Lovely for a lifetime: How to look and feel your best at any age

Did your grandmother age gracefully? She might have thought growing older with poise meant accepting age-related changes in her skin and overall health, or that costly cosmetic surgery was the only way to look her best as she grew older. Today, better health knowledge and leading-edge products have revolutionized the concept of what it means to age gracefully.

Growing older is inevitable, but looking and feeling old don't have to be. Here are five important actions women of any age can take to ensure they stay healthy and looking good throughout their lives.

__Get and stay active.__ Health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommend healthy adults get at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (such as brisk walking) every week, and engage in muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week. The benefits of exercise are many, including helping with weight control, lowering the risk of heart disease, improving cardiovascular health and even supporting brain health. It's never too late to become active, so talk to your doctor about an exercise routine that works for you.

__Protect against sun damage.__ Sun exposure is the leading cause of premature aging of the skin and can even lead to skin cancer. Always wear sunscreen to protect all exposed skin -- even hands and feet. Choose a broad spectrum product with an SPF of 30 or more. Many sunscreens can do double duty to enhance your appearance while protecting your skin, such as providing lightweight broad-spectrum sun protection along with a sheer hint of color.

__Make good nutrition a lifestyle.__ Proper nutrition throughout life affects overall health, including weight and the health of your muscles, digestive system, bones and brain. It also affects the appearance, clarity and elasticity of skin. Be sure to follow a balanced diet. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Pyramid is a good guideline for nutrition. For help understanding nutrition, talk to your doctor or a certified nutritional counselor.

__Take care of your bones.__ Osteoporosis -- the gradual loss of bone mass over time -- is a concern for women as they age. Bone health is essential for overall health, and directly affects a woman's ability to maintain mobility and posture later in life. The National Osteoporosis Foundation says you can support your bone health in many ways, including ensuring you get plenty of calcium and vitamin D -- either in your diet through lean dairy products or through supplements -- engaging in bone-building exercises, choosing foods that are good for bone health like fruits and vegetables, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption to just two or three drinks a day.