Can you imagine a world where no one has to grow old? What would that world be like? In case you thought of a complete disaster, you wouldn’t be the first. Many moviemakers and novelists have been obsessed with the never-growing-old theme, with well-known and awarded pieces like the Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The picture of Dorian Gray being only some of the most famous examples of this obsession. Growing old is portrayed in pop culture and literature mostly as something that should be avoided, or something to get away at least. However, growing old has its many benefits, and it’s not only an uncanny weakness. Keep reading to discover more reasons why we should celebrate aging and all the beauty of it.
Why is a society obsessed with youth?
Looks fade, and this is a very well-known fact that is often contrasted to something considered eternal and more important. However, looks are very important to all of us, and this is also due to humans being physically attracted beings. Psychologists have shown that there are some universally preferred beauty aspects which are culturally independent, which shows that humans mainly prefer young humans when it comes to beauty. But where does this obsession come from?
We are being constantly prepared through life for the inevitable – growing old and eventually dying. While we grow old, we become weaker, and this weakness is associated with wrinkles, grey hairs and other signs of aging. By showing signs that one isn’t reproductively capable, one is becoming less attractive to others. However, this evolutionary theory has its flaws, and one of them is condemning aging people to their loss. There are many reasons why aging is a beautiful process if we try to focus on what we are gaining, rather than on what we are about to lose. Here are some things you can do to help yourself truly understand what a wonderful process aging can be.
Living in the present moment
One mistake we often make is that we get caught up in reminiscing about our glorious pasts, while our present is being wasted, all caught up in a time machine we have cursed ourselves with. It’s good to remember one’s past success and to enjoy wonderful memories, but fixating on what’s been prevents us from focusing on the present and the future. You shouldn’t waste a whole day reminiscing, no matter how old you are. Practicing mindfulness techniques can help even the eldest among you achieve a state of mind where nothing is important but you and only yourself in the present moment. When you succeeded in mastering this technique, there will be no reasons for you not to want to conquer every day ahead of you. Embrace all the wonders life still has to offer, even if you think they can’t possibly be as wonderful as the ones you remember. You will be surprised how pleasingly unpredictable life can be.
Stop caring about beauty standards
Another trap to easily fall into as you get older is to constantly try to achieve the beauty goals set by the rich, the famous and – the young. Although you can be rich and famous forever, there is still no possible way for you to stay forever young. The more you try avoiding this fact, the more money and time you will spend on trying to achieve the impossible. In this Don Quixote battle with windmills, you are only going to lose whatever self-confidence you have left. Instead of thinking about more, you should focus on less. When it comes to beauty products, think only of cruelty free makeup that can make your skin shine with its natural glow. Don’t hide your imperfections anymore, but show the world how beautifully imperfect you are. The sooner you embrace yourself with all your flaws, the sooner others will be able to do so.
Take every chance to try new things
It’s never too late and you’re never too old to do something you’ve always wanted. Just because life hasn’t turned out the way you’ve planned so far, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have turning points ahead of you. The true beauty of aging can be seen as a blooming experience that has yet to be put to the test, and if you don’t do so, then you can easily say you’ve lived your whole life without ever truly living it. In order for one to be satisfied and fulfilled, one must say “I know what I am living for” at all ages.
All the beauty of aging is hidden between the words “I am happy” which all of us deserve to say sincerely, no matter how old we are.
