Interview with Angelica Kavouni

If you are concerned about your sagging jawline and  tempted to have cosmetic surgery but reluctant to ‘go under the knife’ are there alternatives?

I have often heard the one-stitch facelift mentioned, so asked cosmetic surgeon Angelica Kavouni if she could tell us about it, and how appropriate it would be for women in their 50s and 60s.

The lighter-touch facelift

One stitch facelift is a great non-invasive solution for women (and men) keen to lift sagging jowls or re-claim cheek definition

How does the one stitch facelift work?

A single thread (can also be more than one) is gently passed under the facial skin and anchored in the hair line, either around the temple or behind the ear. Loose skin is then lifted towards the hairline to leave smooth natural lines and, in some cases, excess skin is removed.

How soon do you see the results of the procedure?

The effect is immediate and takes years away from the middle of your face or jaw.

Before

After

What are the long-term effects?

Since these threads (or ‘sutures’) are not barbed, they avoid unnecessary tissue damage. Tiny re-absorbable cones anchor themselves in your tissue, producing a tension, which then helps to sustain the lift.

How long will the effect last?

The lift should last up to five years – or as long as it takes for your skin to once again succumb to the ravages of time and gravity.

 Am I suitable?

A thread facelift is designed for people in the early stages of skin laxity or loosening and suitability is often more dependant on the quality of the skin, rather than chronological age per se.

Cosmetic Surgeon Angelica Kavouni comments: “This new generation thread facelift procedure, Silhouette Lift, is ideal for 50-60 year olds who are keen to lift sagging jowls or re-discover cheek definition.  I do see a large number of patients who have unrealistic expectations however and, I’m afraid if you have too much loose skin, then this procedure is not an option.”

Recovery:

With no general anaesthetic, and only light bruising or swelling, you can resume normal activities after a couple of days.

How much does a one-stitch facelift cost?

From £2000.00 to £4000.00 depending on number of threads required

Ms Angelica Kavouni FRCS EBOPRAS  is a cosmetic surgeon based in Harley Street, London www.cosmetic-solutions.co.uk

Article by Ceri Wheeldon

Day 2 of  my search for flattering, stylish dresses with sleeves for us over 50 ladies.

More skimming than body hugging, this Egypte dress in a Saturn Blue Print  from Ingenue London  is flattering, and great at disguising mid-life middles!

The tie knot front and graphic print detract from lumps and bumps- a useful addition to the wardrobe- and a bargain at £36.80 in the sale!

www.ingenuelondon.com

Article by Ceri Wheeldon

Far from planning holidays at sunkissed resorts, sipping cocktails on the beach, there is a growing trend for women over 50 to participate in ‘voluntourism’ , combining travel with volunteering. But how do you go about volunteering, and how do you know what project is right for you?

Is volunteering for you?

I spoke to Kate Stefanko co-founder of www.travel-peopleandplaces.co.uk  about what to expect from a volunteer placement.

“If you arrange your volunteer placement through a reputable company, who work with you to define your specific requirements – and limitations – you can specify the level of accommodation acceptable to you, the environment and the type of voluntary work suited to your own particular skills.”

What are the types of skills which would lead to a successful volunteer placement?

“A reputable voluntary placement organisation will look to place a volunteer in a project where they can add value and enable a skills transfer, leaving the project better skilled than on their arrival. There is a perception that volunteer placements are available for only nursing and teaching  professionals. This is not the case at all.  Many other skills are required. By the time a woman reaches her 50s, she will have gained skills in managing a home, budgeting and catering for family events. In areas looking to develop facilities for tourism, these are skills which need to be taught to local residents, so they can offer tourist accommodation and facilities of a suitable standard. We had one volunteer who had a passion for cycling- we just happened to have an opportunity with a town looking to set up a bicycle project – it was a win win situation.

How much should a volunteer placement cost?

This can vary enormously, but you should be looking to pay approximately $1500 a month plus travel to the volunteer assignment.

How long is a typical volunteer assignment?

Typical assignments are 4-8 weeks. But you can opt for 3, 6 or 9 months.

What questions should you ask?

• How did the particular project come about? Who instigated it?
• Ask how the money you are paying is being spent. How much is staying in the local project?
• What is their philosophy re skills transfer?
• What kind of support will I have?
• Who can you talk to who has already volunteered on the project?
• Is there adequate insurance cover?

Do most volunteers travel alone or with friends?

Most volunteers go alone, but some volunteer as couples. Some of the most rewarding are when mothers and daughters volunteer together/mothers and sons volunteer together. It adds an extra dimension and families get to see each other in another light.

What tips would you give somebody going on a volunteer placement?

• Always take pictures of your home and family- family applies to everyone and this can be a real ice breaker.
• Take language sheets with you with basic phrases
• Make sure you are aware of the local code of conduct.
• Make sure you research thoroughly beforehand.

