For decades, aging has been seen as taboo. Companies tout creams and chemicals to treat fine lines and wrinkles. Estheticians offer Botox injections, lip filler, and laser treatments to fill in and smooth out your appearance. But the “pro-aging” movement helps people embrace the natural changes that come with older age. Rather than seeing aging as something that needs to be prevented, this movement focuses on loving your body at all ages.
What Is the Pro-Aging Movement?
The pro-aging movement is a new way of approaching how younger generations view aging. In an interview with Poosh, celebrity facialist Candace Marino said about this movement, “Pro-aging celebrates life. It recognizes the age process as a gift. It’s about working with your body, caring for it, loving it, nourishing it both internally and externally, and celebrating the wisdom and confidence instead of obsessing over what once was.”
The Power of Positivity and Pro-Aging Thoughts
When it comes to your health, there’s plenty of power in positive thoughts. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health co-conducted a study of over 14,000 adults ages 50 and older. The authors reported that people with the highest satisfaction with aging were 43% less likely to die from any cause over a 4-year period compared to those with the lowest satisfaction. The more satisfied the participants were with aging, the:
- Lower their risk of diseases was, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes
- More likely they were to exercise
- Better cognitive function they had, which includes thinking and memory
- Less likely they were to struggle with sleep
What Are the Benefits of Aging?
Aging is usually viewed in a negative light. When you think of growing older, you probably think of all the things that can go wrong. Your appearance changes, your hair grays, or your health may decline. But health experts have found there are many benefits to aging as well. Dr. Davangere P. Devanand, MD from Columbia University notes that “those who become older are the survivors and more resilient.”
For example, your mind becomes sharper as you age, and you still have the capacity to grow and learn more. Time also brings experience — with this comes wisdom and the ability to better understand and regulate your emotions.
Ways to Embrace the Pro-Aging Movement
Aging doesn’t just affect your physical appearance. It’s also a mental, emotional, and spiritual journey. For some, growing older is a significant change. Take time to reflect on how far you’ve come in life and embrace what you’ve been through. You can also look ahead toward your future — pro-aging is all about celebrating your ever-growing wisdom and confidence with age.
Here are some ways to embrace the pro-aging movement and think positively about every stage of your life, including those lying ahead:
- Become a life-long learner: Have you always been interested in a topic or activity but haven’t had the time to dive deeper? Find a new hobby, take classes or workshops at your local community center or college, or sign up for an online course.
- Practice self-care rituals: Remember that those who stay positive about aging stay healthier as well. Engaging in regular self-care rituals like meditation, mindfulness, and yoga bring peace and relaxation. Consider finding thought exercises that help you think about and embrace changes as you age.
- Take care of your physical well-being: Prioritize your health by eating nutritious meals, get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly. Adapt your diet and exercise to your body’s needs as you age. Don’t push too hard and meet your body and mind where they’re at.
- Celebrate your milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your personal achievements, no matter how big or small. Creating these new traditions not only honors you, but the passage of time as well.
- Become a mentor: Age naturally comes with learning moments and experiences. Share these with younger generations by becoming a mentor in a personal area of expertise. You can build meaningful relationships while passing on knowledge.
- Keep a journal: Use journaling as a creative outlet to reflect on your life and experiences. You may keep the journal for yourself or use it to pass along your stories and advice to younger family or friends.
- Connect with others your age: Meeting others who share similar interests, hobbies, or who simply enjoy the company of others does wonders for your mental health.
Aging Your Appearance Gracefully
The pro-aging movement focuses on embracing rather than reversing the aging process. While you can’t stop time, you can take steps to keep your skin healthy as you become older. General tips for supporting natural, healthy aging skin include:
- Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays and prevent skin cancer
- Be gentle when cleansing your skin and exfoliate away dead skin cells
- Regularly moisturize your skin to replace lost oils and prevent dryness
