Oct 3 Grape Expectations Sour

Hello there fellow Ageless!

As October ushers in its crisp embrace, we're excited to share this week's edition with you. We'll challenge long-held beliefs about alcohol and aging, inviting you to redefine what nourishment truly means. We'll explore how patience, a quality that often deepens with experience, can be our greatest asset in financial decisions. Get ready to dive into the intriguing world of "probiotics" and their potential to keep our minds as vibrant as the autumn foliage. And for those who've discovered the liberating pleasure of their own company, we'll celebrate the art of solo dining. As always, we're here to embrace the continual growth and wisdom that comes with each passing year. So wrap yourself in a cozy throw, perhaps by a window where you can watch the leaves dance, and let's delve into these insights together. Here's to embracing change, nurturing our well-being, and finding joy in life's simple pleasures at every age!

🏋️‍♂️ Vibrant Living: Empowering Your Health and Wellness

Happy Hour Health Claims Get A Reality Check: I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it seems our favorite ‘healthy indulgence’ isn't quite the heart hero we thought it was. Remember when we toasted to our health with a glass of red wine, feeling virtuous about those magic antioxidants? Well, it turns out we might have been a tad optimistic. Recent research has burst our bubble faster than you can say "bottomless mimosas." The truth is, alcohol – yes, even our beloved vino – isn't doing our bodies any favors, especially as we gracefully navigate our 50s and beyond.

Now, before you pour that Pinot Noir down the drain, let's talk about why alcohol and aging don't mix well. As we mature, our bodies become less efficient at processing alcohol, and its effects hit us harder. Alcohol can disrupt our already finicky sleep patterns, exacerbate menopausal symptoms, and even increase our risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer and it raises heart disease risk particularly in women. Furthermore, a recent study has found this is even true for those who drink in moderation. And let's not forget how it loves to cozy up to our midsections, contributing to that stubborn belly fat we're constantly battling. Oh, and for those of us who love jetsetting? Alcohol and flying are about as compatible as oil and water – it can dehydrate us (which can increase your risk of a blood clot), worsen jet lag symptoms, and most concerning, can put a strain on our hearts.

Now, I'm not here to play the teetotaling police. We're grown women who've earned the right to choose our own poison, as it were. But what if we got a little “sober curious"? It's a trend that's gaining traction, especially with the younger set. Try swapping that evening glass of Chardonnay for a sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice, or dive into the world of herbal teas. Explore alcohol-free "spirits" that mimic the complexity of your favorite cocktails without the downsides. If you're not ready to go full teetotaler (and honestly, who could blame you?), that's okay too. Perhaps consider some of these sober activities to be a little more intentional about how and where we do or don’t drink. The key is awareness. Treat alcohol like that designer handbag you've been eyeing – an occasional splurge, not a daily necessity. Remember, we're not using it as a health move anymore, just a sometimes treat. Whatever you choose, here's to making informed decisions about our health and happiness. Cheers to that – with whatever's in your glass!

💰 Wealth Wisdom: Securing Your Financial Future

Impatience Is The Silent Saboteur of Your Financial Life: As we enter our 50s and beyond, impatience can become our worst financial enemy. Historically, women were often sidelined in financial matters, but we've shattered that stereotype. The rise of the 'SHEconomy' shows we've become financial powerhouses. Yet, in our drive to prove our worth, we might sometimes push too hard, too fast, trying to make up for lost time. With retirement looming, we might feel an urgency to act now, expecting instant results. This can lead to hasty decision-making, potentially derailing our long-term financial goals. Impatience is particularly dangerous in investing, where knee-jerk reactions have lasting consequences. How often have we sold stocks at the first sign of volatility or jumped on the latest 'hot tip’ ? This emotional response can seriously undermine our wealth-building efforts. It's like predicting the weather by looking out the window for five minutes – you're bound to make some mistakes!

So, how do we kick this impatience to the curb? First, let's give ourselves some grace. We're not perfect, and that's okay! Try this: when you feel the urge to make a quick financial decision, pretend you're a scientist observing a fascinating subject (that's you!). Don't judge, just observe. "Isn't that interesting? I'm feeling the need to act fast here." This little pause can work wonders. Then, focus on your long-term strategy. Consider setting up automatic contributions to your portfolio, or a "cooling off" period before making major changes. Setting small, intentional financial goals can help counter impatience. Keeping an investment journal allows you to track decisions and outcomes over time. The focus is on progress, not perfection.

Remember, wealth and financial security are built through consistent, patient investing and deliberate planning, not by trying to time the market. Interestingly, while our life wisdom grows with age, the ability to delay gratification can decrease. This makes it crucial to consciously cultivate patience in our financial lives. Trust in your ability to make calm, strategic decisions. After all, you've navigated decades of life's twists and turns. You've got this, and patience is your new financial superpower!

