Name: Ulla Koivukoski
Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m mature in my chronological age, but a young minded woman, who thinks that age is a mindset! I have recently moved back from India to Finland, left the corporate life behind and have exciting times ahead, working on some new ventures. I enjoy life as such with its challenges and joy, but I mostly love meeting people with diverse personalities and learning new cultures.
Describe your health and beauty philosophy?
I have always believed, that exercise and healthy food is the foundation for an enjoyable and successful life. The other principle is that people who take care of themselves, carry themselves with confidence and execute good values of life in general, are all beautiful.
Have you made any big changes to yourself to help you feel good?
I have followed a diet for over 20 years, which consists of food I like and my body likes. Ayurveda learning in India confirms, that my selection has been automatically right. If we listen to our body and mind, we get it right. At the moment I’m working on getting rid of a couple of excess kilos I gained in India when I did not have enough time for exercise. As I love to go to gym, walk, and yoga, I don’t think it takes a long time to reach my target weight.My hairdresser is one of the most important persons in my life. I have short hair, which requires regular shaping and highlights.About 20 years ago, my upper eyelid had gathered fat and caused issues in my sight. Doctor’s order was to get a surgery, which I did with a plastic surgeon who wanted to operate both eyes to keep them in similar shape.
Do you find any part of maturing tough?
Naturally, with age I feel that everything requires bigger efforts like keeping the physical condition and shape, learning new things etc. However, with age and experience, I don’t need to prove myself anymore to anybody, which makes life extremely relaxed and enjoyable. I have had a rich life, not always easy, but still, I feel lucky and blessed every morning. I feel grateful for the new day and people I have around.
Is there anything you wish you had done or not done in the past, that impacts how you feel today?
As one cannot change the past, I have tried to take the learning for the future so that I will not repeat the made mistakes. My regrets are mainly unfriendly behaviour in moments where I felt stressed and did not yet know how to manage my mind. I have tried to clear those mistakes with the respective people but also forgive to myself. I hope realising and accepting the mistakes have made me a better person.
Is there any area of your beauty and well-being you would like to improve? I’m currently working on getting back to my old life to increase the time for regular exercise. I know, the rest of my well-being will automatically follow. The other activity is to meet family and friends more often that I used to when left in India.
Who is your pro ageing icon?
I have always admired Tina Turner because of her female energy, which comes throughout of her performance even when she has aged.
How do you feel about your age now vs. your youth?
I don’t think I have ever considered age highly in my thoughts. To me age is only a number and an attitude.
What’s your favourite beauty product on your bathroom shelf?
Standard products: L’Occitane’s almond shower oil, Sensai’s facials are there always. Some products from Forest Eseential (Indian brand) and many others, all which I know have been produced in an ethical way and have natural scents.
What lifestyle habits are most important to you?
Exercise, tasty and healthy food, socialising with diverse groups of people and activities for the brain.
What are the biggest health/beauty routines you follow?
I’m a morning person and love to start the day with exercise and a proper breakfast to boost my energy level for the whole day. I also love to feel clean, smell nice and have my hair in shape so those are the key routines in the morning and evening. We Finns also love our sauna’s and it’s a good place to relax and get face-body masks to manage the hard winters, which make the skin dry. I also have facials and different body massages/treatments regularly.
What’s the best piece of ageing well advice you’ve heard/you follow?
Healthy mind in healthy body. People are as old as they feel and as long as we take good care of our physical and mental health, enjoy eating healthy meals and dress as we feel, not as expected, life will be beautiful also when ageing.
What’s your must-have product/surgery/treatment/activity?
My standard products in the bathroom, regular facials and massages and all kinds of exercises and cultural activities with family and friends.
What is your approach to diet and exercise?
I don’t believe in the miracle diets. healthy eating should be a practice and we should allow ourselves to have cheat days. Regular exercise is the key for mental and physical wellbeing.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I had a pretty healthy life when young, but the attitude to accept and appreciate the diversity of people and opinions and way of acting, and also the advice that beauty comes from the inside, the soul.
Where’s your go-to place to relax?
I have multiple places: walking in the forest or nature, yoga sessions with a good instructor, the gym is a good place to meditate, when focusing on each muscle and then the retreats in India, where there are many absolutely fantastic places. Sitting with friends with good food and nice wine is also a very good option for me to relax!
What’s your best tip for ageing well?
Keep your mind curious and young, the right actions will follow.
