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The Beauty of Aging: How to Embrace the Pro Age Movement with Humor & Optimism

Aging is the inevitable journey we’re all signed up for, whether we like it or not. I am not the same woman I was in my 20’s, 30’s 40’s or 50’s (thank god). We live in a society obsessed with youth where aging is often portrayed as something to be feared rather than embraced. We spent our youth yearning to be grown-up, only to reach adulthood and spend the rest of our lives boo-hooing about the loss of our youth. Instead of being proud of everything we’ve accomplished and who we’ve become, we often waste too much time and energy mourning our youth and the passing years. Here are some tips for navigating the hilarious (and sometimes frustrating) landscape of getting older: Let’s chat about The Beauty of Aging: How to Embrace the Pro Age Movement with Humor & Optimism.

What is coming is better than what is gone

The Beauty of Aging: How to Embrace the Pro Age Movement with Humor & Optimism

Laugh at Yourself

As we age, we realize that perfection is overrated, and it’s our slip-ups that make us uniquely us. A healthy dose of self deprecation never hurts. Laughter is the best medicine, especially when it comes to the inevitable blunders that come with aging gracefully (or not). How often have you gone to the kitchen and forgotten why you were there, searched for your glasses but found them on your head? See the humor in it rather than getting depressed.

George Burns quote | The Beauty of Aging

Embrace the Senior Discount, AARP etc.

Hey we earned those discounts. It is not a badge of dishonor but a badge of honor. Use them with pride and maybe splurge on the nice wine, or something special for your wardrobe. I don’t work for or with the AARP but I am amazed at those who poo poo it. Their mission is to “enhance our quality of life”. Don’t think the publication, and other similar ones are for “those old people”. There is so much valuable insight about the aging journey, our physical changes, and how to maintain our overall health with regular exercise, nutrition, healthy habits, self-confidence, self-care practices and sense of purpose.

AARP cartoon

Try New Adventures

Don’t be afraid learn a new skill. Did you ever wish you had learned to play the piano, learn another language, or a new technology? All of these things strengthen the connection with the brain and helps keep dementia at bay. However, stay safe. My granddaughter is obsessed with cartwheels, and (round-offs and flips that we called them back in the day). I have been honestly tempted to show her but I am afraid I might end up in the hospital.

Cindy Hattersley and her granddaughter | The Beauty of Aging

Embrace Self-Acceptance

There are a lot of advertisers out there making big bucks on outdated beauty standards with “anti-aging products” that convince us that getting older is a curse instead of something to embrace. There’s a freedom that comes from getting older as a woman. What’s more valuable than the wisdom and confidence that comes from owning who you are and how far you’ve come? Toss out societal norms, and embrace the new chapters with gusto.

If dying your hair makes you feel younger, die your hair. Katie from Katie goes Platinum states, if you are ready to embrace your gray hair, “get a stylish, edgy haircut that says, ‘I’m rocking it.’ Update your look, your makeup, and take pride in your age.” You can read my posts on going gray and how I maintain it here. If you can afford to have work done, and it is important to you, go for it, why is it necessary to hide it. You can read my post Why are we so secretive about having work done here, or my post How to get the best results from your facelift here. I felt young in body and soul and wanted my face to reflect that.

Was I interested in looking 35? No, I simply wanted to look how I felt. If you are proud of your lines and wrinkles, be your authentic self. Embrace the lines and wrinkles with a healthy dose of self-love and a positive mindset. They tell your own unique story of a life well lived.

keep moving forward and you will never have a reason to look back

The Health Benefits of Humor

Let’s gain a deeper understanding of the health benefits of humor. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity, and emotional well-being. However, positive thoughts can actually release “neuropeptides” that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses. These are our best years. Have a good laugh with your family and friends.

.“Now isn’t the time to fade into the background of your life, but to take center stage. Figure out the things that make you the happiest and do them often”.

Let’s view aging as not only a natural part of life, but a positive journey of self-discovery and growth, and learn how to let go of societal pressures and embrace the journey of getting older with grace and confidence. We should be proud of the experiences of every age that made us grow and evolve into who we are today. Why don’t we greet each new year as a testament of our resilience, inner peace and spirit. Let’s build upon the knowledge, wisdom and inner strength that has made us who we are.