🧠 Lifelong Learning And Brain Boosts

Time To Maximize Those Gut Feelings: We've all heard about probiotics for digestive health, but what if these tiny microbes could be your secret weapon for a sharper mind and sunnier mood? Research suggests that our gut bacteria aren't just busy in our bellies; they're sending messages straight to our brains! Studies show that certain gut bacteria produce compounds that can improve your mood and smarts. These mood-boosting probiotics dubbed “psychobiotics” are like having a mini cheering squad in your digestive system, rooting for your brain! And let's be honest, with the occasional senior moment or menopausal mood swing, couldn't we all use a little extra support upstairs?

So, how does this gut-brain connection work? Picture a bustling two-way street. Your gut and brain are constantly chatting via the vagus nerve, swapping mood and health updates. Probiotics help keep the conversation upbeat by producing serotonin (the "happy hormone"!) and GABA, which helps calm anxiety. Research shows a probiotic can improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms of depression in older adults. It's like a brain spa day from the inside out! Fun fact: your gut produces about 95% of your body's serotonin. No wonder they say the way to a woman's heart is through her stomach – turns out, it might be the way to her brain too!

Ready to harness this probiotic power? Start by adding fermented foods to your diet – yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kombucha. (Studies show fermented food can be as effective as supplements.) Challenge yourself with a “Probiotic Passport”, trying fermented foods from a different culture each week. Or start a "Gut-Brain Boost" book club, discussing brain health over probiotic-rich snacks. Green thumbs can try growing probiotic-rich microgreens indoors. Use a habit-tracking app to log your daily probiotic intake and mood changes. Consistency is key – it’s a daily workout for your gut-brain connection. By nurturing your inner ecosystem, you're investing in your cognitive future. Let's raise a glass of kombucha to our amazing, adaptable bodies and brains, and to probiotics’ exciting potential. As science continues to unravel their full effects, we can look forward to aging with grace, guts, and a whole lot of good bacteria!

🔥Lifestyle Trends: Beauty, Fashion, and Travel

A Reservation for Me, Myself, and I: For years, I found eating alone to be a lonely, depressing, and even embarrassing experience. The thought of sitting at a table for one, surrounded by couples and groups, made me want to order takeout and hide at home. But it's time we challenge this narrative – not just about solo dining, but about aging and living life on our own terms. A new trend is rising, one that restaurants are embracing with communal tables and solo dining events. It’s a movement that we are perfectly positioned to embrace: the art of solo dining. As women in our 50s and beyond, we've spent decades caring for others. Now, it's our turn to focus on self-care and personal growth.

Research shows that engaging in solo activities, including dining alone, can have significant psychological benefits for older adults. Experts agree that these experiences can boost self-confidence, enhance mindfulness, and promote a sense of autonomy: all crucial factors for maintaining mental well-being as we age. Solo dining offers us a chance to savor not just our meals, but our independence. It's an exercise in mindfulness, allowing us to fully engage with our food without distraction. It's a chance to people-watch, to catch up on reading, or simply to enjoy our own company. Most importantly, it's an act of self-love and empowerment, sending a powerful message to ourselves and others: we are complete and content on our own.

For those feeling hesitant, start small with lunch at a cozy café during off-peak hours. Choose restaurants with bar seating or open kitchens for built-in entertainment. If you're still a little self-conscious, bring a book or listen to a podcast — they can serve as comforting companions and conversation starters. Practice positive self-talk, reminding yourself that you're treating yourself to a special experience. This mindset shift can transform solo dining from daunting to delightful. Remember, most people are too preoccupied with their own meals to notice you're dining alone. For safety, opt for well-lit restaurants in busy areas and don't hesitate to ask staff to walk you to your car if needed. I challenge you to give solo dining a try, or if it's already part of your routine, to embrace it with a new perspective. You might just discover, as I did, that dining alone isn't lonely at all. It's actually liberating. And equally important, it’s another way we can show the world and ourselves, that life after 50 is full of delicious possibilities.

🔗 The Extras - Fun Stuff We Had to Share

• 14 things that are free in October.

• You can get paid to exercise.

• Here are a few tips to help you avoid seasonal depression.

• Climate change seems to be making our allergies worse. Here’s how to deal.

• The worst fast food for your health and a few that aren’t so bad.

• Some interesting facts about grandparents that you might be surprised to learn.

• As the temperatures start to drop, warm up with a cup of green teas and enjoy all the health benefits.

• Not a tea fan, try visiting one of the top 10 cities for the best cup of coffee.

• 7 things every adult needs to have in order.

• The leaves changing color and falling from the trees are beautiful, but a chore. Here’s a few way to repurpose them.

• Interior design can affect your mood.

• A drug for Multiple Sclerosis may help heart attack victims.

• Do you have healthy brain habits?

• Thinking about retiring in another country? Here are a few things to consider.

🌿 Sage Reflections

“Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.”

-Martin Luther King Jr.

Remember, Ageless Ascent is more than a newsletter; it's a community, a movement, a way of life. We're here to explore, learn, and grow together. So, what are you looking forward to the most? Let us know by replying to this email. Your feedback is the compass that guides our adventure.

Till next time,

The Ageless Team

P.S. Stay curious, stay engaged, and most importantly, stay you. The best is yet to come. 🌟