Do you think people visibly age more between 40-50 than between other decades?

[LaurieFairyonthetreeEatsCake]

Inspired by another thread I'm wondering what people think?

I think it's quite hard to be precise about age below 40 but once someone gets towards 50 you can definitely say they're over 40 - maybe

I look older than I did 15 years ago but not radically so - with highlighter and soft lighting I could still just about pass for 25 ish

Desiderata - you mean like his portrait?

Bonsoir - what do you mean "IME"? I thought you were 40+, not >65.

IME of that generation - my mother, for example...

Argh, of course, I took it too literally.

I think it very much depends on how you look after yourself. And how much grey hair you have - it's instantly ageing unless it's enhanced in some way. But a good cut works wonders - shiny well cut hair looks great and youthful.

Good and well cut clothes are very forgiving too.

Re the yoga thing, I think our posture goes especially after having children and yoga can neutralise that. Straight back, head up etc and you carry yourself differently.

I think those are little clues that we give off. Also things like struggling to get up from a sqatting position etc.

It's my hands that give me away.

I've got plenty of grey hair, in fact. My hair has always been disappointing.

Mind you, I'm lucky in that respect. 45 and not a single grey hair ... yet!

No it's not. It's natural dark brown. Says so on the box.

Somebody asked me recently if I dyed my hair.

I laughed, firstly at the presumption that I might be getting to the age when I'd need to, and secondly because L'Oreal don't do Ship's Rat, as far as I know.

I guess it depends what else is going on in your life at the same time too. I'm very very very nearly 40, and have had a horrid few weeks, and feel as if suddenly I look at least 5 years older

Mind you, if I could resolve the chronic insomnia maybe I would look better/younger?

a lot of it comes down to how much you look after it all.
many women seem to give up at 40-50 or never bother in the first place. Genes play a big part of course, but sensible diet, good haircut and colour, subtle make up, fashionable clothes, and a healthy lifestyle make a huge difference.

I really don't think you can define an age when people truly age. This 41 thing is nonsense really.

I saw a big difference in my parents between 70 and 80.

Not sure why that's said about yoga Cristina - I think it's probably to do with posture, stress-busting and core strength.

And it's certainly not just about lying down on a mat - I've done ashtanga yoga and virtually had to crawl out of the class - but felt very chilled about it.

You're right there, JJ.

I've got BKS Iyengar's book, and it's crippling. Haven't touch it for years mind. When ds was little, he used to push me over whenever I got into a pose.

He's still quite little now, and by the time he grows out of it, I'll just be a creaking old hulk.

"You look back at photographs of yourself 20-25 years ago and just cannot believe that you didn't regard yourself as fabulous back then." YES! SO true.

Yes, I totally agree.

My mum aged most between 50-60 yrs. I am early thirties and can feel my skin changing. I think i will look very different in 5 yrs time, unfortunately.

'You will never be as young as you are today, so make the most of yourself, love!', as my gran always used to say

I hope I take after my mother. She looked 35 year old until she was nearly 60. She just started with the wrinkles etc but still looks fab. People always thought she was my younger sister. Bitch.

At least it's not your MIL. MIne is 67 or so and looks amazing all the time. Asian skin doesn't age. then there's me with my celtic skin

You're never going to be as young as you are NOW ever again. So make the most of it and be happy. Act confident, get a good haircut and smile.

I went to a school reunion a few years ago when we had all hit 40. Us 'girlies' all looked incredibly good (or so I thought). Without exception though, the 'boys' all looked awful - I didn't even recognise some of them. Most had gone bald, grey or fat. On this occasion, I was glad I wasn't male.

Agree gogopops - I have dreadful double standards. I don't trust men who dye their hair, but wouldn't dream of not covering up my grey at vast expense.

However, George Clooney looks fab, whereas it's a very scary thought for most women to go grey.

I definitely won't give in to it to the grey until I retire (am late 40s now and work in a very youthful environment) - and intend to compensate with a fab cut and better clothes/grooming than I can afford now when that does happen.

The thing is, there's no going back, is there? Once everyone knows how grey you really are (and I reckon mine is over 50%) then the cat's out of the bag.

what do you think ladies?I am 30 now and a mum of two.And i do have wrinkles under my eyes.My sister says that the way i smile ,is the reason why they formed.And to be honest,i remember,9 years ago my husband says,you know what your eyes will have wrinkles at an early age.Now the minute i look at the miror,and i can see them i remember what i have been told,and that makes me more depressed.I hate my wrinkles,i wish if i can freez my face and not to smile at all,so they won't get deeper and deeper.Sorry english is not my first language,

preciousmum - a friend of mine has very discreet botox and if she hadn't told me I really wouldn't have known.

If it really bothers you and you can afford to have it done then do it if it will make you feel happier in yourself.

If I could afford it I would have my hair professionally coloured every 4 weeks (grey on very dark quick growing hair not good); I'd have laser hair removal; botox and as time goes by maybe a gentle face lift to get rid of the jowls.

I wouldn't even consider myself very superficial but my ageing does bother me