Body Positivity After 50
Let’s cut the crap! Aging in this society is viewed negatively. That is why, it’s so hard for women to see, appreciate and celebrate body positivity as they age.
Have you felt the unrealistic beauty standards yet?
Beauty, diet, and fashion culture praises and celebrates youth and holds this unattainable standard on a pedestal. So, there is no wonder that as we age, we begin to question, critique and shame our bodies and femininity.
And then, let’s throw in menopause (and the hormone rollercoaster) as the big juicy cherry on top.
So let’s think about this…
Have you noticed new lines on your face? Your hair streaking gray? Stubborn weight that won’t go away? Or fret that losing your looks and mourning what seems to be the passing of our youth and beauty is always on your mind?
If so, it’s time to step into a new narrative.
Body positivity is about accepting our beautiful selves NOW!! It’s an important part of our overall happiness, so let’s stop ignoring it, giving up or giving our power away shall we?
Here are 5 things you can do right now to immediately take your power back.
- Be Supportive of Other Women
The days of judging others is over. Women are uniting all over the world and the results are in… Openly accepting and verbally supporting other women and their bodies is the number 1 contributor to body positivity in 2022.
Women of all sizes and shapes who support each other, are in turn supporting their own health and confidence.
- Comparing yourself to others is not helpful.
Instead, objectively admire the good qualities you notice in other people. You just might start seeing those same good qualities in yourself.
And do recognize and appreciate the amazing things that your body does for you every day.
- Positive affirmations.
This one is BIG! We have all heard of affirmations and their positive impacts. So why do we avoid doing that work in the first place? The short answer is, it’s hard. There is resistance… so let’s do this together.
Grab your notebook and try these suggestions:
- List 5 ways you want to feel
- What is one goal you wish to accomplish in 2022?
- List 5 words of gratitude.
- What is a quote that inspires you to be your best self?
Start there, go back every day for the next 7 days and read them out loud.
- Keep your body healthy.
At a time when you are feeling like you have little control over the changes you are experiencing, empower yourself with movement, diet, sleep, rest, joy and love. Take control back by being mindful of how you care for your body. And remember, we aren’t trying to win the Olympics…
A simple and healthy diet and reasonable exercise routine will keep you strong and healthy. And in classic Bloom fashion, we recommend exploring your sexual health every week! (psst… a vibrator is GREAT for this…).
- Know that you are not alone.
Others are going through the same thing.!! Surround yourself with supportive friends or family who share your worries and concerns. Together you can overcome negative misinformation about our bodies as we age. Support companies that are encouraging body positivity. It will give you a voice and help change the narrative that tells older women that they are no longer desirable.
What to take things one step further?
Empower yourself by joining groups and follow accounts that are a part of the #bodypositivity movement!
You can also support companies who are encouraging body positivity. It will give you a voice and help change the narrative that tells older women that they are no longer desirable.
Check out #womenover50, and you will find that these women have thousands of followers including men of all ages who think they are gorgeous!
In conclusion, Staying body positive is about showing appreciation for what you have. Celebrate your body by taking care of it. Focus on the important aspects of your life, make peace, and love your body the way it is right now!
