The kids have finally flown the nest and retirement is around the corner – it’s time to start living for you

While most of us don’t exactly look forward to reaching the big 5-0, a new report from American scientists suggests that we should do. If the thought of entering your later years sends you into a tailspin – worrying about wrinkles, poor health and weight gain – stop.

Reaching this particular milestone can signal a new, and exciting, start. By 50, you’re more comfortable in your own skin, you’ve stopped worrying about what people think, and not having to run around after the kids anymore means you’ve far more time to yourself. The cult of youth in Britain would have us believe being happy means to be young, thin and beautiful but recent findings of Dr Arthur Stone, a psychologist at Stony Brook University in New York, say otherwise. A survey of more than 340,000 people found feelings of wellbeing improve after middle age. And it’s easy to see why.

Forget about the Joneses
Most women spend their 20s and 30s worrying what other people think of them but by the time they enter their sixth decade, they’ve usually worked out they haven’t been thinking about them at all. And the great news is that once you stop worrying about always seeking approval from others, you’re free to live your life how you want to. By 50, you’ve also probably grown out of comparing yourself to your sister, friends and neighbours. You realise nobody’s life is perfect and you can relax and enjoy your own without striving for something unattainable.

Better in the bedroom
Another bonus of getting older is that women get more confident sexually, and that means they enjoy it more. With experience comes a state of self-assurance, and the freedom to say what you want in the bedroom. At 50 you’re more likely to have lost your inhibitions and you can focus on pleasure rather than worrying about how you look while getting it.

Style savvy
Staying ahead of the fashion pack probably isn’t top of your agenda when you hit 50, and your wardrobe will thank you for it. By now, chances are you’ve finally found a style that suits you and you have the confidence to stick to it. Channeling a classic and chic style means you’ll always look fabulous when you get dressed and can leave the sartorial faux pas to the twenty-something fashion victims.

Job satisfaction
People are happier at work in their 50s and 60s – fact – and not just because retirement is around the corner. Surveys have shown that nine out of 10 people in this age group report feeling happy at work most days – more so than at any other age. With all the skills and experience that years in a career have given you, no task is insurmountable and you’ve finally got a great work-life balance.

You-time
The financial security that comes with increasing years gives you the means to pursue your wildest dreams. And with your kids flying the nest, you’ve got more time to throw caution to the wind and get on with it!

The wisdom of years
When things get hard in your 50s and beyond, it’s easier to put things in perspective. Not only do you have good memories, but also the knowledge that all things must pass.

Still scared of growing up?
You can’t change your age but you can change your attitude. Neuro linguistic programming (NLP) books and courses can help you to adjust your mindset and encourage you to recognise the wealth of opportunities that getting older affords. Such programmes set realistic and positive goals in different areas of your life.

Judi Dench
While Dame Judi was a successful theatre actress for many years, it wasn’t until she was cast as M in GoldenEye in 1995, at the age of 60 that her stellar movie career took off. Widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest actresses, besides her recurrent role in the Bond films, the 75-year-old has won critical acclaim and a host of awards for films such as Mrs Brown, Iris and Notes On A Scandal as well as her Oscar-winning portrayal of Elizabeth I in Shakespeare In Love.

Helen Mirren
Both stunning to look at and successful, Dame Helen Mirren’s star shows no sign of waning now that she’s in her 60s. Rather, the actress’s careeris going from strength to strength, with recent roles garnering a slew of award nominations including an Oscar nomination this year for her work in The Last Station. What’s more, as recent holiday snaps attest, at 64, Helen looks better in a bikini than many women half her age – good on you girl!

Kim Cattrall
While the actress claims there are few similarities between herself and the character of Samantha Jones whom she portrays in Sex And The City – they are undeniably both beautiful and successful women who have become even more so with increasing age. Kim was 41 when she was cast as Samantha – and her career skyrocketed thereafter. The role saw her nominated for five Emmys and won her a Golden Globe in 2004. Kim is now 53 years old.

Pictures: getty images