This poem was emailed to me by a fellow named Mike, who asked that men have an opportunity to share their views about aging on our blog as well. The poem is by Rod McKuen. I thought both men and women might like it. Dr. Vivian
Age is Better
I have been young,
a fresh faced sprout,
with agile legs, a muscled arm and smile
to charm the world I went through
in a rush to get a little older, sooner.
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Here is another tip we used during our modeling days that continues to be helpful to us today. We hope you find it useful too.
3. Reinvent Your Look As models we had to constantly change our ‘look.’ It taught us to be capable of adjusting our appearance to the circumstances. Instead of feeling anxious about change, have fun as you reinvent a look with each stage. Those short skirts might not work, but other styles may. Letting go of your former self-image doesn’t mean neglecting yourself. Try walking instead of jogging; take yoga, in place of spin class. Adjust your attitude as you adjust your look.
1. Show Confidence and Pride Inside and Out
Decide one aspect of yourself that you feel is attractive and project it. Feel it on the inside and then show it on the outside. When we were modeling, we knew that models who walked into auditions with an air of confidence tended to get the jobs! It wasn’t about being the prettiest—everyone was. Or about being perfect—no one was. It was about how you carried yourself into the casting room. Some models were known for their great legs, thick lashes, or long necks and used these assets to feel beautiful. Sometimes only a model’s hands or feet were considered model material. Instead of focusing on features you don’t like…..
Here is another tip we brought from our modeling days that you might find useful to feel and look attractive as your looks change. Tell us what you think.
2. A Radiant Smile Can Work for You
There were models we knew who were not perfectly shaped who had successful careers because of their great smiles. Think of a baby’s smile. Does anything bring more pleasure to the eyes of others than that spontaneous toothless grin? Sure, we can whiten and straighten our teeth, but regardless of how they look at any particular moment, smiling with a sparkle in our eyes goes a long way to convey beauty.
I visited my 93 year old mother-in-law today with my husband today. She lives in an assisted living facility with my 97 year old father in law. We try to see them on weekends whenever possible. It was not any special occasion, but my mother-in-law looked dressed for one. She wore a beautiful cream colored sweater and an elegant pair of pants. Her bright white, curly hair was held back by a head band so that it was easy to see her white pearl earrings. She looked beautiful. I asked her what she thought of when she looked in the mirror when she woke up in the morning and she said ” I can’t see myself that well, but what I see looks happy.” I thought that was a great answer. She sees happiness. –Dr. Vivian
