It should not be about nationality but about women of all ages. This is not a feminist-orientated article but an open-hearted reflection on something that is in front of our eyes. It is about aging gracefully while maintaining sharp cognitive abilities.
Women have never had so many alternatives for their physical appearance: face, body, surgical modifications, etc. The same can be said for intellectual development, but it requires more effort and discipline. While beauty salons and medical clinics provide practically instant beauty results, intellectual development (usually) cannot be bought over the counter.
The women of today, or at least some of them, have everything they need. But if there is one thing women overlook, it is that physical beauty is ephemeral. Over time, women are likely to go unnoticed, especially if they have nothing more solid to offer. The media bombards us with images of idealised youthful feminine beauty and vitality, while older women are linked with poor health and diminished appeal.
Like many others in my age group, there isn’t much to celebrate, but let’s age better by capitalising on our past accomplishments. Let’s age with the ability to engage in physical activities, keep mental focus, and be financially secure.
Women’s contributions to society are immeasurable, yet, as they age, their beneficial impact becomes less likely to be recognised. We see the objectification of youth rather than validating older age.
Yesterday’s experiences are not emphasised as a dynamic renewal. Still, they have been the path that brought technological and social development that is now cherished in modern society. Mothers and grandmothers have played important roles in shaping where we are today.
Narratives about the elderly highlight isolation and non-recognition, which together create structural disadvantages. Refereeing to them as ‘grandma’ or calling them ‘dear’ or ‘darling’ is deemed patronising of their identity: friendly, trustworthy, yet incapable.
Older women experience conflicting emotions between wanting to age naturally and feeling compelled to conceal signs of aging to compensate for the decreased social status associated with ageism.
The septuagenarians and octogenarians have no place in society; they barely have listeners to their stories. Loneliness is a modern mental trauma in a culture obsessed with social media; however, feeling lonely in today’s digital age is not limited to the elderly.
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Lifestyle industries are creating an idealised culture of ‘ageless’ consumers as well as a positive cultural image of ‘new aging’. The rise of anti-aging has revived ancient myths such as the ‘fountain of youth’, the ‘formula of renewal of life’, and a journey to the ‘ambrosia’ of the Greek gods.
Supporting this new commercial emphasis, an array of literature on the so-called “seniors’ market” digs into the relationship between consumerism, successful aging, and physical health, highlighting retirement-fit desires, fashion, and trends. It is a language of ‘empowerment’ for a person’s well-being.
Interestingly, female maturity has become a selling factor for commercial and marketing campaigns. While this is a lucrative segment of the population, the media is at fault towards older women. Mothers and grandmothers make significant contributions to their communities, yet they are rarely recognised or acknowledged as sources of human stories. Their tales are worth reporting.
The amazing accomplishments of older Omani women are buried in a few historical accounts. There isn't much literature, popular or otherwise, about the mothers of girls and sons who helped shape this country’s growth.
To the elderly women, I want to emphasise, that like the ‘louban dakar’ or frankincense, you embody the essence of Oman. I tell the girls that they have the potential to generate economic growth and positive social transformation.
Happy Omani Women’s Day and congratulations to all the other women who contribute to the country.
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