We spend the first third of
our lives trying to appear older than we actually are, but at some unspecified
point in time it all changes. As we pass
the middle point in our lives we start obsessing about youth. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but I hate
commercials about 40 year olds talking about how to prevent wrinkles. At the senior level we just want to look as
good as we feel. Admit it, on the inside
you are still 26, 36 or even 56 so it isn’t time to give up yet.
I stumbled on an article in
a local journal called the Northwest Prime Time (February/March 2010) and I
loved it. This particular issue was devoted
to senior issues and I read every one of the articles with interest. The first article to catch my eye was by
Laurie Needham, and it addressed the idea that seniors should and can appear
younger than they are.
First, she addressed
personal grooming which hit rather close to home. It is easy to get into the habit of not
really looking at yourself in the mirror, figuring that nobody cares
anyway. Look anyway. Get a magnifying glass and check yourself
over daily, especially for those extraneous hairs that appear out of nowhere on
your chin, lips, and nose. Women need to
wield their tweezers and men can ask their barbers to have a look at ears,
eyebrows and nose hairs.
Dental care is as important
as ever. Do not forget dental
hygiene. Have your teeth cleaned by your
dentist, use whitening products, and don’t forget to smile. A smile makes you approachable and not just
another cranky oldster.
Do you have to be a fashion
statement? Perhaps not, but I am guilty
of throwing on old sweats and heading out the door. I’ve even been known to have one set that I
call my dress sweats but down deep I know that this is not a cool thing. On the
other hand, you don’t want to be too trendy either. You don’t want to be sloppy
and old looking, but you don’t want to look foolish either. Sweats are okay at home, but when you going
out take the time to dress up a little.
Wear decent shoes and something tailored or at least put together
looking. Try to coordinate a few pieces,
tuck yourself in, and remember to smile.
Of course fitness comes into
the picture too. Changes in posture,
gait, general weakness, and slowed down movements combine to make you look
old. Muscles strength and flexibility
result in good posture. Preserving your
muscle strength and balance will allow you to remain independent and look good
at the same time. Keep a bounce in your
step and try not to groan too loudly when you get up from your chair.
Probably the most important
thing is keeping your sense of curiosity.
Try new things. Read the
editorials and give new television shows a try. There are more interesting things to do than
watching game shows. It is important
that you take time to listen and take note of what is going on a round you.
Bringing up something that you have read or heard about is a good way to keep a
conversation going.
Talk to someone you don’t
know every day. It is okay to talk to
strangers. Engaging in small talk keeps
your socialization skills honed (even if your kids think you are odd and tell
you no one cares anyway). Remember to
knock it off when it comes to talking about your medicines or latest illnesses
though. There are a lot of interesting events going on every day and you should
be excited about being a part of it all.
It is okay to share life experiences but the good old days were not
necessarily better. It is okay to be
older but never think of yourself as an old person.
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