How Petite Women Can Look Younger Over 60

With summer just around the corner, it’s easy to feel nervous about shorts, sleeveless tops, and swimsuits—especially when social media is full of “perfect” bodies and trends that don’t feel made for us. If you’re a petite woman over 60, you can still look fresh, modern, and confident in your summer outfits. In this post, I’ll share simple lifestyle and style tips—healthy eating, gentle exercise, and easy skin and hair routines—that help you look younger over 60 and feel amazing in chic, comfortable summer fashions.

Simple Lifestyle Habits That Make You Look Younger

Eating natural is an important part of healthy living that is a crucial step in looking younger over age 60. Take a look at pictures from older generations. Most people in older generations were not overweight. It wasn't until the mid 20th century that we started seeing weight gain and cancer related to obesity. The weight gain started with the introduction of processed food and decrease in activity due to changing jobs and lifestyle.

Women in the 1950's prior to the explosion of eating processed foods and decreasing activity due to changing lifestyles and careers

Petite women as short at 4' 10" and weighing 143 pounds are considered obese based on their body mass index (BMI). Petite women at 5'4" are considered obese at 174 pounds, so the shorter you are, the less weight your body can carry and not be considered overweight or even obese. Are you stuck at the same weight after trying so many different diets? Are you tempted to try these new medications or surgery to lose weight? The struggle is real for petite women!

Following some healthy living tips including choosing the right foods is an important element in healthy living over 50. Eating natural is the key! It really is simple once you understand what to eat. Just ask yourself, "Did God make it?" God gave us everything our body needs to be healthy: food, water, and sunshine. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains will serve your body well. Even eggs, dairy products, and sourdough bread are healthy choices in moderation. Walk 20-30 minutes after each meal to get vitamin D, aid in digestion, and keep your metabolism strong. Don't forget to drink water, lots of it! Once you eliminate the diet sodas, protein bars, and processed diet or other processed foods and incorporate a natural diet, you will see the pounds melt away.

Don't Skimp On Protein

Make sure you are getting enough protein! I have found eggs, lean meats (chicken and turkey), seafood, cottage cheese and fat free greek yogurt to be my power proteins. I also add some other proteins including cheese, nuts, and Greek yogurt with fat in moderation. The trick is to get enough protein so you continue to build muscle while losing the fat (0.7-1 gram of protein per pound based on each individual's needs). You may need to try different amounts and see what feels best for you. You can also supplement protein by using natural protein powders mixed with low-fat Greek yogurt if you feel like you are not getting enough protein.

Consistent Exercise and Weights Are A Must

Yes, you can definitely lose weight without exercising and lifting weights. However, it is not a pretty sight when you have a thin body with sagging, crepey skin. Also, it is easier to lose weight, maintain weight, and you will feel healthier with muscle than you would without it. Don’t make the mistake of losing weight without implementing an exercise program that includes weights. To lose weight, start with cardio and weights, I started with cardio, on a spin bike 45 minutes per day. Start with minimal weights, but don't stay at the same weight. To build muscle, you must lift heavy weight. I prefer to weight train every other day, but weight training 2-3 times per week will get results if you are consistent. Don't forget your glute exercises. The last thing you want to do is lose the weight and have a pancake butt that requires padded butt panties! Lol-we won't go there!

I like to end my exercise session with 15 minutes standing or doing knee bends on a vibrating plate. I have found the vibrating plate aides in digestion and helps to drain the lymphatic system decreasing cellulite. It also comes with bands that you can do exercises on the vibrating plate, but I have not tried that yet.

Skin and Hair Tips That Soften and Brighten Your Look

Finding the right skin care regimen for your body is important to have smooth skin during those hot summer months when you want to wear sleeveless shirts and shorts. If you are like most women over 50, you are diligent about using a night time and daytime moisturizer and you probably use sunscreen when you head to the pool or the beach. However, to really see a difference in your skin, I use sunscreen daily, skip the sun for tanning and use self-tanning lotions.

