I think what ages a person, more than anything else, is being stuck in a rut. IMO, people who age well are the ones who are open to new ideas and don't live in the good 'ol days (as if the good ol' days were really so good and so much better than today). Living in the past, whether it be the way a person dresses or the way a person thinks, is aging. Usually the two go hand in hand. People who age well are young at heart and don't let age stop them from doing the things they want to do. It's a mindset.

Great topic. Wow, so many interesting comments. My Jazzercise instructor used to ask "If you didn't know how old you are, how old would you be?" I remember once answering "80" when I was about 45. This is because I was depressed and felt terrible. I feel younger now, because I feel happy. I don't want to look "ravaged by life". I want to feel vibrant and relevant. I think the number of years I've been here is just a number.

Not a thing wrong with looking older, younger or your age.
I hope for style and grace to develop as we age.
My husband looks older than he is, I look a bit younger- we both look good.
We would not look ourselves if we tried too hard to change things.
(Me going grey or Norm cutting and dying his hair and wearing more fashion forward clothing)
Focusing on one age group as being the ideal is a problem, this why style can be be so important in how we present ourselves to the world.
Great thoughts!

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Great topic & comments.

I had an interview recently & the interviewer told me he did not think I looked my age (41). I was a little flattered but also confused - what does a 41 year old look like?

I have a very light voice which I think adds to people's perceptions - my dad suggested I get voice coaching to lower it a little (like Margaret Thatcher did) - he thought it would help me to be taken more seriously at work.

My husband is 15 years older than me & very craggy. We get stared at a LOT! Someone asked us once if I was his daughter which was mortifying!

I'm enjoying the aging process - I had a brush with cancer when I was 30 and it really changed my outlook & perspective on life. I'm enjoying my laughter lines - I often blame John for making me smile so much & giving me wrinkles!

I have so much to say here but two mai tais are forcing me to favorite this thread for later!

Well, from the other side of the pool ... I look my age, more than any woman I know (so I guess I look older than my age, then?). When with friends, I'm always the only one that get "ma'am-ed" (early 30).

So I may be the only one to say : yes, guessing my age right hurts (and know what hurts more ? "Guessing" I'm older than I really am. Been there ...).

Especially since it seems so unfair : I wear sunscreen, moisturize, eat my greens, exercise dutifully and dress (I hope) stylishly. I could blame it on genes, except my mother and grand-mother have aged very well

Enjoy your good looks, everyone !

There is nothing at all wrong with looking your age but its nice to look a bit younger, lol.