Ah, the sweet irony of life! I vividly remember my 18-year-old self, scoffing at the thought of 40 being ancient. Now, here I am, basking in the wisdom of my 40s (and may I add, with a slight cough hinting at the impending 50s). But hold up, when did old become the new young?

Surprisingly, I don’t feel like I’m about to crumble into dust any time soon. Sure, there are jokes floating around about the middle-aged body taking an early retirement, but personally, I feel fantastic. The mirror, however, is sneakily revealing the telltale signs of time’s artistic handiwork on my face. And you know what? I’m okay with that.

Shouldn’t those laugh lines and crow’s feet be badges of honor, proudly worn for the world to see? I’m healthy, happy and, by some miraculous alignment of the stars, I’m still here, gracefully aging while others are taken too soon. Perspective is a beautiful thing.

Scroll on social media and you’ll find the likes of Pamela Anderson, Gabrielle Union-Wade, Gwyneth Paltrow and Tracee Ellis Ross proudly flaunting their makeup-free faces, champions of embracing the inevitable passage of time. Inspired by these age-defying icons, our feature article this month celebrates the art of graceful aging.

But hold on, it’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good, too. Our wellness-focused issue takes a lifespan approach, shunning the sick care mentality. Dive into the pages for insights on reversing Alzheimer’s disease, exploring the latest breakthroughs in brain health treatment and support. Because, let’s face it, a sharp mind is the real fountain of youth.

And if that’s not enough, we’re diving into the world of “kidfluencers”, those tiny titans of social media making positive waves, because, whether you’re 18 or 80, we could all use a bit of youthful inspiration. And so much more!

So, here’s to laugh lines, to wisdom and to embracing the journey—gracefully, of course! Cheers to growing old like the fine wine we are, with each passing year adding a richer flavor to the story of us.

Happy New Year!

Shae