Nursing home residents in their 80s and 90s talked about what beauty means to them. Their answers might surprise you.
According to a recent conversation on the senior care platform Lottie, a group of nursing home residents in their 80s and 90s shared their insights on beauty. Despite their age, these individuals have a fresh perspective on what it means to be beautiful.
Meryll Bradley, a vibrant 97-year-old, emphasized that beauty is all about energy. She credits her youthful spirit to taking care of herself and treating her body with respect. Bradley advises that simply listening to your body, eating well, and living a balanced life can make you feel beautiful without any fuss.
Unsurprisingly, physical appearances seem to take a backseat in the residents’ definition of beauty. They unanimously agreed that embracing one’s authentic self is the most crucial aspect of being beautiful.
Teju Taylor, 61, shared her wisdom, advising others to be confident and authentic without comparing themselves to others. She stressed that uniqueness should be celebrated and encouraged everyone to be themselves.
Ray Deahl, 88, added to the sentiment by highlighting the significance of accepting one’s individuality. He emphasized that everyone is born unique for a reason and that accepting this fact lays the foundation for true beauty.
In addition to embracing authenticity, the residents also emphasized the importance of self-love and confidence. According to them, these qualities will always enhance one’s beauty.
Ray Deahl, despite residing in a nursing home, maintains meticulous grooming habits like weekly haircuts. For him, keeping up with his hygiene routine is essential to feeling good and beautiful. A good haircut, fresh shave, smart shirt, and kind compliments uplift his spirits.
Meryll Bradley, who has experience as a former model, discussed the growing pressure to look picture-perfect all the time. She encouraged people to abandon the pursuit of flawlessness and focus on capturing life’s beautiful memories instead.
Kindness and vibrancy were highlighted by the residents as qualities that radiate true beauty, especially in social settings. Teju Taylor specifically mentioned that beauty is not just about physical appearance but also about being approachable, kind, and able to connect with others.
However, the residents also acknowledged that everyone has their moments of imperfection. Bradley emphasized the importance of holding oneself accountable and reflecting on one’s actions. She believes in being honest and self-aware, acknowledging mistakes, and ensuring they don’t happen again.
In a simple but powerful message, Bradley reminded everyone not to litter and to take care of the environment. Small acts like these contribute to the overall beauty in our lives.
Ultimately, these nursing home residents have highlighted that beauty is multifaceted and extends far beyond physical appearances. Embracing authenticity, practicing self-love, being kind, and standing by our values are what truly make us beautiful.
Their insights serve as a reminder for individuals of all ages to redefine their perspectives on beauty and focus on the aspects that truly matter. So, let’s take a moment to reflect and appreciate the wisdom shared by these remarkable individuals who have stood the test of time.
