AGING is a normal part of life. I’ve been thinking about aging a lot more recently as my father reached “chapter eighty” and my mother, too, is edging closer to this milestone.  

Many of us have “FOGO” (fear of getting old). Do you know there is an actual name for this fear? It’s called gerascophobia.  

Personally, every time I have hit a “5”, as in 25, 35, and yes now 45, it hits me. What hits me exactly?  

That “Oh My God! I am halfway to the next decade” anxiety. I start to panic and worry about how time is passing so quickly. Although we can control many things in life, aging is not one of them.  

Today’s culture is very “youth obsessed”, so it is understandable how one could associate aging with losing beauty, love, or respect. 

 This, however, simply isn’t true. People must reframe their thoughts and negative mindsets. Stop associating aging with death and dying, and instead associate it with living life to the fullest. 

Admittedly, many of you may be wondering how on earth we can make this happen? 

Trust me, each decade that passes, I feel blessed, but stressed when I look into the mirror or write my birth date at my annual physical. I decided to ask my parents about their philosophies regarding the aging process. Their responses gave me so much food for thought that really could be applied to any decade in life. Dad stated, “No matter what your age is, remember that it’s just a number.” He also told me to keep in mind this quote from the legendary baseball pitcher Satchel Page: “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” How powerful is this? Don’t focus on the number. Don’t think, “Wow I am 35 and not married,” or “I am 40 years old so now it is all going to go down-hill.” Instead, focus on how you feel. Don’t limit yourself by thinking you are too young or too old to accomplish something.  

My mom said, “Age is just a gathering of experiences throughout your life.” Never stop learning or setting goals for yourself. Eliminate all regrets. Stay optimistic because negativity feeds aging. As I have researched multiple perspectives on this topic for this article, here are some key takeaways I have gathered for my readers that can be beneficial regardless of what stage you are in experiencing in life.  

  • Accept and love yourself. Growing old doesn’t mean growing ugly. Think about the amazing things your body has accomplished.  
  • Eat healthy and remain active and fit. You will feel better physically, which will make you feel younger than your biological age.  
  • Stay connected to your loved ones. Stay social. Don’t isolate yourself. 
  • Find your purpose. Remain a lifelong learner. Keeping a spark in your brain also motivates people physically.  
  • Do what you love to do. Stress kills. Stress ages. Stress ruins a person mentally and physically. It is never too late to reinvent yourself and build a happier life.  

As I reflect on this 5-year anniversary of BostonMan Magazine, I think of the original author bio that BostonMan publisher Matt Ribaudo wrote for me in our first issue. It says:  

“Tiffany Giannato is a mother, fashionista, stylist, and shopping addict! Her blogs, pictorials, and fashion tips are aimed towards empowering both women and men to look and feel their best regardless of age. Her ‘you can be as trendy at 61 as you were at 21’ mantra has taken Boston by storm! A true Italian, Tiffany believes family, love, food, and style are always the keys to happiness!” 

This is as true today as it was five years ago, with one exception. I would say YOU can be as trendy at any age as YOU want to be! 

Well, there it is BostonMan. Age truly “ain’t nothing but a number.” Embrace life. Live life to the fullest. 

As Carrie Bradshaw once said, “Eventually all the pieces fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moment, and know that everything happens for a reason.” To my “Toast of the Town” readers, let’s toast to being fortunate enough to have another day of life on this earth. All the best and have a safe and happy holiday season with your loved ones! 

***

Tiffany Giannato is a mother, fashionista, stylist, and shopping addict! Her blogs, pictorials, and fashion tips are aimed towards empowering both women and men to look and feel their best regardless of age. Her “you can be as trendy at 61 as you were at 21” mantra has taken Boston by storm! A true Italian, Tiffany believes family, love, food, and style are always the keys to happiness!