Most of us have an irrational fear of getting older. We frantically dye our grey hairs, moisturize our wrinkles and try to keep our bodies youthful. But why? Aging means that our bodies aren’t at their physical peak, and this can be difficult to accept. We worry that they will break down and we’ll become frail and susceptible to diseases. But, while certain problems are more common when you’re older (what causes brain bleeds in the elderly?), good attitudes towards health and exercise can help to prevent them.
So, it’s about time that you stopped trying to fight aging. There’s nothing wrong with it. In fact, many people find that their later years are their happiest. Here’s why you shouldn’t worry about aging.
Relaxation
Being older means having a little more time in your life. Once you retire, you’ll feel significantly less stressed. This means that you can start finding ways to relax. While everyone finds different relaxation methods, many enjoy going for long walks, seeing friends and doing more reading is a great place to start.
Hormonal Changes
Most women dread the menopause. The hot flushes and sleepless nights mean that it often isn’t pleasant, and it feels like a confirmation of being old. However, once they’ve been through the menopause and come out the other side, many women find not having periods to be a huge relief. It means spending less time fretting about sanitary product and birth control, and more time enjoying life.
New Hobbies
Retirement means that you have significantly more time, and therefore might want to pick up a few new hobbies. Plenty of people take the time to go travelling or do some volunteer work. Others go to classes and take up arts and crafts or a new language. Being older means having the time to explore the interests you couldn’t when you were younger, and that’s pretty great.
Less Sexism
It’s an unfortunate fact that many younger women experience sexism on a daily basis. They might be undermined at work, catcalled on the street or made to feel inferior. However, many women find that they become more confident when they get older and are treated with a little more respect. Sexist attitudes need to change but, until that happens, this is something to take advantage of.
A Shifted Dynamic
Getting older might mean a shift in your family dynamic, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You’ve cared for your children for their whole lives, and now it’s their turn to care for you. So, let them cook for you, drive you around and help financially. You might even have grandchildren, which will change your family dynamic some more!