Much of society has been so fixated on the quest for eternal youth. Wherever you go, you will be bombarded by ads of skincare and wellness products that have age-defying properties and make your skin soft and smooth as a teen’s. 

Having cosmetic surgery done and taking trips to a med spa is great, don’t get us wrong. They do have their own set of health and wellness benefits. They help restore a lot of people’s self-esteem and confidence. It boosts their mood and motivates them that they can do a lot more in life. However, we need to get past that certain point where we are robbed of our joys in life just because our boobs start to sag, or we notice traces of crow’s feet on our eyes. 

Often, whenever we look in the mirror and see signs of aging, we start to feel bad at the very least and get depressed at the worst. But that shouldn’t be the case. We must learn how to embrace it amid society’s obsession with eternal youth. It will change the way you look at the world and your life when you learn to gracefully accept the realities of growing old. 

Get rid of old and outdated mindsets about growing old 

One of the things holding most of us back when fully accepting the reality that we’re growing old is our mindset. Some of us dread growing old because we associate aging with physical limitations, deteriorating cognitive functions, and decreased physical attractiveness. As we grow older, we tend to think that people will no longer find us attractive, that we’d be grumpy and salty, or that we’d end up doing nothing at home because we’ve outlived our usefulness. 

It’s about time that we let go of outdated mindsets about aging. Aging is a wonderful thing. There’s nothing quite like it. And besides, people now are aging a lot different than the previous generations. Older folks are staying in the workforce a lot longer. They’re more active compared to folks their age from past generations. They’re healthier and have a better outlook on life. If you learn to embrace your reality, that your age — and all the experience and wisdom that go with it — is an asset, then you’ll be released from this prison of insecurity. 

Change your attitude

As you change the way you perceive yourself and aging, your attitude should follow. It’s not enough that you know the truth and not have it manifest in your life. Real change only happens when your discovery of truth affects your life to the point that it turns things around for you. 

And besides, you’re only as old as you feel. Studies have data to back this belief. Younger people suffering from chronic illnesses feel older than they are, but older people who are more active and healthier feel a lot younger than they actually are. 

Turn to pop culture for empowering examples

If you want proof about how aging is supposed to be a non-issue, turn your attention to pop culture. Take a look at shows and movies. Many of them portray older folks as grumpy or weak but as sexy, empowered, and confident. 

Case in point is Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Charlize Theron, Keanu Reeves, and Winona Ryder. These actors were at the top of their careers in the ‘80s and ‘90s but had been aging gracefully. Sure they had some help cosmetically, but they have never denied their age and have learned to fully accept it as a part of who they are. The key is to stay healthy physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Make friends with both young and older people

Record executive Kenny G. Ortiz was once quoted saying, “Be wary of the company you keep for they are a reflection of who you are or who you want to be.” Truer words have never been spoken. The people you surround yourself with will help form your mindsets, values, attitudes, and behavior. 

For this reason, don’t keep yourself limited to your own demographics. Many interesting people from different age groups can offer something good to you and your self-esteem. Don’t be afraid to make friends with younger people to make you learn new and exciting things and challenge outdated thinking. Stay connected with older people as they can show you what it’s like to age, like fine wine. 

Growing old is not something we should dread. It is supposed to be something we should take pride in. Just like a delicate and beautiful flower, it takes time for a person’s real beauty to blossom and bloom. It goes beyond the condition of your skin or the color of your hair. It’s all about acceptance and the confidence that comes with it. Gracefully accepting the realities of growing older will make you age gracefully.