Here we are - another Monday, the start of another week, and wouldn't you know it - as I'm busy going about my morning routine, I hear a voice in the background say, "Forty is the new twenty."

Forty is the new twenty, huh?  Well, considering I'm well over forty, they've hooked me - I'm listening.  Not sure I believe it - but definitely listening and lovin' it.

When they get around to the segment on The Today Show, to prove their thesis they use examples such as Valerie Bertinelli with her bikini pics (she does look amazing for any age!) the cougars like Demi Moore, and other actresses and models, all over forty, being featured in GQ, Playboy, etc.

Well, it's no secret that women and men today look much younger than their counterparts from a couple of generations ago.  Chalk it up to more knowledge of good nutrition and the benefits of consistent workouts, much more youthful hair styles and wardrobes, not to mention all the variety of cosmetic procedures readily available.

But as they were talking about the toned bodies and youthful faces, I was very pleased to hear them say something I've always felt was vitally important:  the woman who accepts and embraces her age not only looks better, but tends to be healthier and live longer.  Now, that's really good news! 

Now, I don't think "accepting and embracing" means you don't do things to make yourself look as good as you can.  On the contrary, I would worry about a woman who throws in the towel and says,  "That's it - I'm 45 (or 55, or whatever age) I just have to let nature take its course." 

No, I'm all for keeping hair in its natural state (you know, the color you had when you were five!) keeping fit, and undergoing any procedure you desire (as long as you approach it from a healthy state of mind vs. this procedure is going to change my life.  It won't.)

No, accepting and embracing is about the attitude - the mind set:  I like my age - I like myself.

You see, I've always thought that we women become much more powerful as we age.  It's a different kind of power than what you had when you were young.  Then, it was about physical beauty.  There can be tremendous power in being a beautiful young woman.  Fair?  No, but then life isn't fair.  That's just the way it is.

But here' s what's so great: if you have more than just physical beauty (which you darn well better have because it's true what your mom said: pretty is a dime a dozen) if your have the brains - the savvy - the charm - the drive - the humor - the sensibliity - in other words - the complete package - then the life experience that  comes with ageing, brings you more wisdom - more competence - more compassion - more peace.

Do I wish I had the skin I had twenty years ago?  You bet!  Would I go back to being twenty years younger?  Not a chance in hell!  I liked myself then - I like myself even better now.

So, I'll end with a brassy, bawdy, hilarious video of  The Divine Miss M, Bette Midler, singing as only Bette can:  I Look Good!  (a little clip from her show in Vegas)