Aging Gracefully
- As former America’s Next Top Model judge Paulina Porizkova, 60, ages with confidence and grace, she’s not shy to show her fans the a very realistic view of how her body is changing.
- Healthy aging isn’t just about accomplishing medical check-ups or managing illnesses. It’s also about maintaining a high quality of life as you age, keeping your body and mind as robust as possible, and living life to the fullest. SurvivorNet has put together some tips that can help you age healthily, which include: Physical Activity, Nutrition, Social Engagement, Mental Stimulation, Regular Check-ups, and Sleep.
- Remember, consistency is the key. Building these habits and making them part of your daily routine can potentially slow down the aging process and improve your overall well-being.
- Even small steps can have a significant impact, so it’s never too late to start. After all, aging is just another word for living. And our aim should not be to just live longer, but to live healthier and happier.
Porizkova, who rose to fame in the 1980s thanks to Sports Illustrated, New York Magazine, Harper’s Baazar, and Vogue, took to social media this week to show off how incredible she looks in a bikini when the lighting is perfect. However, she also shared a photo of her imperfect skin and messy hair in a bathroom with poor lighting.
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She explained further, “It’s 60 years of learning of what works and what doesn’t. And just as I think I’ve figured it out, everything changes and I have to start again. The beauty of 60 is that now I understand the importance is IN the lesson, not passing the exam.”
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Last month, Porizkova shared another photo revealing her imperfections, writing alongside the odd-angled selfie, “In selecting my photos for IG, I almost unconsciously gravitate to pictures where I look best — as in youngest. Least wrinkled, least saggy.
“So, in the last year or so I’m consciously choosing some that I would have never posted before. And sure, I get some of the same ol’ comments:
‘You look ancient’ ‘you look older than your age’ ‘I’m ten years older than you and look much better’ (I like the confidence in that) ‘wow, she sure has aged’ and so on and so on.”
Her caption continued, “But the majority are women like myself who feel like they are uncertain of what this aging thing is supposed to “look” like, and like myself, madly grateful there is someone that mirrors them.
“So this one is for you, my sisters, to let you know that if you want to look pretty, find good light and a good angle. If you’re tired of being ashamed of your age, let your ‘seasoned lady flag fly!'”
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The loving mom of two hasn’t been shy to share with her fans her beauty and fitness secrets, admitting in a June 17 post that she’d much rather read a book than workout at the gym.
Alongside some footage of her using machines to workout, she wrote, “Unfortunately, reading may build my brain but my body – not so much. And my postmenopausal body needs the workout; after my hip surgery I need to build strength and flexibility so I can keep doing all I love to do.
“Not to mention, my mood may be crap as I’m forcing myself to go to a gym, but my anxiety goes down and gratitude level goes up after a work out.”
We’re glad to see Porizkova prioritizing focusing on her strength as she ages, and her fans appear to be as well.
One fan commented, “Muscle development in post menopausal women is paramount for strong healthy years in later life,” prompting Porizkova to reply, “It’s what I hear.”
Another fan commented, “You even make working out look glamorous! And you look like you are having so much fun!!”
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Understanding Aging
Although the Czech-born model, is only 60, it’s understandable that aging can feel like a mystery at times, and it’s great to see her taking the journey with an open mind and a positive outlook. After all, we’ve all heard phrases like “Age is just a number,” but what does that mean? And how does it impact our health and well-being?
From the day we are born, our bodies and minds start to change and grow. This continuous process is, fundamentally, what we call ‘aging.’ Life is a journey filled with countless changes, and aging is an integral part of that journey. Quite often, when we talk about aging, we focus on the physical changes, but it’s also about the evolution of our mental and emotional states.
SurvivorNet has provided an overview of aging to guide you through this universal process.
Some key points to remember about aging:
- Aging is a natural biological process that affects everyone.
- The experience of aging can vary greatly among individuals.
- While aging comes with some inevitable changes, many aspects of aging are influenced by lifestyle choices and attitudes.
