As a GenX woman I grew up during a time where you would see models in their twenties advertising the newest anti-aging skin care. I remember it was mostly some type of cream. Back then, being a child and a teenager later myself, anti-aging wasn’t a thing for me but it seemed like older women around me didn’t really question the fact that these young women with wrinkle free faces were advertising anti-aging creams instead of women their own age who (god forbid!) had wrinkles. Also the term anti-ageing, as if ageing is a bad thing. Looking back I just get angry what we women were exposed to. Luckily things are changing and it looks like the beauty industry is catching up on the fact, that 1. ageing is not bad and 2. having more mature women advertise for a product that is targeted towards mature skin is good and way more honest.
In this blog post I want to dive a bit deeper into what pro-aging with that the pro-ageing movement in general.

What is Pro-Aging?

Pro-ageing is a mindset and a movement that encourages people to embrace and celebrate the aging process rather than fighting against it. It shifts the focus from anti-aging -which often emphasizes the need to look younger and counteract signs of aging -to appreciate the natural process of growing older. The pro-aging movement promotes a positive and realistic view of aging, highlighting the benefits, wisdom, and experience that come with it. Let’s face it, we’re all aging and you can only do so much anyways to slow that process down anyways.

What are the Key Aspects of the Pro-Aging Movement?

1. Acceptance and Self-Love:
   Encouraging individuals to accept and love themselves at every age, as well as emphasizing the beauty and uniqueness that comes with aging.
   
2. Redefining Beauty Standards:
   This includes challenging old beauty standards that prioritize youthfulness and instead celebrating diverse forms of beauty, including wrinkles, gray hair, and mature skin.
   
3. Health and Wellbeing:
   The focus is on overall health and well-being rather than just appearance. Healthy lifestyle choices that support longevity and vitality are being prioritized.
   
4. Empowerment and Confidence:
   Empowering people to feel confident and proud of their age and encourage them to share their experiences and stories to inspire others.
   
5. Challenging Ageism:
   Standing against ageism and all the stereotypes that come with it and instead advocating for respect and opportunities for older individuals in all areas of life.
   

Benefits of the Pro-Aging Movement:

Mental Health:
Promotes a healthier mental outlook by reducing the stress and pressure to look younger. I personally think that this is a huge one. The hormonal rollercoaster of perimenopause alone can be a lot for our mental health but adding pressure and stress of having to look younger on top of that is more than I am willing to take.

Authenticity:
Encourages living authentically and being true to oneself, instead of feeling pressured to fit into outdated beauty standards.

Community:
Fosters a sense of community and support among people of all ages.

Role Models:
Creates positive role models for younger generations to look up to. Sadly there’s still a lot of fear around getting older amongst younger people. You can find videos from teenagers showing their anti-aging routines on social media (sigh!). That only tells me that we need more older role models on these platforms to show the kids that life doesn’t end when you turn thirty!

How to Embrace the Pro-Aging Movement?

1. Change the Narrative:
   Speak posititively about aging and avoid negative language associated with getting older and highlight stories of inspiring older individuals.
   
2. Self-Care and Wellness:
   Prioritize self-care practices that promote health and well-being. Focusing on good nutrition, movement, exercise and mental health is always beneficial.
   
3. Celebrate Milestones:
   Celebrate birthdays and life achievements at every age. Recognize the value of life experiences and wisdom gained. This will benefit your self-esteem and you will feel more empowered!
   
4. Education and Awareness:
   Educate yourself and others about the pro-aging movement and its benefits. Share information and resources that support a positive view of aging. Changing the narrative and view about aging will benefit everyone.
   
5. Advocacy:
   Advocate for policies and practices that combat ageism. Support initiatives that promote inclusivity and respect for older individuals.

Final Thoughts

The pro-aging movement is about embracing life fully, at every stage, and recognizing the richness that comes with age. It’s a call for all of us to redefine old beliefs and stories about aging and fostering a culture where growing older is seen as an opportunity for continued growth, joy, and fulfillment.