The Beauty of Aging: How to Embrace the Pro Age Movement with Humor & Optimism

Books you might enjoy on positive aging:

The Fourth Quarter of your Life: Embracing What Matters Most

The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully

Living Strong, Finishing Well: How to Keep Growing and Learning for the Rest of Your Life

Thank you for reading, The Beauty of aging: How to Embrace the Pro Age Movement with Humor & Optimism. You might enjoy my other posts on positive aging:

Three Tips for Overcoming Invisibility and Embracing Empowerment after 60

How to Age Positively with Grace

Why is Growing Old Beautiful

Let’s keep the conversation going. There is something powerful about women who embrace their authenticity, know their own worth and have the courage to not settle for less Share this post on social media so more like minded women can join the discussion. Please share your own thoughts, insights, and experiences on aging. What would you like to see covered here?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sandra Sallin says

    Oh Cindy this is a wonderful post. Obviously the women who follow you have similar feelings as you do. They’re all interested and involved in the world. That;s why we follow you.
    I never can find my purse or my phone. I do have health issues yet I started my YouTube channel at 82. Talk about Optimism.
    I think we need to change societies view of us. Because we all are busy living and growing. and buying all the smart things you feature. Your a star in the blogging universe. Mine also.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Sandra

      You are my idol, but you know that! I love all the women that comment here that are 80 and beyond and are more active, stylish, and interested than most of us were in our 30’s or 40’s.

  2. Karen Bunch says

    I thoroughly enjoyed your post and I agree with your thoughts on the subject. I just turned 74 and simply feel content and happy. There is so much to be thankful for and first and foremost I’m thrilled with being mobile. That is my goal as I continue on this road. Good friends and family (and my new Berniedoodle, now 13 mos. old) keep me busy and make life sweet.
    Thank you for the reminders of aging gracefully and with joy.
    xo,
    Karen B.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Karen

      Great point about being mobile! Tell me about the puppy stage with the Berniedoodle. We are getting a yellow lab puppy soon!!

  3. Deb Einhorn says

    Where can I find that fantastic gold quilted vest that you are wearing in the picture with your grandaughter?

  4. Mary Perez says

    Great post Cindy. Does anyone ever say, “I’m glad I worried about that” or”I’m glad I felt inferior”? Knowing what I know now, all I want to do is suck up every last drop of my precious life, and do it in my own unique way.

  5. Mary says

    Excellent, excellent post! I’ve been texting with my Bible study group this morning, and one friend typed ‘Lord, thanks for the moments of laughter we can enjoy in our walk on earth.’ She sent this as I was reading your post, so I shared the link with them. So in line with what you are saying here. Thank you.

    • Vicki Pearson says

      This post is way beyond wonderful. I’ll reread it when I start wondering where all the bright and beautiful women have gone!!! Blossoming everywhere!!! Want you to know these thoughts are as relevant at 87 as 67!!! We are as engaged, charming, interested, interesting, bright, talented and fierce as we ever were….all with just a bit more wisdom. Keep up the good and important work, Cindy!
      ps: Did I miss the best white shirt post??

      • Cindy Hattersley says

        Hi Vicki

        I love hearing that!! The white shirt post got postponed until next week. Kim is at a tennis tournament.

  6. Becky parham says

    I will turn 70 this September and I have to say my life has never been better! I got engaged last Christmas to a wonderful man. We will marry this year (he is turning 70 in September too) and honeymoon in Italy. I also retire from working for the Federal Government for 25 years. I can’t wait for the next chapters of my life. I think it is going to be the best yet!

  7. Nancy Brantley says

    Great post. I’m 66yro and live every day like it’s my last. I’m a positive person with faith.

  8. Lorrie Bredal says

    Such a great post Cindy and so timely for me. I thought I lost my purse this week but I had put it on the floor in the back of my car. I was preoccupied with bringing flowers and cupcakes for a friends birthday! Totally panicked but there it was. I’m 71 and love your fashion and fun glasses. I just got a great new pair from Warby Parker, out of my comfort zone but fun! Thank you for your inspiration. Speaking of, where did you get the great vest in the picture of you and your darling granddaughter?
    Thank you for your inspiration!
    Lorrie

