Societal standards demand that women should grow older in secret, and it’s why many women have perfected the art of covering grey hair, dressing younger, and keeping their faces free of wrinkles for as long as possible. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, roughly 40 percent of all US adults have taken at least one measure to look younger. Nearly 30 percent of female respondents have taken or would consider taking anti-aging supplements, while nearly a quarter of all women are open to getting non-surgical cosmetic treatments to preserve their youthful looks.
The numbers show that women are willing to invest a significant amount of time and money to build an anti-aging routine that works well, and that’s perfectly fine. After all, every person has the right to alter or care for their body however they choose without facing moral judgement. It is exhausting, however, to maintain a youthful visage while pretending that the clock isn’t ticking. Instead of trying to erase how aging changes our appearance, why not celebrate the physical evidence of a life fully lived? By prioritizing vitality over youthfulness, you can take better care of yourself as you get older without trying to meet unrealistic beauty standards. Here’s how to quiet your inner perfectionist during midlife changes, and start aging out loud.
Focus on Vitality
Youthfulness chases a specific look, and it’s all about having shiny, bouncy hair without a single streak of grey, a trim figure, and skin that looks firm, glowing, and free of spots and wrinkles. In contrast, vitality, which is deeply connected to healthy living, focuses on how your body functions and feels from the inside out. Rather than prioritizing an idealized aesthetic, vitality emphasizes longevity and cellular health which allows you to thrive, regardless of wrinkles or grey hair.
To look and feel revitalized, focus on improving health and fitness, from your head to your toes. Instead of coloring your hair to hide greys, for instance, consider enhancing hair health by choosing gentle shampoos and conditioners since harsh formulas can strip your tresses of their natural luster. It’s also recommended to eat more protein and iron-rich greens to support follicle health and scalp moisture. If you’re experiencing hair loss, consult an expert for a customized female hair loss treatment. Not only will it help to restore hair density, but it may also prevent further long-term hair loss.
Forget about exercising to regain your 20-year-old body. Instead, shift your fitness goals towards improving strength, agility, and daily movement. Studies show that muscle mass and strength tend to reduce by 30 to 50 percent between the ages of 30 and 80 years. A gradual decline in muscle and physical function can result in physical weakness, greater balance and fall risks, fatigue, and low stamina. To slow the decline and restore vitality, do 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity daily, then combine this with strength training exercises, regular stretching to keep joints supple, and agility and coordination drills. With regular movement and workouts, you can climb stairs, dance, run, and lift heavy items with confidence.
Nourish for Energy
Eating for cellular health allows you to deeply nourish your body so you stay resilient, energetic, and vibrant as you age. Instead of going on fad diets that promise to keep you looking youthful, consume nutrient-dense foods, healthy fats, lean proteins, and colorful vegetables to fight inflammation and boost energy. Always stay hydrated to prevent fatigue and dementia-like symptoms like confusion and memory slips. Also, be sure to get enough sleep. Apart from building vitality, deep sleep can support brain health, cellular repair, and emotional resilience, allowing you to age healthfully and joyfully.
Prioritize Mental and Emotional Sharpness
Cultivating mental and emotional sharpness is a great way to age out loud. When you keep your mind agile and your emotions resilient, you can confidently take up space, express yourself, share your wisdom, and live life on your own terms. To maintain your cognitive health, challenge your brain on a daily basis. Try learning a new language or picking up a new instrument, or express your creativity by painting, writing, gardening, or building things. These activities keep your mind vibrant, curious, and adaptable.
To stay emotionally resilient, consider starting a journal or practicing mindfulness. If you’re still hanging on to old emotional baggage, speak with a therapist so you can break neurological habits and start living in the moment. Also, keep in mind that just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean that you have to fade into the background. Practice radical expression by saying what you mean, wearing what you want, and participating in activities that interest you. Spend time with people older and younger than you to keep your perspectives fresh, and direct your energy outward by volunteering or rallying behind a cause. Finding a purpose helps you to start your days with a positive mindset, helping you to live a happy and vital life.
Don’t spend the rest of your life chasing perfection or trying to fit impossible societal standards. Choose to age out loud, and give yourself permission to live, grow, and thrive on your own terms.