#TREND MEN - To Age or Not To Age?

We recently attended two events that were related to the topic of ageing. Both these events brought to the fore the topics of ageing gracefully, techniques to slow the ageing process, what ageing means to individuals and of course, the ultimate question, whether or not one really has to age at all. There are currently two very interesting trends regarding ageing: the one embraces the ideal of ageing gracefully and accepting the process with little or no resistance; the other clings to a more youthful appearance and urges ageing individuals to look younger than they really are through various means. What is the ultimate answer when it comes to the age-old question of getting older? 

We recently attended two fascinating
events dedicated to the topic of ageing

We are living longer than we ever have in the past. This is due to advances in healthcare, an improved standard of living and a greater awareness of risk factors in our environment that could potentially shorten our lives. We are more clued up when it comes to exercise, nutrition, life-shortening and life-lengthening habits - almost to a compulsive degree - than any other generation that has preceded us. Thus, we see more individuals of an advanced age around us: not only in public spaces but also portrayed in the media. A popular current trend is to use ageing individuals in major media campaigns. These advertisements have glorified the ageing process and a graceful advancement of beauty in the later years. We have seen faces such as those of Helen Mirren (for L'Oreal), Joan Didion (for Céline) and Iris Apfel (for Kate Spade) gracing beauty and fashion advertisements. On his blog, Advanced Style, Ari Seth Cohen has shown us how beauty can exist in the latter years. A combination of confidence, style and a sense of being self-possessed makes these older models incredibly appealing to the public. The other factor is the realness of it all: every human will age and it's about time that advertising reflected this. This new trend does not aim to falsify, instead it is all about presenting ageing in a way that is beautiful and gives women who are ageing the permission to do so gracefully. 

Helen Mirren has aged beautifully and is proud of it (top)
Joan Didion is the uber-stylish granny for Celine (bottom left)
and Iris Apfel's style becomes more celebrated as she ages (bottom right)

At a recent Longevity event held at Hyde Park Corner, hairstylist David Gilson spoke about the current hair trend of going grey and doing it in style. This is reflective of the overall trend of accepting the ageing process and allowing it to happen instead of resisting it. Even younger women who are going prematurely grey are beginning to embrace this: it's no longer necessarily seen as a hair colour for grandmothers, it can actually be quite trendy. For the L'Oreal beauty campaign, none of the pictures of Helen Mirren were re-touched. This once again reflects a society embracing wrinkles and ageing and not seeing these natural processes as the enemy. 

Meryl Streep rocked a grey-haired look as
the incredibly stylish fashion doyenne,
Miranda Priestly, in The Devil Wears Prada

Leading hairstylist David Gilson spoke about
the grey hair trend

At the Longevity event, we were given a talk by leading cardiologist and integrative health practitioner, Dr. Riaz Motara, on the fascinating topic of epigenetics. Epigenetics affect gene expression. Dr. Motara explained this as switching a light switch on or off. Thus even for identical twins with the same genetic material, they may have different epigenetic processes occurring. Our epigenetics are impacted upon by our environment. The conditions we are exposed to affect our gene expression through our epigenetics. What this means is that we can impact upon the way in which we age, the rate at which we age and the quality of our health as we age. Science is just beginning to uncover the secrets and complexities of epigenetics but one thing is for sure: we do not all age in the same way and it appears that choices we make today may very well affect how we age tomorrow. 

Dr. Riaz Motara

If ageing gracefully simply sounds ridiculous to you or the complexities of epigenetics sound too complex, there are other options. On the the other side of the spectrum is the field of aesthetic medicine and anti-ageing procedures. If we cannot yet fully control the ageing process from the inside, the other option is to do it from the outside. At a recent event on aesthetic medicine at the Saxon Hotel, leading aesthetic medicine practitioner Dr. Anushka Reddy spoke to us about the various options available when it comes to halting the ageing process in its tracks. Most of us have heard about non-invasive procedures such as Botox and fillers to alter the appearance of the skin and make it look more youthful. Dr. Reddy also introduced us to a more recent procedure: a thread lift. Threads are inserted into the skin in specific areas. These stimulate collagen production and the face is lifted as a result. This procedure is painless and can be performed easily and quickly by a skilled practitioner - Dr. Reddy did a demonstration for us on the day. Like Botox and fillers, there is no recovery time and the results are noticeable and contribute significantly towards a younger-looking appearance. 

Dr. Anushka Reddy

In recent years, the use of non-invasive and non-surgical means of maintaining a youthful appearance have skyrocketed in popularity. Getting Botox is literally as easy as popping to your doctor in your lunch-break with noticeable results very soon after. Why age when it is simply easier to choose the alternative? Of course, for some individuals, the idea of injecting a toxin into your skin or any means of delaying the ageing process is objectionable. 

Dr. Reddy performing a thread lift

So the question remains: to age or not to age? Each individual will have a different answer and the current trends are reflective of this. In fact, we are divided on this topic: Alan chooses the 'natural ageing' route while Krishen is not at all opposed to a bit of help here and there. Whatever you choose to do, make an informed decision and do it in the healthiest possible way. After all, you are only ever as young (or old) as you feel.