It’s Age Without Apology Month! 💁‍♀️

June is a special month! We celebrate National Age Without Apology Month, a time to embrace getting older and all the incredible experiences that come with it. This year, we’re focusing on the powerful connection between movement, health, and confidence at any age.

Age Without Apology Month is dedicated to shifting the negative narrative and stigma surrounding the natural process of age and getting older.

It encourages individuals to age without feeling ashamed in the wake of negative stereotypes and misconceptions.

Initially the campaign focused on how words can affect mental health, such as the beauty industry’s use of ‘anti-ageing’ to suggest that age is something we should challenging rather than embrace.

It is a reminder that ageing is a gift, something to be celebrated and reduces negative stereotypes, bias, discrimination and prejudice around ageing.

Why Age Without Apology?

Here’s why this movement, created by the beauty brand Willowberry is so important:

• Combating Age-Related Shame: Society often equates aging with decline, leading women to feel ashamed of their bodies and accomplishments as they get older. Age Without Apology Month aims to dismantle these stereotypes and celebrate the beauty and wisdom that comes with experience.
• Shifting the Focus: Instead of striving to look younger, Age Without Apology Month encourages women to focus on feeling confident and strong at any age.
• A Feminist Issue: The pressure to maintain a youthful appearance disproportionately affects women. Age Without Apology Month recognizes that ageism is a form of gender bias, and fights for equal acceptance of aging for all genders.
• Embracing Life at Every Stage: Getting older is a privilege! Age Without Apology Month encourages women to embrace all stages of life, with their unique challenges and joys.

The Age Positivity Movement

National Age Without Apology Month is part of a growing movement towards age positivity. This movement aims to:

• Promote self-acceptance and confidence as we age.
• Challenge unrealistic beauty standards.
• Celebrate the diverse experiences and perspectives of older adults

Reframing the Menopause Narrative: Celebrating Change, Not Decline

National Age Without Apology Month is an opportunity to address a topic often shrouded in negativity: menopause. For many women, the approach of menopause is met with dread, fueled by societal stereotypes and a lack of understanding.

Menopause: A Natural Transition, Not an Ending
Menopause, the natural cessation of menstruation, affects all women. Despite its inevitability, a significant portion of women view it negatively. This negativity often stems from:

• Focus on Fertility: Society often defines a woman’s value by her fertility. Menopause, then, is seen as the “end” of a woman’s worth. This is simply not true! Women continue to experience growth, wisdom, and fulfillment throughout their lives.
• Lack of Awareness: Many women lack understanding about the range of symptoms associated with menopause,which can include hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. This lack of knowledge can lead to anxiety and fear.
• Negative Stigma: Open conversations about menopause are often discouraged, leaving women feeling isolated and unable to discuss their experiences.

Let’s Celebrate the Female Body!

Here at Bodyfixit, we join the movement to celebrate the incredible female body at every stage of life. Menopause is a natural transition, not the end of a woman’s journey. It’s time to:

• Reframe the conversation: Menopause is a normal and healthy part of aging, not a disease to be feared.
• Embrace the benefits: Menopause can bring relief from period-related symptoms and offer a new chapter of freedom and self-discovery.
• Seek knowledge and support: Educate yourself about menopause and its symptoms. Talk to your doctor and seek support from other women going through this transition.

Breaking the Silence: How We Can Talk Openly About Menopause

Menopause, a natural transition for all women, is often shrouded in secrecy and negativity. Here’s how we can break the silence and create a more positive conversation:

Open Communication is Key

• Start talking! Openly discussing menopause with friends, family, and partners can normalize the experience and reduce feelings of isolation.
• Ask questions and listen actively. For partners and loved ones, show support by asking how they’re feeling and what you can do to help.
• Embrace open dialogue: Encourage conversations about menopause in workplaces, social groups, and online communities. Sharing experiences can be incredibly empowering.

Education is Power

• Combat misinformation: Many negative stereotypes surround menopause. Seek accurate information from reliable sources, such as medical professionals and women’s health organizations.
• Educate everyone: Knowledge about menopause isn’t just for women! Educating people of all genders and ages can foster understanding and create a support system for women going through this transition.
• Advocate for workplace support: Encourage companies to develop menopause policies that offer support, resources, and flexibility for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. This can improve well-being and work performance.

Together, we can break down the stigma surrounding menopause. By normalising open conversations, promoting education, and advocating for support, we can empower women to embrace this natural change with confidence and understanding.

 

Embrace Your Age, Embrace Movement!

This year’s theme is “Age is an Energy,” which we love as it fits in with our ideals and having a fixation on keeping you all moving! The good news is, movement isn’t just good for you – it’s essential for maintaining health and well-being as we age. Here’s how regular exercise benefits you:

• Stronger Muscles and Bones: Regular exercise helps maintain muscle mass and bone density, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
• Improved Balance and Coordination: Exercise helps you stay steady on your feet and navigate daily activities with confidence.
• Enhanced Flexibility: Staying flexible makes movement easier and reduces the risk of pain and stiffness.
• Boosted Mood and Energy Levels: Physical activity is a proven mood elevator! Exercise fights fatigue and promotes a sense of well-being.
• Sharper Mind: Studies show that regular exercise can improve cognitive function and memory.

Pilates: Your Perfect Partner for Age-Defying Movement

At Bodyfixit, we’re passionate about Pilates as the perfect exercise for all ages and abilities. Pilates offers a gentle yet effective way to:

• Strengthen your core: A strong core is essential for good posture, stability, and balance, all crucial for maintaining mobility as we age.
• Improve flexibility: Pilates stretches and lengthens muscles, improving range of motion and reducing stiffness.
• Reduce joint pain: Pilates is a low-impact exercise that minimizes stress on joints.
• Boost confidence: As you get stronger and more flexible, your confidence and ability to participate in activities you love will increase

 

References: https://herhealthuk.com/what-is-age-without-apology-month/ & https://www.healthassured.org/blog/national-age-without-apology-month/#:~:text=Celebrated%20in%20June%20annually%2C%20the,discrimination%20and%20prejudice%20around%20aging.