What do the volunteers gain from the experience?

Most volunteers come away with an understanding of how life works for other people. Living within a  community you learn a lot about lives. They find the experience very meaningful and learn a lot about themselves too.

You can find more information about volunteer placements at www.travel-peopleandplaces.co.uk

Article by Ceri Wheeldon

So often I get asked to suggest the best places to buy dresses with sleeves. So, I have set myself the challenge of finding 50 dresses with sleeves over the next 50 days. I will scour the high street and the web to find dresses with sleeves suitable for fabulous women over 50.

Fingers crossed I that reach the full 50!

Day  One:

Isabella Oliver Jersey Drape Dress in Pink Rose

I love these dresses in double layered jersey- I have three in this style (sadly not this colour but it’s on my wishlist!)

Available from:

Isabella Oliver Jersey Drape Dress

Price: £119

Article by Ceri Wheeldon

We’re a new generation of fifty somethings and we can create our own rules. We don’t need to live by the old ones!

Our generation of women have lived through enormous change. We have moved away from the 50′s housewife scenario, partly through choice and partly economic necessity. When I was growing up very few of my peers mothers worked. Our fathers were the breadwinners and our mothers took care of the home and family. But that changed. We were encouraged to have careers and independent lives, both within and outside our marriages.
We broadened our horizon through travel. Technology became an integral part of our lives and we have embraced it, changing how we live with each new development. Who can imagine normal life now without mobile phones and the internet. We have moved into an information age. Little surprise then that the ‘rules’ our mothers and grandmothers lived by as they reached midlife seem to have little meaning for us as we move into the next stage of our lives.

A generation embracing change and innovation

We are a generation accustomed to change and innovation. Not for us the cloak of invisibility and slowing down. We are living longer and (hopefully) healthier lives. As our children leave home we look to broaden our horizons further. Instead of luxury holidays in tropical resorts today’s 5o something woman is as likely to volunteer to help build a school in Africa , climb a mountain for charity or train for their first marathon.

For our generation reaching midlife is not the end of our productive lives, just the start of a whole new world of possibilities. We’re embracing a celebration of the best half of our lives.

And we are creating our own rules!

Article Mary-Jane Kingsland

There is a growing trend for ‘Silver Start Ups’; namely people of older years, shunning the notion of compulsory retirement and starting a new business. Indeed, research reveals a 18.7 per cent increase in start up business amongst the over 65’s and a 10.8 per cent increase in the number of so called Silver Entrepreneurs, defined as aged between 55 and 64.

Simply Business – a business insurance provider – recently analysed 350,551 requests for quotations and found that the over 55’s account for 7 per cent of all new business start ups.

The 25 – 34 year age group still accounts for the highest number of start ups (35 per cent) but the greatest growth area is amongst those in the older age bracket. Moreover, new start up business now accounts for 46.9 per cent of insurance applications, showing an annual growth rate of 2.99 per cent for the period 2010 – 2011.

This compares with drops in 2008 of -3.6 per cent and -0.14 per cent in 2009. Moreover there is now greater start up growth and activity outside of London; historically the UK’s entrepreneurial hotspot.

An increase in entrepreneurial activity

Whilst the greater London area enjoyed a 3 per cent increase in activity – in itself a triumph given the trading climate – the Midlands, South East and South West saw an average increase of around 4 per cent. With the exception of Northern Ireland, the Eastern region topped the UK charts with a 4.52 per cent increase in entrepreneurial activity. These heartwarming figures will come as no surprise to anyone involved in the support and encouragement of start up business. Countrywide, we enjoy a plethora of skills and experience which offer targeted advice, facilitate networking and results driven education.

As a Fab after Fifty entrepreneur and self employed business mentor – and one of only 50 UK Female Entrepreneurship Ambassadors; I have first hand experience of helping many start ups – some of which could be described as Silver. My own anecdotal evidence supports the view that a more flexible attitude to work and career planning, coupled with increasing life expectancy and the shifting sands of pensions: public and private, have encouraged many to consider a revitalised career as they approach the nominal age of retirement.

There are many reasons for wanting to launch a new business later in life and they may not all be financial. You may have dreamt of being your own boss and you may decide to enjoy more control of your remaining working days but, whatever the reason; Silver Start Ups are boosting the UK economy considerably.

Mary-Jane is a Business Mentor and Columnist working in Norfolk. You can contact her at mj@maryjanekingsland.co.uk and read her online http://goo.gl/KCFP5  Please feel free to leave a comment and share your own experiences.

Article by Joyce Connor

As we mature our hands need a bit more tender care. Hand care becomes as important as face care to keep them looking beautiful. Nails and hands can be cared for in lots of ways.

