Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.
— Mark Twain
If there’s one thing that no one in this world is exempt from, no matter how rich, how poor, how thin, how heavy, how nice, how evil, how generous, how WHATEVER… it’s AGING. Yes, we are all aging. And we are all fighting it at the exact same rate as the next person. Some will age better, some will age worse, but it’s a process we all must face whether we like it or not.
It’s a topic of conversation with women I meet and coach a lot lately. Who is having work, who isn’t, how to age happily. And yesterday on Global TV, I discussed it. If you have or haven’t received a little help or needles from Dr. 90210, you still can try any or all of these 4 tips to make peace and help with the aging process.
The TV segment is above, and I have written the tips out below.
If there is one thing I am not on the fence about, it’s my desire to age gracefully. I am not against plastic surgery or injections/fillers at all for those who so choose to go that route, but for myself, even as gravity pulls me down, for now, I’m out. Now I know you’re saying, “Wait until you’re 50, you may feel differently then,” and that’s true, but for now, this is my stance. I do keep thinking about smoothing out the bump on my nose that my son knocked out by accident last month kissing me goodnight. It’s pretty messed up and crooked now. But I thankfully have a husband who loves me for who I am, and I happen to have pretty decent self-esteem (thanks to growing up with a therapist mom).
My goal is to age properly, continuing all the good things I’ve been doing thus far- even the wine! I’ve surrendered to living imperfectly (cellulite, wrinkles, large pores, boobs that now need a bra). And I’m taking the best care of myself that I can.
For all of us fighting the aging process, here are some tips that you can incorporate into your life to age gracefully:
1. Social Connection Is Important
If you don’t believe me, pls watch this TED Talk. It’s the biggest predictor of living long and happy. Get out there and don’t isolate.
2. Challenge Yourself
Stimulate your mind and challenge yourself. Here’s why: When you challenge yourself and DO SOMETHING either through volunteering, or through your career, or a personal challenge, or taking up a new hobby, revisiting a passion you once had, you will feel a sense of accomplishment, and therefore improve your self esteem. When you do, you will focus a lot less on wrinkles if you prove to yourself that you are a capable woman! It’s the women I meet and/or coach who don’t challenge themselves, who have the hardest time aging. It helps keep us emotionally fulfilled and physically busy. What moves you? Do that.
3. Learn How To Handle WORRY AND ANXIETY
Life is about how you INTERNALIZE your stress, it’s never about the stressor itself. If traffic doesn’t bother me, but it makes your blood boil, well, it’s isn’t the stressor of traffic, but how I cope with the traffic that will make the difference in how I age. Stress does terrible things to the aging process. Yoga, mindfulness, a healthy diet full of omega 3’s, and hitting the gym all help in this department. Vitamin B6 and B12 and Theanine are great natural vitamin supplements to fight anxiety (but speak to your doctor first).
4. Add These To Your Diet and Skincare Regime:
Watercress
Red bell peppers
Papaya
Blueberries
Broccoli
Spinach
Nuts
Avocado
Sweet potato
Pomegranate seeds
Cabbage
Olive or Rapeseed Oil
Massage CASTOR OIL on your face and neck
Exfoliate!
(Healthline)
The bottom line is that as long as we’re breathing, we’re going to age. Some of us will be lucky enough to live old enough to see our grandchildren get married. Some may not. But aging requires preparation and acceptance. Your body parts will give out, and when you slide your jeans on one day, your belt may wrap around your boobs! 😉 Shit happens! But I really do think that age is just a number. I look at my mom who is 68 and she looks amazing. Gorgeous skin and a healthy attitude. So even if you’re only in your thirties, start aging gracefully now. Take care of number 1. Enjoy life no matter how old you are, because aging is a privilege… not everyone gets to do it.
Big hugs, and would love to know your thoughts… are you embracing it or fighting it?
Well said and I think we only get more confident and better with age. No one should take aging for granted.