Aged fifty like it’s thirty

Growing up it was a norm to have our grams or other aged people in their forties and above, relatively looking exactly like the number of decades they had spent on earth. Looking quite elderly, some even no longer stay fashionable with hairs all grey, wrinkled skin especially among other physical attributes of an older person which they usually possess.

But in the last one decade, it had become like a competition sort of, to have people naturally ageing ‘backwards’. The new fifty be looking like it’s thirty.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Instagram space recently went agog with the images of a woman celebrating her fifty years birthday. Looking quite slimer, younger and fresher than even her own daughter who posed besides. She kept many people wondering why anyone in her fifties, would look like a young woman bidding a farewell to her teenage years.  Some other fifty somethings who though aren’t slim could surprisingly be very energetic and healthier than their younger counterparts.  

While youthful looks oftentimes are associated particularly with one’s genes, others would conclude it to be a question of one’s lifestyle. Having to say no to hard drugs, eating healthy, regular exercise, but I’d vote for sheer peace of mind to take lead.

The first time I set my eyes on Mrs Adeyinka Igbani was at a gathering for elite minds that was hosted by a veteran journalist.

Adorning a catchy and attractive Ankara top and equally in company of a younger woman that looked more-or-less like her sister (she was her daughter actually), her gait into the hall didn’t depict a woman anyway near fifties.

And even though I got closer much later and discovered how beautiful of a soul she is asides her equally beautiful physicality, she was the first person that came to mind for an interview on this topic.

Excerpts:

·        Can we meet you?

 

Mrs Adeyinka:  My name is Adeyinka Igbani, I was born on the 29th of April 1965, aged 55 to be precise. I graduated from The Ogun State University in the academic year 1989. I thereafter proceeded to the University of Lagos for my Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication. I wasn't done, shortly after that I obtained a Certificate and Diploma from the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON). I am married with Children.

 

·        How was growing up like?

 

Mrs Adeyinka:   Growing up was fine, with a no-nonsense father who dotted on us regardless and a mother who'll do anything to make sure we were alright. We didn't get the best because our parents were middle class kind of, but we got everything we needed to excel and be the best there was.

 

·        At what age did you got married?

 

Mrs Adeyinka:   I got married in the year 1992, at age 27+. So, I've been married for almost 30years.

 

·        What do you do for a living?

 

Mrs Adeyinka:          I'm a trader in Ankara. I'm an intellectual as well and I belong to a few business associations like; The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), NACCIMA, Business Women Group (NAWORG) and a few others.

 

Likewise, I am passionate about my gender and the Girl Child, so I'm always open to whatever concerns them. And besides defending my gender, I am an advocate of a fair justice system so I give voice to the voiceless regardless of gender. I'm a one-woman army, if there's anything so called.

 

·        You obviously do not look your age; how have you been living it?

 

Mrs Adeyinka:   I've always like to look good; this is how my parents were. My dad for instance was such a fine dresser, so was my Mom. So, wanting to dress well or appear neat is kind of inborn. I particularly have loved to look good for like forever! Back then, at a very tender age, some of my dads’ relations and friends referred to me as "Iyalode" (a powerful woman executive) or "Amuramarode" (she who dresses up really good without a reason) just because of the way they saw me each time they came around. And I remember I was actually quite young at the time.

 

 

·        Why do most people (women especially) in this present generation often look much older than their age?

 

Mrs Adeyinka:    The present generation think that marriage defines a woman and so as soon as a man puts a ring on it, they want to start looking like they're madams and are fulfilled. And while at it, they throw caution to the wind and just loose it! Another reason it appears the new generation isn't doing much is that they want a quick-fix for everything. A younger person will rather go under the knife than discipline herself in terms of nutrition. In spite of the fact that I like to enjoy myself, I'm cautious at the same time. I want my clothes to fit perfectly on my body, so I ration my intake, especially now that I'm more at home than I used to. I also invest in a few inner wears that makes the tummy stay in check when I'm going out.

 

·        Let’s talk generational gap. What is that one trait you see in people of this generation that generally baffles you?

 

Mrs Adeyinka:  As for the one thing that baffles me the most, that'll be the craze to bare it all at any given time. People will go naked for nothing. Most of the new generation will go naked at the drop of a pin and in the presence of the whole world! What happened to what we call "shame" or should we call it "decency"?

 

·        Any tip from you on how to maintain a youthful look?

 

Mrs Adeyinka:   Talking about tips for looking good? Do things in moderation, eat well because we're mostly what we eat. Take supplements, they help a whole lot. Do away with anything or anyone that gives you stress. Make yourself happy because no one can help you with that. Keep a positive outlook at all times. You can't solve every problem, do what you can and leave the rest. Be good to people everywhere you go, make friends not enemies and do not take yourself too seriously.

 

·        General advice for the incoming generation about life?

 

Mrs Adeyinka:          Being on social media has its gains but do not take too seriously the things you see. Nobody comes to face-book or Instagram to tell you how they failed, do not let the internet drive you crazy!