Sophia Loren once said, “There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love.” Years later, these words would echo in a growing movement called Pro-Aging.

Since time immemorial, you’ve probably heard the term “anti-aging” from various beauty companies. Youth is always presented as a fleeting treasure that shouldn’t be allowed to fade. This has sparked the endless pursuit to preserve youthful skin and looks as much as possible.  

As a result, we live in a society that fears growing old. We all want to look good, which is equated to staying young. But the idea of “anti-aging” is just…impossible! There’s just no way to stop yourself from growing older. It’s a fact of life; no matter what the most convincing marketing campaigns may say.

Contrary to popular belief, growing old doesn’t have to mean losing your worth. Enter: the Pro-Age revolution. 

What is Pro-Aging?

Pro-Aging can mean many things. Some people see it as a lifestyle, others see it as a journey, and some even call it a philosophy. But to put it simply, it’s embracing every minute of growing older. It is a mindset aimed at breaking the stereotypical belief that aging is a bad thing. 

Aging, like a lot of things in life, is all about perception. How you see aging can affect how you age. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. The Pro-Aging attitude helps people, especially women, be more comfortable with their age, promote a healthier lifestyle and ultimately, live a better midlife and beyond. 

Pro-Aging is all about coming to terms with what you can’t change, while exploring the full potential that lies ahead - your looks, your emotions, mental and physical wellbeing, your self-awareness and relationships – so you can be the best version of yourself. 

How did it come about?

Today’s information age has opened gateways to several awareness movements. People are now more open and able to talk about significant societal gaps such as equality, inclusivity, sustainability and body positivity. 

Pro-Aging is among these concepts. Women are now becoming more aware of the natural aging process and have started to veer away from products that use the term “anti-aging.” The Pro-Aging attitude believes that women want to look their best without having to hide their age.

In August of 2017, Michelle Lee, the editor-in-chief of Allure magazine, decided to ban the use of the term “anti-aging”. According to her, “Changing the way we think about aging starts with changing the way we talk about aging.”

While seemingly inconsequential, this move began a conversation that gained the attention of mature women everywhere. This formally noted the beginning of a pro-aging movement that snowballed across the beauty industry.

How can I be Pro-Age?

The negative perception of aging may deeply affect how you age. Like most things in life, it begins with the self. 

Re-examine how you perceive the aging process. Is it bad? Is it a negative stereotype? Be conscious of your thoughts that see aging as a negative idea and try to shift to a more positive outlook. It’s usually easier said than done, so be patient with yourself.

For writer Beth Bruno, pro-aging means “…believing that looking a certain way is not what makes you old. It’s the way you look at the world that does that. And as long as I approach this world with love, curiosity, compassion and joy, I will look like the best version of me. And, ultimately, that is the goal.” For her, aging and personal development go hand in hand.

Another way is to listen to the wisdom of older women who have aged gracefully. More often than not, for these women, aging is an unstoppable process and having the opportunity to grow older every day is a blessing.

The expression of real age can be liberating. It frees you from the idea that beauty is only limited to your youth. Once you do that, you’ll be surprised at the opportunities that lay before you. Embracing your age doesn’t mean it's easy, but it is simple.

Celebrate each day and see how powerful a pro-aging mindset can be.

Are you implementing a Pro-aging lifestyle? Let us know in the comments below!