GROOMING IDEAS FOR SENIORS

Grooming senior citizens is not just about making them look good but is more about enhancing their self-esteem and confidence. A man over sixty going out on business dressed in smart fashionable clothes, brightly polished shoes with neatly brushed hair and finely moisturised skin will stand out as a person of substance. Such a person is most likely to be brimming with enthusiasm and self-assurance, ready to accomplish whatever task he had set out for. He can be some sort of a role model to other seniors including retirees who are more reticent in their attire and attitude. ........................ One should not lament that the expensive suits, jackets and ties lying in the closet are no longer of much use after retirement. If you are socially active in your retirement years, as you should be for your own good, such formal wear could turn out to be of some value, after all. In fact you may even have to replenish your wardrobe from time to time with newer and more fashionable attire as you grow in stature and have to live up to the times. That is, assuming you are socially active with a positive state of mind and in readiness to join in any community related work regardless of how modest it might be. ........................ The simple but joyful act of shopping for smart clothes and accessories for different occasions can work wonders for your mood. You should shop whenever you have the urge and never feel that fashion is all about youth. As a matter of fact, fashion is not confined to any specific age group at all. We live in an era where fashion for older people has gained momentum because of the positive impact it can have on their psyche. Additionally, there is a healthy market demand for grooming products targeting the older generation which is only expected to grow with time. Some of the fastest growing products are in the field of personal care like anti-ageing creams, rejuvenation creams, hair dyes, foot scrubs, body lotions etc. Exploring the plethora of personal grooming items and keeping track of the latest trends in fashion wear may be a good pastime for seniors conscious of their looks and demeanor. ........................ When we talk about grooming it's not only about the clothes we wear or the accessories to go with it. It's also about how you carry yourself at social gatherings or at business meetings. It's about your poise and graciousness in dealing with people. It's about ageing gracefully. There is no point in trying too hard to camouflage the lines on your skin or the greys in your hair. These are all natural occurrences we should willingly accept with a measure of equanimity. Our attention should be focused more on keeping the body nicely hydrated at all times and engaging in physical exercises - be it guided sessions of aerobics, yoga and pranayama or simply sports & games. ........................ When people think of an old individual, they might imagine someone frail & weak and probably dressed in crumpled clothes. This is surely not an impression you would want others to carry about your own personality. You would most certainly prefer to present yourself as someone smart, confident and alert to your surroundings. The clothes you wear can be a distinctive form of self-expression. When you feel good about how you look it can lead to a positive mind-set and a sense of well-being. Therefore, it may be a good idea to consider enrolling for a course on personal grooming but there is a caveat – the dearth of courses specifically tailored to the grooming needs of seniors might dishearten you to some extent. You can of course take grooming tips from those trained in the general space of personal grooming or from contents gleaned from the net. Always remember you are not too old to learn new things. Let your natural curiosity lead you to experiment with ways and means to look good at all times. Opt for stylish but comfortable clothes to exude confidence and a sense of purpose. After all, being conscious of your looks is indicative of a positive engagement with life. Here is a quote (source unknown) which you may find amusing: ........................ “Dress like you’ve made something of yourself in this world, even if you haven’t.”

Prabir K Bora

12/15/20231 min read