https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:44:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace/page/2#post-2324327 Fri, 26 May 2023 00:56:38 +0000 Cee 2324327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreed with the passing of time and how fast it goes from being the rookie kid to giving the game away because I'm old enough to remember seeing Vietnam protests on the news on a black and white TV. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace/page/2#post-2324289 Thu, 25 May 2023 13:40:38 +0000 em 2324289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am going to channel my inner Helen Mirren and tint my hair the color of my clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace/page/2#post-2323961 Mon, 22 May 2023 22:16:45 +0000 LJP 2323961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all again for contributing here. Obviously the situation is different for us all, and depends on the workplace (as well as one's own attitude). &nbsp;It was interesting to read all of your experiences and thoughts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace/page/2#post-2323872 Sun, 21 May 2023 19:50:21 +0000 Carla 2323872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, when my ex-employer called me up to ask if I was interested in coming back after being retired, I’m sure it didn’t have anything to do with the way I dressed! &nbsp;Maturity, corporate knowledge, steadiness of work habits, flexibility and an openness when it comes to change were things I espoused, and what I think were revealed on my personnel record. &nbsp;<u><br /></u><div><br /></div><div>I have to agree with everyone who has posted about self confidence being key. &nbsp;We women must acknowledge, and embrace our skills and abilities and worthiness.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace/page/2#post-2323867 Sun, 21 May 2023 18:53:33 +0000 Cardiff girl 2323867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is why l always pick hobbies where everyone else is older than me,it makes me feel young.Seriously though l have found this a very interesting thread .l was patronised as a young therapist for looking too young then as a thirty year old by the younger staff for being out of touch(l wasn’t they were just over confident),then in a post retirement job as the oldest there.I have always been patronised at the doctors as l am either too old or too young.It’s funny l never seem to have been the right age all my life.The only thing l would say is never apologise or feel bad for being the age you are,l know it’s a struggle but one’s age is just a fact not a personality flaw or such like.There are worse things than being the age we are. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace/page/2#post-2323838 Sun, 21 May 2023 14:35:42 +0000 Ruchi 2323838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for bribing this up, LJP. This has been on my mind lately. I spent my mid-20’s/30’s raking time off work to stay at work and raise a family. I was involved in volunteering work for all those years and YLF helped me stay stay me feel good about myself.<br /> I have been back to work for nearly a decade now still catching up on my learning. Most of my colleagues in my current team are fresh grads and 2 senior programmers are of my age. The architects/leads/managers are about a decade older than me. I do not relate with my younger colleagues and it is showing up at work. I am making an effort to connect with them in areas that I have experience in, namely committed relationships/move, work/planning kids etc. I does take extra work to make time fir those conversations and they are also very crucial for my work. So much of it is also about being confident in my own skin, whether it’s taking courses yo learn a skill (in my case) or having a friends group to meet my needs for a social circle. Most of my friends either don’t work or have stable working lives.<br /> I have always admired your style and I believe that you are a role model for anyone who works with you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace/page/2#post-2323823 Sun, 21 May 2023 10:47:07 +0000 jussie 2323823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If it’s any help to you, two of THE MOST stylish women at my workplace are 64 and 72 respectively.<br /> They both dress very differently; one wears autumn colours, heavy makeup, very textured clothing and a lot of jewelry, and the other one wears youthful funky brights and no jewelry, minimal makeup.<br /> Part of it is having fun with fashion and being a bit adventurous with it I think, rather than just utilitarian. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace/page/2#post-2323791 Sun, 21 May 2023 00:57:32 +0000 mtnsofthemoon 2323791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LJP and all the others - this is such an interesting topic.&nbsp; I recently met with my prior colleagues/good friends and this topic came up. The ladies I worked with for 15 years rage in age from 30's to 50's.&nbsp; I am 57 and a few years back suddenly noticed I was the 2nd oldest employee (when did that happen?).