- Aging isn’t something to fear or shy away from—it’s a phase of life that we all share.
Practicing Body Positivity and Self-Acceptance
If you struggle with self-perception and body image, you should try to look at yourself in a positive light despite how difficult it may be. By practicing body positivity, you can boost your emotional well-being.
Dr. Marianna Strongin, a New York-based licensed clinical psychologist, also has some helpful advice. She encourages people that spending time in front of the mirror can help with body image.
Although “research has found that when looking in the mirror, we are more likely to focus on the parts of our body we are dissatisfied with,” which can cause “a negative self-view and lower self-esteem,” it’s important to look at the parts of your body that you love and the parts of your body that you don’t.
Eventually, Dr. Strongin says, doing so can help you create a more accepting relationship with yourself.
“Body image is both the mental picture that you have of your body and how you feel about your body when you look in a mirror,” she said. “As you allow yourself to spend more time looking at all of you, you will begin having a new relationship with your body.”
It’s important to remember there is no one definition of beauty, and following a health crisis, patients must learn to be proud of who they are and how far they’ve come inside and out.
Healthy Aging Tips
Healthy aging isn’t just about accomplishing medical check-ups or managing illnesses. It’s also about maintaining a high quality of life as you age, keeping your body and mind as robust as possible, and living life to the fullest. SurvivorNet has put together some tips that can help you age healthily:
Physical Activity: Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise into your daily routine. This could be walking, cycling, swimming—any physical activity you enjoy!
Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet heavy on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Limiting processed foods, sugars and unhealthy fats can make a big difference in your overall health.
Social Engagement: Stay socially active. Whether it’s attending family gatherings, participating in group hobbies, volunteering, or just catching up with friends, maintaining social connections can significantly enhance your emotional health and well-being.
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Mental Stimulation: Engage in activities that stimulate your mind. This could include reading, doing puzzles, learning a new skill or language, or even playing memory-boosting games.
Regular Check-ups: Don’t forget about your regular medical, dental, and eye check-ups. Prevention is always better than cure!
Sleep: Good sleep is vital for your overall health. Practice good sleep hygiene – keep a regular sleep schedule, make your sleeping environment comfortable and quiet, and try to avoid screens before bed.
Remember, consistency is the key. Building these habits and making them part of your daily routine can potentially slow down the aging process and improve your overall well-being.
Even small steps can have a significant impact, so it’s never too late to start. After all, aging is just another word for living. And our aim should not be to just live longer, but to live healthier and happier.
Coping With Body Image Through Health Changes
Appreciating your body and all that it has accomplished is a beautiful thing, but body positivity is easier said than done. And cancer survivors or women dealing with menopause may struggle more than others during or after their cancer journeys or body changes.
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Take Ann Caruso, for example. She had 12 surgeries to treat her breast cancer and told SurvivorNet about how all of the changes really impacted the way she saw her body.
“You’re not the same carefree person that you once were, and it was very hard for me to look at myself every day,” Caruso said. “It was like I was a totally different person and didn’t fit into any of my clothes for so long.”
But time is a powerful healer. Looking back on her breast cancer experience has helped her redefine femininity and body image.
“Femininity is a state of mind,” Caruso said. “And I think that’s something that we have to remind ourselves.”
Another breast cancer survivor, Jaclyn Kaczynski, had a similar experience after her diagnosis at 37.
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“My confidence was gone,” she told SurvivorNet. “My confidence was destroyed. I was always vain about my appearance and my weight, let alone losing a breast, or both.”
Some people find empowerment in going “flat” after losing their breasts to the disease, but Kaczynski found confidence in reconstruction. There’s no right or wrong answer for breast cancer survivors, but it’s important to consider all your options and go forward with whatever path is best for you.
“I just had my reconstructive surgery,” she said. “My favorite doctor was able to make it happen for me. It’s amazing how much more confidence I have within the past three weeks.”
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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