Will You Still Need Me When I’m 64? (On the Topic of Anti-Aging)
Today is my sixty-fourth birthday. How the hell did that happen so fast? Today has me thinking about aging, making the most of the time we have, and how much I deplore the phrase “anti-aging.” I want to talk about pro-aging and the beauty of aging.
Last week I was approached by a brand (who will remain nameless) via my Instagram page, to try out and share what may very well be a lovely beauty product. And the moment I saw it was called an “anti-aging” face cream, I stopped reading. It was a hard stop. The phrase “anti-aging” is so offensive to me on a deep level. Do you feel the same way?
I want to look the best I can for my age, but I don’t want to lie about my age. I don’t want to anti-age. I am not ANTI-aging – I am pro-aging. When did we become a culture so obsessed with youth?
I recall always wanting to be older as I was growing up. To be older was to be cooler, more sophisticated, more interesting.
I’ll never forget the year I forgot how old I was. ALL YEAR I told everyone I was 38. I thought I was 38 deep in my soul. But then my birthday rolled around and I realized I was turning 38 and had robbed myself of my 37th year. Ha! Of course, I had tweenagers at the time, which probably accounts for a fair amount.
Now I am certainly a fan of products that can help soften the signs of aging on my skin. I’ve used Botox. I use Retin-A. I feel no shame about that. But it’s not because I want to deny that I am aging, or that aging is a dirty word or something we should hesitate or shy away from.
What a blessing it is to age – whatever that looks like for you. My mother died when she was nine years older than I am today. And on her deathbed, she spoke about regret that she had for things she had not done. And she was adventurous! But her time was cut short. Last year my daughter climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in honor of my mom, one of the dreams she couldn’t fulfill and carried a photo of her to the summit.
You often hear about people living in the moment. But that’s a hard thing to do. Not to mention this year, when we are all trapped at home (or in my case, currently in quarantine), and longing for life to get back to normal. And we can all feel our own version of disappointed, sad, and frustrated about the situation we find ourselves in with the pandemic, and the long list of other challenges happening in the world right now. But maybe this is indeed the best year for all of us to learn how to live in this moment. With the future so uncertain, we have to grab what we can and do what we love.
This is a great time to be a woman that is aging.
It is never too late to start over, to start a new health kick, a new lifestyle, a new relationship. We are only limited by our own fears, insecurities, and restrictions.
I started my own business in 2012. The year before, I could barely navigate my laptop! And these last eight years have taught me just how many opportunities are available to us – with the right amount of dedication and hard work.
Don’t allow anyone to dim your light, or limit your potential.
The truth is we are aging and it’s a great thing. We can be pro-aging and still do all we can to look our best. There is no expiration date on ambition, hope, and great style.
Happy Birthday. I turned 78 in June and no one is more surprised than me that I’ve lasted this long. All the things I might have done had I but known but I kept thinking I was too old to try. Don’t fall into that way of thinking. Live life and celebrate now all the good things. Do something new, never stop learning. Like me, you never know. You could live to be a hundred. Do it now!
Happy Birthday, Jennifer! (That’s my daughter’s name!) I am 70. My parents both died in their mid-60’s. Mother, 65 and Dad, 64. So, I feel blessed to be 70.
It’s funny, when I look at old pictures of my grandparents and they were younger than I am now, they look SO old. We’re so fortunate to have so many products available, plus fun clothes (think Chico’s) that were not available then. Better skin care and hair care. You just have to take care of yourself, and I think we just lead healthier lives than previous generations.
Enjoy your time with your daughter!
Happy Birthday! I hope it is a grand and glorious day! I loved your post today and agree with everything you said. I’m so grateful I have reached this age(76) because so many don’t have that gift. My husband died unexpectedly at 57 and one of my heartaches is knowing how much he has missed. And one of my joys is knowing how much I haven’t missed.
I read your post today with tears in my eyes. With age also comes wisdom as exemplified by your words extolling us to be positive, grateful and proud to be who we are..at whatever age.
You have a beautiful soul.
Happy Birthday!
Thank you so much, Patricia xx
Happy Birthday Jennifer. I enjoyed your post today. I’ve learned many things through the years I’ve followed you and today was the best.
Thank you!
Happy Birthday, Jennifer! Cheers to you! 🎂🥂🎂🥂🎂
Here here, we’ll said Jennifer. Happy birthday 🎁 Cheers to you!
