Two days ago, I “celebrated” another birthday. The quotation marks are because I’m not sure celebrating is the correct word. Although, I guess I should just be glad I’m still around another year to do so.
One thing that gets harder and harder to do each year is to look in that bathroom mirror each day. Let’s face it: At 72, I’m seeing a lot more wrinkles than I’d like. And how about those lovely brown spots that seem to appear out of nowhere on the hands and arms?
So, how do I fix it? I can’t. That means I need to change my perspective. Instead of focusing on what I don’t like about my looks, I need to pay attention to what I do like. Or perhaps focus on small things I can change that might help. Here are a few tips to guide all of us as we face the physical changes that time and Mother Nature bestow upon us:
- Forget the models on tv! The majority of those gals on television and in magazine ads appear impossibly thin. Since we know the camera adds pounds, just imagine what toothpicks those models must be in person. Be realistic! Don’t waste time and wrinkles coveting those bodies that rarely exist in real life at our age. In truth, without the heavy makeup and Photoshop help, most would look as ordinary as the rest of us. Just younger…a lot younger!
- Do the best you can with what you’ve got. Eat healthy foods. Take an age appropriate multi-vitamin. Exercise regularly.
- Visit your favorite makeup counter and ask for a makeover. They are usually free or low cost and can teach you what works and doesn’t work on your “mature” skin.
- Choose 1 thing to work on. Don’t like your cottage-cheese thighs? Start walking or running. Do squats. Focus solely on exercises that address that one issue that bothers you. (Of course, you should clear any exercise with your physician first.) Seeing results after a few weeks should provide the impetus you need to choose another part of your body that could stand improvement.
- Never ask your husband or partner if your butt looks big or your skirt is too short! You place that person in a no-win situation. You know when you look in the mirror if your caboose looks like two pigs wrestling in a burlap bag in those tight slacks. You don’t need lies, and the truth can hurt both of you. Get real! If “those” pants are too tight, change them. If your thighs are going to jiggle like Jello when you walk, cover them. Your self-esteem won’t take a sudden charge upward if your partner lies about your big behind. You will still know the truth. Dress to minimize the “too large” or “too out of shape” parts and to maximize your assets.
- Make sure your clothing fits perfectly. Too tight doesn’t look sexy; it just looks like a pathetic attempt to hang on to a youth long gone. Low cut blouses show little more than the wrinkles gathering in what was once the valley between perky breasts. Too loose, and that dress looks like we grabbed something belonging to a larger person and were too lazy to alter it. If tucking in a blouse shows a tire roll Good Year would be proud of, find a blouse that glides gently over the ‘tire’ without clinging. Wearing clothing the right size can make a person look pounds thinner.
If you are over 60, chances are you aren’t a candidate for a Victoria’s Secret runway. Accept it and work to improve what you can. Focus on the positive. Put a smile on your face. That smile will improve your overall looks more than you realize, and it has the added benefit of brightening someone else’s day.
(Thank you to Spice of Life, Facebook, for the use of your art.)
I have accepted the fact that I will not likely see a size 8 again but by golly, I can work on my skin. I can remember to remove my makeup every night and slather on the moisturizer. I can color my hair if I choose to do so, and I can make myself walk the path around the ponds every day.
Get up each morning and thank the Good Lord for another day! Then make the most of it. Embrace the moment!
