What Does It Mean To Age Boldly?

As we navigate through the ups and downs of life, one thing remains constant – the passing of time. And with time comes the inevitable process of ageing.

Fortunately, despite our society keeps celebrating youth, “women over 50 are digging deep to find their inner badass power as they age“, writes executive coach, author, speaker, and podcast host, Bonnie Marcus on Forbes.

Ageing boldly is not for the faint-hearted. It means embracing our journey and all that comes with it – the joys, the challenges, and the wisdom gained along the way. It’s about pursuing forgotten dreams, discovering new passions and exploring exciting possibilities.

It’s about challenging those who say “You’re too old for that!” and tackling life head-on.

Think actresses like Helen Mirren, Goldie Hawn, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Judie Dench (who recently appeared on the cover of British Vogue in May), or even primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall, fashion icon Iris Apfel, pop singer Debby Harry, and activist Gloria Steinem.  Look Mary Davison who caught the long-distance hiking bug at age 60, and now, at age 77, is adding the American Discovery Trail to her list of hiking accomplishments. 

And how about ballet dancer Alessandra Ferri? After a glittering career ( having danced with the Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and La Scala Theatre Ballet), she retired in 2007 before returning in 2013. She is now in the rare position of being a leading dancer performing internationally at the age of nearly 60.

They all have one thing in common: they don’t consider age as something to fear or shy away from. 

From the wealth of experiences gained over the years to the increased self-awareness and confidence, they know there is a whole new world waiting for those who dare to explore the untapped potential of age. Age is a source of wisdom, strength, and resilience. By reframing our understanding of ageing, we can unlock new possibilities and live a fulfilling and empowered life, no matter what stage of the journey we’re on. 

Are you wondering how to do that? According to Carl Honoré, international bestselling journalist and author of “Bolder, Making the Most of Our Longer Lives“, mindset is key when it comes to ageing boldly. 

“If you think growing older will be bad, it will be bad. Be positive and focus on the upsides of ageing: feeling more at ease in your own skin; deeper relationships; more happiness, altruism, creativity, knowledge, experience“, he says.

A recent study from scholars at Michigan State University (MSU) surveyed over 500,000 people ages 10 to 89, confirms that. According to William Chopik, one of the authors of the study, those who say they feel younger and have a positive attitude actually live longer healthier lives. 

Ageing boldly is not just a choice; it’s a gift waiting to be unwrapped. Are you ready to embrace the power of age and live boldly? The choice is yours.