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| Dian Griesel, PhD, aka Silver Disobedience on Instagram, is a perception analyst whose work is dedicated to empowering people as they grow older. Below, she shares what she has learned about how to age gracefully. |
| *This interview has been edited for length and clarity. |
| Q: |
As a perception buster, what have you observed about how people, especially women, typically perceive aging? |
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A: Here are some general observations:
- There’s the large majority that firmly declares (even with all their wrinkles and scars from living) they’re very glad to still be alive and a long life is a privilege denied to many.
- Those who have stayed fit or had the good fortune of health tend to be more OK with aging, as they’re physically capable of getting through the day with greater ease.
- Some are worried about their financial situation and work is a necessity, while others are facing comfortable retirements that are more hobby- and maybe travel-focused.
- Then, there are those who are convinced that they’ll beat the inevitable: death. They’re determined to try whatever is within the power of modern-day science, medicine, and technology to retain their vision of youth.
Women tend to be more focused on what they look like and may hold visions of arbitrary beauty standards. Yet, women might be quite surprised to learn that men love them and are less judgmental of women (yes, at every age!) than many might believe.
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| Q: |
Do you believe it’s possible to shift long-held perceptions? If so, what does it take to do so? |
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| A: You bet I do –– IF we want to. The mind is an incredibly powerful asset. We can use it to our benefit or detriment.
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| Historically and societally, perceptions about everything are always challenged and changing. This is no different with age. The fact is sexiness, worth, or lovability are perceptions, attitudes, and mindsets. As people own their unique, one-of-a-kind, never-to-be-replicated assets, perception shifts abound. Suddenly possibilities start to appear often and in unexpected ways and places. |
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| Q: |
What has empowered you as you age? |
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| A: Work has always been an empowering force for me. I’ve been self-employed my whole life, and while I certainly get up and go to work every day, I’ve always felt more like I was playing some kind of Game of Life. Don’t ask me what the rules are, but I’d say that winning “the game” is largely based on how enthusiastic I feel about awakening each morning to face the inevitable challenges of the day. |
| Writing my daily blog has certainly kept me feeling grateful and connected, too. The commitment I made to write daily, coupled with the fact that so many people tell me my essays have helped them in so many ways, has given me a deep sense of responsibility to continue what I started. |
| So, I have a mission, and I think having a mission or personal goals is very important. As I tell people, keep a to-do list, and add to it daily! |
| Q: |
Can you offer any words of support or encouragement for our readers who may be having a hard time with the thought or act of aging?
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| A: Getting older is better than never having had the opportunity to get older. A bit of humbleness and appreciation for our good fortune is a good start. |
| If we wake up, we have the opportunity to try whatever it is that we want. People of every age are still starting yoga, becoming influencers, starting new businesses birthed from lifelong hobbies, celebrating their extended families, traveling, and more. We have rock stars in [their] 70s selling out stadiums! It’s not over until it’s over. |
| Don’t quit. Do the best you can to take care of your health. Every little incremental step toward healthier living will make you feel better. When we feel better, we look better and are far more energized to live our best life. |
| Scroll down to the end of this email to rate this interview!
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