By Cecile J. Baltasar
Ageism, that is, discrimination that comes from stereotypes based on age, ultimately leads to poor body image. Objects of ageism often feel constrained to lie about their age, lest others discover how old they really are. As is so often the case, negative social constructs, such as ageism and racism, often create a tunnel vision, and we can’t see anything else but the insecurities and negativity these bring. If there’s one thing we can do, though, it’s to look inward and realize that true beauty goes way deeper than the skin.
Physical beauty fades; it’s the beauty within that is ageless. Take your cue from the inimitable Coco Chanel, who once said, “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”
Instead of letting ageism push you into a corner of self-doubt, let it motivate you to focus on the things that make you truly beautiful.
Confidence
One of the benefits of getting older is that you become more sure of yourself. Science says so. According to a study published on APA PsycNet, a content platform developed by the American Psychological Association, those in their 60s reach peak self-confidence. On the road to 60, you steadily gain life experiences, which build up and give you the self-assurance you need to lead a happy life.
Living every day confident in yourself makes you beautiful regardless of age.
A Sense of Humor
An article by Brian Collisson, Ph.D, published in Psychology Today says that “humor is hot.” This is probably the reason why many people on dating apps say their ideal partner would be someone who has, among other qualities, a sense of humor. Being able to find the funny side of life indicates creativity; and this is attractive to people.
“Humor isn’t just about making people laugh,” writes Collisson. “It may reflect an individual’s ability to approach challenges with flexibility and innovation.”
There is also a physical benefit to humor and laughter. Laughing regularly increases the level of oxygen in the blood, releasing endorphins, and shooing away stress. Anyone who is relaxed and easily laughs is always beautiful.
Those lines around the eyes brought about by too much smiling and laughing? Think of them not as things to cover up but to show off. Because they prove that you, in fact, possess beauty that will just get better with age.
Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance
Grace and Frankie is a comedy series on Netflix that tells the story of two septuagenarian women — played by Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin — who discover one day that their husbands are gay, in love with each other, and plan to get married. The discovery sends both women down a painful rabbit hole, but then they eventually emerge with a renewed sense of self. Freed from the lies, they unapologetically work on getting to know themselves again, therefore finding a new purpose in life.
Precisely because older people have had more time to live with themselves, they get the privilege to get to know who they really are; specifically, what they like and what they don’t. This “window into their soul” gives them the means to finally accept the flaws that so plagued them in their youth.
A beautiful person is someone who knows their strengths and their faults, and is still their own biggest fan.
Compassion
Being kind and having compassion for others is a superpower that consistently makes a person attractive. The more interesting thing about this is that a person cannot be kind and compassionate to others without loving themselves first. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
This circumstance brings a threefold benefit: self-love, which leads to kindness to others, which, then, makes the person beautiful.
Research written about on PsyPost shows a strong link between prosocial actions, i.e., friendliness and kindness, and physical attraction. In fact, according to the study, which disregarded other factors, such as age and social status, people whom others described as kind and helpful were consistently rated more beautiful than those who weren’t seen to be compassionate.
Be sincerely kind, and you will always be beautiful.
Gratitude
The American Psychological Association defines gratitude as “a sense of happiness and thankfulness in response to a fortunate happenstance or tangible gift.”
When a person is grateful, they acknowledge all the good things in their life. They also recognize that this goodness comes from a source outside of them. It is a powerful emotion that creates a domino effect of positivity.
It is no wonder that mental health professionals advise their patients to start a gratitude journal — being thankful for life trains one’s eyes and mind to focus on the good things. And while marveling at all the positive things happening, it boosts one’s well-being, which leads to a more joyful, beautiful life.
Fight Ageism
Prejudice or discrimination against people based on their age is a systemic form of oppression, according to a paper published by the Law Commission of Ontario. It is an epidemic. While one can work on themselves to make sure ageism does not affect their life, a collective effort is required to, once and for all, eliminate ageism.
The World Health Organization recommends taking three steps to combat this phenomenon.
First, educate yourself on the effects of ageism. Gathering knowledge dispels ignorance and clears up myths. Read books; talk to people who have had experience in being stereotyped for their age.
Next, develop the skills necessary to advocate against ageism. Learn when to speak up and when to stay quiet.
Finally, take action. Correct ageist stereotypes, don’t laugh at ageist jokes, and speak out against ageist discrimination.
The best place to begin this advocacy is from your spot in the sun. Constantly remind yourself that ageism has no bearing on you because the things that make you beautiful have nothing to do with your age. Speak from your empowered position, and people will listen.
Photo by Ayo Ogunseinde on Unsplash
DISCLAIMER
This article provides general information and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
