Aging Isn’t the Problem—The Narrative Is

Kaajal C
4 days ago
3 min read

Aging Was Never the Enemy

When did aging become a problem? As a Gujarati woman, a diabetes coach, and someone deeply embedded in both wellness and cultural nuance, I’ve seen firsthand how society treats aging - especially for women of colour. There’s a quiet fear many of us carry: Will I lose my visibility, my glow, my relevance?

Let’s get one thing clear: aging isn’t about Botox or biohacking. It’s about unlearning what we’ve been taught - and rewriting the story on our terms.

The Cultural Lie: Aging = Decline

For generations, many of us have inherited the belief that aging equals decline. In South Asian and African households, aging was once synonymous with struggle, survival, and loss of value.

But this belief came from a time when people didn’t live past 50 due to lack of medicine, proper food, or safety. If you reached 60, you were seen as a warrior. Yet today, women are living longer, stronger, and smarter lives - and it’s time our mindset caught up.

Why the fear still exists:

Cultural emphasis on productivity, sacrifice, and beauty
Chronic illness stigma (like diabetes = weakness)
Generational habits of “pushing through” instead of resting
Lack of open conversation about perimenopause, burnout, and mental health

Mindset Shift: Aging Is Visibility, Not Vanity

You are still here. And that’s powerful. I’ve never felt more energetic, grounded, and glowy than I have in my late 30s. My face hasn’t had any procedures, but my energy is younger because I stopped caring about things that drain me. That glow? It came after 35.

We need to stop shrinking our routines, our rest, our joy - and start expanding.

Reframe It: Aging Is Maintenance, Not Misery

If you’re in your 30s or 40s and wondering why your body feels different - it’s not a decline. It’s a shift. And it requires a few intentional upgrades.

3 Simple Upgrades for Aging with Power:

1. Adjust Your Routine (Don’t Shrink It)

Add more protein (30g within an hour of waking)
Hydrate with intention
Find your joy triggers: walks, dancing, journaling, ritual chai
Prioritise sleep (yes, even naps count!)

2. Embrace Rest Without Guilt

As a brown girl with diabetes, I’ve had to unlearn that rest is laziness. Rest is repair. It’s cultural preservation. And it’s a direct line to glowing skin, better hormones, and mental clarity.

3. Prioritize Protein & Muscle

Especially in South Asian diets, protein is often low. Yet as we age:

Muscle mass declines, increasing joint pain and fatigue
Adding strength training and protein-rich foods (dhal, fish, eggs, protein shakes) protects your energy
Strong = safe = glowing

Why It Hits Differently for Women of Color

Aging in cultural communities hits different. We carry:

Generational expectations
Unspoken rules about who deserves rest
Invisible emotional labour

Burnout, diabetes, and hypertension often hit women of colour earlier. And by the time we speak up, we’re already in crisis. We need to normalise preventative rest, joyful movement, and gentle rituals as tools of power - not recovery.

5-Minute Daily Aging Ritual

Every morning, ask:

“What do I need to feel like me today?”

This isn’t fluff. Your cells are listening. You’re creating a relationship with your future self. She deserves better than burnout.

Conclusion: You Don’t Need to Look Younger - You Need to Feel Safer

The real flex? Feeling peaceful, strong, and full of life in your own skin. Your 45 doesn’t have to look like your mom’s.Your 60 can be filled with dance, passion, and purpose - not pain. If you’re ready to redefine aging, it starts with reclaiming rest, nourishment, and visibility. You’re not too old. You’re just getting started.

What’s One Cultural Belief About Aging You’re Ready to Unlearn?

Drop it in the comments. Let's rewrite this narrative—together.

Kaajal x

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FAQ

Q: Can you age gracefully with diabetes?

Absolutely. It requires consistent blood sugar care, rest, and strength-building habits. You can glow and thrive at every age.

Q: I feel guilty about resting. What should I do?

Start with small, non-negotiable rest rituals. Communicate boundaries gently but clearly with friends/partner/family. Your well-being is not selfish - it’s sustainable.

Q: I’m in my 30s and already feel “old.” Is that normal?

Yes - and it’s likely from burnout, not biology. Start with sleep, hydration, and pleasure-based routines. Energy can return when peace becomes a priority.