age 50. People in their 70s and 80s felt them the least.
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