Comments on: Only Skin Deep?

By: Cigi

Cigi — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:37:31 +0000

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By: Cindy La Ferle

Cindy La Ferle — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:02:15 +0000

Marian, I really like the way you said,”The challenge is to change our perception [of aging].”

That is exactly the point of my essay, and I appreciate that you understood that. These days, when mature women look fabulous and attractive, people still use the dubious expression, “She looks good — for her age.” I would like to see “for her age” deleted from our vocabulary.

My real wish, as a woman who’s in the Baby Boomer bracket, is to see the day when “age” is respected and admired for its own distinct beauty, in and of itself.

By: Marian Van Eyk McCain

Marian Van Eyk McCain — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:24:21 +0000

OK, ‘Ageless’ I can just about tolerate. But only just. It still implies that there is something bad or unnatural about ageing. Which is stupid because every living thing ages and eventually dies.
But I’m sorry, Sherrie Mathieson; plugging ‘Youthful’ as a goal to strive for is ageism of the very worst kind. It implies that youth is superior to old age and that as we get older we get uglier. You may have chosen that title because you know it will sell books, but in doing so you are betraying all of us who really ARE ageing naturally. ‘Naturally’ means wrinkles, age spots, gray hair, all the things that are part of getting old and are perceived by many (sadly)as ugly. The challenge is not to find ways to look ‘forever cool’. The challenge is to change our perception. An ancient oak and a sapling are both beautiful, each in its own way. Old trees don’t work at trying to look like saplings, do they?

By: Sherrie Mathieson

Sherrie Mathieson — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 01:48:20 +0000

Correction: http://www.sherriemathieson.com/

Thanks for trying again!

By: Sherrie Mathieson

Sherrie Mathieson — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 01:43:11 +0000

I totally agree with you-and most every other comment before mine (as well as your added explanation about having “ageless” be the true goal).
My books and my philosophy are right in line with yours–and your readers it seems.”Forever Cool: How to achieve Ageless, Youthful and Modern Personal Style for Women and Men” (Random House,2007) and soon on shelves “Steal This Style: Moms and Daughters Swap Wardrobe Secrets: Looks That Make Hip Classic and Classic Cool” (Random House, April 14, 2009).
These books were intended for the “silent majority” that holds naturalness in high esteem — knowing there is a better way than what the media and advertisers harp on.
My books really address the challenge of getting older– with natural, ageless style!
Please visit me at http://www.sherriemathieson.com/

By: Elaine

Elaine — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:31:33 +0000

I love the idea of joining the campaign for honest aging. Consider me a card-carrying member! And, now when I look at my laugh lines, I will regard them as infectious and charming — and smile.

By: Cindy La Ferle

Cindy La Ferle — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:51:27 +0000

Perhaps I should have defined “aging gracefully” as aging naturally — without surgical intervention. That’s really what I meant. I am totally in favor of the “ageless” concept you mention! That said, I also think cosmetics can be enjoyable to women of all ages — we all like to look pretty — as long as we are realistic about what the products can and can’t do for us.

By: Barbara Moorris

Barbara Moorris — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:07:26 +0000

You article on aging gracefully was well intended, but your youth is showing! At age 50, instead of thinking about “aging gracefully” you should be working on being ageless. It has nothing to do with appearance. Nursing homes are full of women who have chosen or allowed themselves to age gracefully. Ageless women have wrinkles, a muffin top waist and all the other uglies of the aging process, but they are healthy, strong and productive. Their lives have value not just for themselves but for others — the antithesis of aging gracefully. When you get to a place where you can finally say goodby to staying young and instead, focus on being ageless, I guarantee it’s the ultimate anti-aging magic that no amount of anti-aging potion smeared on your face can produce.

By: Gaea Yudron

Gaea Yudron — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Hi Cindy,
Read about this on elderwoman social network, and want to say thank you for discussing it. Ageism has got to go!
Gaea Yudron

By: Marian Van Eyk McCain

Marian Van Eyk McCain — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:25:51 +0000

Well said and well done, Cindy! Someone posted a link to this article on our social network “Elderwomanspace: Women growing old with joy and zest, wit and wisdom” and there is already a swelling chorus of agreement over here.
If racism and sexism can be stamped out – and we’ve come a long way in the last half century on both counts – then we have it in our power to stamp out ageism as well.