Lung cancer bracelet

Blessed with timeless beauty and a youthful attitude that belies their years, these five phenomenal women lead lives as dynamic as the color they're wearing. Each one is living proof that nutritious eating, regular exercise and a healthy exuberance for life can help us face our later years poised and at peace.

ROSALIND MARIA HILL, 48

Vital stats: Owner of a fitness studio, mother of two, grandmother of four; Stuart, Florida.

Her routine: "I do cardiovascular work--walking, jogging--three to five days a week and weight training two or three times a week. Working out makes me feel strong. When I get up to go walking before dawn, I get to appreciate God's gifts, the stars, the moon. It helps me count my blessings."

Her motivation: "I've been into fitness since I was young--soccer, roller-skating, cycling. After I had my last daughter, I decided to formalize my training. Now I've converted my home into a fitness studio and have my own clients."

Her diet: "I stay away from fried and processed foods, it eat lots of fish and organic veggies and fruits, and try to eat as naturally as possible."

Best self-preservation strategy: "I read a lot. I stimulate my mind, soaking up all this knowledge. I don't want to be naive about what's going on in my community and the world."

Age-defying advice: "If you want to see a change, you have to make a change. My kids are grown, and I don't have as many obligations as I had when they were young. Right now it's all about me, and I have no regrets. I'm happy with where I am."

Rayon-jersey dress, CD Greene. Earrings, Dia Dia at Pure Accessories. Cuffs, Kenneth Jay Lane. For details, see Shop.

JACQUELINE PETERS CANNON, 73

Vital stats: Holistic counselor and adult-education specialist; mother of three, grandmother of two: New York City.

Her routine: "I swim at the YM-YWHA three or four times a week and walk regularly, also do calisthenics, combining yoga with stretching and floor exercises. If miss a week, my body doesn't feel as good."

Her motivation: "As a young girl l was pleasingly plump. So in my late teens, made up my mind to start watching my diet. I got serious about it in my late twenties and thirties."

Her diet: "No sweets, dairy or red meat. I eat soy products like tofu, and veggie burgers, chicken and fish. And I drink a protein milk shake made of soy milk, rice milk and a frozen banana every morning,"

Her favorite beauty ritual: "I drink lots of water and never go to bed with makeup on. I'm also revisiting the practice of putting milk on my face to keep it moisturized, It does some nice things."

Best self-preservation strategy: "They say you are what you eat, but I say you are what you think, I believe we are all in charge. We have the ability to empower ourselves by our thoughts. I base everything I do on that principle."

Age-defying advice: "Develop a spiritual practice that helps keep you centered, and be as vigilant about doing it as you are about the kind of person you'd allow in your home."

Matte-jersey cardigan jacket, racer-back tank top and pant, Lida Biday. Bracelet, EXOVO at Fragments. Rings, Robert Lee Morris. Shoes, Charles Jourdan, For details, see Shop.

BEVERLY HEMMINGS, 60

Vital stats: Technology consultant and lecturer on healthy aging; mother of two, grandmother of three; New York City.

Her routine: "I do yoga, which allows me to concentrate on strength and balance and get in touch with my body. I also walk at least four miles every day, play tennis and do some training with weights."

Her motivation: "I was diagnosed with lung cancer and given only six months to a year to live. I survived, but it was a wake-up call. I stopped looking at aging as a fearful thing and began to embrace it. Life is precious."

Her turning point: "In my late forties I went back to school to study political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. That experience taught me that unless you take risks and push the edge, you will never fully experience life."

Her diet: "I don't diet. I eat consciously, everything in moderation. And I stay away from processed foods."

Best self-preservation strategy: "My mother and I go to a spa once a year to rejuvenate and get our lives in balance."

Age-defying advice: "Practice living in the moment. Start with appreciating who you are right now, with all your faults. It's not about the wrinkles or gray hair--it's your state of mind."

Cashmere tube top and fluted skirt, Chris Arlotta. Jewelry, Stephen Dweck. (Opposite) Cashmere tank dress and robe, Chris Arlotta. Necklace, Stephen Dweck. Earrings, KC Designs at Fragments. For details, see Shop.

HELEN HEMMINGS, 84

Vital stats: Retired registered nurse; mother of one (Beverly, left), grandmother of two, great-grandmother of three; New York City.

Her routine: "I play tennis a few times a week and do low-impact aerobics twice a week. I use free weights and walk two to four miles a day."

Her motivation: "I want to stay healthy for my family. I enjoy being able to go places with them. Also, being outdoors brings me close to nature and other people. It inspires me to go on."

Her diet: "I try to stay on a low-fat diet, but of course I go for treats every now and then."

Her favorite hobby: "I like the computer. It helps me stay up on the latest thinking--what's going on here and overseas."

Best self-preservation strategy: "I take care of my feet with exercises and massages, and I visit the podiatrist. I learned that from being a nurse."

Age-defying advice: "Stay close to your family and friends. And practice some type of faith. I call Him the Supreme CEO, the one in charge. It's hard to live without that."

SANDRA REED, 56

Vital stats: Software testing consultant, mother of one, grandmother of one; Oakland.

Her routine: "I take aerobic kickboxing three times a week, when my schedule permits. I also do yoga and walk three miles every day. I recently took up golfing. Tiger Woods inspired me. I thought, This is the ultimate challenge."

Her motivation: "Where gravity has started pulling things down, working out helps me keep them up. It's fun, and I know it's good for me."

Her diet: "At 25 I noticed my metabolism was changing, so I started watching what I ate and the portion size. I'll indulge in barbecue once in a while, but I eat a lot of salad and fruit."

Best self-preservation strategy: "I meditate. It makes me feel calm, relaxed and at peace. I also listen to my body and honor it by getting full-body massages every few months."

Age-defying advice: "Treat yourself well. Realize that you deserve the best, and define what that is for yourself."

Leather jacket and pants, Thierry Mugler. Earrings, Pade Vavra at Fragments. Bracelet, Simon Sebbag at Main Floor. For details, see Shop.