I had a birthday in May. It was a significant one. Over the past many years, I have looked at each year as a milestone of what to accomplish next. But just as easily, I can look at my reflection and see someone other than myself. Most often it’s my mother! And with this image in the mirror, I think who is that person? Because it certainly doesn’t look like the person, I feel inside me. The person inside me is still the thinner, younger, and energetic girl that I relate with through my thoughts and many actions during the day. Those thoughts are certainly not thinking, “Senior Citizen!”

It’s not that I am so focused on the gray hairs and lines. I see what society believes and categorizes us because of age. Society barrages us with images of what we should be as we age. And these images can be from the “beautiful people in showbiz” to the unhealthy, weak, and senile. Most Americans hold deep negative views about aging. In fact, the U.S. and U.K are the cultures that tend to be youth oriented, and the geriatrics live lives separated from their children and lifelong friends. This lifestyle leads to deteriorated health.  

I am lucky because I don’t really look my age. I will give that credit to my mother who always looked many years younger than her age. As she reached her eighties and nineties, it would irritate her that people would treat her younger than she was. She also would tell me about the “old” people that lived around her, which she was, in fact, always about the same age. This told me she had the same thoughts as I believe many of us do, which is we don’t think or see ourselves as what the stereotypes propagate.

After some time of seeing and hearing these stereotypes through media and daily interactions, we believe it and question our beliefs about ourselves. We begin to have thought distortions about aging and self-worth.

Tony Robbins says we have limiting beliefs. That we have negative self-talk and need to rewrite our stories. Psychologists approach aging with the concept of changing the narrative in your head. So instead of trying to cling to youth by attempting to freeze your looks, perhaps the secret is to work towards being comfortable in your own skin.

Here are some ideas that may be a good fit for you as you look at changing your narrative about age.

Move – Find the right physical activity to move your body, whether it’s walking, cycling, yoga, or other type of exercise.

Eat Healthy – Look at your food choices and amounts. You don’t have to limit yourself but find good options and be mindful of what you are putting into your body.

Sleep – Getting enough sleep is important as we age. A single night of insufficient sleep can make an older adult’s cells age quicker, which has the potential to bring on other diseases.

Drink water – Dehydration in the skin weakens its defense and creates skin sensitivity, irritation, and premature aging.

Have A Purpose – It can be a hobby or a cause for which you have a passion. It may be looking at how you wish to see yourself in the next decade or more and working toward that goal.

Changing Habits – Habits has a way of catching up with us. Look at your behaviors and see what you may want to change. When I was in my thirties, I looked at where and what I wanted to be when I reached the age I am today. It was a life changer, and I am the better for it.

We are each unique and have so much to give, to explore and discover. Don’t hold back and let the narrative in your head deter you. Pivot your mindset and find your inner beauty, style, acceptance, and identity.

“Aging is inevitable, but getting “old” is entirely optional!” ― Lisa Levine

Robin Anne Griffiths is a certified master development coach, personal trainer, behavior change consultant, yoga, and meditation instructor. She specializes as a movement instructor for senior populations. Her mission is to help with living a fuller and healthier life as you age. Her Better You Series is three unique programs tailored to help with positive changes in diet, fitness, and life direction. She works with groups and individuals on life transitions to create personal balance – physically and mentally. You can find more information at https://robinannegriffiths.com.