  9. Prue Batten says

    FABULOUS post!
    Love the comments too. I’m 72 and whilst bits of my body threaten to drop off each day and I spend an age looking for my mobile phone (back pocket) and specs (tucked in neck of shirt), I LOVE my life!
    Of course, I’d love to have access to your recommended clothes (we’re a season behind in Australia) and I so want your glasses (yes, I’m looking at Peepers), but by and large, the way I live is perfection on a micro-scale.
    I’m done with overseas travel and only want to see places in Australia and the Pacific now, I walk miles every day with the loved Terrier, I garden with joy, I’ve been a fiction writer since 2008 and with every word I hear uttered in the streets, every person I see, I am imbibing detail for writing.
    I returned to classical ballet nine years ago after a break of more than 50 years, have an adored group in our corps of senior dancers. We perform annually in two concerts and honestly, life is for the taking!
    Reading your blog is part of that.
    Thank you for your style and your wise words…
    PS: Most beautiful camel Vivaia loafers arrived yesterday. So comfy. And elegant.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Prue

      You rock girl!! I pinch myself when I think that women like you…read my little blog. You ladies inspire me to be better. What a group you are!!

  10. MAry says

    LOVED this post. Thanks so much for the positive feedback and attitude towards aging. I stopped dying my hair last July and haven’t looked back. I get lots of comments from family and friends when they see me for the first time. I always tell them, “I’m still the same Mary. Same young mind, same attitude.” The fact that I can’t see my own hair, unless I look into a mirror, keeps me feeling like the same person I always was. My sister who is 2 years older and still hanging on to her dye job, follows your blog and calls me Cindy Hattersley because of my hair. I take it as the ultimate compliment.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Mary

      I never looked back for a second after going gray, but my hair was a “frizzled mess” as my daughter coined it from all the dying. I believe everyone should do what is most comfortable to them. Thanks for sharing your journey and for reading my blog. You ladies are the best!!

  11. Cindy L says

    What a lovely post, Cindy — thank you for sharing your insights. I lead a group of seniors in a journaling/discussion class at one of our local libraries, and I plan to share this post with them. I know many will enjoy it, as I did. Have a great week!

  12. Christine says

    Yesterday, I reveived my Social Security letter announcing I’ve arrived at full retirement age, but to think about retirement being longer now, that 1 in 3 of today’s 65-year-olds will live to age 90, and more than 1 in 7 will live to age 95! I’m still working – 40th year in my career! – with an undetermined retirement date; maybe 3 years, maybe 5 years… and thoughts of volunteerism for the future. Thank you, Cindy, for your column today, the greatest philosphy! “Dream as if you’ll live forever, live today as if it were you’re last.”

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Christine

      My husband just retired at 70. I am still working because I love connecting with all of you amazing women. I plan to do this for a few more years…perhaps as long as you all can stand me!

  13. Cathy says

    Thank you for your encouraging words!
    I’m a retired widow and for the first time in my life I have the time to do special things just for me. I gave myself sailing lessons for my 70th birthday and since then I’ve been able to crew twice for a friend. Each time was two amazing weeks in the Pacific Ocean. I still can’t believe I’ve sailed over a thousand nautical miles as a novice sailor!
    I’m always looking for a new adventure! In a few weeks I’m traveling solo to Mazatlan, a place I’ve never been before, to see the solar eclipse. Can’t wait!!
    I had an amazing husband and I miss him dearly but I’m not going to sit around and just wait for life to happen.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Cathy

      Cathy you are the perfect example of positive aging. Of course you miss your life partner, but life doesn’t end, and he wouldn’t want that either. You “took the bull by the horns” and embraced this time in your life. Go girl! Love hearing these stories!

  14. Heidi says

    Hi Cindy,
    Thank you so much for this post, it came at a time when I have been uncharacteristically feeling really low.. Fighting COVID for a couple of weeks now and all this time on my hands has given me too much time to think….I’m pretty confident usually, and feel strong and healthy most of the time. I’m grateful for the way my parents modeled aging and their zest for life until the end. I try to live the same and will continue to view the future with humor and grit and grace.
    Xo Heidi

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Heidi call me if you need to talk. You are always embracing life to the fullest. Do not let this get you down. You are a warrior girl!!

  15. Ruthie says

    I use to think that I would grow old gracefully, then I was rudely awakened to the fact that it isn’t that easy! Then I started following you…what a blessing you are! It has changed my whole outlook on growing older! I CAN grow old gracefully! Your style of dress is really my style, I have a pretty good sense of humor, I laugh at myself and I feel way younger than my 75 years! But I started focusing on how many years I have left with sadness instead of thinking of the years to come as an adventure! So out with all that negative stuff and on to a life well lived! Thank you so much for your encouragement!