Happy Birthday, Jennifer! 🎂🎁🎈🎉
From a pro aging 72 year old.
My mother died at 45 and my oldest son died at 42. Life is sometimes short and always unpredictable. Enjoy today and love your loves for that is the best we have in this life. And look forward with hope to eternity with our Lord and the loves who went before us.
Bless you, Ann. That’s such a great reminder to live for today!
It is sad to see how many of us had moms that died too young. My mom was 71, but she had battled cancer for 4 years. I just turned 63 a week ago, and I admit that I fight this aging business as much as I can. But as long as we keep good health, that’s really all that matters, isn’t it?
Happy birthday to you! And no, I would never have pegged you as someone in their 60’s!
That is young. It really is sad! My mom died from a disease that is curable today.
Happy Birthday!! You are a beautiful lady. Thank you for the wonderful words of wisdom.
Enjoy everyday and love with all your heart!!
Happy birthday to my favorite blogger!! I once knew a very kind elderly gentleman, who always said with a twinkle in his eye when asked how he was, “Any day I wake up this side of the dirt is a very good day!” So, I wish you many many more years of being this side of the dirt! 💐🌸🌹
Happy Birthday! I am finding the 60’s (I am 66, and I don’t feel it at all) to be a great decade. I want to keep making memories (all the more so as my mother, 89 years old, is in memory care with Alzheimers, and she has no memories left.) This is my last year of teaching (after 40 years), retiring, picking up and moving to be closer to our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. So many changes for us, lots of anxiety, sadness to leave our friends and house, and excitement for the next stage of our lives. Working on staying healthy to enjoy our lives, making new memories all the time. Let’s all celebrate that we are enjoying life to the fullest.
Happy Birthday! I am a couple of years older than you and I truly appreciate your attitude toward “anti-aging”…I’m pro aging personally! I am a happier and more content woman than I was 10 years ago and feel that I still have a lot to contribute! Enjoy your day…and all the other days to come!
Thank you. Those changes ahead for you are a bit scary and exciting at the same time. Being nearer to your grandson will be amazing!!
Happy Birthday to you! 🎂
I will turn 70 in September and find it a great blessing to be older. It is not that we age – – we all do that – – it is “how” we age that matters.
Life is one big game (or a test) and you just play the cards you are dealt. I just turned 76. I retired at 66 and thought I would volunteer, etc. Nope. My 40+ daughter who lives with me has a very severe anxiety problem and is bipolar also. Her 24 year old daughter, also living with me has Lennox-Gestaught syndrome. I have to stay active for them as I do the driving and all the other things I have done all my life. Granddaughter is like a 5 year old and is non verbal. She is the love of my life and I really think she is responsible for my attitude on life.
I am not doing Botox during this pandemic and since whenever I leave the house I am wearing a mask, my skin gets a rest from cosmetics Enjoy your life at whatever age you are
Happy birthday Jennifer, You look fantastic.
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Age is what you make of it, it is only a number just remember you carry dust of the stars in you, we are all wonders , I am flirting with 80 have not kissed it yet (next year) but every morning I wake up is a blessing, will not give you a litany of ills affecting my body but seeing the day’s awakening is a joy, we cannot do anything about the misery in the world no matter what anyone says just look in your own backyard first and give help there. Something that everyone seems to have forgotten.
Forgot to mention I am a survivor of WW2 believe me the virus is nothing comparing what happened then, it lasted for years …. it has taught me that humanity will survive anything…. fortitude is what will carry the day!!!!So Jennifer take this day with both hands and enjoy every blessings coming your way.
Thank you so much, Annie
Hi
I discovered you last year, and so look forward to waking up every day, seeing the pictures you post, your great ideas, and your commentary. You always bring a chuckle, or some in sight or aha moment- I am constantly learning new ideas and ordering so many fun things-
Thanks for sharing and brightening up our days!
Ellen
I’m glad you’re here, Ellen
I appreciate the inspiration. Have a Happy Day!
You will always look back at this time and wish you were this young again.
Thank you for poignant and uplifting message. This is your best piece.
Happiest of birthdays to you and many more!
Thank you Marian.
Happiest of birthdays to you! I just turned 60 and feel the same – where did the time go? Thank you for sharing a photo of your mom, so beautiful! This a great read and wonderful reminder to savor life.
Love your posts. They help me to stay “young” and vibrant.
Bless you on this beautiful birthday, and a toast to all of our days.