What gives a person's age away?

[dorri]

Originally Posted by LeeLee7

It IS fun to just try something a bit different. Good for the soul, too! Thanks for posting this question--I'm enjoying the answers you've received!

LeeLee, thanks for having such a positive and fun youthful attitude.

[dorri]

[QUOTE=NancyH]Yep, it's the neck as one of the biggest giveaway. I'm 57 and this year I actually started showing age in my neck. QUOTE

Nancy, that is one great compliment when someone thinks your grandchildren are your children. 100Lbs , right, me and you both....hee hee, right now I'll settle for 5 lbs...10...15 lbs, anyone willing to give some away.... ????
My neck isn't too bad. I don't have lines but a slight sagging where the front cords are (ugh! they call this turkey cords) How is your posture? Poor posture sometimes contributes to sagging neck muscles.
Here's an exercise for the neck from grandma's day. There are several versions around that you may want to look into:

Caution: Be careful with all jaw exercises if you have TMJ. ( a disorder where your jaw hurts and goes out of place)

Stand tall, place both your top and bottom teeth so they meet evenly, regardless if this is your natural bite or not. Keep your mouth closed and try to tense your face and jaw.
Holding this position with teeth firmly in place, raise your chin toward the ceiling or to a spot over your head. Count to 10. Relax, Repeat 3xs, after a week increase to 5xs.

After a couple of weeks the neck should start to firm, first directly under the chin and then downward.
Good luck.
Nancy, thanks for reminding me by your post, that I too need to work on the sag under my chin.

[NancyH]

I think I remember this as one of Jack LaLannes exercises on his show in the 60's, my mom always watched him, the key word is watch, not participate with him, she liked his looks LOL! I'll give it try tho, the neck is just starting to show some sag so mayb I can nip it in the bud. Yep I'd settle for an extra 20lbs, 100 may be be overkill LOL! My posture is good, I"ve learned to carry myself proper it's another make yourself appear younger than you are trick. Besides I do have arthritis in the neck and several herniated discs there and osteoporosis and I really don't want the hump back look as I get older and that happens with osteoporosis, I've already had 3 stress fractures that has taken me from 5'4 to 5'3. I do lift weights but with osteo my weight limit is 4lbs so it is big repetetive thing just for toning, I do arm curls etc with repetition of 50 each a couple times a week, can't stand that arm overhang ya get in the upper arm that a grandkid could swing on, so I'm trying to work that off.

[dorri]

Nancy, sorry to hear that you already had 3 stress fractures. Since, you have arthritis in the neck, and herniated discs, be very careful with the exercise you choose. I've been on prednisone for several years for a chronic disease, and developed cortisone induced osteoporosis. Now, I'm on a drug called Actonel for strengthening and improving my bone density. I was also told by the doctor to take calcium and walk a lot. I also lift weights (at times) for the purpose of building bone density, although I haven't done it for awhile. I usually start at 3 lbs and after a while work up to 10-15 lbs (in each arm). My last bone density test showed that I lost a half an inch. I'm only 5 ft and a 1/4 inch tall, so hopefully I won't end up to be 3 feet tall, that's why I have to make a good effort to do my exercises.
The swingey, thingey things under the arms is the tricep muscle that decides to pack up and go on vacation. When I notice my upper arms getting loose, I do the bicep curl, but for the underarm I do the tricep kickback. It's a simple exercise for the underarm and results come quickly (atleast for me).
Good luck.

[kerry1]

First of all, they should not be assuming you need a senior's discount. I used to be in customer service, and I would ask "Is there anyone in your household 65 or over?" Sometimes they'd laugh at me because they were 90 and looked it, but you never can tell!!!

Anyway, what I look at is 1) a person's gumline and 2) the skin around their eyes. These are not sure giveways since people age at different rates, even their gumlines. I'm 45 and my teeth are cracking and crumbling, but my gums are doing pretty well - I don't know why. I don't treat them very well.

Another factor is voice. Some people just sound waaayyy younger or older than they are. Energy level and attitude also. I happen to look younger than my age but some people can tell - they're just smarter than normal or maybe it's my hard-nosed personality.

I hope that your health is OK - that may be the thing to focus on.