Mature Fashion: Housework Aerobics

We all have them; weeks when there is just too much to do in the time available. This week has been one of the weeks where it has been difficult to meet my exercise commitments (appointment for new brakes on car, appointment for lube job, run errand in another town, etc.)  Those duties plus more than usual "sit down" time in front of a computer, etc.  make it even more difficult to maintain a healthy body.  Exercise, in general, is just NOT one of my favorite things.  All of those little interruptions can play havoc with an exercise routine(s) and I am constantly reminding myself that I must "keep moving" if I am going to maintain my fitness goals.

When I have those days when I know I am failing to meet my exercise goals, I try and combine necessary chores that require a lot of physical exercise just to get the job done. This also happens to be one of those weeks. I absolutely HAVE to get the cushions washed while the weather has a little heat and I also must trim the bushes, etc. that circle the patio.  Based on water restrictions, I will use the water to wash to cushions to also water the bushes after they are cut back and trimmed.

I chose the rugged jeans (Karan) , comfortable cotton blend utility shirt (August Silk..although not silk!!), and Ann Taylor cotton sweater.  Both the bracelets and shoes were removed when I actually did the watering and clipping; I replaced the shoes with rubber knee high boots during that exercise. Washing the cushions thoroughly and positioning them for optimum sun exposure require a lot of bending, pulling, and pushing, etc.  Putting away the cushions I washed earlier in the week also require a lot of rather strenuous lifting and bending

I also made it a point (used my cell phone timer) to make sure I got up for five minutes of concentrated movement (vacuuming and dusting each exercise break) for every twenty minutes in front of the computer, jewelry making, or stitching.  

I have been making some doll jewelry and proto-typing some of my Lord Perry Patterns for the upcoming fund raiser in early November.  

In the early evening it had already began to get rather chilly.  I wore the trimmed jean jacket (Coldwater Creek) for a walk of at least twenty minutes before I joined a friend for a casual dinner at her home just down the block.

The dark blue leather saddle stitch loafers are Cole Haan; the bracelets are vintage cloisonne and silver bangles, and the Maltese cross neck pendent was purchased at a Hobby Lobby craft store. 

Mature Fashion: The ENEMY, Type II Diabetes

Although type II diabetes may be genetic, incurred by external factors such as stress, etc, the largest single predictor of type II diabetes is being overweight or clinically obese. According to the CDC AND The National Institute of Diabetes, almost 90% of people living with type II diabetes are medically overweight or obese. 

During the 1990's, the number of diabetes cases among American adults increased by over 30%, and is predicted to further increase by their projections.  This increase is attributed to the growing numbers of persons suffering from obesity in this United States.

Despite what a few persons on Facebook or such "popular" advice, type II diabetes is largely preventable, (no, not every single one).  Repeated studies have found that even small amounts of weight loss (5-10%) can prevent and/or delay onset of this type of diabetes among high-risk adults.

Although it is not "popular" to make this statement (many overweight people do not want to hear this!!), there is a lot one can do to prevent or delay the development of this type of diabetes (Non of this applies to type I; a different disorder )  To date, effective weight management is the most effective thing a woman (a man, too) can do to prevent the development of diabetes; effective weight management is moderate to intense physical exercise accompanied by reducing stress and eating a healthy diet. 

Recommended: "keep moving" activities such as the popular 10K steps per day or 150 minutes per week of brisk walking, etc.  Another popular rule of thumb is that for every hour one sits or is stationary, 15 minutes of moving around-ideally, for every 20 minutes sitting, a 5 minute walk-about is recommended.

I am a type II diabetic; I became one when I had a weight gain of over fifty pounds, was under a lot of stress, and had difficulty getting enough sleep. Because I KNOW from first hand experience that following the guidelines for appropriate diabetes II management can and do work.  I am also certain that had I not had been so overweight at the time I probably would not have succumbed to diabetes.  It troubles me a great deal to see what is happening to the general population's rise in obesity.

Diabetes waits to strike many of us when we are over 40 and also have other physical issues.  It is so important to prevent diabetes, or at least delay it.   It especially disturbs me to see and hear so many "pooh-pooh" healthy eating and exercise habits as a preventive measure.  The entire "Rock My.." series is based on looking and feeling "good" so we can "Rock" age!!

Mature Fashion: Its the little things..