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch 15              Colorescience Face Sunscreen 50  

Intensive Skin Care

I have discovered using at home microneedling once a week brings that smooth glow back to my skin. I start by covering my face with a saline solution to kill any bacteria prior to using the microneedling pen. I use a good microneedling serum containing hyaluronic acid.  I am careful to not go too deep because I have seen the benefit by only using .25 needle depth. I suggest consulting your dermatologist before starting microneedling for professional guidance in using the appropriate serums and using the appropriate needle depth on your skin.

I started seeing smoother skin on my arms and legs when I started using a microcurrent red light device  on my face, arms, and legs. The device comes with a serum to apply before using the device. I also like to use a peptide collagen product and alternate with a hyaluronc acid serum to see that crepey skin start to plump up and smooth out. Just like exercise, it only works if I use it. I work it into a routine of using the red light device at night after I take a bath and watch TV. It doesn't take any time away from getting dressed in the morning and I have found it to be very relaxing. I also use the red light device with the same products in the morning for a quick lift!

Microcurrent Red LIght Face/Body   Eqqualberry NAD Peptide

Waterpik Sonic Fusion toothbrush/flosser. Travel Iron/Steamer     Microcurrent Red Light Face & Body

Take Care of Your Smile

I have always believed going to the dentist every 6 months and brushing your teeth throughout the day are great habits. To have that awesome smile, I am trying to remember to whiten my teeth on a regular basis and use brusher/flosser. I was amazed at the difference it made with my teeth. I thought I was doing great by brushing my teeth 3 times daily until I started using the brusher/flosser. Well, let's just say my dentist saw a big improvement in my gums and I feel like my smile is brighter.

I have enjoyed wearing long hair most of my life. Hair length and volume should be proportionate to the body so you are wearing the hairstyle instead of the hairstyle wearing you. Hairstyles are a personal choice. Lately, I have been enjoying a shorter hair length and I feel that it fits more proportionately with my petite body. I am enjoying layers that hit right at the jaw or just slightly below the jaw to accentuate my neck and it feels like it gives me an automatic face lift. Check out these before and after pictures to see how the shorter layers with movement are more flattering on a petite body than a long straight cut.

Long straight hairstyle that is unflattering on a petite body

Short haircut with layers that hit right at the jaw gives an instant facelift effect.

Of course, face shape and the amount of body in hair are also factors to consider. Ask your hairdresser for possible choices of hairstyle/color and keep in mind the time it would take to style it. I have found that using hot rollers with layers is a easy way to style hair, especially if the hairstyle is shorter than shoulder length.

Conair Hot Rollers

Boldify Hairline Powder Root Touch Up

Touch Up Roots Often

With every year, I see those gray roots coming in after each coloring a little quicker than the last coloring. I started using two shades of root touch up powder to keep those gray roots at bay. I like a dark color to match my roots and a lighter shade for highlights. I have found it looks more natural than the root touch up spray I had been using for years.

Summer Outfit Formulas That Flatter Petite Women Over 60

Elevated summer fashions should include fabrics that are comfortable, breezy, and chic for the woman over 60. I like to choose fabrics with linen, organic cotton, and lightweight white jeans. Staying cool and comfortable will show in how you present yourself in your clothes, so I try not to make the mistake of wearing heavy denim, polyester that doesn't breathe, and tight clothing that doesn't allow airflow.

Gap Linen Separates  (Comes in Petite, Regular, & Tall Sizes). I prefer the straight ankle length in a regular size for a full length fit on my petite frame.

 Confidence: The Secret to Looking Younger at Any Age

I hope you have enjoyed learning about some of my favorite lifestyle tips to age gracefully over 60. This really is one of the best seasons of life and I believe it is the season to give myself some attention to age gracefully for myself and my family. This is the season that you can apply your lifelong experiences to making this season the best season of your life. Nothing is more appealing than having confidence to live your life with intentionality, showing grace, and practicing forgiveness. Practice gratefulness daily and you will see your confidence grow.

I would love to hear your favorite tips for aging gracefully over 60. I am learning I still have so much to learn about health, fashion, and aging well. I believe women sharing what works for them often helps lift others up and I love learning from others. Please leave your comments and share your favorite aging tips.

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