We’re Giving Aging the Bird This Month (No, not that kind of bird) – Here’s Why You Should, Too!

According to a recent survey, approximately eight in 10 Americans agree society puts too much value on appearing youthful. Do you agree? In an era when we’re constantly bombarded with “anti-aging” messages, images, and products, it’s not surprising that most people feel extreme pressure to fear and fight the aging process. But WHY? Aging is a natural, inevitable process. September is Healthy Aging Month, and Bella Magazine’s Lynette Barbieri and Mary Glover weighed in on the conversation at the Give Aging the Bird panel event hosted by Great Lakes Wellness, a modern wellness and collagen company with a brand heritage dating back 100 years, so they know a thing or two about aging!

Lynette Barbieri of BELLA Magazine: “Mary and I had the pleasure of attending the Great Lakes Wellness event in NYC. We met and heard from amazing women and learned so much, and being in the media business allowed us to completely understand the pressure women face as we get older.”

Awareness of healthy aging or pro-aging is growing, with A-list celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Eva Longoria, Julianne Moore, and Jennifer Garner all taking public stances on aging gracefully. The topic continues to be a hot cultural conversation as we all age daily. Despite the fear and hesitation, there are advantages that come along with it, but a reframed mindset is needed to fully accept the cultural shift that’s in progress. The lively chat was centered around just that.

Held at the gorgeous Glass Ceiling Nomad rooftop in Manhattan with a view of the city skyline, media and influencers were in attendance for the afternoon of eye opening, honest dialogue. Moderated by blogger and writer Dena Kourmetis, the panel included esteemed experts from the broadcasting, health and wellness spaces, including veteran journalist Monica Kaufman Pearson; podcast Host Wendy Euler of Goodbye Crop Top; psychologist, RD and wellbeing coach, Dr. Ellen Albertson; RD and female health advocate Lisa Hayim.

“Giving aging the bird is not what you think it is. It’s about allowing yourself to live freely. The first step in sparking this changing mindset is talking about it,” said Jackie Diaz, Social media Manager at Great Lakes Wellness. “We’re not here to tell anyone what’s wrong or right, but to support the unique journey we’re all on, no matter what that looks like. So often we’re preoccupied with trying to fight the inevitable and it can take a toll on our mental and physical wellbeing. We are thrilled to be a part of the conversation, and hope to help shape this shifting attitude around getting older.”

A survey conducted by OnePoll and Great Lakes Wellness analyzed responses from 2,000 Americans ages 25 and older, and found the majority of Americans wish they didn’t feel this pressure to combat the aging process. The survey found:

• Three in four (75%) say they want to spend less time fighting aging and more time doing things they love, and that age is not something to fight or fear, but rather an opportunity to live a more fulfilling and emotionally and physically healthy life.
• Most people who have outgrown their 20s say that they feel more fulfilled (69%) and satisfied (71%) with their lives today.
• Seventy-seven percent of Americans agree there is a negative bias around aging or the perception of being “old” and six in 10 Americans even avoid sharing their age in fear of being “judged” (61%).
• 77% say social media filters send the wrong message about physical appearances.

So, how are you facing aging? Is it something to fear or embrace and be empowered by? We’d love to know how you #GiveAgingtheBird. Learn more about the campaign by visiting www.giveagingthebird.com and share your story using the hashtag on Instagram.