Body Love Over 60

Body love over 60. Some of us have struggled with loving our physical selves in our early lives, only to come into blessed acceptance in our 40’s, 50’s, or even later (never too late!). One of the most often-cited advantages of aging is the acceptance that comes along with it. We understand that we are not and never will be perfect, and that our lives are worth living no matter what shape or age we are.

Love this art. By John Hain from Pixabay

Being 60-something brings physical changes that challenge our body-love. The timing is good though – if these transformations happened when I was an insecure 17 year old, I might have taken to my bed and never left. I try to stave off some of the changes, with healthy diet and exercise, stretching, moisturizing and modern medicine. Fashion and style help a lot. Some changes I/we must learn to love if we want to be happy.

These include:

  • Facial changes – probably the most obvious, and for me, the most challenging to learn to love. I don’t have many sun-wrinkles but I have smile lines and “crow’s feet” and “age spots”. I tell myself that a lifetime of laughing and adventure has bestowed these on me.
  • Changing skin texture, e.g., on my upper arms and upper thighs. All the aerobics and weight training  help keep me fit but the texture of the skin changes. It’s thinner and crepey. I baby it with lots of lotion and tell myself I ‘m happy to still have good muscles underneath.
  • Feet that hurt. Angie from YouLookFab calls them “fussy feet.” These have let me know that the days of heels are over. Luckily, there are hundreds of fabulous low-heeled shoes and flats now that suit my needs. There are even websites devoted to fussy feet. Grandma had to resort to Orthopedic Shoes but I can have my Clarks!
  • Thinning hair. This one’s been hard for me to love, as my hair’s been fine and rather thin all my life. I don’t want to lose any more. But by loosely following the Curly Girl method of natural hair care, I can have the illusion of fuller hair. I rarely shampoo, I don’t use heat for styling, and I let the curls go free.
  • Changing body shape. I am still slim at 66, and likely to remain this way. But things have moved around and my middle is thicker than it was in my youth. Certain parts are moving south (I’m talking to you, breasts). But it’s still my body, it gets me around, and it’s pretty strong and healthy. So thanks, body.
The lovely Suzanne of Vintage by Suzanne sent me this cat shirt.

“I stand in awe of my body.”

Henry David Thoreau

For me, the secret to body love in my 60’s is to respond to changes with “how interesting!” rather than “how terrible!” We all have been changing since birth. It’s been a natural progression, and if we’re really lucky it will keep happening for a few more decades.

What are your thoughts about loving your body? Is it a challenge, or do you come by it naturally?

“You define beauty yourself. Society doesn’t define your beauty.”

Lady Gaga

Stay fab, xo

Wear what you love, always. Here are some goodies to browse:

Please be aware that links to vendors may be affiliate links. I may benefit from your purchases through the links on the blog. Header photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

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patti

7 Comments

  1. I’m going to be 60 this year and it’s made me “take stock” of the state of my body and fitness level. Not being able to go to the gym during the pandemic has left me with much reduced stamina and a considerable weight gain around the middle. I’ve tried walking but it’s not the same. My feet get fussier and fussier, mostly because of my bunions but at least they still get me from place to place.

  2. Great article as always thank you .I so relate to the the need to accept and soften the effects of the aging process. I really liked that diagram you posted with the words calm,grateful,welcoming empathetic,friendly,patient,engaged etc. Louise Hay,advised a mirror work activity toward self acceptance and Love where she advised we look into a mirror gaze into our eyes and say I Love you. Sounds a bit much but I found it quite helpful as mirror work does not allow negative thoughts just Love.

    • Hi Joan, it’s always good to see you. I agree about mirror work, it’s profoundly moving. Stay well and safe, and happy, xx.

  3. Great post Patti. I agree, age brings acceptance. Like you I try to keep fit by doing exercise and eating a balanced diet, though I have my “off days” when motivation isn’t there, but I don’t beat myself up for it. Health really is key.
    Love the quote by Lady GaGa. I saw a quote from her the other day which made me smile “Don’t be a drag, just be a queen”. x

    • Hi Alison and thanks for coming over. I love that Lady G. quote! And you’re right we can be gentle with ourselves every day. Stay well, xx.

  4. I feel all of these, Patti. I don’t mind the wrinkles, dislike the sagging – my birthday suit doesn’t fit as well as it used to! I lost a lot of weight about 12 years ago and apparently skin doesn’t snap back anymore. Also a Curly Girl, I recommend minoxidil for the thinning hair; it takes a while but I have returned to my premenopausal thickness. The feet have ALWAYS been a problem, I wear an 11N and that’s a challenge too LOL. In SPITE of all of this, I feel better about myself than I ever have. I exercise every day, use sun protection, and eat a semi-healthy diet. I am so much more accepting – of others and myself – than I was when I was younger. I treasure my close relationships. I appreciate what I have. Love your blog 🙂

    • Hello Rebecca and thanks for coming by, and your relatable comments! Sounds like you’re doing a great job at loving your body. Stay safe and fab, xx.

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