Senior Women Show Us The Beauty Of Aging (PHOTOS) | HuffPost

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Senior Women Show Us The Beauty Of Aging

Isabelle Khoo— The Huffington Post Canada

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While we are constantly bombarded with messages that being young is beautiful, we often overlook one small fact: that growing old is beautiful too.

Photojournalist Robbie Kaye learned this for herself when she set out to do a photo project on the charming, older ladies who get their hair done at a beauty salon in Los Angeles. While she intended her project to be a humorous take, it soon took on a life of its own, forcing Kaye to gain a new perspective on aging.

“I saw so much more,” Kaye said. “I felt I needed to portray their dignity.”

Funnily enough, Kaye’s upcoming 50th milestone birthday was what inspired her to photograph women in their 70s and older. She then spent the next few years taking pictures and interviewing these women in salons all across the United States.

“The more I photographed, the more denial I had to strip away from my own ideals and vanity and face the reality that I, too, if the powers that be allow, will be aging as well,” the 53-year-old said.

In an interview with Mashable, Kaye explained her experience by saying: “I saw the faces of women who have weathered many storms and supported many people through trials and tribulations. They fought for all of us, to expand our culture that still is so very focused on the beauty of youth and all that is ‘obviously’ beautiful.”

When Kaye finished her project, she published her work in a book called “Beauty and Wisdom.” In doing so, the photojournalist hopes to “change the perception of how we look at beauty, and that it’s not exclusively for youth.”

Kaye is currently shooting a documentary which features her interviews with the women in her photos. In the film, Kaye reveals some of her most memorable experiences and puts the focus on the beauty of age.

You can view more of Kaye’s “Beauty and Wisdom” project on her website.

Aging is beautiful:

Tips For Healthy Aging

Signs Of Aging: Your Bones(01 of16)

Bones can become thinner and more brittle in old age, especially in women, sometimes resulting in the fragile bone condition called osteoporosis. Thinning bones and decreasing bone mass can put you at risk for falls that can easily result in broken bones. Be sure to talk with your physician about what you can do to prevent osteoporosis and falls. (credit:Shutterstock)

Signs Of Aging: Your Heart(02 of16)

While a healthy diet and regular exercise can keep your heart healthy, it may become slightly enlarged, your heart rate may lower, and the walls of the heart may thicken. (credit:Shutterstock)

Signs Of Aging: Your Brain And Nervous System(03 of16)

Getting older can cause changes in your reflexes and even your senses. While dementia is not a normal consequence of old age, it is common for people to experience some slight forgetfulness as they get older. Cells in the brain and nerves can be damaged by the formation of plaques and tangles, abnormalities that could eventually lead to dementia. (credit:Shutterstock)

Signs Of Aging: Your Digestive System(04 of16)

As you age, your digestive tract becomes more firm and rigid, and doesn't contract as often. This change can lead to problems such as constipation, stomach pain, and feelings of nausea; a better diet can help. (credit:Shutterstock)

Signs Of Aging: Your Senses(05 of16)

You may notice that your vision and hearing aren't quite as sharp as they once were. You may start to lose your sense of taste -- flavors may not seem as distinct to you. Your senses of smell and touch may also weaken. Your body is taking longer to react and needs more to stimulate it. (credit:Shutterstock)

Signs Of Aging: Your Teeth(06 of16)

The tough enamel that protects your teeth from decay can start to wear away over the years, leaving you susceptible to cavities. Gum disease is also a concern for older adults. Good dental hygiene can protect your teeth and gums. Dry mouth, which is a common side effect of many medications that seniors take, may also be a problem.

Signs Of Aging: Your Skin(07 of16)

With old age, your skin loses its elasticity and may start to sag and wrinkle. However, the more you protected your skin from sun damage and smoking when you were younger, the better your skin will look as you get older. Start protecting your skin now to prevent further damage, as well as skin cancer. (credit:Shutterstock)

Signs Of Aging: Your Sex Life(08 of16)

After menopause, when menstruation stops, many women experience physical changes like a loss of vaginal lubrication. Men may experience erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, both problems can be easily treated.

7 Key Steps to Healthy Aging(09 of16)

Here are some healthy aging tips that are good advice at any stage of life (credit:Shutterstock)

Tips To Age Well: Fitness(10 of16)

Stay physically active with regular exercise: Stay socially active with friends and family and within your community. (credit:Shutterstock)

Tips To Age Well: Regular Check-Ups(11 of16)

Don't neglect yourself: Regular check-ups with your doctor, dentist, and optometrist are even more important now. (credit:Shutterstock)

Tips To Age Well: Eat Well(12 of16)

Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet: Dump the junk food in favor of fiber-rich, low-fat, and low-cholesterol eating. (credit:Shutterstock)

Tips To Age Well: Less Is More(13 of16)

Limit alcohol consumption and cut out smoking. (credit:Shutterstock)

Tips To Age Well: Take Medication(14 of16)

Take all medications as directed by your doctor. (credit:Shutterstock)

Tips To Age Well: Sleep(15 of16)

Get the sleep that your body needs.

Tips To Age Well: Take Care Of Your Physical Self(16 of16)

Finally, taking care of your physical self is vital, but it's important that you tend to your emotional health as well. Reap the rewards of your long life, and enjoy each and every day. Now is the time to savor good health and happiness. (credit:Shutterstock)

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