According to an article I read on LinkedIn, women at the prime of their life are feeling invisible. They rarely see models their age in marketing, and many “Older women find younger, beautiful women more aspirational” - a common sentiment often backed up by research, according to the author.
Just a few paragraphs into the article, and you'll read, "Beauty is the domain of the young and famous."
Is it?
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I couldn't agree less. Plenty of research supports trends in our young girls that I find truly disheartening. A recent Washington Post article entitled The Crisis in American Girlhood cites the pervasive sadness, suicidal thoughts, and sexual violence that seems to be plaguing our young girls. All the more reason older role models need to be exemplified and embraced in our culture.
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A WFPB lifestyle equates to better health and longevity, and guess what else comes along for the ride? Confidence. And with confidence comes beauty.
Chip Conley, in a recent TEDx Talk shared how his father learned how to scuba dive at the age of 60! He states, "We have vastly underestimated how much adult life we still have ahead of us." In this last century alone, he points out that we have gained three decades of longevity for the average American. At 57, I could still be making my bed in the morning for another 30 years. That's a lot of time. Time that should not be spent suffering from chronic disease or anxiety associated with ill health, depression or concerns related to finances, and more.
I hope you'll join us as we blog and podcast on a variety of topics related aging better. Tune into my "Aspirational Aging" interviews to
Aspirational Aging
hear stories from individuals that are truly modeling the way. They are living their dreams, overcoming obstacles and hopefully inspiring others along the way to live a fearless life. My first interview is with Kathy Hunt, DVM. She is Lee's sister and a former world record holder in short-track speedskating (Masters). With perseverance and a vision, she overcame what could have become a lifelong disability to realize her dream of being physically active again - including biking and skating.
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Will you join us on this little venture to becoming what Chip Conley has coined - the Modern Elder? Meet us in the Forum as we discuss and share a variety of topics related to aging well. We hope you'll post, share, inquire, and grow. We look forward to hearing from all of you and creating a community of like-minded elders. Click below to see the Aspirational Interview with Kathy Hunt.
The Modern Elder
Age, it's often said, is just a number. Yet, it's undeniable that many women feel overlooked or undervalued as they reach the prime of their lives. But what if we could change that narrative? What if we could embrace becoming a "modern elder," as Chip Conley so eloquently puts it, and lead a fulfilling life at any age?
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Let's start an open dialogue about this. It's time to shift our perspective on aging and view it not as a decline but as a stage filled with potential for growth and enrichment. The key to this transformation lies in self-exploration, identifying and nurturing our strengths, and seeking collaborative opportunities.
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Self-Exploration
The journey toward becoming a modern elder starts within. Take some time each day to reflect on who you are, what your passions are, and what makes you truly happy. This introspection can help you identify what you want from this stage of your life and set meaningful goals to achieve it. Chip Conley suggests that we also use this time to self-edit our bad habits and bad thought patterns out of existence.
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Identifying and Cultivating Strengths
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You've gained a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experiences over the years. Now is the time to take stock of these strengths. Maybe you're a great listener, a creative problem-solver, or a natural leader. Once you've identified your strengths, seek out opportunities to use and further develop them. This could be through work, volunteering, hobbies, or even daily interactions with others.
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Seeking Collaborative Opportunities
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One of the most rewarding aspects of becoming a modern elder is the ability to share your wisdom and learn from others. Look for collaborative opportunities where you can contribute your strengths and learn new things. This could be through mentoring, joining clubs or groups, or even starting a new project or business. Becoming a modern elder isn't about denying or hiding from age. It's about embracing the wisdom, experience, and potential that comes with it. It's about leading a fulfilling and resilient life, no matter your age. I encourage you all to share your reflections on this topic. Let's discuss the roadblocks you've faced and how we can overcome them together. Let's redefine what it means to grow old and show the world that the best is indeed yet to come.
Considering a Boot Camp for Elders?
Check out
the Modern Elder Academy
The 4 Essential Pillars of Aspirational Aging
Feed
Feed your body. Feed your soul.
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Build
Build your body. Build your mind.
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Rest
Rest your body. Rest your mind.
Engage
Engage your mind, body & soul.
The best is yet to come....
The Paradox of Aging -
It's called the Happiness Curve
Get ready for a mindset shift. Indeed, while middle age can be quite challenging, your best years are truly just around the bend. According to Margit Cox Henderson, PhD, research suggests that we actually start to get happier in our later years - a phenomenon known as the happiness U-curve:
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The happiness U-curve seems partly determined by life experience as well as the biological, cognitive and emotional changes of aging itself which result in better emotional regulation, greater equanimity and compassion, more comfort with ambiguity, deeper gratitude and a focus upon meaningful engagement in the present. With age, the focus turns away from social competition and toward social connection. As the end of life nears, priorities shift towards savoring life, love, and this present moment together.
Our Health and Wellness Forum is the perfect place to share your thoughts about aging, wellness, motivation, and overcoming obstacles. Our community of like-minded individuals is a great resource for exchanging ideas and offering support. Whether you're looking for advice or just want to connect with others, the forum is a great place to start. We also have regular discussions on health and wellness topics, so you can stay up-to-date on the latest trends and tips. Join today and start interacting with our friendly and helpful members.
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Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to access our series of Aspirational Aging Podcasts! We interview creative, outgoing individuals with unique stories sure to inspire.