If we’re fortunate, ageing comes for us all. Of course, that might seem like something of a contradiction in a culture where youth is often celebrated, and many people try to recapture that by how they present themselves to the world. No one wants to come across as old and out of touch. But there’s wisdom and dignity to getting older, and of course, this is a privilege that is unfortunately denied to many who should have had the chance to grow older with their loved ones. So, the more years we have behind us, the more fortunate we have been for the most part, and it’s wise to be grateful for our time here.
So, perhaps instead of hiding our age, it’s nice to celebrate and display it. This is the general thesis statement of self-care and wellness guides that try to emphasize “ageing gracefully.” But this advice is often given to convince individuals to stop undergoing corrective cosmetic procedures, like facelifts and other visible work, that could limit the wisdom and natural comfort of age.
But this advice is often relatively one-note, without taking into account the full requirements and experience of age. In this post, we intend to help you achieve the best outcome as far as that goes.
Here are the myths about ageing gracefully:
1. Certain Corrective Work Can Be A Major Health Boon
There’s no denying that some cosmetic or corrective procedures are seen as purely aesthetic, but in some cases, they can genuinely improve quality of life. For example, reconstructive surgery after an accident or illness can help restore a sense of normalcy and confidence as you recover and find your way back to your usual self.
On top of that, certain procedures like eyelid lifts can alleviate impaired vision caused by sagging skin, while visiting the top LASIK surgeons can potentially help restore the clarity of your eyesight. Ageing gracefully doesn’t mean you have to dismiss these options if they’re enhancing your overall well-being, no matter some of the stigma that can be associated with corrective work. It’s not about chasing youth but about feeling comfortable and capable in your body as it changes over time, so don’t think you have to justify it to anyone should your personal reasoning be good enough for you.
2. No One Can Predict What Life Will Throw At Us
Ageing comes with a lot of unknowns, just as any stage of life does. We might experience unexpected challenges which can happen to any one of us, such as a sudden health issue, the loss of a loved one, or even significant changes in how we live day to day based on our wider familial circumstances. Accepting that we can’t control everything life throws our way is one of the most important lessons that comes with age and it also makes you realize that you can’t particularly define how someone should age or how someone should plan.
This mindset allows us to focus on what we can control as opposed to what we’re supposed to be doing, such as how we react, how we care for ourselves, and how we adapt to our circumstances. In other words, life humbles us all so thinking that a prescriptive online post needs to tell you how to think about your own circumstances isn’t always helpful – and perhaps that could apply to this one!
3. Empathy & Gentle Kindness Is The Essence Of Wise Aging, Nothing Else
One of the greatest gifts of age is perspective, even if it is sometimes earned with more difficulty than we would like. The longer we’re here, the longer we understand that everyone is fighting their own battles, and this knowledge can help you gain a deeper sense of empathy, not only toward others but also toward yourself. This means that any guide towards “ageing gracefully,” if it doesn’t focus on this, isn’t giving you the full story.
As such, self-compassion becomes not only a tool but something necessary as you age. There’s no need to be critical of your changing appearance, energy levels, or the pace at which you do things, and that doesn’t mean being graceful. Ageing isn’t a failure even if we slow down a bit, it’s a process we all experience. If you can be empathetic you won’t need to think you have to live with the whims of online advice that might seem helpful but isn’t always.
With this advice, we hope you can feel a little more confident about ageing gracefully. We’re sure you’re already doing it.
