Getting older is a fact of life. From the time you are born, you are getting older, and there's nothing you can do about, at least not when it comes to your chronological age. You can, however, do a lot to slow down the aging process, but at the same time, you will be much more content when you discover how to age gracefully.
An endless series of plastic surgeries is not what aging gracefully is all about. Perhaps you are familiar with a few actors and actresses who have had so much plastic surgery that they now look awful. Despite their best attempts to look younger, they still look older, but they also look worse than if they would have let themselves age the way nature had intended. Does that mean you should never get any form of plastic surgery? Not at all, but you should be very choosy about what you get done, and be sure that you don't overdo it.
Another key aspect of aging gracefully is acting your age, or at least close to it. Few things are more unsettling than somebody trying to dress and act like they are decades younger than they really are. You may think that you are fitting in with younger people by doing this, but you will make yourself look ridiculous. Now, it's okay to dress well, and to hang around with younger people, but don't be phony about it; be yourself.
Your skin is one of the most important aspects of your appearance. Having younger looking skin is fair game when it comes to aging gracefully. Your skin needs to be properly moisturized for it to be healthy. You can use moisturizing creams on the outside (look for those that contain humectants) of your skin, but remember to drink plenty of water so your skin gets moisturized from the inside. Using a toner will help to tighten your skin, but avoid those which contain alcohol. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that have accumulated on the surface. However, don't exfoliate too often, and use a product that is gentle.
If you smoke, quit. Period.
How you look is only a part of aging, so don't forget to take care of yourself spiritually as well. Frequent prayer, attending worship services, reading holy books, and meditation all help to give your life a sense of purpose. Having a sense of purpose as you get older is vital because it lets you enjoy each moment with a fuller sense of what life is all about. You are no longer fighting life, but rather embracing and enjoying it for what it is.
Yes, we are all getting older, but this isn't a bad thing when you know how to age gracefully. Taking it all in stride and doing a few basic things is all it takes to not only look better, but to feel better too.
