Should you lie about your age?

This post is part of the Gorgeous 50’s series inspired by a book given to me by one of my sisters on my 50th birthday – ‘Grown up and Gorgeous in your 50’s’ by Pamela Robson.  I will be sharing some of Pamela’s words and my own thoughts along the way.  To see all posts published as part of this series, go here.

Pamela says:

It’s up to you. Ignore those people who airily tell you that you should embrace old age and, worse still, those who would rather you slid off quietly into a corner and didn’t make a fuss. As long as we live in an ageist world in which women are judged by how old they are and look, and at a time when we have to earn a quid well into our 60s, we can and should say and do anything we deem necessary. When women lie about their age, it’s often because they want the world to see that they are still a valuable member of the community and that they count for something. Do remember, however, that 50 isn’t what it used to be. Afterall, Madonna is 50.

My thoughts:

Well first of all, Madonna is now 60 and will turn 61 on 16 August 2019!  Keep up with the times Pamela! 😂

I’ve never lied about my age. There’s no point. I know I couldn’t pass for 35 which is the age I keep thinking I am … till I pass a mirror, get a fright, and remember I’m not!  Remember this old saying …

A proper lady never reveals her age

I call BS on that!  However, I can understand though that there might be occasion when lying about your age might help you access something or be more readily accepted into something, or perhaps even be helpful when it comes to getting a job.  But … you’ll be found out eventually and anyway … society needs to come around to the fact that we ALL age eventually and it doesn’t make us any less a person!  

In my mind, we should be proud of our age, we should be respected based on our age, and we should be revered for the experience and wisdom we can share and offer.  There are two major things that stand in the way:

1. Ageism
2. Declining Body Image Self Confidence

What is Ageism?

… from the World Health Organisation …

Ageism is the stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against people on the basis of their age. Ageism is widespread and an insidious practice which has harmful effects on the health of older adults. For older people, ageism is an everyday challenge. Overlooked for employment, restricted from social services and stereotyped in the media, ageism marginalises and excludes older people in their communities.

Ageism is everywhere, yet it is the most socially “normalised” of any prejudice, and is not widely countered – like racism or sexism. These attitudes lead to the marginalisation of older people within our communities and have negative impacts on their health and well-being.

Why do we have declining Body Image Self Confidence as we age?

Society revels in youth.  Youth sells.  Youth is sexy.  Youth is rejoiced!  Even our skin care products are telling us that it is desirable to look younger with all their anti-aging products.  Yes we do want to look after our skin and have it healthy and looking nice but it is the subtle messaging that can come from these things that is the problem. 

We start to believe that looking older is a negative thing!

Just look at the rise in cosmetic surgery!  There needs to be a societal shift!   Mature faces should be rejoiced!  Mature faces and bodies are sexy too.  In fact, I think sexier!  Mature faces and bodies can sell products also.  Want to know why?  Because ‘HELLO’ the world is full of us … and we want to see products worn and used and sold by people like us, not just on ‘youth’!  Just like the fashion industry needs to sell clothes for all shapes, sizes and ages … the same could be said for all other products and services.

My final thoughts:

When you can be authentic and proud of who you are, there is beauty and power in that!

I intend on being loud and proud about my age.  I turn 55 this year.  Yes, it still shocks me sometimes because as I said earlier, I think of myself as 35!  But, I’m grateful I’m still here!  Not everyone is so lucky.

Do you ever lie about your age?  If so, what are the main situations in which you do?  Do you ‘feel’ ageism?  How’s your body image self confidence?

Ciao for now,