Aging is not for sissies. Taking care of our bodies and minds is important so that they will last till we take our last breath. I have asked some ladies who stood out in the 1960s and are willing to share their timeless tips that seem easy enough to follow, along with a few of my basic rules. Keep young, everyone!
Maritess Revilla Araneta
• I usually eat anything and everything I want but in small quantities. I never stuff myself till it’s hard to breathe. I always tell myself that I can always eat the same thing tomorrow.
• I have never been fashion-conscious or brand-conscious. I usually wear what is comfortable.
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Monina Arnaldo Lacson
• Have one day a week wherein you make sure you have no commitments or fixed appointments. It should be just a carefree, freewheeling day. Do what you feel like doing and what your heart desires. It would help, too, if you turn off your cellphone.
• Start the day with a combination of fresh fruits and vegetable juice. Apple, celery, cucumber, and pineapple make a refreshing and healthy drink combination. Oatmeal for breakfast is a source of fiber and helps lower cholesterol level. Limit intake of fatty foods, meat, and most especially avoid fast food.
• The skin and neck easily give away your age. For smoother skin, religiously cleanse, tone, moisturize, and dab eye cream, sunblock and spot correctors if needed.
• Use what is appropriate for the occasion, e.g. casual, relaxed clothes for informal events. Classic clothes do not go out of style, but it is advisable to be up-to-date with the cuts, color trends, and fabrics currently in fashion. It should not be the brand that drives you to purchase but the style that suits you best.
• It is better to be underdressed than overly dressed.
• If you want to keep your man interested, try pretending to be the other woman.
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Frannie Aquinaldo-Jacinto
• Be aware of your body shape or silhouette so that you can wear clothes that will emphasize the positive and downplay the negative parts of your body. This way, you will always look well-dressed and polished. If you find a dress style that suits you, buy a few of them in different colors or variations. Just accessorize in different ways and your clothes will go a long way.
• Sweat daily if you can — whether you take a 25-minute walk, climb up the stairs, do yoga or whatever you enjoy doing physically. It is the best way to maintain glowing skin and keep physically fit.
• Don’t dress up like everyone else. Keep your personality and add your own touch of individuality with class. Following the trends and being a fashion victim is a big no-no.
• Don’t put on too much jewelry for formal events — wear one bongga piece (faux or real jewels), whether it is a pair of fab earrings, or a necklace, brooch or bracelet so that will be the sole focus of attention. Don’t wear them together or you will look like a Christmas tree or the Queen of England.
• For an instant mini facelift at home, lie down and dangle your head at the bed’s edge for 10 minutes or so. You will go against gravity and you will look refreshed.
Emily Relucio Lopez
• I always start and end the day with a bath. I use bath salt because it detoxifies the body and relieves any aches I may have. My one indulgence is my spa at home. I get massages and beauty treatments there. I am not vain, but I believe that when you take care of yourself, things get better.
• I try to eat well. I eat a lot of fresh fruits and I take these amazing mushroom tablets that really take care of my body.
• I try to keep it simple with my clothes. I usually trim my hair and wear light makeup. I especially like using sheer lipgloss. I try to simplify and age gracefully.
• I live in Escada but have been experimenting with fun brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Giordano Ladies to refresh my style every so often.
Trina Yujuico Kalaw
• Since I got widowed at an early age of 25, I have trained myself to de-stress and relax. Besides the support of family and friends, I have kept myself always busy, whether at home or at the office — busy with what I love to do. However, watching my Korean telenovelas or American series is a great substitute for any tranquilizer.
• I have always reminded nieces and much younger friends that to prevent blemishes and wrinkles, you have to start in your teens. Cleaning your face and body in a daily routine will yield good results in your golden years. With fashion, the best is simplicity in what you wear on any occasion.
• I have been using Pond’s cleansing cream since I was 13 years old. Now that I am 63 years old, I use a lot of sunblock, moisturizer, and night cream.
• Life is short. Love your family and friends. Moderation is the secret to health and wealth.
Ping Valencia
• I meditate — 30 minutes upon waking up, 30 minutes before sleeping (it’s my sleeping pill). I stretch when possible, Zumba when possible, walk when possible.
• I am not too keen on dieting (obvious ba?). But I try to eat intelligently — “try†being the operative word. I slow-juice fruits and vegetables a lot. I drink lots of water (not distilled). I avoid chemically processed foods, which include anything containing simple sugars and iodized salt.
• I wear clothes that suit me and not what the current fashion dictates. I prefer tailored clothes more than frilly ones.
• My so-called beauty regimen will bore you to tears. I clean my face with Pond’s cold cream, splash cold water after, and dab Cetaphil to moisturize. After it’s absorbed, I dab quite a bit of powder and brush off the excess. And I’m off!
• My fun time is with a group of cool friends who love to sing. We meet once or twice a week and sing till “sawa†with a fabulous pianist who makes us sound good. It’s really not the singing, you know — it’s the laughter and the camaraderie we look forward to. It’s the best de-stresser.
Yogi Dominguez-Zaragoza
• I eat anything and everything when invited, but I make sure to detox my system by juicing green vegetables. When I am sick, I treat my symptoms with what is found in nature and from fresh food sources.
• My secret weapon against aging is the once-maligned coconut oil. The organic extra-virgin coconut oil has replaced my high-end brands of body, facial lotion, and age-spot whitener that used to be by Dior, Clarins, and Estee Lauder. I also drink it to boost my memory and to prevent developing Alzheimer’s. With the organic EVCO’s anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties, I use it for insect bites, cuts, and body massage. It has also allowed me to do away with products formulated with parabens, sulfates, and mineral oil.
• Whatever we eat, or apply on our skin or inhale can make us well or sick over the course of time.
Gemma Cruz Araneta
• I thrive on adversity; rarely do I get stressed as I am used to working under pressure. In fact, I work better under pressure. For relaxation, I read until I fall asleep.
• I am not brand-conscious. If an outfit makes me look good, then I look at the label, but I’m partial to vintage Slim’s (Manila), Patina (SFO), Julio (Mexico). I design Filipiniana outfits, look for suitable fabrics and my friendly couturier is Bea Bunag who’s incredible.
• The most effective beauty tip is to be in love. Take note, I said “in love.†When a girl/woman is in love, she is like a lantern that is brightly lit; she’s literally glowing. When I went to Long Beach, California to compete in the Miss International beauty contest, I was very much in love (with Antonio Araneta). That was my cutting edge. I am in love again, but I can’t tell you with whom.