In this Q&A, Wendy Euler discusses why women need to ignore societal messages about growing older.
The patriarchy preys on women, selling them things to prevent aging, like anti-aging creams, anti-aging supplements. I hate those words “anti-aging.” I am anti anti-aging. The only alternative to aging is to be in a box or an urn. There is a psychological manipulation going on with big business. It’s all about moneymaking. What they sell is never going to make you look younger — and you shouldn’t care.: Yes.
It’s not about looks, it’s about a feeling. What’s important is not what you put on your face, but what goes into your ears and eyes, and how you nourish yourself with everything that goes in: what you are reading, hearing, eating — everything that goes in.I really believe it is important to laugh and to have fun. I often ask women: What is the most fun you have had recently? When is the last time you laughed until you hurt? And they are stumped. I’ve recently rediscovered laughter.