How to Maintain Body Positivity as You Age
How to Maintain Body Positivity as You Age
Aging typically comes with a host of physical and cognitive changes and challenges that are sometimes difficult to come to terms with. It’s important to learn how to maintain body positivity during this natural process.
The way we see our bodies has a big impact on our self-esteem and mood, which in turn can affect our motivation and the way we interact with others.
Having a poor body image can be particularly detrimental to older people, since in most modern societies, the status of older people is perceived as lower.
The process of getting old requires one to adapt to both new physical attributes and limitations in one’s livelihood and social status.
What steps can older people take to ensure they are more satisfied with who they are?
Read on for tips on how to maintain body positivity as you age.
What Is Body Satisfaction?
Body image encompasses how people see, imagine, feel, and act with their bodies. Body image comprises two elements: the way one perceives the size and proportions of their body and a cognitive-emotional aspect that determines how satisfied they are with their body.
Studies have shown that as people enter their 50s, they tend to experience body dissatisfaction problems that are linked to growing older.
Typical worries include wrinkles, hair loss, and a weakening of their physical conditions.
However, they also become less concerned about other matters affecting their physical appearance. Such as body composition and weight, which tend to be a bigger cause for concern among adolescents and younger adults.
A Fear of Aging
The physical changes people encounter as they age can lead them to worry about losing the active lifestyles they once had.
Those aged above 50 may also have older parents who have developed physical and neurodegenerative diseases.
Seeing their parents age before their eyes may lead to a fear of their own aging process.
Coming to terms with aging can be even more difficult in the age of Instagram, in which cultures are youth-centered.
They say that ‘50 is the new 40’, but achieving this standard without the help of plastic surgery or cosmetic enhancements may be challenging.
The Rise of Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is on the rise as a whole in countries like the US. People over the age of 55 account for approximately 25% of all plastic surgeries.
In one survey, around 77% of people aged over 65 said they would be open to getting plastic surgery.
Popular operations to maintain the image of youth include tummy tucks, liposuction, and facelifts. All of which are rising in number.
The increased safety and affordability of these procedures has made plastic surgery a more accessible option over the years.
In the US, there is a growing tendency toward ‘state shopping’ for procedures.
For instance, a tummy tuck in Scottsdale Arizona can cause various thousands less than one in NYC or Los Angeles, leading many patients to head interstate for their rejuvenation procedures.
New techniques and innovations are also leading to less invasive procedures and optimal results.
Interestingly, studies have demonstrated that plastic surgery can result in a big, long-term confidence boost for patients; the vast majority of them are pleased with their results.
A Groundbreaking Body Image Program
One study showed that a specific body image program called IMAGINA significantly improved seniors’ satisfaction with their bodies.
This program consists of eight sessions lasting between 90 and 120 minutes.
Its aims include enhancing body image and self-esteem, encouraging social interaction, appearance acceptance, and healthy nutrition.
It also works on participants’ emotional intelligence. Helping them have positive relationships with others and re-evaluate self-expectations related to physical appearance and social interaction.
The researchers concluded that this type of program could be a complementary action to the medical attention given to patients who are suffering from depressive or altered moods.
The program involves using dynamic activities that require teamwork as well as individual reflection. It has shown a high rate of acceptance, with participants scoring it a nine out of 10.
Individual Efforts
Programs such as IMAGINA may not be available in areas where seniors live. Though, its success is a wake-up call to healthcare systems of the importance of prioritizing body satisfaction among older adults.
In addition to taking part in dedicated programs, there is plenty that older seniors can do to maintain a positive body image.
Efforts include staying physically active and relying on mindfulness to accept difficult thoughts related to aging.
As well as harnessing the power of positive affirmations.
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Seniors can also benefit from following a healthy Mediterranean-style diet. It enables them to enjoy considerable freedom in their diets and helps them maintain a healthy weight.
Research indicates that aging is strongly linked to a decline in body satisfaction.
For seniors, the issue is less about weight than it is about the stigma associated with aging.
Governments can help by prioritizing body positivity among older persons with depression or mood problems.
Individuals, meanwhile, can embrace positive actions such as mindfulness, exercise, and sound nutrition.
Are you ready to maintain body positivity?
—Dr. Drayman
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I am a retired GP that is passionate about health, parenting, and helping others. I am a grandparent to 3 amazing little boys and mama to 2 incredible women.
