Keeping young for Mrs Doris Lee - who looks a youthful 40-something - is more than just skin deep.

Besides having a flawless complexion, the 58-year-old housewife said her active lifestyle leaves her no time to 'feel old'.

That, and a careful diet and a daily skincare routine too.

Mrs Lee, who goes bowling about twice a week, said: 'I try to keep busy by going out with my friends. We never think that we are old.'

She also counts her twice weekly karaoke sessions as her favourite activity. Then, there is qigong, the ancient series of movements involving breathing techniques which she picked up two years ago.

Mrs Lee practises qigong for an hour daily.

She is married to a construction industry consultant and the couple have a 22-year-old daughter.

She switched to eating brown rice about 20 years ago, when convinced of its health benefits which include its high fibre and mineral content.

She also makes it a point to abstain from oily food, to have her meals steamed or boiled, and to eat more vegetables and fish.

She confesses to having a sweet tooth but indulges 'only in moderation'.

'Although I like chocolates, I discipline and limit myself,' she said.

Her skincare regimen involves applying aloe vera daily which leaves her skin feeling both cool and smooth. This is then followed by a facial moisturiser.

Aloe vera, a succulent plant, is said to have moisturising properties and is also believed to help remove dead skin cells.

When outdoors, she uses sunblock which protects the skin against harmful ultraviolet rays and premature ageing.

Sporting a halter-top and jeans at her terrace house in Siglap, Mrs Lee - a svelte 47kg at 1.65m tall - also dresses well.

She tries not to pick clothes that might make her look too old but instead chooses something 'in-between'.

'I try to wear brighter colours as well because darker colours might make me look too thin.'

Happiness and a positive mindset is what keeps 65-year-old S.S. Nadarajan looking young and healthy.

Unlike others his age who would rather be laid back, the current chairman of the Braddell Estate Neighbourhoo

Committee constantly busies himself with a flurry of activities: he is at meetings three to four times a week.

'It is an absolute must to keep your energy level high. Whenever there are activities and my friends call me, I go,'' the retired senior controller of Senoko Power said.

The avid sportsman, who was in Victoria School's athletic team, still cycles, jogs and swims regularly.

Four years ago, he also picked up yoga, which he practices half an hour daily. He said it helps to tone his muscles and improves his flexibility.

It is this active lifestyle and careful diet which he credits for keeping him looking no older than someone in his early 50s.

On a typical day, Mr Nadarajan starts his morning with a glass of fruit juice. He then takes four to five small meals throughout the day.

Olive oil, which is believed to promote heart health and protect against cancer, is used in his home-cooked meals which often consist of vegetables and fish or the breast meat of chicken without its skin.

Rest is also essential for the father of three sons. He tries to get eight hours of sleep daily.

He also abstains from vices such as smoking and drinking.

Said the 2004 merit award recipient of Active Senior Citizen of the Year: 'Health is the greatest gift in order to live life in style.'

With already so much on his plate, he has recently taken on a new role - grandfather.

His latest high-energy 'activity' is time spent with his 11-month-old grandson, Ishann, whom he often takes on evening walks and plays football with in their semi-detached home off Braddell Road.

Madam N. Jametha, his wife of more than 30 years, said: 'With Ishann, he has become even younger and more active. Sometimes he dances with Ishann to try to get him to sleep.'

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on July 30, 2008.