&nbsp; &nbsp; We are in mental health and half of the department <br />&nbsp;left during the pandemic due to a radical shift in the work environment brought on by 2 poor selections for supervisor and manager (a whole other discussion)&nbsp;</p> <p>I retired and now work part time and love my work.&nbsp; I plan to work well into my 70's.&nbsp; My friend was telling us she has a relative who is a social worker, "chain smokes" and works at a boys group home at the age of 80!!&nbsp; She is viewed as the grandmother they (the clients) never had.&nbsp; We all laughed at the image of this 80 year old woman working with adolescent boys.&nbsp; I realized how fortunate I am that my chosen profession has room for all ages.&nbsp; I used to be seen as the older sister (when I was in my 20's), then the mother figure (my clients never had) and I will soon become the "grandmother" they never had.&nbsp; I realize other professions deal with all sorts of "isms" (age, race, sex, gender, etc).&nbsp; </p> <p>As for our presentations of our professional selves at work I think that varys also.&nbsp; Some workplaces are more rigid than others as far as dress, appearance, etc.&nbsp; I am fortunate that I can be myself and still "fit in" in my chosen work.&nbsp; And becasue I work with children and adolescents I get to spend a good portion of my day on the floor or at an art table.&nbsp; Yipee&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace/page/2#post-2323771 Sat, 20 May 2023 17:16:42 +0000 Irina 2323771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I want to add - I myself was at time an object of and subjected others to ageism. About 10 years ago I was looking for a family doctor. And I was looking for a young person. My two previous doctors were males in close to retirement age. I got so tired of being patronized , of their dismissive and old fashioned attitude. Not only towards me but to my family members, my son refused to see our previous doctor. I’m sure there were many, many qualified, great doctors in 50+ group but I chose a young woman in her mid 30s. And so happy I did.&nbsp;<div>I’m generally OK and accept my age, as weir as it feels sometimes. Another example - Young sale staff at COS is always trying to be helpful and positive. Sometimes I ask their opinion on sizing. I’m grateful but don’t pay much attention to their compliments, since they have no idea (yet) what looks good on a middle aged woman.&nbsp;</div><div>I think we are dealing with multiple issues here - not just aging but staying in the workforce longer than we perhaps anticipated. And it brings all sorts of frustration and negativity. I try my best to remind myself that work is only a part of my life and if I think about it outside of working hours, I make this part bigger. And it’s unpaid :)</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace/page/2#post-2323761 Sat, 20 May 2023 15:59:58 +0000 Column 2323761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa,</p> <p>I can't do better than what others have said, so I'll just empathize. You look great and have terrific fashion sense for yourself. You're current in mind as well as body. Clothes and grooming are simply armor--or another way to communicate we're in the year 2023 (and up) without being too consumeristic, planet-degrading, etc. Or to have fun with fashion, as Angie and this forum always say. </p> <p>For those reasons, I find myself remixing clothing and DMOT (hair, makeup) more than replenishing/remaking--and that, too, is current. </p> <p>I do think our attitudes, words, treatment of others, etc. speak so much louder than our appearance.</p> <p>That said, I feel ya' (to utter a youthful phrase). I'm in a position where I occasionally mentor young people, so they are not my peers. They look to me as an "elder," and so my age is a benefit but my currency is a pleasant/humorous plus (or so they tell me). I have purpose in my work, which is one reason I have no plans to retire. However, my work conditions are radically changing thanks to U.S. culture wars, so we'll see what comes. But for now, I'm resolved to carry on.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is true that how we comport ourselves will not always change the minds of others. So on ageism, I guess I'll just do what I did in the face of the sexism of my youth: Deflect; pretend I don't notice; do my job to the best of my ability with a smile on my face; call out bad behavior when I've had enough, and report if/when evidence and circumstances are so egregious, they irrefutably compromise me, others, and our workplace. I'm in solidarity with you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace/page/2#post-2323737 Sat, 20 May 2023 13:35:39 +0000 CarolS 2323737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can so relate to that feeling of the years flying by, Lisa. Given the state of the world, I am glad to still have an income, but I can't help but be aware that I'm running out of time to do the things I want to do....