A Frank Discussion On Aging And Looks

Acceptance or Intervention?

Ali MacGraw photo by Simbarashe Cha/The NY Times

Hi Friends,

The subject of age is not one I like to obsess about. It’s inevitable and the alternative to aging is not living. It happens to the best of us if we’re lucky. However, I still haven’t fully come to terms with occupying my sixth decade. I believe, rightfully or not, it to be the decade when your looks turn the corner to old. Faking younger gets harder to do without serious interventions, which I’m leery of.

My neck ain't what it used to be. It’s a good thing I love turtlenecks and scarves. Fine lines mark my face, but surprisingly that doesn’t bother me much, it hasn’t reached crisis level yet, though the 11s between my eyebrows are suddenly more prominent. What bothers me most is the new development I’ve noticed lately; the jowls are getting jowly.

These images taken from a reel on IG stopped me in my doom scrolling tracks. Ali MacGraw is stunning for any age. She’s incredibly chic in her black, I surmise, Dior suit and that hair! What struck me the most was how comfortable she seems to be with herself, smiling for the cameras while continuing on her way with grace. At 85 she exudes vitality.

To intervene or not to intervene, that is the question. As I’ve confessed before, I have had botox, the gateway drug to intervention, but the last time was three years ago. Five years ago, I had fillers injected under my eyes but I didn’t notice much difference and never did it again.

Since then I’ve been au natural, though admittedly I’m torn. At least once a day I pinch up the sides of my face. Just the tiniest amount of pressure resolves the jowl issue. Is that what a little nip and tuck is? It sure leaves me micro face lift curious.

Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington at Ralph Lauren’s Spring show in September of 2024. Two beauties with different approaches to aging. Naomi appears to have opted for interventions while Christy is aging naturally. Both women are gorgeous.

I’ve always admired how chill European women seem to be regarding aging. I love nothing more than to be on a beach in Europe, people watching. Inevitably, I’ll spot a pair of amazing 60-plus women proudly strutting their bikini-clad stuff, deeply tanned and usually smoking. Though their bodies betray their age, they’re owning it with full confidence and an utter lack of self consciousness. To them I say God bless!