Beauty

[sharlee]

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@chrystaltree wrote:

Obviously, "aging gracefully" means something different to each of us. For me, it does not mean accepting wrinkles, saggy skin, a dull complexion and thinning hair. It doesn't mean throwing up my hands and accepting whatever age throws at me. To me, aging gracefully means doing whatever it takes to remain attractive and vibrant without going to extremes. That includes cosmetic procedures....as long as they aren't obvious or artificial looking. I haven't had anything done yet but I know that I will at some point. Not to look young but to look better.

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I couldn't agree more!  Very well said.

I think that in some instances, "go with the flow" isn't a good idea.  The biggest challenge, at least for me, is to discern which changes must be accepted and dealt with, and which others should be countered or eliminated, when possible. Remember the Serenity Prayer?  The last line is the hard part!

I'm not interested in fooling anyone into thinking I'm 30, 20, or even 10 years younger than I really am.  I am interested in appearing healthy, current, stylish and interested in the world around me.

[wilma]

For me aging gracefully means accepting your age and not fighting against it (thinking you can stop or reverse the aging - that is impossible.)

I don't care if women want to have cosmetic procedures; it may help them look younger, but there comes a point when no amount of surgery can hide how old you really are. I think it is sad that society values youth too much; I guess we always have.  It's just that now that I am older, I think about it more.

Some things I think help me age gracefully are:

1. Less makeup; heavy makeup on an older woman is not flattering IMO, especially dark eye makeup

2. Good hairstyle and color that flatters

3. Classic clothing that fits or classics with a nod to a trend; super trendy styles make an older woman look older IMO. 

4.  Staying active, whether it be working, volunteering, exercising, etc.

[febe1]

I will not age gracefully. If I wore and loved cosmetics when younger, I certainly don't think I need them any less now that I'm older. I take excellent care of my skin and even so, I need a foundation to even it out. I still absolutely need eye liner for definition and will never give it up. I must have more eye brow help than ever. A dusting of bronze underneath the chin helps out. I use everything but now with a light touch and gentle application. Less is truly more as we get older. If you thought it all helped when young, why would you think you no longer need it as you get old, unless you're that rare creature who just keeps getting prettier and prettier with each decade. 

[Carmie]

This thread has been an interesting read.  I am amazed how there are many facets on this issue.

For me, It don't see myself as aging.  After all, I am only one day older than yesterday.  Age is only a measure of time and that's all it will ever be.

Over time, I have developed some patina like beautiful wood or lovely copper.  I am not less, but more.  I have more insight, more wisdom and I am worth so much more than I was yesterday.

I pray every night that I will live to be very, very old when I leave this world.  I have so much more to do and many places I want to visit while I am in the material world.

Wrinkles and gray hair mean nothing.  To me it's more important how I feel and how I and others relate.

When I leave this world, I hope no one remarks about my looks or physical beauty or lack there of.

I want to leave a mark.... Proof of my existance.  I want to be remembered for some small kind act or kind words or the help I gave to someone.

My parents have been deceased for many years and I still encounter strangers who mention some act of kindness they were afforded by them.  I want to live gracefully like my parents.  I hope I can.

[chiclet]

I don't know what it means.  I fight it by dying my hair, wearing makeup and clothes that are fashionable but not too young for my age.  I look in the mirror and wonder where all this skin came from.

I am not one who wants to go under a knife because you see so many botched jobs on stars.  They know and can afford the best and they still come out looking like pathetic versions of their former self.  I would like to get rid of the extra skin on my eyelids but may never do that.  I guess age means less time on this earth and that is what really scares us.  When I was young I counted on my looks to get me certain things but now it has to be just me. 

[jubilant]

I have always looked somewhat young for my age.  Now, at almost 66, the puppet lines are deepening, the eyelids are getting a bit more crepey, and the neck skin a bit loose.  I always thought it would bother me more than it does..... but it doesn't.  I have let my hair go gray and I find it goes good with my cool coloring.  Who would have thought!?!  Five or ten years ago, I would have said...NEVER!!!!! 

DH gave me a spa certificate to a salon that has one of the best hairstylists in town.  My hair is just barely touching my shoulders and I can see it is pulling my face down so hoping this man can help me. I am thinning on the top so I have been wearing my wigs more often. Wigs can take at least 5 yrs. off your looks if you get the right style for you.  I am hoping to get a hairpiece for the top as my sides and back have plenty of hair.  Since going gray, I have brightened up my lipstick from lighter to medium colors.  So much for the looks.

I have let go of the idea of looking young forever and just be who I am and make the most of what I got!  I will never let anyone cut on my face.  I have had several complications after surgeries and, for me, it's just not worth it.......I like makeup and probably spend more than I should on it...but it's the only place I am a bit extravagant.  I used to sell makeup and did lots of makeovers on middle age to older women who went gray.  I think gray hair calls for a change in the colors you choose.  No muddy colors and..... for me....a bit more blush while still keeping it soft.  I am not much for contouring an older face.  Just personal opinion.    

[151949]

I think the best decision we have ever made was moving to Florida , being in a community where the majority of the people are in our same age group - baby boomers. We meet so many people here that we share memories and interests with. In our plan where we live it feels like life was back when I was a child in the 50's. We are friendly and cordial. Our neighbors stop by to chat and have tea. We plan shopping trips etc together, and join clubs with those who have similar interests. We also greatly enjoy the company of people from our church.

As for makeup etc, I do the best I can with my limited knowledge on the subject but have always felt that less is more in the MU department. I do think it is important to wear your hair in a style that is modern and not get stuck in a style from 30 years ago.Same with clothes - wear what is flattering and as stylish as you can but you have to keep in mind that designers seem to think everyone is a size 2 and figure out how to compliment your non size 2 body yourself. Just because something is trendy doesn't always mean you should wear it.

[rrpell]

Aging gracefully, to me (I am 62), is the ability to listen and hear the opinion of others and validate their opinions.  They may not be the same as mine.  I have achieved skills that allow me to be interested in others' comments and not be adversarial. 

[Monday 3]

I really enjoy the age I am now which is 69.  I have gray and since I no longer color it I have natural curl and I let it dry naturally without heat.  I use Nick Chavez Velvet Mesquite Serum, shampoo and conditioner which are excellent products for gray hair.  I use Josie Maran Argan Oil and Laura Geller products.  I just order her Today's Special Value. 

I have two quotes which I like regarding aging and they are "To age with grace, Live wih grace.  And the other one is Don't regret getting older it's a privilege denied to many.

I feel more comfortable now just being me and not worrying what others think of me regarding whether I am wearing the latest style in clothing or hair style.  I have found a style of clothing and hair style which suits me. 

We can only live one day at a time so be thankful for each day you have and try to help others.  Try to live so you will not have many regrets at the end of your life. 

Mar

[QVCPhobe]

I guess for me it would be trying to take care of myself.  I cannot afford Botox or anything like that.  So, I use make up, take care of my hair and try to coordinate clothes.

I am also working on being more positive, being grateful for each day and not being so stressed.  I feel that this shows in us physically.   I am 62 and do now know what it is to be my age.   In my my Mom's time, 62 was different than now.  Just being the best that I can be is aging gracefully.  Whatever wrinkles that I have is OK with me.