</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace/page/2#post-2323694 Sat, 20 May 2023 03:03:03 +0000 LJP 2323694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Believe me , if I didn’t have to work I doubt I would at this point . It’s not that I hate working , it’s the feeling of life passing by very quickly and I’m still so consumed with getting through the work week I have almost no energy left to do anything else . Anyways , staying in tune with what’s current in media and pop culture isn’t an issue . I’m a pop culture enthusiast and always have been . I also have my own 26 yr old to keep me up to speed :). The work ethic of most of the younger people in my department work is appalling - as in , non-existent- so I don’t look to them for anything other than the occasional laugh . </p> <p>I don’t know , maybe I’m just feeling the years fly by and worrying about something too abstract . If I remain healthy and fit that’s all that should matter </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323673 Fri, 19 May 2023 23:57:17 +0000 April 2323673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mr. A is 66 and very keenly feels his age in the workplace (he's the CEO, so it's not about rank.)&nbsp; At 59, I feel it less, since, as a homemaker, no one but me cares how I look or, honestly, how I feel about that.&nbsp; I am - in the words of the great Canadian singer-songwriter Arlene Bishop - <a rel="nofollow" href="https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=RWxk2t5W8UM">the amazing, the incredible, the invisible woman.&nbsp;</a></p> <p>I did the "COVID grow-out" in which I stopped coloring my hair at all.&nbsp; I adjusted to this annoying meno-body as best I could.&nbsp; I take LMA's advice on clothing since he's very stylish but also says smart things regarding clothes like "Never be uncomfortable!"&nbsp; I cope with the need to use crutches and therefore never wear anything but flat shoes.</p> <p>Not sure any of this is helpful.&nbsp; My best friend from high school is job hunting at 61 and feels strongly that she (a natural platinum blonde who is very smart and competent) can't let herself go gray because she "doesn't want to be dismissed any more than I already am."&nbsp; When I counter by saying, "Well, make them stop dismissing you," I get the "you don't understand" response, and that's no doubt true.</p> <p>&lt;Sigh&gt;&nbsp; I'm with you, LJP - no one seems to have this completely figured out.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323668 Fri, 19 May 2023 23:30:27 +0000 DonnaF 2323668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At least in the US, older folks like me are being hammered by the stock market crash that resulted in a 30% loss in my retirement savings plus high inflation. I’m wondering if your work place isn’t seeing job applications from older people due to the intimidation factor of your industry. I would assume there would be an extra heavy bias toward younger workers whether that’s accurate or not. </p> <p>This is pure ageism, but I would trust a mid-Millennial on up to a Baby Boomer over a Gen Zer. I don’t think you have anything to worry about appearance wise. But assuming they use fluorescents for lighting, can you persuade Maintenance/Management to use warm white instead of cool white which makes everyone look green and sick? Even the younguns.</p> <p>At age 70, I am fortunate to work in a field that doesn’t prize youth. I just learned, however, that overseas clients are expected to retire at 60. Luckily, they never see what I look like; it’s probably hard enough for them to handle that I’m female. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323660 Fri, 19 May 2023 21:29:57 +0000 LJP 2323660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for the thoughtful comments ! Lots to contemplate here . As I sit at my desk hiding from my 23 yr old co worker ;). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323641 Fri, 19 May 2023 19:58:04 +0000 Sal 2323641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s an interesting and very real topic. I agree with kkards practical ideas but I don’t think your style is an issue- you are modern and current. </p> <p>At work we go from 22 to 75 - mostly men - mostly engineers. Dress ranges from good to appalling. Some are in uniform. The things that make the younger people frustrated with the older people are more when there’s the ‘ millennials have it easy’ or ‘when I was young we all ran around outdoors’ etc type of discussion. Laughter and appreciating the music and taste of the younger ones helps I find. I love hearing<br /> About their weekends- concerts, adventures - I feel it’s really positive to have a range of ages. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323618 Fri, 19 May 2023 17:12:46 +0000 kkards 2323618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a lot to say.<br /> I am by far the oldest in my office. I will be 60 this summer and the next oldest person in my division is 50, but the majority are late 20s to mid 30s, and every year we bring in interns (barely 20yo) and recent college grads. I am very aware and attuned to how I look/am perceived vis-à-vis the age issue. Like you I want/need to be viewed as relevant and up to the task.