We can’t stop time, but we can choose how we face it.
Definition
Google says aging with dignity means "consciously and acceptingly handling the changes that come with aging, while preserving our self-esteem and dignity at every stage of life." Maybe I’m reading it wrong, but to me, that sounds like sitting back and doing nothing as time passes me by. Thanks, but no thanks. I’ll decide when I age—and I’m in no hurry.
The Signs
Here’s how I see it: since women work at least twice as much as men—because we still handle most housework and childcare—our age shows sooner and more clearly. The least I can do is balance that with a little cosmetic help. And no, I’m not talking drastic face-lifts—just subtle lip fillers, laser wrinkle treatments, or Botox here and there. I love the gentle improvements. Does that mean I refuse to age with dignity? So be it.
I’m Not Giving Up!
I know time catches up with everyone eventually, but I’m not ready to surrender without a fight!
Small Victories
I’m 72 and still dye my hair. My mom always said as long as there’s hair dye, she won’t be an old lady—and I stick to that. The only change is that I switched from my natural hazel brown to blonde because of the gray roots, and everyone loves it.
Muscles
I read somewhere that after menopause, women should focus more on weight training than cardio. So I switched—and with such success that at 54, I even competed in a fitness contest. My body is better than in my twenties. That’s aging for you…
Madonna
When it comes to aging, 67-year-old Madonna is my role model. It makes my blood boil when people say she should finally act her age. Madonna became the world’s biggest female pop star by never doing what was expected of her. Seriously, who thought the woman who broke taboos all her life would turn into a gray-haired grandma baking cookies and knitting by the fireplace? Everyone ages the way they want—no one else gets to decide.
Makeup
When I was little, there was a neighbor lady who even took out the trash looking elegant and perfectly made up. My mom—who after 40 stopped caring much about her looks and let herself go—once muttered, "Who does that old lady think she’s dressing up for?" But I always admired how stylish that lady was. Now that I’m at that age, I’m not like my mom—I’m like that neighbor lady. And I love it.
Sustainable Aging
For me, aging with dignity means no surgery—not that I could afford it—but I don’t judge those who do. I focus on keeping my hair and nails neat, always wearing a bit of makeup when I go out, and dressing impeccably. If my shoes wear out, I toss them and buy new ones. If my coat looks "old lady-ish," I donate it and get a modern one. I don’t cling desperately to youth, but I also don’t let myself go and surrender to aging.
The Feeling
I have a friend who ate clean her whole life but still has high cholesterol, and an ex-husband who exercised regularly but had a heart attack. For me, after 50, I do what I want—that’s my reward for all the years I’ve lived. If I crave ice cream at midnight, I have it. If I don’t feel like exercising for a week, I lounge around. If I don’t want to wear makeup, I put on sunglasses and a little lipstick and head out. If my sagging neck bothers me, I wear a scarf. If I wake up feeling rebellious, I throw on a Led Zeppelin tee. This is how I keep my dignity—by no longer trying to please anyone.
Turning Point
Until I was 53, I preached that I’d age with dignity—because my grandma looked beautiful in her old age. Then I saw a photo of myself, zoomed in on my neck, and the next day I booked a consultation with a plastic surgeon friend. A little lift here and there, and now I feel great in my skin again.
