Yes. We are all born, we all die, and the average age expectation is set. To insist that age "is just a number" is another form of denial, silly, and sounds like a 16 year old guy making a play for his school teacher's affection. Of course age matters!

Yes, age matters, but it does not have to set preconceived limitations on your life emotionally, or even physically, before it ultimately does so biologically. Here are a few ways you can slow your emotional aging process, feel better, look younger, and enjoy your life as long as you are able to do so.

TIPS FOR FEELING YOUNGER PHYSICALLY

REGULAR EXERCISE

You probably already know about this one, but may not participate. I bring it up, anyway, because it is one of the most important aspects of looking and feeling younger. Regular exercise not only has health advantages that will keep you able to function much longer, but it makes a major difference in your appearance and the state of your mental health.

Aerobic exercise can increase your energy level, and strength training can help shape your body, burn calories, even when you are not exercising, and tone your muscles, reducing flab. These advantages are physical, but also increase your self esteem, something that will greatly affect your public perception. Our level of self esteem has more to do with our public perception than our physical appearance; however, our physical appearance greatly impacts our level of self esteem.

PROPER EATING AND DRINKING HABITS

Again, most of us know what we should and shouldn't consume, but tend to neglect our need to avoid some habits, and adopt healthier ones. I am no nutrition expert, but it does not require a rocket scientist to figure out that if we spend more time eating junk food, and drinking soda and alcohol, than we spend putting healthy biological fuel into our bodies, we are going to reap the consequences of doing so.

I would be the worst kind of hypocrite if I suggested giving up junk food, caffeine filled beverages, and wine or margaritas,completely. Nobody loves Diet Coke, Red Wine, a margarita with salt around her glass, or a Quarter Pound-er from McDonald's more than I do, and I indulge frequently. The trick is in balance. For every time you eat junk or indulge in less than healthy eating or drinking habits, make it a point to eat healthy, and drink mostly water the following day. You can undo most of the damage, simply by applying a simple balancing act to your life.

For those who may not actually be aware of what is healthy and unhealthy, generally caffeine is not a good choice, over one glass of wine daily, or fast food, is considered less than healthy, and all of the above tend to produce physical evidence through your appearance, and general energy level, of this fact. I have personally noted that my skin looks older after drinking a lot of Diet Coke, or too much alcohol, and fast food tends to put access bulge around my middle.

Caffeine, like sugar, and stimulant drugs, provides false energy for a short period of time, but leaves you tired and irritable as its effects subside. Most of us already know about hangovers, and anyone who is old enough to read this article, has already struggled with mid-drift bulge. Abstaining from unhealthy diet, even half of the time, can greatly reduce some of these junk food symptoms, but the older you become, the more often you may need to reject them.

Some healthy suggestions for food and drink are lots of water, foods high in Omega 3, such as Pink Salmon, and dark chocolate, for sweets, rather than milk chocolate.  Fresh fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, and will supply lots of energy, while not adding access padding to your tummy.  Weight-watchers International is an excellant resource for healthy low calorie food suggestions.  Begin your own investigation of foods that help slow down the aging process, and increase energy level through natural means.

SKIN CARE

Too much sun is a definite no no. Sun screen is highly recommended, and it should have a SPF of 25 or higher. I did the super tan thing as a younger woman, and even frequented tanning beds, but sun tans do not look the same on older people, and make wrinkle problems increase. You are not going to be 25 again, if you are now middle aged or older. You must look your best at your present age, and this requires different behavior from that of your youth. A little bit of sun is okay, but those all day marathons I participated in when I was in my twenties, for me, are a thing of the past.

ATTITUDES

Attitude is everything.  Dress stylishly.  Do not limit yourself only to what some think appropriate for women or men "of your age," but do not wear styles that do not flatter your body type or that create a comical image of you to others.  Do not show more skin than is appropriate, probably even for younger women or men, but definitely for those of us who do not want to appear in denial about our aging status.  Other than that, your body weight and type alone, should be the only determinate of what you can or cannot comfortably wear in public. 

Wear less makeup, if you are female, as heavy makeup tends to make women look older.  Lightly applied mascara, with light earth colored (light browns or pinks)  in eye-shadow, used sparingly, works best for me.  I avoid face makeup, or blush that tends to make facial lines show up more than when they are not used.  Experiment with your own face.  Different things work for different people, but in the case of aging women, less is usually more.

Enjoy the company of younger people.  Listen to new music, and do not limit yourself to what was popular when you were younger.  Read books, classics and bestsellers.  Stay current with what is happening in the world today. 

KEEP HOPE AND GOALS ALIVE

The most important aspect of aging gracefully, and enjoying the process, is found in having goals, and the hope of attaining them.  Being alive until you actually die, makes you fun to be around, and creates many new friends, also encouraging older friends.  It also provides you with much to which to look forward.   Take that trip, go to that party, learn that language, and write that book!  All of these are part of looking and feeling younger, and staying completely alive for as long as you live.