<br /> For me, on the fashion/appearance side, that means leanings hard into my style, but with tweaks and updates to show that I know what’s trending and current. So I’m not going to wear a cropped top, or oversized skater jeans, but I have retired skinny jeans/jeggings and tunic tops. I’m going to wear blazers only when balanced with more casual items, like joggers or sneakers so that I don’t look like I’m still channeling the “dress for success” era. On the makeup front post Covid, I’ve stopped wearing it, but pre I was one of the few women in my office who did wear makeup. And it’s a large part of why I continue to dye my hair. It’s definitely an art, and I have no great advice </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323613 Fri, 19 May 2023 16:50:19 +0000 rachylou 2323613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Omg. I had a ‘girl’ at work - a mother actually - guess my age at 10 years plus. Lol! Insulting! At least all my co-workers scoffed and laughed. It was more embarrassing for her tbh. And after all, I remember being 25 and guessing my 30 yr-old boss was 55! Ahaha! One’s ‘age’ has a lot to do with one’s authority. The more responsibility you have, the more prepared you should be to be considered old.</p> <p>Anyways, bakeries are interesting places. Very physical but not a place where old people are uncommon. They’re kinda like hardware stores. Filled with the sort of people who’d die if they stopped working, and much respect is given to them - they’re the only people who know anything.</p> <p>I do think it’s important not to be ossified. You don’t want to be ‘the old woman’ or ‘the old guy.’ We had a guy like that, who was younger than me. Didn’t last long. What that meant was, he was cranky. In that way, fashionwise, honestly, I think one should go ahead and participate in some of the workplace trends. Or set them. And to go ahead and show your form - not skin, of course, but your form. Sometimes older women become invisible because they hide, to be brutal.</p> <p>… but how you talk is probably the most important. Work with high school kids, talk about high school. As if the memory was fresh, because those are the sort of memories that always stay fresh. The pain of high school lasts forever! Lol!</p> <p>… ok, one more story. I’m working with quite a few home boys and girls. Of an incredibly wide age span. Absolutely nothing has changed. The area high schools are still the same. The It car is still the same (Volvo). The country club is still weird. And the neighborhoods where you shouldn’t drive with a busted taillight and the cops are bored have not changed one bit. Except the price for prom tickets is beyond scandalous… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323595 Fri, 19 May 2023 15:10:28 +0000 Jenn 2323595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I once asked my 22yo son if he thought my outfit was cool. &nbsp;He scoffed and said, "I mean, is that what you want? To be cool to 20-somethings? WHY?" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323586 Fri, 19 May 2023 14:36:24 +0000 Angie 2323586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>LJP, </b>you project great style, have a youthful attitude, keep up with what is current in the world, are good at your job, and are fit, and healthy! You lucky fish. The younger folk need to worry about keeping up with YOU and your daily standards! You inspire more than you give yourself credit for.&nbsp;</p> <p>Btw, my late Dad wore Birkies till he was 89 :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323582 Fri, 19 May 2023 14:23:03 +0000 Anonymous 2323582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Seeing lovely ladies older than I am that still work, I see old hair styles being a problem. &nbsp;You keep,yours youthful. &nbsp;I see the importance of exercising. &nbsp;It is use it or lose it. &nbsp;A biggy these days are tech skills. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323576 Fri, 19 May 2023 13:55:47 +0000 unfrumped 2323576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I worked in a situation where professionals often worked well past 70’s, surrounded by students and newly-minted professionals, so there was a lot of variety. </p> <p>But now have good friends in their 90’s, so kind of seeing my possible future— both what to hope for/ emulate and what praying to be able to accept. </p> <p>From style standpoint, I think you have a great advantage in having good sense of your own style ( changing though it may be) good taste, fashion sense. So almost a super- power compared to average, I’d say. </p> <p>I have noticed in myself as I try to evolve style, outfits, or just get dressed for something, that I am subject to moods, to comparing myself both to impossible photos and to street style. Actually most street style here is pretty ho- hum , bad even, so it’s a treat and not really dismaying to see someone really put- together. </p> <p>Anyway I wish I were just naturally super confident or super “ who cares” but I’m not. I do find that I have a number of silhouettes that I feel quite good about and yet there may be nothing trendy there at all ( but some items are definitely NEW, so, not dressing in mothballs) and my current approach is to just lean into that and realize I’ll second- guess at times because that’s just me. </p> <p>I’m wearing way less makeup but still more than most of my group who mostly wear none. I like “ minimal for me” eye makeup but interesting no longer use any foundation or even blush ( except some “ occasions” ) though I could surely use pinker cheeks. </p> <p>I can