As a boomer woman, pondering what aging gracefully actually means. On the surface, the term has a benevolent tone – a compliment of sorts or perhaps a kind appraisal of an older woman’s physical appearance. But underneath this facade, I see the language of this phrase as one that demeans, negates and undermines the richness and depth of the woman inside. It has become a euphemism for someone who is physically aging, yet it ignores the spirit and substance and breadth and experiences of this woman. It is an example of how the influence of a woman’s physical self overshadows the essence of who she really is.
A new paradigm for aging gracefully must be created. I believe that we look at growing older with grace as an opportunity to comment and honor the wisdom learned from the accumulation of one’s life experiences as opposed to how many wrinkles one has or how many more pounds have been added on over the years. l suggest that we give voice to a life lived and listen to the lessons learned from the good and maybe not so great choices that were made along the life path. I ask my fellow boomer women to proudly tell their stories so that all of us – young and old – may gain further insights and understandings about life – all the while getting to know you…….the real you…..the person.
I envision that we look to women from all walks of life. I implore upon us to seek out women who have achieved abundant success – success measured in creating meaning and purpose and living their authentic life.
To me aging gracefully is about the essence. It is the culmination of a life lived, challenges met, obstacles overcome, and through the lessons learned, mistakes made, chances taken, so we gracefully age. And, like it has been said, “It’s never too late to have a happy childhood,” I say, it’s never too late to begin to age gracefully and to give honor and respect and voice to our sisters who are already there…..Aging gracefully is not about what we look like, but about how we get to be who we are. It’s an inside job.
By Roberta Teller and heavily edited by me.
