Ask anyone how old they feel and more often than not, they'll say they feel younger than their years. It can be a shock to look in the mirror and discover we're indeed ageing. However, try not to focus on ageing as a negative experience; instead, you can continue to feel younger by seeing the glass as half full, with these tips.

Check your expectations

Where did you expect to be by the time you reached your current age? Many people find it difficult to cope with being single or not having children, especially if they'd planned marriage and kids. It can be just as hard for others to adjust after a sudden divorce. By keeping your expectations open-ended and not painting yourself into a corner, it's easier to adapt to the curve balls life throws us.

How full is your life?

In our 20s we can be career focused, while our 30s, 40s and 50s are more likely to be centred on family. By limiting our priorities, it can be hard to cope when we enter a new stage of life. For example, empty nest syndrome is alive and well in many households, but if you fill your life from an early age with a wide range of interests, you'll experience less grief when the children leave home. Your life will still be full of the excitement and fulfilment you got from activities you took part in when you were still living with the kids.

Stocktake your friendships

As we move through life, we make friends. True friendship is full of give and take, you support each other and you have fun together. It's not healthy to continue being friends with someone who makes you feel bad about yourself. On the other hand, we can lose touch with people who meant the world to us. Why not contact that special person and see if you can pick up where you left off?

It's never too late

Life is full of opportunities. All we have to do is take advantage of them. Your partner might suggest dance classes together, or you may be inspired to write a book. Author Mary Wesley began writing at 70 and had 10 bestsellers. If it interests you, go for it.

Live for the here and now

Looking over your shoulder and pining for the past, or tormenting yourself with regrets, can stop you enjoying what you have now. Living in the moment is one of the best ways to feel fabulous at any age.

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