5 Things people aging gracefully do differently

There's nothing less attractive than some one desperately clinging to the last remnants of their youth. We think it's far sexier to be comfortable in your own skin.

Even the biggest post-50 heartthrob George Clooney has spoken about the importance of embracing each extra candle on your birthday cake. “I'm a big believer in the idea that you can't try to look younger. You just have to try to look the best you can at the age you are,“ he said in a recent interview. And he has the salt-and-pepper hair to prove it.

Taking a leaf from Clooney's book, here are some of the little things that people aging gracefully all have in common.

THEY WORK OUT TO GET STRONG, NOT SKINNY

Cardio is good but strength training is a must, especially as you age. As early as in our 30s, we start to lose muscle mass up to 5 percent per decade, if we don't work to maintain and build it. In fact, according to Ken Kim, an internal medicine specialist, after age 45 we lose 1 percent every year. That can add up.

Strength and resistance training to build muscle not only counters that, it can help you stay strong and independent as you age so you can keep up with your day-to-day activities.

THEY STRESS LESS

Numerous studies have shown that stress, whether it's from work or family , can cause aging on a cellular level -maybe even causing you to age a decade faster. On the outside, stress can cause sleepless nights (dark circles), skin dehydration and even hair loss in extreme cases. So take a moment and breathe. Your golden years are to be enjoyed.

THEY LET GO OF REGRETS AND GRUDGES

You can't move on to the future when you're stuck looking back at the past. Learn from your mistakes rather than replaying them in your head. As the Zen proverb says, “Let go or be dragged.”

Consider meditating. Try this morning meditation routine and start your morning with a cup of coffee and a little mindfulness to help you live in the moment.

THEY LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY

Yes, you can teach old dog new tricks. Stay curious. Try something different. All of these things help break you out of your monotonous routine and can help you get out of a rut. Plus, learning something new can give you confidence. One study showed that older adults who took up a new activity for three months showed considerable improvements in memory compared with those who only engaged in familiar activities.

THEY DON'T OVERDO IT WITH THE MAKEUP

We're all for dressing up and putting on a bit of makeup. But don't be tempted to overdo it. The key is to enhance what you've got rather than piling on layers of foundation to cover up what you don't like.

Too much makeup will end up looking mask-like and unnatural, sapping your natural glow and eventually settling in to and accentuating fine lines and wrinkles.