I've never wanted to look younger, I'm quite happy with the way I look at 77. I suppose I turned a few heads when I was young but I don't sit around pining for my lost looks and envying the latest generation of pretty young things.
Instead of wanting to look young again and wanting the attention that might bring, why can't we just be a bit more positive about the entirely natural appearance of older people instead of being embarrassed by it and seeking to erase it?
To my mind, many people look wise and more distinguished as they age, while the very young can look quite bland and characterless. And older people, because they've knocked around a bit, often have fascinating back stories.
But no, people want to slice away as many years as possible and artificially turn back time, and they'll try absolutely anything to get the desired effect. Botox, surgery, shapewear, anti-ageing cream, dental enhancements. Whatever it takes, and whatever it costs.
It's always tragic when some perfectly healthy youngster opts for a dodgy procedure at some unregulated foreign clinic and returns home with serious after-effects that the NHS has to put right. If they're even more unlucky, they might die on the operating table, leaving their family and friends to grieve.
We all have to grow older. Why try to fight it?
For women, our culture doesn't take us seriously if we are over a certain age. We aren't valued once we get wrinkles and less than perfect bodies. It does a real number of people, and I think that's why they want to look younger.
ReplyDeleteColette: Yes, older women in the west often aren't taken seriously. In other societies they're regarded as the wise village elders.
DeleteMy doctor was surprised at how young an age I was when I was willing to start using a cane. My knees went early. And I like my silver hair; it shines.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Linda: Luckily my knees are still in pretty good shape. The waiting time for knee replacements is incredible.
DeleteI agree with your viewpoint, Nick, and thankfully we have been told that we look younger than our 75 years, which is a wonderful compliment always gratefully accepted and thanks given. We know some folks who look older even though they are years younger than ourselves. So we're thankful to have reached this age and trying to make the best of it with no regrets.
ReplyDeleteBeatrice: I'm glad I'm still in fairly good physical health. I know people in their sixties with severe and disabling medical conditions.
DeleteLuckily I did not bother about primping when young so wasn't tempted to anything silly when older.
ReplyDeleteHelen: Once you get on the beautifying treadmill it's hard to get off it again.
DeleteWe need only have a good look at old movie stars to know how to ruin a perfectly good face, and more.
ReplyDeleteJoanne: Indeed, some older celebrities look totally unlike their youthful self, such is the amount of "work" they're had done.
DeleteI’m also horrified by people getting Botox in their 20’s and 30’s. I understand wanting to look your best, but these folks have a bloated look to their faces which is not attractive at all.
ReplyDeleteBijoux: As I said to Joanne, some celebrities are virtually unrecognisable after all the cosmetic alterations.
DeleteI became invisible after reaching middle age. Men have been granted immunity on this issue. They are considered distinguished. I went grey early and did have my hair colored for a couple of years, then let it go. I cannot say I enjoy my wrinkles, but there they are. So I make the best of it. As is said, I earned them.
ReplyDeleteSandra: Jenny has always been fairly invisible to others, but she likes it that way. She did colour her hair for a while, but it was horrendously expensive!
DeleteNick, trying desperately to look younger is in my eyes a lack of personality. All those faces inexpressive , with swollen lips and no more able to have a real smile. Ridiculous and sad. I feel good with my body and above all I know who I am. So no need to fear the mirror in the morning.
ReplyDeleteHannah
Hannah: Exactly. All those inexpressive faces that erase all traces of personality. If only people could be more welcoming of their bodies, whatever their appearance.
DeleteAging with grace makes one quite attractive.
ReplyDeleteLiam: I agree. And contrary-wise, being young and obstreperous is not attractive at all.
ReplyDelete