In the same manner I try to remind myself that it is a combination of little styling habits practiced regularly that allow a woman to always have great style, it is a combination of little things of a physical nature that can keep a woman feeling (and looking) both healthy and vibrant.  Here are a few of my favorite and health conscious "little things".

..drinking a full glass of water first thing in the morning and keeping a full glass (cup, really) of water on the kitchen counter and drinking from it every time I enter the kitchen.

..remembering to keep my shoulders back and head high and over my shoulders when I sit or walk.. 

..never parking my car in the first row unless I am purchasing something very heavy..

..vacuuming and dusting at least twice a week......keeps me moving and helps keep my house neat.

..cleansing face EVERY evening and morning..

...applying appropriate sun screen every day....rain or shine

..taking appropriate vitamins and supplements every day...

...eating three cups of vegetables every day and one cup of fresh fruits.

..taking a 1K step walk (about 15 minutes) minutes every day

..dressing in such a manner to feel good about the way I look..

Mature Fashion: Health Check-ups

It is always great to get positive feedback, especially if you have been trying hard to accomplish a goal.  One of my goals is to maintain the best state of health possible for me within my lifestyle, budget, etc.

I had my yearly health check-up today; my doctor told me my "numbers were just great, and to keep doing whatever it was that I was doing.."  Obviously, that report really made me feel I had accomplished the goal I wanted, at least as far as maintaining as healthy a body and mind as I can.

I still am trying to lose the additional five pounds I attempted over six months ago...the good news is that I am down to 130 (from my perceived 134 that was actually 137!!)  I am now adjusting my target to my 125 by New Year 2017..it is getting close enough to holiday temptations to really watch the weight.

Mature Fashion: Weight, Self Image and Fashion

Almost every woman CAN look magnificent; she may also look beautiful, healthy, toned, or at least, attractive no matter her weight (and many times, her physical deformities).  How she accomplishes this is mostly within her own control. Physical appearance is a combination of diet, exercise, and can get a boost from the fashion industry.

I have seen quite of bit of social and published media lately that really disturbs me.  The latest was a woman in a swim suit that was totally inappropriate for her body mass and type. Her text bemoaned her insecurity when swimming with her children because her neighbor lady had a figure like a model.  One of the comments listed under her published picture encouraged her to "love her body"  even though overweight and stated that her children would not care if she was fat, but would remember the good times in the pool.

Firstly, anyone who was truly insecure with her figure would never wear a string bikini in a "look at me" print and publish it on Facebook!...especially, if she was obese and afraid of her body exposure.  Secondly, obesity is an important HEALTH issue as well as an appearance issue.  My advice to this woman would have been to lose the 50+ pounds (or more) necessary to preserve her health.  It is certainly my belief that her ability to swim and have fun with her children and/or grandchildren is much more effective with weight loss than her appearance in a swim suit.  Advising anyone to "accept" themselves in this condition is a dis-service, at best. (Now, before anyone brings up the fact that "some people can't help it, etc." please remember that pertains to less than 1 % of those who are overweight!)

From a fashion point of view, swimwear for every figure is available in today's market.  We have all seen women who are very much over their ideal weight; Oprah Queen Latifah, and other public personalities who always look wonderful.  I am seventy three, have wrinkles, veins, etc. that often accompany aging; I am also still overweight, but within a healthy range.  To prove the point that any woman CAN find something that can allow her to play with children, grand-children, or even great-grandchildren, I am publishing my picture in a suit that is appropriate for my body type and particular figure challenges.  BTW, you don't have to have an in-house chef or a high priced fashion stylist or spend a ton of money on a suit; the suit above is "Lands End" purchased at Sears with an accompanying over wrap; both purchased on sale for a little less than $100.00.

This is the only post that I am publishing on both the "Rockmyages" blog and the "RockmyFitness" blog because I do have some different readership on each site and because I think the issue of weight control is so very important to "Rock Our Age".  It is also important from the fashion view point to always remember that no matter the figure challenge, fashion can be used to project a desirable image.  Most importantly, it is important to reach a healthy weight goal.  Even if it is just adding a few steps to the day, doing just one sit-up or push-up,..just begin.  In the meanwhile, fashion can be used to increase confidence and self-image while reaching your goal..I am still trying to lose those last pesky five pounds to get within my personal health weight range.

