Aging Backwards Tuesday Tips #1: Summer's Here!

I know you -- you’re the person who's always taking care of everyone else - your spouse or partner, children, parents, grandchildren ... now it's time to take care of you! That’s what this column is about -- taking time out to make your midlife your best life.

My name is Jackie Silver and I've got tons of tips, tricks and secrets for stopping the effects of aging and improving the whole self - mind, body and spirit. I'm "the one" my friends come to for anti-aging information because I'm so driven to stop the clock. I'm almost 50, but most people guess my age as 32. In this weekly “Aging Backwards” tips column on LifeTwo, I’m going to share my secrets with you.

I have a natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge. I love to dig for the latest, greatest information available on anti-aging and that's how I spend a good part of my day. I subscribe to no less than a dozen magazines and have become an "expert" at delving into the most unlikely places on the internet to find those rare gems that can help take years off your looks and perhaps even add healthy years to your life. You'll discover how to look ten pounds thinner in just ten minutes, how to build lungs of steel, the best products I've found for Aging Backwards, how to trick yourself into working out and much more.

Aging Backwards This Summer

The official "First day of Summer 2007" is June 21st and each change of season brings with it new opportunities for Aging Backwards. Summer usually means heat, sun and fun. With the proper balance, you can enjoy yourself without worrying about the sun causing wrinkles and leathery skin.

Contrary to what some sunscreen makers would have you believe, the sun is not our mortal enemy. We need sun for our bodies to manufacture Vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin" because the body manufactures it after being exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium for strong bones. Ten to fifteen minutes in the sun three times a week is enough to produce the body's requirement of calcium, according to the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.

Here's where the balance comes in. To get my Vitamin D and still avoid the sun's UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) effects, I generously apply broad-spectrum (blocks both UVA and UBV rays) SPF 35 - 45 on my face, neck, chest and tops of my hands and then I rotate different body parts for my ten minutes in the sun. One day I'll expose my legs. Another day I'll expose my arms or stomach. I can still get a healthy glow, manufacture Vitamin D and keep the parts of me that can "show my age" looking young.

And That's Not All

With summer just a few days away, here are my Top Seven Summertime Aging Backwards Tips:

1) Not a fan of slathering on suntan lotion and waiting for it to dry? A new product called HelioCare provides UV sun protection in a capsule. Taken daily, it promises to help maintain the skin’s ability to protect against sun-related effects and aging.

2) Freeze antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice in ice trays and put a couple of cubes in your water for a nutritious, refreshing drink.

3) Catch rainwater from a summer shower in a bucket and use it to rinse your hair after shampooing. It feels great and softens hair.

4) Volunteer at an independent living facility. The residents are active and vibrant and they appreciate your attention. You’ll feel good about giving back. And who knows, maybe you’ll learn something precious from these vital seniors?

5) Start a Scrabble group to keep your mind sharp and help your friends do the same.

6) Jump rope with your kids. It’s one of the best exercises and it’s fun! Your children won’t even know it’s good for them.

7) Keep a little spray bottle of water with you to spritz your face on those really hot days (or for hot flashes). While at work, you can keep it in the fridge for a cool reviver.