When I recently visited a website for supplements, the first thing I encountered was a glaring promotion for anti-aging. It struck me how deeply ingrained the idea of opposing aging has become in our society.
As a 46-year-old woman, I am expected to be against my own aging process, opposed to my own skin. I am supposed to resent and combat the natural changes in my body, striving to meet an unattainable standard of beauty.
This pressure to remain youthful is reinforced by language, marketing strategies, and societal ideals. Hollywood pairs older male actors with women decades their junior, while the roles available for older women are limited.
A culture of anti-aging profits from our insecurities, asking us to believe that aging and wellness cannot coexist, and that the natural progression of time and its effects on our bodies are to be feared and fought against.
The rise of the anti-aging industry is primarily based on our discomfort with the aging process. This industry pushes us to relentlessly strive to turn back time, despite the ultimate reality that aging is inevitable and, in many ways, a privilege.
In a society that values preventing aging over supporting the reality of aging, this leaves older women feeling forgotten and misunderstood, as evidenced by the lack of representation and support for those experiencing menopause.
As I approach 50, I find myself navigating the challenges of aging, including physical changes and societal perceptions. Despite the industry’s push for us to reject aging, I find solace in accepting and embracing this natural part of life.