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Ruthie

      I consider each and every one of you the real blessings. You have made me think outside the box, to try and reach more women in whatever way I can. You ladies are this community. It is not me…

  16. Sarah says

    Thanks, Cindy, so inspiring! We can’t change certain inevitabilities, but we can always change our attitudes.

  17. amy says

    Hi Cindy,
    How I admire your zest and style! At 64, I recently joined a master’s swimming team. . I’m the oldest and the slowest, but I show up three times a week. My goal this year is to master the flip turn. I love the camaraderie of a demanding practice, when, young and old alike, we’re all sucking air at the end.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Amy

      My kids were both swimmers. I love it “we are all sucking air at the end”. I can’t do flip turns either!!

  18. Dianne says

    I love this post and I love all the positive comments! Pro aging is where we are at! Super inspirational post and a reminder to stay relevant, curious and positive! Thank you!

  19. Shari says

    Cindy I love love love this post!!After 70 most things don’t work the way they did in earlier times but, my patience, appreciation of small things, and sense of freedom are sure growing!!
    My group of friends are sharing
    “The Inner Work of Age: shifting from Role to Soul” by Connie Zweig.
    It echos many of your points about aging as a time to grow…
    Thanks for your guidance in aging and so many areas!

    • Denise says

      I just ordered Connie’s book. can’t wait to read it. Thank you Cindy for turning aging from a society negative to a positive.

      • Cindy Hattersley says

        Hi Denise

        Why be negative when we can be positive? You ladies inspire me everyday. I so enjoy your comments and ebullience.

  20. Lynn Anne says

    Thank you for the inspiration! Humor is the best medicine for me – I love a good laugh. I love my daughter, my grandson, son-in-law and friends. And most important – here’s to our health.

  21. Mary from Life at Bella Terra says

    Cindy, what a great post! I would like to share this either on my Saturday Meanderings post or in an aging article in the future…of course, if you don’t mind. At 68, if feel very youthful and I attribute it to being healthy and vibrant. Just started taking piano lessons, work out 5-6 days a week and am enjoying all my real and virtual blogging friends! Here’s to aging gracefully.

  22. Katherine says

    Good Tuesday morning Cindy,
    This is one of the very best posts I’ve read and throughly enjoyed. It. I so agree with everything that you said and the pearls that were shared.
    I will share my personal journey because I like you so much.
    The aging process for me has been very humbling. It was not so easy to embrace coming off many years of marathons, and training for all of them and decades of long challenging hikes., yoga, spin classes, weight training. One morning I woke up and that was abruptly all taken away from me. It was a huge adjustment and realizing this chronic progressive condition is not going to go away. This all happened in 2011. My dearest and forever friend of 50 years shared this with me when I reached a bad low. “What’s left when everything is taken away from you, what you have left is how you respond.” I understand this is not her original thoughts, however I embraced it because I could relate to it completely.
    The so called “perfects” on magazine covers and the like it would be nice to see no more air brushing and show the person as they are. Character lines can be beautiful, it’s hard at the same time to embrace the change. It can be shocking. What is important to embrace is your health that is our wealth.
    Whatever makes you happy and feeling healthy is what we all need to focus on for ourselves because we are worth it.
    You have my ❤️ on this subject. Thank you for all you do and are.
    Live the pic of you and Summer. I’m glad you decided to not demonstrate the flip. The thought of landing up in the hospital would not be worth it. Humor is the best medicine.

  23. Wren says

    Cindy, This is such a fabulous topic and I’m so glad you engage in it from time to time to remind us. I have noticed your new motto of “Age vibrantly, Age confidently, Age fashionably” which says it all. On the cruise I am on, I see all levels of aging and fitness. To be away for 4 months, you can pretty much assume one is retired, denoting approximate age. I feel blessed to be able to participate as a vibrant member of this group of accomplished, smart, financially able, seniors. We should all be proud to be where we are! We’re still engaged and seeing the world.

  24. Pat demling says

    Cindy, that was a great post!! I truly love my life! I have my daughters and granddaughters who I enjoy immensely! I have my faith that has helped me through tough times! I have good friends who I can share anything with! I have a fantastic family! I play PickleBall 3x a week with really nice ladies n men! I thank God every day for such a blessed life!

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