Aging is the inevitable journey we’re all signed up for, whether we like it or not. I am not the same woman I was in my 20’s, 30’s 40’s or 50’s (thank god). We live in a society obsessed with youth where aging is often portrayed as something to be feared rather than embraced. We spent our youth yearning to be grown-up, only to reach adulthood and spend the rest of our lives boo-hooing about the loss of our youth. Instead of being proud of everything we’ve accomplished and who we’ve become, we often waste too much time and energy mourning our youth and the passing years. Here are some tips for navigating the hilarious (and sometimes frustrating) landscape of getting older: Let’s chat about The Beauty of Aging: How to Embrace the Pro Age Movement with Humor & Optimism.
The Beauty of Aging: How to Embrace the Pro Age Movement with Humor & Optimism
Laugh at Yourself
As we age, we realize that perfection is overrated, and it’s our slip-ups that make us uniquely us. A healthy dose of self deprecation never hurts. Laughter is the best medicine, especially when it comes to the inevitable blunders that come with aging gracefully (or not). How often have you gone to the kitchen and forgotten why you were there, searched for your glasses but found them on your head? See the humor in it rather than getting depressed.
Embrace the Senior Discount, AARP etc.
Hey we earned those discounts. It is not a badge of dishonor but a badge of honor. Use them with pride and maybe splurge on the nice wine, or something special for your wardrobe. I don’t work for or with the AARP but I am amazed at those who poo poo it. Their mission is to “enhance our quality of life”. Don’t think the publication, and other similar ones are for “those old people”. There is so much valuable insight about the aging journey, our physical changes, and how to maintain our overall health with regular exercise, nutrition, healthy habits, self-confidence, self-care practices and sense of purpose.
Try New Adventures
Don’t be afraid learn a new skill. Did you ever wish you had learned to play the piano, learn another language, or a new technology? All of these things strengthen the connection with the brain and helps keep dementia at bay. However, stay safe. My granddaughter is obsessed with cartwheels, and (round-offs and flips that we called them back in the day). I have been honestly tempted to show her but I am afraid I might end up in the hospital.
Embrace Self-Acceptance
There are a lot of advertisers out there making big bucks on outdated beauty standards with “anti-aging products” that convince us that getting older is a curse instead of something to embrace. There’s a freedom that comes from getting older as a woman. What’s more valuable than the wisdom and confidence that comes from owning who you are and how far you’ve come? Toss out societal norms, and embrace the new chapters with gusto.
If dying your hair makes you feel younger, die your hair. Katie from Katie goes Platinum states, if you are ready to embrace your gray hair, “get a stylish, edgy haircut that says, ‘I’m rocking it.’ Update your look, your makeup, and take pride in your age.” You can read my posts on going gray and how I maintain it here. If you can afford to have work done, and it is important to you, go for it, why is it necessary to hide it. You can read my post Why are we so secretive about having work done here, or my post How to get the best results from your facelift here. I felt young in body and soul and wanted my face to reflect that.
Was I interested in looking 35? No, I simply wanted to look how I felt. If you are proud of your lines and wrinkles, be your authentic self. Embrace the lines and wrinkles with a healthy dose of self-love and a positive mindset. They tell your own unique story of a life well lived.
The Health Benefits of Humor
Let’s gain a deeper understanding of the health benefits of humor. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity, and emotional well-being. However, positive thoughts can actually release “neuropeptides” that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses. These are our best years. Have a good laugh with your family and friends.
.“Now isn’t the time to fade into the background of your life, but to take center stage. Figure out the things that make you the happiest and do them often”.
Let’s view aging as not only a natural part of life, but a positive journey of self-discovery and growth, and learn how to let go of societal pressures and embrace the journey of getting older with grace and confidence. We should be proud of the experiences of every age that made us grow and evolve into who we are today. Why don’t we greet each new year as a testament of our resilience, inner peace and spirit. Let’s build upon the knowledge, wisdom and inner strength that has made us who we are.
Books you might enjoy on positive aging:
The Fourth Quarter of your Life: Embracing What Matters Most
The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully
Living Strong, Finishing Well: How to Keep Growing and Learning for the Rest of Your Life
Thank you for reading, The Beauty of aging: How to Embrace the Pro Age Movement with Humor & Optimism. You might enjoy my other posts on positive aging:
Three Tips for Overcoming Invisibility and Embracing Empowerment after 60
How to Age Positively with Grace
Let’s keep the conversation going. There is something powerful about women who embrace their authenticity, know their own worth and have the courage to not settle for less Share this post on social media so more like minded women can join the discussion. Please share your own thoughts, insights, and experiences on aging. What would you like to see covered here?