Home manicure

When doing a home manicure start by removing old polish with an acetone free nail polish remover. Rinse hands in warm water and massage a hand exfoliator all over hands and nails and around the cuticles and in-between fingers.  Rinse off and pat dry.

Hand exfoliator recipe

Mix one tablespoon of granular white or Demerara sugar with half a tablespoon of olive oil. Spoon the mixture into the palm of dry hands and massage in well not forgetting in between the fingers. (Rinse off)

Apply one drop of warm cuticle oil or cuticle cream and massage around the cuticle and nail plate. Use a cuticle tool or orange stick to gently push the cuticles back and unstick them from the nail plate. Rinse your nails in warm soapy water. Regular cuticle massage will prevent hangnails forming and skin splitting around the nail.

Trim the nails, if necessary, with nail clippers rather than scissors.  Scissors tend to split the nails so I don’t recommend them. Use a soft flexible emery board to file across the top of each nail.  File the nail in one direction only from side to centre, do not use a sawing action because this can cause the nails to split and peel, as do metal nail files. Use the edge of the emery board to smooth away any surplus bits of filed nail.

If you wish to paint your nails degrease them first with a cotton pad soaked in an acetone free nail polish remover.

Apply a base coat to each nail from base to tip and allow to dry for a minute or two. Apply two coats of your chosen colour allowing a few minutes between each coat for the colour to dry and finish with a clear top coat.

Professional manicure

Having a professional manicure will help to keep hands in tip top shape.

Maintenance

Apply a thick layer of hand cream to hands and put each hand into a cotton glove. After 10 minutes remove gloves and massage any excess cream into hands and up your forearms. This is best before bedtime when skin cells renew themselves.

 Handy tips for beautiful hands

•  Don’t use nails as tools e.g. removing staples, scraping.
• Wear an SPF, minimum factor 15, when not indoors to protect hands from sun  damage and age spots.
• Wear gloves in winter to protect them from the harsh cold winds and prevent chapping.
• Always apply hand cream after washing your hands or having them in water.
• Regularly use a cuticle oil or cream at bedtime to nourish the cuticles. Don’t cut cuticles with scissors or nippers, hang nails can be trimmed.
• Always wear protective gloves to do cleaning, washing up dishes and gardening.  Harsh chemicals can be very drying on the hands.

Written by Joyce Connor www.bridesandbeauty.co.uk

Article by Fabafterfifty

If you start a relationship in your 50s, it may not be just changing hormones contributing to that fat around the middle!  It seems getting comfortable in a new relationship may also be partly to blame.

90 per cent of women put on weight when they settle down with a long term partner, with the average female gaining 16 lbs, a new survey has revealed.

The study showed that a 56 per cent majority started to gain weight four to six months into the relationship; with most citing that this was when they reached the ‘comfy’ period.

Romantic dinners for two

Of the 1000 women surveyed 35 per cent cited an increase in cosy nights in as a key reason for their weight gain. One in five women said it was because they felt comfortable enough not to worry about their figure, whilst one in ten blamed more calorie-laden romantic dinners in restaurants . 19 per cent said that it was due to matching portion size with their partner.

Mandy Cassidy, Psychotherapist for LighterLife, comments: “I regularly hear women say that their weight crept up a few months into a long-term relationship.

“When single or in the courtship stage, butterflies and a desire to look you best mean that staying trim is high on the agenda.

“As soon as things start to get serious many women realise that their partner will be there for them no matter what they look like. This, combined with lifestyle changes and matching male portion sizes, all result in excess weight.

“We have coined the term “Love Stone”, as something that embodies the extra pounds British women associate with the comfy stage of a relationship.”

Of the 90 per cent who said they gained weight after meeting their long-term partner, two thirds put on between one and two stone. A quarter gained less than one stone and a worrying 12 per cent put on over two stone, placing them firmly in the overweight or even obese category.

And whilst diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, this extra stone most definitely is not. More than half of the women are still trying to lose the extra weight one year on, whilst 28 per cent have already shed their ‘love stone’. Of this 28 per cent, one in three lost weight to look their best on their wedding day.

Practicing GP and TV personality Dr Hilary Jones says: “There’s nothing wrong with a few treats now and then and it’s important to feel comfortable with your figure whatever size you are, but eating portions that are too large or not healthy will ultimately have an impact in the long term.

Matching portion sizes with those of your partner

“Women need 500 less calories a day than men, but when meals are prepared together it is easy to match the size of the portion. Just a few extra calories a day is enough for weight to creep on over time, as this survey demonstrates.”

So it is important then to be aware of portion sizes if you find yourself cooking for two after a period of living on your own.

LighterLife has seen an increase in couples starting their programmes, whether to lose weight in the run up to their wedding or simply to support each other in their quest to get healthy. A healthy middle age is essential if we want to healthy in old age.

So for all mid-life romantics , don’t love be the cause of your mid-life waist expanding.

