What’s So “Graceful” About Aging This Way?

One of the beauties of aging is learning to figure yourself out. Maybe you wore mini skirts, shoulder pads and big hair in the 80s because everyone else did. But today, your style is your own, and you love it!

Perhaps you’ve let your hair go gray, you don’t wear a stitch of makeup, and your go-to pieces are jeans and white shirts. Or, you adore the auburn hair color you use, the creamy blush and lipstick you discovered last year, and your closet full of sweaters and skirts.

Bah humbug to “growing old gracefully,” whatever that means, anyway. Grow old however YOU want. And let your sisters grow old just the way THEY WANT, too.

LET US KNOW HOW YOU’RE DOING IT,
BY ANSWERING THE ANONYMOUS QUESTIONS BELOW.

HAIR COLOR

1. Do you color your hair?

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2. If you answered "no" to question #1, why don't you color your hair?

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3. If you answered “yes” to question #1, why do you color your hair? [Check all that apply]

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COSMETIC TREATMENTS

1. Have you ever had an invasive or non-invasive treatment on your face?

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2. If you answered "no" to question #1, why haven't you had an invasive or non-invasive treatment on your face? [Check all that apply]

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3. If you "yes" to question #1, why have you had an invasive or non-invasive treatment on your face? [Check all that apply]

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MAKEUP

1. Do you use makeup?

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2. If you answered "no" to question #1, why don't you wear makeup?

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3. If you answered "yes" to question #1, why do you wear makeup?

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0 Responses to “What’s So “Graceful” About Aging This Way?”

  1. Kris Roth says:

    Great article! I love getting “dolled up”, as Diana Verner puts it, but I still go out of the house without makeup sometimes. While I absolutely detest the process of dyeing my hair, worry about its impact on my health and the environment (water supply) over generations and would love to have that beautiful, silver that’s so in, my roots are not flattering to my skin color. I’d also love to be able to carry off a really short cut that I’ve seen on many older women, but I can’t because of my high forehead. Plus my stylist says I’d look like a Q-tip, lol.

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    • GeriFOF says:

      Hi Kris,
      Your stylist has a great sense of humor! I also love the phrase “dolled up,” which was big “back in the day.” Have a happy week!
      Geri

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      • Kris Roth says:

        You too, Geri! And she does! I hope the dolled up phrase never fades away. I love it!

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    • Cindy Norman says:

      I’m getting the impression that our stylists are dissuading us from going natural because they would lose a lot of customers that way,…

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      • Cindy Norman says:

        And there are great ways to make our natural color look flattering, my sister hasn’t dyed her hair ever and she “highlights” it once in awhile to liven it up,..it looks beautiful,..I need to follow her lead,…

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      • Kris Roth says:

        My stylist is a friend of the family and I trust her judgement implicitly because we have the exact same hair type so she knows how to cut and style mine. She’s never encouraged me not to go natural…She’s just a great colorist and when I can afford it, I go to her for everything.

        I like to think most people have more integrity than that, but I’m sure they’re out their.

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      • DaisyMae says:

        The key is changing the texture of grey and shining it up. It took learning new ways of treating my hair, but it was worth it.

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  2. Corinne Garrett says:

    Always make the effort to look your best. It reflects a positive outlook and other people will be drawn to you as a result. Good grooming is de rigor no matter what your age. FYI – I have a friend with jaw dropping gorgeous sliver-white hair. Wouldn’t have her any other way and wish my color was like hers!

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    • Geri Brin says:

      I would love my hair if it was gorgeous silver white. Instead, it would be ugly, dull, yicky gray, with a horrible straw-like texture. If some women think that look is growing old “gracefully,” they can have it. Geri

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    • DaisyMae says:

      It took a great amount of time and effort to change my course dry gray hair to soft, supple hair. It can be done!

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  3. Diana Verner says:

    I am 62 years old, and I personally loved to doll up whenever I go out because it makes me feel good. Dolling up could mean jeans, nice shirt boots etc. I do wear make up whenever I leave the house but it is for me. I love all my girlfriends and I love the ones who love themselves and embrace the natural self. I oftentimes wished I could feel good enough about my natural appearance and leave the house without all the preparations. But I love me and we all live life according to our own terms. Love my circle of girlfriends because we don’t judge each other. We simply love each other support each other.

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    • Geri Brin says:

      Dinana,

      Love love love your comment.

      Geri

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    • Twinkiedawn says:

      You got it right, Sister!

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  4. Morgana Meverden says:

    These questions did not have enough options. I like the colour of my hair, but sometimes I like a change, just for something completely different.
    I don’t always wear make up, when I do it is to feel more like a lady.

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    • Geri Brin says:

      Hi, Morgana,
      Point well taken. We should have added an option “sometimes” under makeup. Thanks for your input. Best, Geri

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    • DaisyMae says:

      Also, I quit wearing foundation, etc. but still do eyes and brows.

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  5. Heidi says:

    I think that most women look their best with at least a little blush and lipstick, and if they have light eye lashes, a bit of mascara. More make up is fine depending on the occasion. I have colored my hair and will do so until my roots are completely white, then I’m going to use temporary colors like pink or blue when I feel festive. Of all my friends only one looks okay without makeup. The rest really need it. The ones who don’t use it and need it just look worn out and unattractive. I don’t really care how they look though because I just love them for who they, are not how they look.

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    • Geri Brin says:

      We appreciate you taking the time to write such a thoughtful comment, Heidi. If your pals, who look “worn out and unattractive.” are happy with the way they look, that’s all that counts. And, of course, that you love them for who they are. Best, Geri

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    • Kris Roth says:

      That last bit of judgment is exactly why I’m more guarded around some women. In my opinion, my job as a woman is to completely support other women in whatever choices they make, as long as they don’t clash with my own sense of morality. In that case, I usually just keep quiet unless my opinion is sought out. But making statements about how other women look worn out and unattractive without makeup seems quite rude, and only reflects badly on you.

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      • Lynn says:

        I really appreciate what Heidi said, and don’t believe it is a judgement that gives a reason for being “guarded”. I think it takes a lot of courage to speak honestly and have opinions about the people you love.

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      • DaisyMae says:

        I agree with you, Kris, there was judgment in that post.

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    • DaisyMae says:

      “Look their best?” “Really need it?” Hogwash. There is a difference between wearing make up and taking good care of yourself, and you don’t seem to respect the latter.

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