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Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

Beauty and Aging in Paris
Thursday July 29, 2010

I read an article in the New York Times a few weeks ago that made me think about beauty, my own and others. Entitled "Aging Gracefully, the French Way" by Ann M. Morrison (July 14, 2010), it offered insights into my own graceful aging, as well.

Turns out the Parisian women of a certain age who were profiled seem to wear "slightly demented smiles" with their kooky outfits," all complemented by "great posture" while "beautifully made up." And, they like being themselves. That all kind of fits me, too. I certainly like being me, and in fact it has never occurred to me that I might be someone else.

Not surprisingly, there are a few differences between these aging French beauties and me. These women, according to author Ann Morrison, "might forget everything else as they age—but never their sense of style." I often forget that, but never my "joie de vivre." Nor do I forget to eat. Or exercise, eat and write essays for your enjoyment.

Ms. Morrison seems to think that "if there is a secret to aging well, Frenchwomen must know it" but if not, "at least that's what Americans think." What a crock. What Americans believe that? No evidence is provided for this dubious assertion but if any American thinks that, to borrow a line from Robert Ingersoll, "strike his forehead and you will hear an echo. Something is for rent." (Source: "Orthodoxy," 1884.)

Ms. Morrison does grant that "the keys to aging well are obvious, but challenging if you have bad genes, spend too much time in the sun or smoke a lot." Aging well IS challenging, as is anything else worthwhile. It takes a lot more than good genes (though that is HUGE, limiting sun exposure and not being self-destructive. One "secret" overlooked in the article is daily vigorous exercise for an hour or so. And eating well, relaxing a lot, loving life (and thus minimizing stress) while living in a supportive, loving environment. But, I suppose that's all too complicated.

Finally, we learn that a shared idea among Frenchwomen about "magical aging" is "not gaining weight." For some, this involves avoiding excesses, alcohol and large portions. But, not exercise. That can be and is avoided, at least indoors because "gyms are a form of torture." Bad attitude, that. Fortunately, exercise is not something that can only be done in indoor torture chambers. Many Frenchwomen, like the menfolk, use the great outdoors for this purpose.

Unfortunately, like Americans, many Frenchwomen rely on pills, lotions, facials, massages and spa "cures" (e.g., water jets, seaweed wraps, mud baths and sea-fog inhalation) that require little personal effort "to do the trick." That's exactly what it is—a trick or self-delusion that aging beauties in France and elsewhere all around the world play on themselves.

I'm so glad you know better than to play those games.

Be well. Look on the bright side and don't worry much about aging. Take care of yourself and live wisely. The aging process will proceed just fine—be glad you're still alive to experience it.

(Note: This essay will be filed in the archives in the PHYSICAL DOMAIN under the skill area of appearance and aging. Additional articles related to this theme may be found there.)

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

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