This is a bit of a rant. I keep seeing articles in my news app comparing female celebrities with how they looked when they were young and what they look like now. Their aging photos almost always look haggard or washed out.
Watch my video talking about how society views aging in women
The message is that women who age become dried-up old prunes who will never work again. It’s not fair!
Age shaming hardly ever happens for men.
Men are “dignified” when they get older while women are “useless.” That’s not fair! Aging is normal and the lines on a woman’s face tell her life story. They are beautiful in my opinion.
The result is that many women spend a fortune on Botox, fillers, and expensive procedures to look younger but most often end up looking weird.
Don’t become the Bride of Frankenstein
I once worked registration at a charity event in Los Angeles. Every woman who walked by had big fat lips, and overly high cheekbones, and their eyes looked like they were being held in a vice. This is not natural and looks more comical than attractive.
I admit I don’t have the budget to invest in cosmetic procedures but even if I did, I wouldn’t. I don’t want to inject toxins into my face and prefer to age naturally with good skincare.
What’s so terrible about having wrinkles?
I wore contact lenses for 50 years including hard lenses, went through some hellish experiences taking care of sick men, and came out on the other side still healthy and energetic. My eyes, neck, and other parts of my body have plenty of wrinkles but they are what they are.
Wrinkles are a testament to your wisdom. You have earned them. Soften them if you like but don’t go overboard. I am a huge believer in wearing minimal makeup because too much makeup only accentuates wrinkles. Instead, wear a good moisturizer and maybe an eye cream.
I still dye my hair by choice even though many women look amazing with gray hair and my main gripe is the age spots on my hands but other than that, I’m fine with natural aging.
Thank the heavens we have come this far!
I am grateful to be in my 70s because many people I knew never made it that far. They died way before their time for many reasons. We must start embracing and celebrating our “old age” as an achievement, rather than a negative experience.
Even though the tabloids condemn women aging, I see more older women and men doing well playing roles in films and TV. Meryl Streep isn’t the only 70-year-old female rocking the silver screen. Look at Margo Martindale! She is a hoot in the film “The Sticky” and keeps popping up in numerous TV shows and movies.
Margo is in her 70s, is not rail skinny or classically gorgeous, and has endless energy! Way to go, girl!
How do you feel about how society perceives aging women? Please leave a comment below.
Like you Rebecca, I have never wanted any cosmetic surgery. It seems rather sad to want to change yourself in such a radical way..On the other hand, although I don’t use make up really, (causes too many rashes and itches) that seems like a fun thing to do if it gives you confidence and makes you feel more cheerful. I do see why people want to look their best – it can give you a psychological boost.
But why anyone is anti-ageing, is beyond me. Do they perpetually want to look like a baby? We age from the moment we are born and it’s as natural as becoming a teenager. I’d say most people want to grow up and that means they want to grow older.
Thanks, for stopping by Rosemary. I agree that makeup can be fun and helps with our self esteem. I have just found that less makes us look healthier and younger. The whole anti-aging thing is a way companies sell more product even when we don’t need it. LOL