According to an article on the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, “Aging gracefully is a term often used to describe women who choose to grow older without undergoing any aesthetic procedures to help them maintain their looks.” They also acknowledge that the term may be a polite euphemism used to describe those who are “looking old, but embracing it” or “showing signs of aging, but still powering forward with life.” (http://www.surgery.org/consumers/plastic-surgery-news-briefs/aging-gracefully-mean-1051522)
While the term is a lovely one, it could use a little surgery! Perhaps the widespread acceptance of plastic surgery today can give new meaning to or eliminate it entirely.
No longer do women or men have to pretend to feel good about their wrinkles and the sagging signature of age upon their faces. Plastic surgery can truly redefine the notion of ‘aging gracefully’. And as younger and younger adults turn to non-surgical anti-aging treatments to eliminate the most obvious signs of aging altogether other terms are sure to emerge to describe the more youthful appearance of the mature population. In addition to preserving or restoring a youthful appearance, cosmetic procedures can also lead to a feeling of greater confidence.
You may or may not ever schedule a visit to a board certified plastic surgeon. You may opt to wear your wrinkles and your age with pride and confidence. If that is the case, the term “aging gracefully” will still apply. However, for those who take steps to align their outer appearance with the way they feel inside through plastic surgery, they will be the ones who inspire an exciting new term to describe them.
