'before & after image, advertising products to reverse signs of ageing
Have you seen the wonder face-creams that promise to 'reverse the signs of ageing'.
Creams, dyes, lotions and potions for a quick fix, to not look like we are getting older. Nowadays, botox, fillers and surgery are extremes folk go to to stay looking young.
Perhaps universally, fairy tales and legends reveal a secret desire for perpetual youth that has intrigued and attracted human beings.
It's not just that we want to live for ever, but we don't want to look like we are ageing.
We don't particularly seek to be ancient looking relics existing forever.
We want to stay youthful, or later to reverse the signs of ageing.
We all know this is not really possible!
There are things we can do to look after our bodies – to eat fresh, good food, to exercise regularly, sleep enough, look after our mental health and not put toxic things into our bodies.
But apart from the affront to our vanity, one thing about growing old that we maybe dread most, is the diminishing independence and thus the reliance on others.
For many, there is a role-reversal, especially noticed when it is the children who take on the role of care-givers for their elderly and/or infirm parents.
We resist being dependent!
We don't want to feel like a burden.
We want to do things for ourselves!
Of course, as children we are dependent and then we naturally grow out of it – for most young people, we reach the point, with good training, of not only desiring independence, but of being equipped to look after ourselves and hopefully to look after a partner, children and others.
But for many, in our twilight years, there comes a time when the natural signs of ageing take their toll and we cannot be as independent as before.
We come to need the help of others more and more.
For some, the roles of parent and child seem to be reversed.
My mother had early-onset Alzheimer's and by the age of 60, she could do nothing more for herself. I became her full-time carer, responsible for her personal hygiene, feeding and all aspects of daily life and care.
I tried to do for her, what she had once done for me.
It was hard-work for us both and had many challenges, but it was also a great privilege for me.
One day my dear mother said to me: 'But you're my Mammy!'
Bless her!
The prophet Isaiah describes men as being like grass – here today and gone tomorrow – but later in the same chapter he promises hope of a different sort of youth.
The promise is for 'THOSE WHO HOPE IN THE LORD'.
Isaiah 40: 29 - 31
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Now there is a promise we can count on!!!
Every Friday, I join an online Christian writing community, Five Minute Friday. We are given a one-word prompt and write – unscripted, unedited, pure free-write – for 5 minutes. The prompt this week is REVERSE.
I do read through my script afterwards to correct my mistakes; to check scripture references and to find an appropriate image to illustrate the topic.
To read other FMF posts on this subject click below:
Join us with your own five-minute freewrite and read other posts here
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