see how in harsh work light/ fitness center, you might want to have more “ healthy glow” ! And having fun, as it were, In trying new products that give better results. </p> <p>So that’s all rambling. One thing for not looking or FEELING so old, or tired, is, get enough sleep. This is so much easier as empty nester and my DH is still working, so he needs regular bedtime, else I might on my own stay up too late. </p> <p>another thing is , “ active footwear”. Whatever it takes to give a sure- footed, effortless bouncy stride. For dressy occasions, that can fudge a bit. But at work I’d be sure your footwear really supports that healthy, active stride. As I recall, you don’t have too- fussy feet, so you have more options than I do, so by all means push the style quotient when you can, for the right comfort level. </p> <p>And don’t forget the old adage ( pun intended) of being a good listener/ asking about people , in this specific context I mean talking with “ younger people “, can make one seem “ so interesting “ to others! But in addition, I find it’s great to get outside myself, to then chat with DH, oh , so &amp; so is going through this, or doing that. And also I learn new about new things I might want to do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323569 Fri, 19 May 2023 12:57:06 +0000 Helena 2323569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So echoing all the encouragement here and fwiw I'm am always more trusting for older professionals to comment on my fitness because when I was 26 I could roll into the gym with a hangover after eating McDonald's brekkie and look fine so I'm instantly suspicious of the youths lol.</p> <p>For what I think is the practical part of your question, I do find some of the tips and tricks on YouTube for "mature makeup" can be super helpful ... In particular some of Bobbi Browns content, Wayne goss and even the good old what not to wear Carmindy highlighting technique all help me feel a little more fresh faced when I've got the blahs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323559 Fri, 19 May 2023 12:29:53 +0000 Brooklyn 2323559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t have this problem anymore because I work exclusively from home and for myself. And the only meetings I have are by teleconference. It actually can be quite lonely and isolating, but that’s a whole other issue! </p> <p>I do experience something similar when I go to the city, where I used to work, and realise most people are younger than I am. Sometimes I feel self conscious about what I’m wearing because my style is a bit out there. At least for someone my age. </p> <p>So I try not to second myself. Or worry too much about what other people might think. I’m sure that there are lots of people here who think my look is gaudy and OTT. So what? I’m enjoying fashion. A lot. </p> <p>FWIW, I think you look “with it” in a fashion sense. Sharp. Not tired. Not gaudy!</p> <p>But you should own your look. If you are happy with your style, that’s enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323552 Fri, 19 May 2023 12:04:13 +0000 gryffin 2323552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa - as you know I'm 63 and I'd like to work another 7-10 yr.&nbsp; It took me a long time to get this good at my job and I feel like I am in my prime.&nbsp; On looking the part, I think you always look amazing.&nbsp; I have let my hair go natural and for me, I think I wear less make up now than I used to because it's more flattering on my skin type.&nbsp; Sunscreen the only must.&nbsp; I think the fit of clothes is the most important thing.&nbsp; But I think the thing that keeps me relevant is passion, which you, of course, have in spades.&nbsp; Since I've taken the deep dive into wellness research, the up side of covid, my DH and I are thinking of getting our functional medicine certification.&nbsp; So I'm passionate on counseling patients, in addition to the derm stuff, but diving into the gut microbiome and wellness in a more holistic way.&nbsp; I think it's as much a mental game as physical, when you yourself bring vibrancy, curiosity, passion, compassion, wisdom and energy and beam that out at the workplace that's the thing that really makes us shine.&nbsp; That's the legacy.&nbsp; And walking the talk, exercise, diet, peace, stress management, when we live the path it shows on our face, our smile, our bodies and that's what makes every thing we do special!&nbsp; GL awesome girl, just keep putting yourself out in the world!!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323540 Fri, 19 May 2023 11:19:00 +0000 Anonymous 2323540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fwiw you definitely don't look tired, gaudy, or like you can't keep up to me! I like hearing how you bend the dress code </p> <p>In my current job, I'm the youngest by a couple years, though I was the oldest at my last job (inc older than my boss). I'm fine either way, as long as people get the job done and don't micromanage me. What bothers me the most is that people my age are grandparents :/ When did That happen??