As we age, not only do we gain more and more wisdom, learn more about what we love and what we don’t, we also begin to see more wrinkles, sags, or gray hairs when we look in the mirror.

We wake up one morning and our arms look different.  The dress that fit just right a couple years ago, doesn’t look the same today.  Our bodies change, just like our minds do, as we get older and experience more life.

We all have our own ‘body hang ups” that we have talked about for decades.  ‘If only my nose was smaller, if only my thighs were more toned, if only my belly wasn’t as big…’ Body dissatisfaction is something that starts earlier and earlier these days.  Thus, those of us in our 40’s 50’s and beyond, have spent a long time with these degrading thoughts about ourselves.

Talking Body Image 

In today’s age, body image is something that young people talk about on a consistent basis.  You see blogs and books about how to accept your body.  There’s Body Positivity, Body Liberation, Body Neutrality and more.  The attention that is given to young people’s bodies is obvious.  And it is no wonder, it is all around them.  From social media to the checkout counter.  “Society’s Thin ideal” has captured their attention.

As we get older, it becomes less ‘important’ or socially acceptable behavior to worry about body image.  As a matter of fact, very little attention is given to older people’s experiences.  Yet, the pressures they face to ‘look good’ or ‘look younger’ continues as they age.

While you may think that attitudes around body image relax as we get older, the reality is that many people struggle with self-esteem and body satisfaction throughout their whole lives, and sometimes even more as they age.

The feeling of being invisible as we age

We can actually start to feel invisible in the conversation around body image as we get older.  AND, we are bombarded with messages around “the threat of aging”.  Any time you turn on the TV or thumb through a magazine, you see numerous beauty products on display targeting “anti-aging” products that can help you ‘fight the aging process’ and help you appear younger.

Why… after a life that has experienced so much, do we have to try to appear younger than we are? And why is it important to take a closer look at this?

To start with, poor body image can have a serious impact on both physical and mental health.  In a study back in 2014, by Katheryn Jackson, found that women aged 42-52 specifically who were dissatisfied with their bodies were twice as likely to report clinically increased depression symptoms in relation to those who were satisfied with how they looked). As a matter of fact, body dissatisfaction remains fairly stable and constant across one’s lifespan.  Meaning, if you were dissatisfied with your body at 15 or 26 or 37, you are more likely to continue to be dissatisfied in the years to come.

Self Esteem and Body Image

Another thing that is clear as we get older, is that poor body image has been linked with low self-esteem and anxiety, and in some cases, this can lead to something even more serious, the development of an eating disorder.

It’s important not to confuse body dissatisfaction with an eating disorder, but to bring awareness to the risks for older people.  A review of eating disorders in people over 50 found that more than half of these disorders developed for the first time at ages 65 and over. Not only that, over half of this group also some type of anxiety or depression disorder as well.

So, what can we do to address this concern as we get older? The key is early recognition of a person’s behavior. Behaviors such as isolation, withdrawal, over obsessing around food, appearance or exercise are just a few signs we can look out for.

Gracefully accept and appreciate your body. 

Our bodies that have brought us through all of our experiences and have been there throughout our lives.  They were there in the very beginning and will be there at the very end.  They have been part of our greatest achievements and successes and also a part of our lowest of lows.  The grief, sadness, failures and illnesses have all been experienced through your individual physical body.

From this awareness, we can start to see our bodies from a different perspective.  They are pretty amazing, to still be here, and functioning after all they have been through.

Here are a few ways we can strengthen our own body story.

3 Ways to see your aging body (in a new way.)

1. Take a look at your body through the lens of your experiences. As you do, write down as many things as you can that your body has been through.
   1. Has it been through childbirth?
   2. Has it climbed a mountain, sat at the edge of a bed, where a sick or dying friend or parent lay?
   3. Has it overcome illness, physical or mental, been part of a team, or group that made a difference?
   4. Has it been broken or hurt. Cheered for or celebrated?
2. Start a body gratitude practice.
   1. In the morning when you look at yourself in the mirror, find joy or contentment and smile or give yourself a high five (See Mel Robins High Five Habit)
   2. At night when you go to bed, write down one or two things your body did for you that day
3. Treat your body with the kindness and compassion you hope that all of your friends treat themselves with.
   1. Speak to yourself in a kind and compassionate voice.
   2. Honor your own self-care (when you are tired, take a nap if you can. When you are hungry, eat, and when you’re sad, cry, or journal, or call a friend for support.

You will never be any younger than you are today.  How about we start to honor and value every day that we get to live in this body, rather than see it as something that needs to be fixed.  Because it doesn’t.  It just wants you to hear it, value it and enjoy it.  Your body deserves love.  Join us in The Body Joyful Revolution, where women of all ages, sizes and shapes come together to feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies. Want some support finding body acceptance?  Schedule a free chat.

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