Model Mel Brady reveals five things to do in your 20s and 30s to look better in your 50s and 60s 

They say prevention is the best form of warding off ageing, and now a leading model and stylist has revealed the five things you should be doing in your 20s and 30s to look and feel better in your 50s and 60s.

Australian model and stylist Mel Brady has been in the fashion industry for more than 30 years – and has a wealth of beauty, health and diet secrets.

Speaking to FEMAIL, the 57-year-old shared some of her top secrets – including regular exercise, laughter and sunscreen every single day.

Australian model and stylist Mel Brady (pictured) has been in the fashion industry for more than 30 years – and has a wealth of beauty, health and diet secrets

The first thing the 57-year-old model and stylist (pictured) said is that you should laugh and remember to enjoy life as much as possible

The first thing the 57-year-old model and stylist (pictured) said is that you should laugh and remember to enjoy life as much as possible

‘At 57, I have spent quite a bit of time over the past decade “under the bonnet”, redressing some of the things I ignored in my youth,’ Mel told FEMAIL. 

‘There are a lot of things I wish I knew about self-care in my twenties – which I do now.’

So what are they? 

1. Laugh lots and let go

The first thing the 57-year-old model and stylist said is that you should laugh and remember to enjoy life as much as possible.

‘Okay, so you’re busy, there’s a lot of pressure to multitask, life can be stressful and when it comes to releasing stress people often tend to self medicate with alcohol or drugs, both of which will make you feel and look older than you are in the long term,’ Mel said.

‘But there is another way to make you feel better, and you might have forgotten about this super simple idea.’

Mel said laughter has ‘so many benefits’, even if it’s just five minutes.

‘It’s no secret laughter keeps you young,’ she said.

‘Researchers have shown that laughing increases circulation to the head and heart, and it also improves our physical and emotional health while decreasing anger.’

She even said it could make you look younger, thanks to the fact that it stimulates the facial muscles and thus increases blood circulation.

The second thing Mel advises you practise in your 20s and 30s to look and feel better in your 50s and 60s is exercise and meditation

She said you should practise both of these things daily if possible as you need to 'use' your body, or else you 'lose' it

The second thing Mel advises you practise in your 20s and 30s to look and feel better in your 50s and 60s is exercise and meditation – which she said you should practise daily if possible

2. Exercise and meditate

The second thing Mel advises you practise in your 20s and 30s to look and feel better in your 50s and 60s is exercise and meditation.

‘If you don’t use it, you lose it,’ she said.

‘Sure, when you’re younger, you might be able to stay naturally slim. But, as you age, that theory eventually goes out the window.’

The 57-year-old – who has practised regular exercise throughout her life – said that it’s a proven fact that ‘aerobic fitness reduces brain tissue loss in ageing humans’.

‘So exercise gets those endorphins going, and if done regularly your body’s muscle memory will take over as you grow older,’ Mel said.

The same can be said for meditation, which has a host of benefits – from relaxation to mindfulness.

Get good habits when you’re in your 20s and 30s, and you’ll be set up for life.

It's what your mother always told you, but the magical powers of sunscreen cannot be overrated - even in your youth

It’s what your mother always told you, but the magical powers of sunscreen cannot be overrated – even in your youth

3. Apply sunscreen every single day

It’s what your mother always told you, but the magical powers of sunscreen cannot be overrated – even in your youth.

‘Yes, I know everyone loves a tan, but the damage you do in your teens and twenties will show in your thirties, forties and beyond,’ Mel said.

‘So make sure you always wear sun cream and drink plenty of water. No topical cream will hydrate you like water.’

The 56-year-old said that while you might be impressed by pricey products in this decade, expensive skincare isn’t always worth your hard-earned cash.

‘I would say try not to buy into the advertising rhetoric about ageing,’ Mel said.

‘So be smart about how and where you spend your money. If you’re insecure in your twenties, how are you going to face your forties, fifties and beyond?’

4. Stimulate your brain

Keeping your mind active is one of the best things you can do for your health, according to the 57-year-old model and stylist.

‘Once upon a time, reading was a great way of doing this, but I realise this pastime is on a steady decline.

‘Nowadays, there are great online games like Luminosity or even old-school board games such as Scrabble or crosswords.

‘It’s entirely possible to rewire the way you think, as the more your mind stretches, the sharper it is.’

To avoid your brain turning to mush by the time you’re 50, aim to do something like this every day.

It's a taboo topic, but Mel said sex and masturbation really do keep you young, according to Mel (pictured)

It’s a taboo topic, but Mel said sex and masturbation really do keep you young, according to Mel (pictured)

5. Regular sex and/or masturbation

It’s a taboo topic, but Mel said sex and masturbation really do keep you young. 

‘Sex releases endorphins, which can reduce the symptoms of anxiety, and although it might no be a cure for depression, it can certainly take your mind off things, boost your mood and help you to sleep better.’

Mel said it doesn’t necessarily matter if you don’t have a partner, as ‘masturbation gets the same result’.

‘In fact, it can be said it takes less time to achieve, and the best thing about it is learning what you like,’ she said.

For more information about Mel Brady, please click here 



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