Today’s News for Women over 50

17 Comments

1. Food for thought here, as I like health and nutrition articles. I found out a couple of years ago from lab tests that I was borderline deficient in vitamin D. Supplements have remedied it, but I liked that both you and the article mentioned talking to the doctor. I was told to take my D with fat. As for the walking article, it was a huge amount of daily walking, almost 3 hours, and at the pace they recommended amounted to about 8 miles a day. Not sure my fussy feet would hold up :). My gripe with the video and many bloggers is how fashion forward and colorful the coats are. I like the look, but to have an outer coat in all those matching colors would swamp my closet. I try to stick to neutral colors, but those with a signature color could try that.

2. Good thoughts, Linda. Thank you for sharing!

3. I found the “Winter Arc” article very interesting. It more or less coincides with what I wound up doing more by circumstances following Helene when we lost power, water, communications & access to the backyard. I get up at the same time, around 6 a.m but I get on with my day faster. Earlier dog walk, earlier yoga, etc. Thus I get more done now and have added an additional afternoon walk with the dogs. I also kept to the changes to food choices and portions. I chuckled about the author wanting to read 4 books in 3 months. I read 3 or 4 books every month. But I am giving myself more time to read and less computer time. About the walking article: 160 minutes a day is 2.5 hours of walking. I probably did that most days following Helene but that’s a lot of walking. Thinking about it though, we walk outside for between 90 and 120 minutes a day and I am pretty active during the day so maybe it adds up. The fashion video looked be another AI project. The narrator pronounced chic as “chick” so she’s obviously not French. The majority of the clothes looked more like costumes to me and some of the mini skirt outfits would look outlandish, and dare I say “trampy”, on women of a certain age. It was good for a laugh though. Happy Wednesday.

4. I did not see anything in the video that would suit my lifestyle. The spike heels…no. The extra long baggy pants…no. The thought of pulling on tights…no. The use color…yes!

5. Thanks for sharing, Kathie! I love to hear what this audience thinks of videos like this. It is crazy to me that the creators do not read the room more. Thanks for sharing!

6. Thank you, Kathy! I agree…color, yes!

7. A lot depends on how active you already are, but I think 160 minutes a day is probably not realistic for many people who’re starting from a low level of activity.

   I recently changed my walking goal from 10,500 steps a day to 7,500. Hitting that 10,500 steps was causing me mental agony. I found myself walking around my house in circles to hit my goal in the evening if my day hadn’t gotten me there already. I also had a foot issue and even with my inserts and proper shoes that goal had me pounding my foot on pavement too often for it to heal. I added some time doing Physical Therapy exercises for my feet – instead of chasing after that step goal and my feet are feeling a lot better!
   I often log days around 10,000 or more steps, but having a lower goal helps me feel successful without resorting to walking around my living room for 30 minutes.

   I think it’s better to add healthy movement to your baseline, but not get set on goals that will be unattainable and lead you to quit.

8. Great advice, Rose! I agree!

9. Most of the outfits in the video do not suit my lifestyle or my personal taste. I keep hoping that the oversize clothing & the long sleeves which cover the hands will be leaving us soon. I don’t think the oversize look is flattering to anyone, & I wash my hands way too often to be fussing with trying to keep my sleeves dry.
   I have been seeing a lot of the darker or moody colors for home decorating & am not a fan. They make me think of being in a cave. I prefer a light filled space. I am also not a fan of maximalism. While I am not a strict minimalist, I like to allow my space to breath. It also easier to care for.

10. Do appreciate the selection of articles Pam, so thank you. As to the fashion video, yes did see a few outfits I would definitely consider however due to the climate I live in not so much for Winter wear (as more for Fall/early Spring) namely due to the footwear and outerwear shown as just not environment practical. i.e.: Today’s temp being 29°F with 4″ of snow expected. That being said; being a classic dresser and appreciating the look of ‘quiet luxury’ there were some I would just tweak using the formula of layering/neutral column colors/mix of textures to name three. Also, did read the “My French Country Cottage” piece decorating a flower fill Christmas Tree which I did many years ago using large faux white Cala Lilies (very realistic though) to dress (with permission) a clear lighted tree at the venue for my daughter’s follow-up ‘Celebration of Marriage’ reception (that was at the end of November for those who were unable to attend her tropical wedding a few weeks before). Also included were white faux pearl garland strands/faux baby’s breath with white tulle as a filler that was also used in the decorating process together with, similar in the toss bouquet. All in all surprisingly it was pleasingly effective, so I would encourage the idea of using flowers if one wanted something different from traditional ornaments. -Brenda-

11. I enjoyed todays articles too! They were interesting and varied and I especially appreciated the food related articles today. It is appetizer and Christmas cookie season and I needed these new ideas! Thank you!

12. I did not see anything I could really incorporate in my wardrobe in the fashion articles and kept noticing the high heeled boots. I do like colored tights and they can be a very effective way to brighten up a basic or neutral outfit. They also hide my rather vein-y legs. However, I would not be going for neon red or yellow. I agree that walking for over 3 hours would be excessive. However, walking saves me worrying about trying to find some other form of exercise. I usually walk about 40 minutes and my routes are usually hilly. I take 2 days to do a less hilly route and take Sunday off with only a little walking on that day. I try to lift weights at the gym 3 times a week. Sort of a challenge to get there. It is a personal preference, but I find exercising in the morning is easier and more effective for me. Just get up and get it done. I think there is some research that this works for most people. I am reading Ina Garten’s bio right now. Really a good read.

13. All of this sounds so lovely, Brenda!

14. Thanks for sharing, Becky.

15. Happy to help, Paulette!

16. I also prefer morning exercise, Mary. Thanks for joining in!

17. Brent, Trixy and I try to walk for 30 minutes every day. Due to my chronic illness I am really challenged to walk for the whole time. We have benches to rest on in our center park in our community. I’m enjoying the Christmas decorations that residents are putting up. The Italian cookie recipe looks really good and I printed it out. The video felt theatrical to me but I am 80 so my clothes are basically jeans and flannel shirts. I wear sneakers or low healed Skechers booties for my painful feet. I’m active most of the day with chores. I’m maintaining my strength with small weights and stretching. My weight is 137 at 5’1” which is probably more than is fashionable but my doctor is very happy with it so I’m good too. I do take vitamin D3 with my breakfast and there is Vitamin D 3 in my calcium pills. The holidays are hard on my no added sugar routine as I love those cookies! It is so hard to eat just one!