Should we define or categorise ourselves?

I recently signed up with my first modelling agency and I’m really excited about the opportunities this may bring. But there is one thing in the modelling industry I am struggling to relate to and that is the term ‘classic’ model which is typically used to define models over the age of 30!

A definition of ‘classic’:

1) judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding for its time (Yay, I’m on board with that!!)

2) very typical of its kind ( I cannot relate to that at all ….)

A few more thoughts about ‘classic’ in fashion:

  • describes style and a timeless look (but doesn’t describe my style)
  • beautiful  but simple cut (nope, not really me)
  • fine natural fabrics (all for that!)
  • good quality leather shoes and handbags (yes please)

Classic sounds like something of a high quality and traditional style, but for me it represents something that is not continuing to evolve. I can be all of this, it is part of me, but I don’t want this to define me or hold me back. There is still a youthful rebel within me that seeks excitement, new shapes and textures. I am forever evolving and I’m continuously seeking new inspiration in all aspects of my life.

And whilst I’m sharing my thoughts on challenges I have with ways we define each other, another term that comes to mind is being age appropriate.

So, another definition; age appropriate: 1) suitable for a particular age or age group.

Sorry, I’m afraid I don’t understand this one; we need to be very mindful on who we apply this definition to. When we define ourselves or others in this way, do we limit creativity and what we are capable of?

So for me, I don’t define or pigeon hole myself or others. I don’t believe my age, being classic or any other definition limits my potential. In my head I am still youthful and excited about life and I definitely have no intention of growing up any time soon ….. how about you?

What is successful ageing ?

To me, ageing successfully means being productive, looking after my physical and emotional wellbeing, and most importantly, leading a meaningful life.

There are lots of myths about ageing and people often have negative stereotypes of what it means to be older. And yet we are often unaware that happiness and having a playful attitude to life may increase our lives by 5 to 10 years.  Numerous studies suggest many of the potential ingredients for staying sharp and ageing successfully (which you can embrace at any stage of your life):

  • Walking – believed to reverse the effects of ageing
  • Practice balance – falls later in life can have a devastating impact on ageing
  • Sleep (free and so valuable) – studies have shown a connection between insomnia and dementia
  • Learning a language – being bilingual / multilingual may offset the effects of dementia
  • Stay connected – maintain social connection, face to face, not through the internet or social media; loneliness has a significant negative effect on ageing
  • Challenge yourself – it may not always be easy but your efforts will pay off

So mix up all these ingredients, along with the many others that are waiting to be discovered by you. Read, play, dance, laugh, set goals, put on your sharpest outfit for the Tuesday morning coffee at the café, don’t be ‘age appropriate’ or maybe even become a model!

So is ageing all in our heads?

I believe that what goes on in your head shapes how aging is going to impact you. Our stereotypes on what it means to grow older contribute to our actual experience of ageing. Your state of mind can rewind ageing, both physically and mentally.

The following helps me:

  • I don’t allow myself to think about tomorrow and what will happen
  • I don’t let people tell me what I can’t do
  • I never think about age

We can make a conscious decision about how we feel about time or our perception of time.

When Vivienne Westwood’s partner, Malcolm McLaren, started managing The Sex Pistols in the 1970s, she did what any fashion-inclined woman would do; she dressed the band. In the 1980s, her career picked up when she and McLaren started showing their fashion collections. But it wasn’t until her 50th birthday that the world really took notice of Westwood, due to her creation of the iconic mini-crini skirt. Now in her 70s, Westwood has been deemed “the fairy godmother of the British fashion industry”. There are many others who did much of their best work later in their lives; this long list includes Vera Wang and J.K.Rowling

Did you know that subjective age is believed to be correlated by factors such as walking speed, lung capacity, grip strength and bodily inflammation? It is not just the body that influences the effect of ageing, your mindset also has a significant impact on how we age. Fighting negative attitudes, keeping an open mind, being engaged socially and being kind to yourself can all have a positive impact on our lives. I believe a youthful mindset can slow, maybe even reverse, how we age.