Reply
Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,488
Registered: ‎04-18-2013

I'm loving your responses, ladies.

Highlighted
Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,012
Registered: ‎03-09-2010
On 4/23/2014 KittyLouWhoToo said:
On 4/23/2014 mandymom said: Actually DO something to help you look your best...and I don't mean medical intervention necessarily. Keep your hair and make- up looking fresh...dress well...carry yourself well...be active as you probably were all your previous life...and do not start your sentences ( or thought process) with words and phrases such as-- "" I can't do that because of my age"" or "" at my age..."" Or "" since I ' ve gotten older..."" Far too many people can't wait to retire...then do and overnight they are "" old"" in actions and thought. Work as long as you can and stay active in thought. Don't spend more time with your doctor than you do with friends...discuss something other than physical ills. You will age gracefully if you just continue to LIVE your life...not just kind of give in and slog along. You didn't act that way when you were younger...don't act that way now!

I love this.

Same here. We should all remember this.

Valued Contributor
Posts: 903
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I think it means the same at any age...just be yourself. Rejoice in each day you are given and make the most of it.

If make up makes you happy then by all means wear it. Looking good is not only for younger people. Dress to suit your tastes. Don't let someone tell you because you are older you can't wear this or you can't do that. Hey..if you've still got the body to rock a mini skirt go for it.

Someday the people telling us ""can't and don't"" are going to be older and I wonder what they will do?

Super Contributor
Posts: 1,951
Registered: ‎02-05-2014

Aging Gracefully is just being true to myself. When I left my 20's behind I left behind the idea that I had to look like everyone else. I wear what is good for my body type and I rarely go out of the house without looking put together. I wear elastic waist pants and I have for years. If you don't see my waist, you don't know. I like the ease and comfort. I don't need to wear my hair like everyone else. My stylist gets upset because I have worn my hair the same way for years. I wear it shoulder length and curled. It is not dyed blonde like so many ladies tend to do, it is the same color it has always been with thanks to Miss Clairol. It looks good on me and I get compliments on it. I take good care of my skin and I will continue to do so. I have always loved makeup and I will continue to do so. Maybe not as much or as pronounced but subtle. I am fairly healthy, knock on wood. I feel I am aging gracefully.

Valued Contributor
Posts: 822
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

To me, aging gracefully means accepting the place you are in your life and settling in to be the best and look the best you can be at that stage in your life. Aging gracefully means "giving up the ghost" of looking 20 years younger than you actually are.

I think it's good idea, as we go from season to season and change out our clothes, to ask ourselves whether our clothes still flatter our figure or whether our makeup and/or hairdo is looking dated or stale and move on from there. Subtle changes a little at a time won't be reason for people to say "hey, what's different about you" but rather say "gosh, she always looks so nice".

None of us can turn back the chronological clock - we are the age that we are and we, as women, need to embrace ourselves and one another at each and every stage for aging is a process denied to many.

Maria

Super Contributor
Posts: 1,154
Registered: ‎10-21-2011

Each birthday brings changes, that's for sure. Aging gracefully is recognizing the changes and working with them.

I don't look 30 or 40 anymore but I don't wish to. I had extremely oily skin and I had not yet refined my style back then. With my 50's, my skin normalized and I've learned makeup skills and fashion skills that make me look better than ever.

I had the best compliment of my life just this weekend. A guy friend remarked that I was getting better and "classier" with age than when he first met me 15 years ago. What more could you want? {#emotions_dlg.biggrin}

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,916
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

To me, aging gracefully means remaining a vibrant, curious and loving individual. It means accepting your limitations, but looking for ways to work around them. It means making time for reflection or spirituality, making time to do things that are kind and gentle for yourself. It means continuing to be part of a community of family, friends, work or volunteer activities.

Physically, it means being conscious of maintaining or improving the body you have, even if you feel it's a lost cause. It means caring about a neat and clean appearance, whether you're into makeup, cosmetic surgery or the natural look.

I feel aging gracefully has more to do with one's "insides" than how old someone looks on the outside.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 3,874
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Aging gracefully involves accepting and even embracing the changes, challenges, and blessings that come with age and maturity. It includes recognizing that youth and even life itself (at least life in this world) aren't forever. While we should do what we can to care for our bodies, health, and appearance, tending our spirits and relationships is even more key to joy and fulfillment in our later years. Love, joy, peace, and wisdom give us a deep and genuine beauty that no blush, lipstick, or foundation can ever give.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,368
Registered: ‎05-05-2010

To me it means not fighting it. Finding the good and not focusing on the downside. Doing what I can to stay happy and healthy as long as possible.

I think GoodStuff said the same thing, only much better!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,235
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Aging gracefully to me is accepting the changes in your body and not trying to look and act 25 when you are now in your 50's, or older!