</p> <p>DH's coworkers otoh, are all (or nearly all) much younger, and he says he feels old when they don't get his pop culture references. That's what ages him, not his looks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323537 Fri, 19 May 2023 11:13:08 +0000 Janet 2323537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You’ve gotten such great responses already! </p> <p>I’m not in a traditional workplace, so I can’t relate to the specific concerns you have, but I do get it. I realized last night, greeting a couple hundred visitors to my studio on an art walk, that I am now the second oldest artist in the building, which is weird to me. I feel like it was not so long ago that I was by far the youngest person hired as a DJ for one of the radio stations where I worked, at 21! How did I go from youngest to near oldest so quickly! </p> <p>But on the flip side, I have come to realize that I am viewed more authoritatively these days by a certain professional community that calls on me for judging competitions and giving educational presentations. The point being that being (and yes, looking) in a time of life of “wisdom and experience” (my dermatologist used that term instead of “age” and I like it!), can be a benefit. We can’t fight it, so let’s own it, as Peri says!</p> <p>From everything we see here, you present yourself in a very appropriate, current way. Your grooming and style are so good, and seem to true to you, that I would really not fret it. I would say lean into it. If there is something you feel you’d like to change (embracing a new silhouette, changing up the hair, adopting a new favorite accessory, etc), I think that can help us continually reevaluate and evolve, without reinventing the wheel so to speak. </p> <p>I’m trying to do the same myself, as I have let go of the hair dye (still questioning that sometimes), and am trying to do my best to take care of myself so my health and energy levels stay as good as they can be. I figure the rest follows. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323534 Fri, 19 May 2023 10:31:58 +0000 Jenni NZ 2323534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, yes, I am in the position of being the second oldest in our very small team of 2 receptionists, 2 family doctors, 2 practice nurses, one practice manager and one business manager ( the latter two actually cover 3 practices not just our one). One receptionist who does 2 days a week now is actually 70. I am 62, colleague is 60, nurses are 58 and about 55. As you know I do not dye my hair or wear any more than the most minimal makeup.<br /> Despite that I am blessed to be complimented on my fashion choices at least once every week. Not by young people of course, usually, although occasionally even they do. Women much more than men. Men compliment shoes occasionally. I feel totally comfortable with how I am perceived in the workplace. It’s my competence and expertise that matter.<br /> I do understand that because I was the owner up until just over 18 months ago when I sold the company but continued to work, that makes my position somewhat different from yours? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323516 Fri, 19 May 2023 04:47:01 +0000 Sally 2323516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I work in a job with an aging population....30% of teachers are over 50.&nbsp; I"m 51 and a lot of my teaching friends are in their 60s and over.&nbsp; &nbsp;I don't really notice the age because they are so much fun and very interesting. There is also a lot of mixing across age groups as well.&nbsp; We invited a 20 something student teacher out to the movies with us the other day.&nbsp; &nbsp;I think I might feel differently if I worked in a different environment.&nbsp; Every now and then when I find myself talking to younger people, I think wow I'm so much older than you and I wonder if I address appropriately for my age (my teenage son says "you are not going out in that are you?).....it would be very hard for me to change though.&nbsp; Sorry I'm not much help.&nbsp; I guess the main thing I want to say is that I don't notice a big difference in overall energy levels between different ages, unless they are very elderly and frail.&nbsp; Younger people often have families etc which makes them feel tired (or they are caught up in their dramas), and older people seem to have gotten over all that, if they have kids, they are probably grown up so they have more time.&nbsp; You probably look more energetic and upbeat than you feel.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-aging-in-the-workplace#post-2323499 Fri, 19 May 2023 02:38:25 +0000 Jaime 2323499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes I have been in this position both while working at the thrift store and working at a non-profit. I am/was not the oldest person in either case but old for my position and facing many younger people. Honestly, I find younger people less challenging to face than people my around my age (57 next month) or older. Younger people either do not pay all that much attention to me (nor I to them) or else tell me they wish their moms would stop dying their hair like me , whereas more contemporary women often give me the competitive once over and I feel judged. I think you present as a fit, together, stylish sort of person and the young ones that pay attention will see you as a role model (for their mothers )! </p>