Why Are We So Afraid of Getting Older?

How many of us have heard things like “her biological clock is ticking” or “she’s past her prime” or “she’s having a senior moment”? Movies, books, and TV shows often say it’s important for women to hurry up and accomplish their goals before they reach middle age. But the women in my life and I are just getting started! Getting older doesn’t mean going quietly into the night; getting older—as I see it—is an adventure and a gift!

Lately, I’ve been seeing representation on TV for older women that feels much more true to me and the people in my life. Kathy Bates plays a brilliant lawyer who returns to the workforce in her 70s in Matlock. Her character shows that older women can be ambitious, driven, and cunning. My favorite show with older main characters is Grace and Frankie, starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Their characters show that older women can be independent, romantic, and funny. None of these women look “past their prime” to me!

Jane Fonda is turning 87 years old this year and has some tips for “aging gracefully.” In a recent CBS Sunday special she shared a few pieces of advice: 

• Think of getting older as a good thing. In a recent study, older people with more positive beliefs about aging lived an average of 7.5 years longer than people who equated aging with disease and decline. 
• Spend time with loved ones. Having a solid community is the most important component of a good old age.
• Get active. Older folks who do regular physical activity are less likely to fall and able to stay healthy for longer.

Watch the full video from CBS here:

There are so many POSITIVES to getting older—like knowing yourself better, being more confident, and having more life experience. Instead of being nervous about aging, or even dreading it, why not look forward to it?

Share this with a woman in your life, and comment below your favorite part of getting older!