@ollie2018 This is such a difficult and personal topic. It makes me think of the recent post on Mayo Connect by George about our society’s attitude to aging and to our older members.

People must do what they must do. I don’t want to judge their choices.

I like George am sad about huge societal pressure to spend money and effort on looking younger. It’s a huge industry.

Retiring early (or, as I like to see it, going on permanent vacation!) due to Stage 4 appendix cancer has removed any pressure I felt in the workplace. I hadn’t done anything but who knows what I might have felt I needed to do (beyond colouring my hair) to stay competitive 🤔

Personally I am so fortunate now to be happily embracing the changes brought by age and experience to my face and body. Leaning into it has been so powerful for me. The external pressure has gone. I do still colour my hair (eg I’d always wanted pink hair since I was at school and went for it on my retirement!), but that’s enough for me. Some may say I shouldn’t do that either.

I agree completely with olle2018. I teach an exercise class at a local Long term Care Facility and when their eyes light up and they smile, each one of them, men and women, have the most beautiful faces ... their hearts and souls do shine through. And as I have impressed upon my granddaughters, a smile is their best accessory!! Now, some of them in their 20s and 30s, wear very little makeup ... have beautiful smiles and wonderful laughs ... and their eyes shine!! Growing old gracefully is a good option.