By Dr Vandana Mathur*
A friend suggested to me to watch the recently released Netflix series, Zero Day. As I sat down with my cup of masala chai (not chai tea, my dear American friends!) to watch this thriller about a devastating cyberattack starring one of my all-time favourite actors, Robert De Niro, something struck me! At 81, he looked…well, eighty-one! The silver grey hair, deep lines and wrinkles, thick glasses, made him look like a well-groomed yet slightly rugged statesman with age and experience.
I looked around me for some senior role models who have embraced their age gracefully and are thriving, I found just a handful! In fact, I find some people around me hiding or at times even lying about their age. They struggle to accept their age because our society often attaches negative stereotypes to aging – less capable, decreased value, less attractive, not relevant. Youth is associated with exuberance, verve and career growth, while aging is seen as a sign of descent. This mindset and attitude leads many to downplay their real age, fearing judgement, prejudice and reduced opportunities.
This obsession with looking young has created a booming market for anti-aging creams, hair colours and cosmetic procedures – all promising to reverse or slow down the visible signs of aging. People are willing to spend huge amounts on these, further emphasizing the thought that aging is something to be fought rather than embraced!
We clearly lack positive role models of older individuals who are robust, healthy, growing and flourishing. Such figures are rarely highlighted and mainstream media also focuses on the youth reinforcing the idea that one’s prime years are limited.
The reality is that many seniors are living extremely fulfilling lives – pursuing second careers and hobbies, travelling, eating well, staying active and fit and contributing meaningfully to society. However, their stories remain largely unheard. If we celebrated aging as a phase of wisdom, insightfulness, maturity, knowledge, respect, dignity, experience and grace, people would feel more comfortable embracing their years.
As writer and thinker Carl Honore – the godfather of the Slow Movement says, “We need to feel better about aging in order to age better”.
Your thoughts?
*PhD (Nutrition), Consulting Nutritionist and Certified Parenting Coach.
Excellent sharing
What resonates with me is as follows
Aging is only a problem when we mistake ourselves for the body-mind rather than the timeless awareness we are.
The fear of aging arises from clinging to form; freedom comes from resting in the formless.
True vitality is not in resisting age but in embracing life without resistance.
Wisdom is not in looking young but in seeing beyond the illusion of youth and age altogether
So true !
Thanks
Well written.
Aging is a natural process, inevitable but for me very beautiful.
Each wrinkle tells a story,each grey strand or silver lock on the head speaks of wisdom .The toothless mouth ,the rambling mind,the occasional connection leading to anecdotes peppering conversation all speak of profound wisdom gathered during a lifetime.Accepting the inevitable and channelizing the remaining energy into doing things yet not done will only be possible once a healthy lifestyle is maintained and a hobby is developed.
Agree !
Thanks
Excelllent article……simply true …….for me ur one of the very few role models whom I look up on to when it comes to ageing gracefully…..
Thank you so much!
This is beautifully expressed. The saying “age is just a number” resonates with many, but it often seems challenging for people to accept others at their true age and value. One should be proud and open about their age and embrace the beauty of graceful aging. It can be helpful to encourage a culture where we celebrate and accept every stage of life without fear or hesitation or expectations. Each phase we encounter offers its own unique beauty, and it’s important to experience these moments fully, without the need for validation. As we age let’s accept and celebrate life “As-Is” it’s inevitable.
True ! Thank you.
Lovely article…
A positive mindset is very essential in aging gracefully. One has to not just embrace the physical changes ones body experiences, it’s also includes understanding and shaping the thought processes.
Right ! Thank you.
A very well written article Dr Vandana Mathur.
In our pursuit of beauty we have forgotten or rather given less importance to experiences so the only thing we are racing for is eternal beauty.
You have summed it up very well, we need to feel better about aging and that is part acceptance and part enjoying this time/age.
You are right! Thank you.
So very true.
Wisdom, knowledge,beauty,grace are timeless.
Personally I believe we need to look after ourselves mentally, emotionally with physically at every stage of our lives.
Getting older should be about freedom and joy, of understanding what is truly important, to live the life that works for you the best.
Cheers to adding LIFE to my years.
Beautifully said. Ageing gracefully whether mentally or physically is important. Loved the part about why people get cajoled into trying to look younger than their actual mature selves, society attaching stereotypes! Despite the fact that most of us can’t look like Robert De Niro at 81, we can look the best version of ourselves without looking like a fake version!! Really nice topic touched upon so well!!
Thanks dear.
Very insightful article, Vandana.
Aging is a process that each one of us looks at with our own perspectives.
What we need to be mindful about is being realistic in terms of expectations and must work towards optimising health and wellbeing and other factors that enrich our lives.
A timely article.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Nice! Very relevant article. None of our film stars of course age. They will die young in the 80s or 90s
If celebrities embrace their age, the rest would follow.
True that !!
An extension to your last para…..got me thinking about the need for a medium (app or forum) which would celebrate age in various forms….it could be learnings from experience in the work/home spaces or a consultative FAQ venture or even a Global Consultancy……coz I feel a lot of experience is lying wasted due to the lack of seriousness by the younger generation associated with age…my POV
Good idea
Very well written!
Thanks!