How to Age Gracefully

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By Sarah Wilson CCRP
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Age Gracefully

When I was 16, seeing a lady old enough to be my mother wearing a mini-skirt use to really get on my nerve. To a 16 year old, it simply looked like an old person trying to be young. Now that I am older (and slightly wiser), I realize that it really was about them not feeling their age. Their maturity was still on the “young adult” level and even though they were well in their 30’s; they were still dressing and acting like 20 year olds. Aging is a fact of life, so why not do it gracefully? I will tell you how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Live Life to the fullest.

Aging gracefully, in my opinion, is embracing life with all that you have and loving it. I think people spend more time preparing for retirement and “life after death” than they do living the life they have. Learn to live life to the fullest. There is nothing wrong with using botox or cosmetic surgery to look good; however, a little care while you are young will go a long way when you are older. For example, people tell me I have beautiful skin. I think it is genetic, but the way I took care of myself also played a significant part. I never washed my face with soap and due to allergies, was limited to moisturizer, face powder and lipstick only. I think a combination of exercising and skin care resulted in this skin that some call beautiful. It didn’t happen overnight, the care started in my 20’s and because of it my skin seemed to have aged gracefully instead of just going bad from lack of care.
Step 2

Prepare for the aging process before you turn 40!

The process of aging gracefully starts long before you reach the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Aging starts at birth. We spend time taking care of our looks, body and health. Then we get married and think – that’s it! I got’em and I don’t have to fix my hair, dress up or put on make up anymore. I have arrived! And then there are some who get trapped in the career climb, time passes them by, they become focused and driven and before they know it, the waist and hips have gotten thicker and they are still squeezing in that 10 year old suit.
Step 3

Plan to Age Gracefully.

First, face reality. Look in the mirror and say, I’m older. I look the same, I feel the same, and I still look GOOD, but I’m aging. You’ll know this because you’ll find yourself squinting to read that computer and you’ll notice muscle aches that weren’t there before. Alright, now that we know how to identify that we are getting older and we have accepted it, go to the eye doctor or the nearest pharmacy and get those reading glasses. They have some that make you look real sexy. Check them out.
Step 4

Stop competing with your daughters.

If you are one of those mothers who liked dressing in the same outfit as her daughter – let it go. It is time to stop being your daughter’s twin and take up the mother role. Let your daughter enjoy her adolescence and young adulthood while you get ready to be there for her when she needs guidance only a mother can give.

If you are in a small town and there is a favorite hangout for young people like a night club or lover’s lane – let it go. Your children and your children’s friends do not need to see you doing the same thing they are doing. Even if you don’t feel your age; for your child, niece, nephew and all children needing a role model sake - start acting your age.
Step 5

Expect Mood Swings.

There will be good days and bad days but haven’t they been around all through life? This is no different so don’t make a big deal of it. Find out why you are feeling down and do something to lift your spirits. Go shopping. Call a friend and chat. Watch a funny movie or go on the internet to a “joke” website and make yourself laugh. The point is to not let your self get sucked into a depression. You are driving the destiny bus so why not go where you want to go?
Step 6

Climbing Kennesau Mountain

Expect Little Cooperation From Your Limbs.

Don't do like I did and try to climb a mountain when you haven't done it for awhile! When you are accustomed to working out, you don't think 6 months of inactivity is that big a setback, but I promise you - it is!

I have a friend who has been running marathons for more than 20 years. He turned 50 last year and he is beginning to notice a longer finish time for his marathons. He also noticed his legs and feet bothered him more. When I turned 45, my doctor stopped me from running because of stress fractures. Those legs will move slower and the hands will, too. Exercises will help the muscles stay lose longer so see your doctor and start exercising now. At a minimum, consider Tai Chi as it is a good exercise for the mature person.
Step 7

Bottom Line...

The bottom line is that as long as we’re breathing we’re going to age. Some of us will be blessed to live pass 100. Prepare for it, accept that you are aging and that certain parts will not work as well as they once did. I think the saying “age is just a number” is more true today than ever before. I see many baby-boomers looking 10 – 15 years younger than their actual age. I challenge you to be one of those mature people who is so full of vitality that they often forget their real age. Enjoy life now and embrace the inevitable with a big smile and open arms because aging gracefully is a choice. Your choice.

Comments

nycloy said

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on 3/11/2009 How silly...I'm forty and wear mini skirts. Not because I'm trying to look young but because I want to wear them. If anything dictates my style, it is the situation or location. A mini skirt at a conservative work place is inappropriate on anyone at any age. But if choose to wear a mini skirt on the weekend - who am hurting. I find that people who tend to judge others on what they wear are shallow and superficial. I confident in who and what i am and need no forum to tell me what i should be wearing. I suggest that others focus themselves and learn how to live and let live.