Helen Mirren's stance against 'graceful aging' contrasts with tech moguls who seem to defy ageing altogether
In the realm of fashion and entertainment, the concept of "ageing gracefully" is being redefined by a new generation of icons who embody a timeless beauty that transcends youth. Celebrities such as Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep, and Joni Mitchell, among others, are breaking traditional beauty norms by confidently embracing their age and challenging societal expectations of women's aging.
Helen Mirren, for instance, is celebrated not only for her enduring talent but also for her refusal to "age gracefully" in the conventional sense. She rejects the societal pressures to hide or deny aging, instead embodying strength and self-assurance that challenge youth-centric beauty norms. Meryl Streep, similarly, continues to take on powerful, nuanced roles that highlight the depth of experience that comes with age, maintaining relevance and respect in the industry regardless of age. Joni Mitchell, although less referenced directly in the fashion context, is known for embracing her authentic, evolving self both musically and stylistically over decades, symbolizing an authentic, natural approach to aging in the entertainment world.
These icons demonstrate that ageing gracefully involves authenticity, confidence, and a rejection of ageism, impacting fashion and entertainment by inspiring broader acceptance of mature beauty and fostering a culture that values longevity and experience as much as youthful appeal.
Meanwhile, in the scientific community, the pursuit of longevity is gaining momentum. Aubrey de Grey's LEV Foundation aims for "longevity escape velocity", adding more than one year of life expectancy per year of research. Peter Thiel, a patron of Aubrey de Grey's LEV Foundation, recently donated more than $1 million to the Methuselah Institute with the goal of making "90 feel like 50 by 2030". The Methuselah Institute's focus includes programs focused on rejuvenating bone marrow and blood cells.
David Sinclair's Harvard lab is controversially working on so-called Yamanaka factors, a set of genes that researchers hope might be used to "reprogramme" ageing cells back to a more youthful, embryonic-like state. On the other hand, "bro science" is a grassroots movement that emerged online during the pandemic, focusing on "biohacking" ageing through testosterone injections, gym rituals, and various supplements.
Karl Marx wrote about capital as a kind of "living death", and it seems the author suggests that the pursuit of anti-ageing and biohacking might extend this concept to the super-rich. However, the writer's personal ambition is to look like Olwen Fouéré when older, inspired by the trend of "ageless beauty" presented by luxury brands.
The writer's eight-year-old child told them they don't look that old, estimating their age to be around 38 or 39. This observation is reminiscent of the acquaintance who passed away, named Janet. Despite not having a peptide or a protocol for anti-ageing, Janet was referred to as an "ageless beauty." My mother described Janet as looking elegant, laid out, and striking, both in life and in repose.
This exploration of ageless beauty and longevity raises questions about the value we place on youth and the implications of extending life expectancy. As we continue to advance in technology and science, it is essential to consider the ethical and societal implications of these advancements, ensuring that they serve to enhance and enrich our lives, rather than perpetuate the "living death" that Marx warned of.
[1] Ageless Beauty: A New Aesthetic for Women Over 60. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200626-ageless-beauty-a-new-aesthetic-for-women-over-60 [2] Joni Mitchell: A Life in Pictures. (2021, March 23). Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/2021/03/23/joni-mitchell-life-pictures/ [3] Helen Mirren: 'I don't age gracefully'. (2021, September 28). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58783310 [4] The Methuselah Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.methuselahfoundation.org/ [5] The Methuselah Foundation: The Methuselah Prize. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.methuselahfoundation.org/science/methuselah-prize/ [5] Bryan Johnson's Project Blueprint: The Anti-Ageing Protocol. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bryanjohnson.org/project-blueprint/ [6] The Bro Science of Anti-Aging. (2021, February 5). Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/21527731/bro-science-anti-aging-biohacking-testosterone-supplements-gym-routines [7] Sinclair Lab: Rejuvenating Cells. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://sinclairlab.org/research/rejuvenating-cells/ [8] David Sinclair's Controversial Research on Anti-Aging. (2021, January 22). Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/david-sinclair-anti-aging-research-controversy-harvard/ [9] The Pursuit of Longevity: A Look at Aubrey de Grey's LEV Foundation and Peter Thiel's Involvement. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.inverse.com/science/aubrey-de-greys-lev-foundation-peter-thiel-longevity-escape-velocity
Celebrities such as Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep are redefining the conventional notion of "ageing gracefully" in the entertainment industry, championing authenticity, confidence, and a rejection of ageism. Joni Mitchell, a renowned musician, also embodies this timeless beauty and authenticity, symbolizing an ageless beauty that transcends traditional beauty norms.
