When we moved back to the mainland from Hawaii, my dad found himself with a dilemma. Although he had years of managerial newspaper editor experience, he was now in his late 50s. Despite the award-winning headlines and amazing articles he had written, he was competing with 20-somethings fresh out of college, willing to work at a lower pay. I remember him dyeing his hair with Just For Men before his interview at the Nashville newspaper. He thought maybe by taking some of the gray out of his hair, it would help him look younger. He did get the position but it was well beneath a man of his experience and education.

Ageism is a growing problem, not just in the United States, but around the world. Age discrimination can impact job prospects, finances, self esteem and quality of life. Age stigma can result in depression and anxiety.

Age discrimination happens more often than you may think. Common instances are loss of jobs or inability to find employment, refusal of credit applications, refusal of membership to clubs and health insurance.

58% of adults believe that age discrimination begins among workers in their 50s.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 protects workers over 40 from personnel decisions based solely on age.

But clearly, it is still going on.

As a woman, I think it happens more often than not. Younger women are seen as more attractive and beautiful. Personally, I am happier now than I have ever been in my life. In my early years I was insecure, neurotic and pretty clueless. I like who I am today. I am happy with my life. I am comfortable in my own skin. And that to me, is priceless. I wouldn’t go back to being 20 years old for anything! I am confident, self assured and intelligent. Older women have more to offer, in my humble opinion. Be it in depth of conversation, life experience or education.

Although I don’t want to be 20 again, that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t want to look like I was 20 again. I long for my younger, smooth, wrinkle free skin and my tight, nubile body. I have to work much harder nowadays to stay fit. I also have to watch my diet more closely.

I try to watch what I eat. Whole, clean foods are a key to longevity for me. I also practice intermittent fasting, limiting my calories to a window between noon-6pm every day. I wear big floppy hats and use sunscreen like a fanatic. I stay out of the sun in peak hours. I exercise at least 3 times a week.

I get filler in my cheeks (Voluma), my lips (Vollure), my tear troughs (Volbella). I get Botox religiously every 3 months in my forehead, crow’s feet, DAO, lips, glabella and platysmal bands of my neck.

I take very good care of my skin with Skin Medica’s line of amazing products. I get a chemical peel or nano needling treatment monthly to stay on top of age spots and wrinkles.

There are things we can to to stay competitive in today’s world. If you’re interested in taking ten years off your face, give us a call at Hawaii Blue and let us show you what we can do for you!