Mature Fashion: Another Quick morning routine

All of us have experienced the unexpected obstacle to our best laid plans for going to  an exercise class.  I know that I can "be prevented" from going to the gym fairly easily. (in other words, obstacles, although legitimate, supersede going to the gym!)  For example, a  long time friend who I have been playing phone tag with called just as I was leaving the house.  I answered the phone, had our catch-up conversation.... for over an hour!  I had on my gym clothes, and fully intended to make up the exercise (45 minutes of mixed strength training, stretching, and aerobic- the Jane Fonda DVD for seniors) but, somehow or another, I did not "find the time" to make up the exercise. I do, however, usually manage to spend at least five minutes doing whatever exercise routine I am doing.

I recently read an article that I want to pass on to others, and keep a reminder for myself that provided  an alternative to my fall-back AARP routine that I have shared in the past. (that one takes only 15 minutes and is a series of 6 exercise movements). Unfortunately, if I do not complete the routine, I have only exercised the first movements.  I am going to share one with you a maintenance routine that takes only 5 minutes and will allow exercising all of the body. I find it a great "fall-back" routine when I have missed a class or have not managed my AARP program.   Here is the routine that I obtained from a friend who teaches an exercise class:

- march in place for 30 seconds, bringing your knees as high as possible-then rest for 30 seconds.
- perform squats for 30 seconds (whatever number you can manage during the 30 seconds-remember to keep knees "soft"  and spread legs slightly apart)-then rest for 30 seconds.
-bending at the waist and keeping the back flat, elbows close to the body, "row" for 30 seconds.  Rest for 30 seconds.
-lying flat on the floor, using legs, "bicycle" for 30 seconds.  Rest for 30 second.
-lying flt on the floor, hand behind the head, raise head and legs making a "v" for 30 seconds-rest for 30 seconds.

 I like having more than one routine because I can always find time for one of SOME length!! That way I have no excuses for not doing anything!

Mature Fashion: Fashion as Pharm

Getting dressed every day is exactly like taking medicine; if you have the right prescription and are administering it correctly, you receive the benefits.  In fact, there have been many articles written stating mood elevation caused by a fashion make-over, spa treatment, etc. can be as significant as psycho-therapy!!  

I recently had another conversation with a woman in my age group who was basically 'trashing' the entire fashion industry and detailing her abhorance of current fashion, disgust with the 'frivolity'. etc. (unfortunately, this happens all too often when someone finds out I write a fashion blog). I was immediately reminded of "Miranda Priestley's" ("Devil wears Prada") response to the character played by Anne Hathaway when she trivialized the fashion industry. I am taking another page from the same notebook without all the financial impact, employment stats, etc. 

Unless you are a full time nudist, EVERYONE WEARS CLOTHES;  Fashion is NOT trivial in any way, especially when it come to our mental health.  Almost every woman is affected by her mirror; some so much she may refuse to look at herself in it!  Confidence levels are measurably and demonstrably affected with how a woman feels about the way she looks.
We all put on clothes when we begin our day, and we all take off our clothes at the end of the day. Clothes mark the milestones and journeys of our lives.

Unfortunately, many women who now have a "mature" figure feel that the best years have passed them by.  (almost all women who are 40+ do not have the same figure they had in the previous decade; all too many resign themselves to "what used to be, sigh, enter into a low level depression and defensively "give up...and why bother")

A sad reality is the woman's unhappiness with her physical attributes at forty, but she would long for that same body when she reaches fifty.  Another sad reality is that same woman can ALWAYS improve her appearance significantly by making fashion her friend rather than ignoring its benefits. Fashion is a woman's best friend; it can make her feel youthful and vibrant. It can actually give her a boost in confidence, and also a boost in the good endorphins that improve our mood, reduce pain symptoms, and generally feel better.  It is also a great emotional boost (those endorphins again) when her mature and fluid life takes a downturn such as in divorce, loss of career dreams, and even the loss of a loved one.  

No, fashion is NOT trivial.  It can provide a visual loss of almost twenty pounds; it can warm skin tones adding vibrancy and a glow of youthful health.  Both Beau Brummel and Audrey Hepburn are famous for taking as long as two hours to dress for an event, then never looking at themselves while wearing their clothing; that's confidence.  We can apply that advice knowing we look great and feeling great because we know it; best of all, when we know we look great in our clothes, then we can forget about clothes.  Looking great and feeling great is an important component in both physical and mental health!.