Article by Ceri Wheeldon

Whenever I meet anyone or speak on the phone about Fabafterfifty, I am always told the same thing: “You seem really passionate about what you do”.

They’re right, I am.

I am absolutely determined that women should not be set aside just for reaching a milestone birthday. We have every right to live full lives, have careers, travel and follow our dreams at any age- being over 50 does not mean we should be denied opportunities.

Most women over 50 are not ‘slowing down’ as it is commonly perceived. We’re getting bolder as we age. We have the confidence gained from 50 years of life experience. We’re feisty, tenacious. We want to try new things, or resurrect old dreams and interests which were put on hold while we were raising families or launching careers.

We’re not giving up on life just because we’ve had a 50th birthday

We’re not giving up on life. We’re living it to the full.

My passion comes from wanting to change perceptions. 50 is far from old. We need to make sure that society, media, and employers change their mindsets to see the energy , vitality and wisdom today’s 50plus women can bring.

Fabafterfifty is not just about looking good, Fabafterfifty is about living fabulously in all areas of our lives. It’s about living life to the full, embracing change, moving forward. Celebrating the best half of life together. It’s about being valued for the contribution we make as individuals and collectively.

If Fabafterfifty can provide the platform for women over 50 to air their views, share their experiences, highlight our visibility, then I will hopefully help to change perceptions.

We’re feisty, flourishing, and above all fabulous. We just need the rest of society to recognise that.

Fabafterfifty is just playing a tiny part in redefining perceptions of Life after 50.

Article by Fabafterfifty

We may think that once we turn 50 our costs will decrease, but it would appear that this not necessarily the case.  Turning 50 marks the most expensive period in our lives, a new study has revealed. Especially with children flying the nest later than anticipated, increased costs of education, and adult children returning home to live!

Experts calculated that those in their 50s can still expect to be lumbered with hefty mortgage payments while also trying to support teenage children.

Increased costs of holidaying as four adults, rather than a family with two children, coupled with helping the kids with motoring costs as well as a house deposit costs means a deep financial pot is needed.

The study, by leading UK health and wellbeing mutual organisation Benenden Healthcare Society, also went as far as to calculate how much the average 50-something will need a month to keep the family’s head above water – a grand total of £1,560.

Reaching 50 traditionally the start of a new lease of life

‘’Reaching 50 is traditionally supposed to be the start of a new lease on life as kids grow older and couples find more time to themselves. The stark reality will prove an eye-opener as 50-somethings realise the truth is not so rose-tinted.

‘‘Debt rarely goes away as we get older and the rising costs of mortgages, motoring and raising children will paint a pessimistic outlook on life.

‘’On entering our 50s, more of us are paying for our children’s education and taking on more of their day-to-day costs such as mobile phone bills and going out – indicating that we’re letting our children become more financially dependent on us.

‘’We’re also more like to provide financial help for our loved ones and family members – suggesting that whilst it’s the most expensive time of life, it’s also the time when we might be most giving and generous.’’

The study quizzed 2,000 home-owning Brits with at least one child who were in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s and it found hitting the big 5-0 will result in you parting with the most cash.

Mortgage repayments is the biggest outlay every month – averaging £354, while food shops set them back another £292.

The 50s age group also find themselves spending £186 on utility bills, but it’s the annual holiday which really tips the scales, splurging £1,254.

How much do you spend on your teenage and adult children?

A quarter find themselves paying towards their child’s motoring costs such as insurance and tyres and one in six have even bought their offspring a car.

Three in ten are currently helping to pay for their child’s education and just under half pay for their child’s mobile phone contract – both adding another £189 to the monthly bill.

Youngsters will also spend another £100 of their money each month on their social lives and receive £78 pocket money – becoming the wealthiest children of any age group of parents polled.

However, nearly four in ten (37 per cent) of over 50s have given their children a lump sum within the last year – with one in ten helping to pay off debts, and one in five paying towards a holiday or a deposit for a house.

In fact they’ve given offspring more than £24,000 in the last 12 months helping out with weddings, university fees, DIY jobs and extensions.

Is life getting tougher for the over 50s?

It also emerged over 50s are twice as likely to provide financial help for their own or partner’s parents – with 24 per cent giving out regular help compared to the other age groups.

But with such massive outlays one in ten over 50s ends the month in deficit and one in five struggle to support their immediate family.

The same number went as far as to say their family wouldn’t cope should something happen to them.

Marc Bell  of Benendum who commissioned the study added: ‘’Life is getting tougher for the over 50s. The increased costs places extras pressures on the wallet, but it can also put greater pressure on mental wellbeing and the strength of relationships.

‘‘In the midst of this greater expense, we should not forget to prioritise our personal health. It is perhaps the time of life when maintaining good health is most vital – therefore ensuring a secure future for our family.