How do you handle your appearance asyou age?

@slarson14
I’ll have to remember that one too!!!

@slarson14 Per your reference to "some 80 Year olds" ... In reading this (I'm with you) don't forget more and more people today are going for "cosmetic surgery" .... not recommending that by any means ... just a possible answer to " why them and not me?" My dermatologist is taking so many of those it's difficult to get an appointment for medical reasons, such as cancer follow-up for example ... very concerning. I'm with all here on the "when did this happen?" issue. Definitely in the "yikes!!!!!" category.

@joaf37
Yes ma’am! I still get a shock everytime I unintentionally catch a glimpse of myself reflected in a mirror somewhere, etc—wow! When did THAT happen?!?

(Waylon Jennings, "Amanda") "I look in the mirror, in total surprise // At the lines on my face and the age in my eyes."

@galere As you can see, you are not an army of one! You are part of a large contingent of people who wonder the same thing.

When I was a lot younger I didn't take care of my skin like I do now. Is it too late? Probably not. My mother passed at 82 with barely a wrinkle. That was one thing my sister, who cared for her, has often said. For decades I have used only liquid Castile soap as a facial cleanser. These days I usually remember to put on a good sunscreen. A little eyebrow pencil to replace the eyebrows that succumbed to MOHS surgeries for squamous cell skin cancer. It is my honest opinion I have earned every scar, wrinkle, and gray hair. The creepy skin on my arms, well, more lotion! I am proud to have gotten to 73 despite health problems.

As was mentioned, keeping a positive outlook on life, and stepping up to do what makes us feel good about ourselves, seems to be the most important takeaways!
Ginger

I get you! I look in the mirror and greet my mother every morning! I try to smile as much as possible, practice gratitude, and complain only to my BESTIE.

@galere If there is an option to take estrogen through HRT it does wonders for wrinkles. My mother was on it and her skin was much younger looking. Estrogen is not just for looks though, it improves your heart and bones and may make it easier to stay fit and healthier.

Research now shows it safe for those with low risks for cancer.
I and one sister had DCIS breast cancer (neither of us did HRT). My mother, passed at 93, and 73 yo sister both did/do HRT with no sign of cancer. My younger 65 yo sister is also cancer free, never on HRT. I can’t take it now, but if I could have, I would have.

And, yes I have saggy crepey skin, and spend less time using a mirror. I can’t decide if it’s worth the trouble to remove the humongous mirror in my bathroom. It follows me everywhere from sink to shower to dressing - I think I’d like it if the aging me wasn’t in my face all the time.

Lee,
I'm 80 and I understand completely how you feel. We change as we get older and unfortunately wrinkles are a big part of the change. When my body started to change I panicked like you. But then I discovered a mild make up that I applied by Clinique that sort of dulls down the wrinkles. To that I added a nice light lipstick and some sparkly earrings and a smile! The final effect wasn't like I used to be but it wasn't too bad either. Also I always make an effort to have neat appearing clothes in attractive colors. It all makes me feel better about myself. Plus I have a gift from God in that my blonde hair has never turned gray! And I don't color it either. I don't know why my hair hasn't gone gray at this age and neither did my doctor. It might be that I have washed it for 60 years with Dawn dishwasher detergent. One day I ran out of shampoo and money so I used the only thing I had which was Dawn. It worked so well that I've never used anything else!

I hope my suggestions are somewhat helpful. However, from your picture you don't look like you really need any suggestions. You look very nice and like you would be a pleasant person to know.
I wish you the best.
PML

@triciaot

Don't forget testosterone. I wanted my libido back and, boy, did I get it! Does wonders for my confidence and joy for living. Testosterone has many other benefits as well.
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/stories-and-insights/expert-advice/testosterone-therapy-for-women

@slarson14 You look worst in the morning? I am the exact opposite. By the time 7 pm rolls around, my eyelids are drooping. If I ever needing to start dating again, I’ll say, “Let’s meet for breakfast.” because I know my skin and face looks its best then.
Do you take collagen powder? I add some to my protein powder smoothie every day. The experts say it helps. I am 69 and people often say I look younger, but I don’t feel younger. I may have the same joie de vivre as I did at 30, but I don’t feel I am in my age 30 body anymore.