60 Is the New 40 and Other Myths About Aging
Some even say 60 is the new 30 as this article from Forbes claims. I say, “tell my body that!”
The quest for eternal youth isn’t new to our culture. With a number of us approaching or well into the senior years, there seems to be an increasing struggle to maintain a youthful appearance. It’s part of our youth-obsessed culture, and it won’t be going away anytime soon.
The anti-aging industry has risen to the demand for eternal youth, or the appearance of it, to become a multi-billion dollar force in our country. They’re giving us what we want in the way of procedures and potions.
While I was in grad school in my 50’s, I studied the aging of the American woman and its impact on increasing depression and substance abuse issues in women over 50.
It is difficult for women to be satisfied with life when their identity is tied to how young they look or how others see them. Healthy self-esteem and confidence come from deeper spiritual and emotional work. The number of years becomes insignificant compared to enthusiasm for life.
When we engage with others in meaningful relationships, life-enriching activities (fun included), and a sense of purpose, we can stop chasing the elusive “60 is the new 30” social construct and respond to our bodies with love and kindness. That means we can take care of our emotional, physical and spiritual health and reap the benefits well into older age.
There has never been a time when we can re-assess and re-invent the next stage of life as today. Look around—women are boldly taking control of their lives. They’re building businesses, volunteering where their heart leads, and doing all the things they finally have time for!
From my view, I see more women getting into what stimulates, inspires and moves them. Retirement from a long-held job means time to plan another great adventure.
I’ve learned how to let go of what I can’t control (wrinkles, body shifts and growing older) and focus on finding meaning in the here and now.
Today I seek a deeper, richer spiritual walk with God, acutely aware of the days that pass so swiftly. The abundant life has taken on a new meaning—instead of spending precious time and resources on the increasingly difficult task of appearing youthful, I have discovered true prosperity.
Nurturing relationships, spending time with loved ones, and helping other women to take back their lives—free from the obsession over how we are perceived: This is what I focus on today.
Am I getting rid of my lotions and potions anytime soon? No. I still try my best to look good, but I’m not chasing the dragon of the “next big thing” in order to look like a cartoon version of a younger me.
There are two things a woman can’t hide no matter how hard we try. One of them is age and the other one is being in love.
Take back your life! 60 is the new 40 is a myth!
May all of us glide gracefully into the years we have left, full of life and joy.
Great article Yolanda. It reminds me of the scripture in Titus 2:2,3 that tells the aged women to teach the young women good things; to love their husbands and to love their children. Some of us are so busy trying to stay young that we are not there for the younger women as a good role model. Let us take heed to the roles God has placed us in.
I agree, Rita. Being there to model a healthy perspective on aging will take our minds off the next, great wrinkle eraser! Thank you for your comments.
Yes, Rita. You’re so right! When we focus on providing the Godly role model for our younger women we take our focus off the next great wrinkle eraser! Thank you for commenting.
Boldly speaking your truth and that of many others who are experiencing aging. I love this Yolanda!
Thank you, Rita. I’m so glad you enjoyed this. It’s time to shift the conversations to what is right and good about us as we age! To learn to take care of and honor our temples.
Excellent article. Yolanda is an amazing woman who I have had the pleasure of watching “bloom” into her newest life. I worked with Yolanda for a few years and knew she was destined for a much better than the job she was in. So proud of you, Yolanda!
Pam, your words brought tears. Thank you so much. I’m so grateful to have met you. I watched you too and God has been good to us.
Yolanda, I’m with ya! “60 is the new 30” is ridiculous. Just ask a 30 year old, haha! You affirm and inspire me to keep what’s truly important truly important. And to live into the photo of a smiling, aging woman pointing with an arrow point to her eye wrinkles with the words “Age is earned.” Love that! Here’s to every wrinkle being an adventure!
I love your image of the smiling, aging woman…yes that we should all live “aged earned” and a gift! Thank you for taking the time to read and for sharing your comments.