Pro-aging

As a society, we are obsessed with youth. I am sure this comes as no surprise to you. From the ages of 40 to 60 it’s like we cease to exist. We are of no value if we don’t possess the possibilities of youth or the comfort that grandma status brings. Even trying to find a stock image for this blog post with a 40 ish year old woman was next to impossible. They simply do not exist.

In a world obsessed with the elusive pursuit of eternal youth, it can be difficult to focus on anything but. Never mind celebrate the beauty, wisdom, and love that come naturally with the passage of time.

But that is exactly what I am suggesting, rather than fighting aging, we look at it with the reverence and appreciation that it deserves. That we deserve. A path we fondly refer to as “Proaging.”

Proaging isn’t about battling the inevitable or attempting to rewind the clock. Instead, it’s a shift in perspective, a reframing of the narrative that often portrays aging as something to be feared or fought against.

I embarked on this pro-ging journey to find a different perspective – one that celebrates the beauty and wisdom that come with age. Because it didn’t make sense to me to live a life constantly fighting who we are. That is their agenda, not mine and it wasn’t quite sitting right.

Some may look at me and think, “What is she complaining about, she’s barely in her 40’s how dare she call herself old? She has no clue.“

Well, I am not calling myself old. I certainly don’t feel old. But it is my belief that we never really do. Even at 90, we still feel 16 on the inside. (Correct me if I am wrong.)

But I have already begun to experience the feeling of invisibility that society imposes on all those who have dared to explore the years beyond the 30’s, when we seemingly fall off the radar and are expected to be seen and not heard.

Women at this age are literally the backbone. We are keeping everything running, the operators of the machine that propels the lives of those around us forward, but we are given little to no acknowledgment, oftentimes even from our families and those close to us.

And I don’t imagine that will change any time soon.

That is why we need to accept the challenge and learn to celebrate and love ourselves, for who we are and where we are.

The pro-aging movement is gaining momentum, challenging the prevailing notion that aging is something to be feared and avoided at all costs. Pro-aging encourages us to shift our mindset and approach towards aging as a positive and empowering experience. It’s about embracing the physical, mental, and emotional changes that come with age and finding joy and fulfillment in every moment.

Here are some key aspects of the pro-aging philosophy:

Embracing Authenticity: Pro-aging encourages us to embrace our authentic selves, wrinkles and all. It’s about celebrating the unique beauty that comes with age and letting go of the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of youthfulness.
Wisdom and Experience: With age comes wisdom and a wealth of life experiences. Pro-aging encourages us to value and share our knowledge with younger generations, fostering a sense of intergenerational connection and growth.
Health and Wellness: While pro-aging doesn’t reject the importance of maintaining good health, it emphasizes a balanced approach. Instead of obsessing over erasing every sign of aging, we focus on holistic well-being, including mental, emotional, and physical health.
Reinventing Ourselves: Aging is an opportunity for reinvention. Pro-aging encourages us to explore new interests, take on new challenges, and continue pursuing our passions throughout our lives.

Benefits of a Pro-Aging Mindset

Embracing a pro-aging mindset can have a profound impact on our lives:

Enhanced Self-Esteem: When we accept ourselves as we are, our self-esteem and self-confidence grow. We recognize that our worth is not determined by our appearance but by our character and the way we live our lives.
Stronger Relationships: Pro-aging fosters deeper connections with others, as we value people for their inner qualities and experiences rather than superficial attributes.
Greater Resilience: By embracing the inevitable changes that come with age, we become more resilient and adaptable to life’s challenges.
Lifelong Learning: Pro-aging encourages continuous learning and personal growth, helping us stay mentally and emotionally engaged throughout our lives.
Increased Happiness: Letting go of the fear of aging allows us to experience greater contentment and happiness in the present moment.

Tips for Embracing Pro-Aging

If you’re interested in adopting a pro-aging mindset, here are some practical tips to get you started:

Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind and gentle with yourself as you navigate the aging process. Treat yourself with the same love and care you would offer a close friend.
Stay Active: Engage in regular physical activity to maintain good health and vitality. Find activities you enjoy, whether it’s yoga, dancing, hiking, or simply taking daily walks.
Cultivate Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness to stay present and appreciative of each moment. Mindfulness meditation can help you develop a deeper sense of gratitude for your life.
Seek Inspiration: Connect with individuals who embrace pro-aging and find inspiration in their stories and journeys. Join online communities or attend pro-aging events to expand your network.

Embracing a pro-aging mindset has transformed my perspective on life. Instead of fearing the passage of time, I now see it as an opportunity for growth, wisdom, and joy. By shifting our focus from anti-aging to pro-aging, we can create a world where people of all ages are valued, respected, and empowered to live their best lives at any stage. So, let’s celebrate the beauty of aging gracefully and look forward to the journey ahead with open hearts and open minds.