NC for this.
Ok. I will take the bait.
Firstly, I thought Op was asking for herself. As it is your friend, it really depends on her outlook on life how she views this change, she may care, she may not care. So ageing is an individual thing.
I have been considered gorgeous all my life. My usual compliment was beauty and brains. Women commented that what made me more beautiful and lovely was the fact that I was oblivious to the beauty and was focused on being a good human being, Indeed, I love life, love people and always look for the good in everyone.
I also loved books. Which meant I got a good education and a good career- this was always my focus. I have always been into my hobbies: long walks, swimming, gym etc because I am in a demanding profession so that was the way for me to unwind and de-stress. So it meant I am always in shape. I also relied on healthy eating- parents brought me up on that- to help me manage the demands of my career. But was never 'starving'. I have always liked to eat when I feel a bit hungry as I enjoy my food better. I have a small appetite so like to saviour my food when I eat.
I then hit mid 40s. Still looking 10 years younger but picked up an injury. That injury meant sometimes a 7 minute walk would leave me needing a week to recover. So I gave in. It has now taken a good 18 months for that injury to heal properly. That was a difficult time for me as I enjoyed being active for a feel good factor and to keep me in shape. I could do zero. It was at this time I wish when I was in my 20s and 30s I was like those young women who did no exercise but just dieted to keep in shape. Although I ate healthily 80% of the time, I never denied myself a chocolate bar if I wanted it as I would burn it off at my next session. There I was now, unable to move and not much of a dieter. I did put on 8 kilos, however, wore mostly same clothes and I didn't panic as I have always known I am lucky my weight evens out over whole body and it is never concentrated in one area. Instead of panicking I embraced it and tried fasting here and there and probably settled at 5or 6 kilos over. [I refused to allow my mind drift into despair although I was heartbroken at lack of even a 15 min walk. even a hot tub was over stimulating so could n't use it 'properly' or at all, although we have one at home.]
I am now back to being able to swim even 4 days in a row- would you believe. recently told I am glowing. I know it s the happiness that I can take some exercise. I try to limit to one day a week or 2 days a week as I really don't need to move much.
On ageing- I do feel sorry whenever I go to annual meetings where we meet every year or every 2/3 years in person as some annual meetings are online. I see how those my age show the additional 3 years. I don't show any signs of ageing because, yup, I am lucky I am black and we age slowly because of the skin difference. However, my being able to be myself for those 18 months reminded me what mattered: state of mind It is important to keep positive and embrace what you cannot change whilst striving to do better. My mother has always had a positive state of mind and I seem to have inherited it. When I saw my family, I embraced my 6+ kilos like I didn't notice as I didn't want anyone being concerned about my injury. They had never seen me like that and in fact used to think I was too thin, so mum especially thought I was normal shape and commended me for my good eating habits- she was trying to encourage her overweight grandkid to add healthy foods to her diet. Now back to normal and just listening to my body. Colleagues recently commented I was glowing- yep, because I spent 60 mins in the swimming pool the previous day swimming and walking, a luxury that was denied to me for a good chunk of 3 years. After 18 months, I was careful not to jump straight in it, so it has been like 3 years in total. That's what I like exercising for- to feel rejuvenated and be able to eat a little of what you like.
Embrace positivity and all shall be fine.