The September 2017 issue of Allure is making headlines as Helen Mirren graces the cover with a gorgeous photo and an article titled “The End of Anti-Aging: Our Call to the Industry”.

Changing the “Anti-Aging” Conversation

Allure contributor Michelle Lee says that “changing the way we think about aging starts with the way we talk about aging” and her article in September’s issue of Allure is definitely starting that conversation off strong.

When we use the prefix “anti” we use it to mean we are against something. Anti-inflammatory. Anti-aircraft. Anti-depressants. The term “anti-aging” makes it sound like we are battling against aging instead of celebrating life and the folks over at Allure are ready to change that.

Changing Our Language

Instead of “anti-aging”, maybe we would be better off thinking about “healthy aging”. Why fight against a process that we can’t avoid when we can embrace the gift of longevity and enjoy the path we’re on?

“Healthy aging” encompasses so much more than outward beauty. The term reflects physical, emotional, social, mental, and even spiritual wellness. It’s a phrase that welcomes change and doesn’t show fear or resistance to growing older.

Changing Our Mindset

Aging is a process that not all of us have the opportunity to experience. Life is simply cut too short for many that would gladly embrace the fine lines and gray hairs of a long-lived life.

“Repeat after me”, says Lee. “Growing older is a wonderful thing because it means we get a chance, every day, to live a full, happy life.” And isn’t that really the goal?

This is a sentiment shared wildly by Dame Helen Mirren, Allure’s cover girl for September.

“This word, ‘anti-aging’…” she said. “We know we’re getting older. You just want to look and feel as great as you can on a daily basis.”

You don’t have to be a famous Oscar, Emmy, and Tony winning actress and a spokesman for a cosmetics line like L’Oreal to be comfortable with who you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re going.

Actress Samantha Bond once said of Mirren, “Helen doesn’t appear to be frightened of aging and taking her sexuality with her. And it kind of gives her female audience the right to say, “Well, I can do that.”” And we agree.

“I’m not going to lie and say everything about aging is great,” said Lee. “We’re not the same at 18 as we are at 80. But we need to stop looking at our life as a hill that we start rolling down past 35.”

Lee ends the article with a call to action to those in the beauty industry, stating that she knows “it’s not easy to change packaging and marketing overnight” but urging them to “change the conversation and celebrate the beauty in all ages.”

What do you think about the term “anti-aging”? Do you like the term “healthy aging” better? Do you feel pressured by the beauty industry to look younger than you are? What do you enjoy most about being your current age? Join the conversation!

Photo credit: Allure Magazine