Cultural Shifts in Ageing and Longevity
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For much of history, ageing was regarded as a natural, albeit undesirable, process. Wrinkles, grey hair, and reduced vitality were accepted as markers of time passing. But as lifespans extend due to medical and technological advancements, society’s focus shifts from surviving to thriving in later years.
This cultural shift is due to multiple factors, including breakthroughs in treatments for chronic diseases and preventative medicine, an aesthetic revolution where cosmetic treatments have become more accessible, and the rise of longevity influencers, with popular figures like Bryan Johnson, Dave Asprey, and Ben Greenfield popularising the idea that ageing is a process that can be slowed, if not reversed, through science, lifestyle optimisation, and technology.
Living longer and looking younger
Aesthetic procedures have moved from becoming a luxury to a routine part of self-care for many people. Cosmetic treatments that were once stigmatised as unnecessary are now more often viewed as tools for maintaining confidence. People in their 30s and 40s are increasingly opting for non-invasive treatments to prevent signs of ageing before they become more pronounced. The lower costs and widespread availability of treatments like anti wrinkle injections have made them more accessible. Social media has demystified aesthetic treatments with influencers openly discussing their experiences. There’s a shift towards prevention, with many people now viewing these treatments as preventative measures.
Skin and the aesthetic side of longevity
As cultural attitudes toward ageing change, the demand for beauty treatments surges. More people are seeking a confidence boost from treatments like anti-wrinkle injections. Other popular beauty treatments include dermal fillers, which restore lost volume in areas like the cheeks, lips, and under the eyes, laser treatments which address skin texture, pigmentation, and sun damage, microneedling which stimulates healing and collagen production, and chemical peels which exfoliate the outer layers of skin for a smoother, brighter complexion.
These treatments can allow people to feel more self-assured in professional and social settings. Many younger adults are turning to these treatments as part of their anti-ageing strategy, aiming to prevent wrinkles before they develop.
The longevity movement
The focus on longevity goes beyond beauty treatments. Leaders in the longevity space emphasise that true anti-ageing is about extending healthspan – the number of years we live in good health – rather than merely lifespan. Bryan Johnson has spent millions on his personal longevity regimen, implementing strict dietary protocols and extensive biometric tracking. Johnson views ageing as a problem to solve, his ultimate goal being: “Don’t die”. Dave Asprey, sometimes called the “father of biohacking” includes practices such as intermittent fasting, cold therapy, and supplementation with peptides and NAD+ boosters. Ben Greenfield, a former triathlete, combines strength training, nutrition, and biohacking techniques such as red light therapy to slow the ageing process.
Exercise and weight training
Physical activity, including weight training, plays an important role in anti-ageing by promoting overall health, preserving and building muscle mass, building bone density, and enhancing appearance. Many influencers emphasise the importance of exercise and its many benefits, including supporting hormonal, mental, and emotional health.
Shifting perspectives
While older generations might have viewed wrinkles and other signs of ageing as inevitable, younger generations approach ageing with a mindset of prevention and control. People are more informed about the science of ageing and the options to slow or reverse it. Ageing gracefully now encompasses mental, physical, and aesthetic well-being.
Photo by Victor Freitas on Unsplash
