Embracing the Journey of Ageing
Kannagi Desai, the editor of ELLE India, shares her thoughts on embracing ageing. In a world where beauty standards are skewed toward youth, ageing is often softened by terms like ‘graceful’ or ‘mature’. But for Desai, there is power in naming it for what it is—a natural progression that carries an understated beauty. Calling it ‘decay’ may initially evoke discomfort, but in its raw essence, ageing symbolizes experiences, strength, and life fully lived.
Finding Signature Moments in Ageing
Desai’s personal relationship with ageing began unintentionally. Her signature silver hair strands, which she calls “money pieces,” were left untouched not to make a bold statement, but out of care for her hair’s health. Colouring and harsh treatments were avoided not from fear of age but from prioritising hair integrity. Over time, these silver strands drew attention, representing an unintentional yet powerful symbol of acceptance. Reflecting on her upbringing, Desai credits her family’s healthy perspective on ageing as a key influence. Her father, who often reveled in appearing older and idolised his grandfather’s elegant style, taught her that age was a mark of status and pride. Meanwhile, her mother embraced her own ageing with serene grace, meeting each new line and change without hesitation.
When asked about what truly bothers her about getting older, Desai’s mother surprised her. It wasn’t the wrinkles or the natural grey hair—which she now wears proudly while her peers opt for dye—but the inconvenience of wearing glasses. To her, the signs of age are reflections of a life rich with experience. Even her decision to fill laugh lines after weight loss was made without drama—a simple, thoughtful choice about how she wished to see herself.
Ageing as a Symbol of Vitality
Desai’s perspective echoes in the experiences of other notable women, like theatre veteran and director Lillette Dubey. Dubey sees ageing as a marker of the vibrant life she’s led, and she treasures her fine lines as proof of that journey. Having started her career at 46, she embraces her age and does not succumb to societal pressure to mask it. For Dubey, staying active—whether through trekking or pursuing bucket-list adventures—has been vital to living fully. She acknowledges the emotional and physical toll ageing can take, from slower movements to memory tricks, but insists that it should never become a reason to stop living. Her proactive approach to health ensures she continues to thrive.
Redefining Beauty in Older Age
Mrudul Pathak Kundu, editor of ELLE Decor India, shares a similar mindset on Embracing Ageing. Post-hysterectomy, she noticed physical slowdowns and new aches, but she embraced them as part of her evolving self. Her acceptance comes from a lineage of confident, makeup-free women like her mother, who showed that beauty can be timeless. Instead of idolising youth, Pathak looks up to older women who radiate energy and joy. To her, ageing is about maximising life’s potential at every stage.
Artist and influencer Ketaki Pimpalkhare reinforces this idea. Each wrinkle she has is a testament to her laughter and joy, while her grey hairs reflect wisdom earned over time. Pimpalkhare’s approach is simple: she neither uses chemicals nor tries to prove a point; she wears her natural hair as a symbol of resilience. “Ageing is strength and contentment,” she says, recognizing that while it means slowing down, it’s also a reminder of life’s finite nature and a call to live it fully.
Acceptance as the Cornerstone of Happiness
Desai believes that acceptance is the foundation for finding happiness as one ages. From Dubey’s pursuit of adventure and Pathak’s appreciation for wisdom, to Pimpalkhare’s visible pride in her years, the consensus is clear: care for yourself, but don’t run from the mirror. Desai’s mother, with her lifetime of maintaining hydration and simple self-care, stands as proof of how consistent, small habits can make ageing feel graceful.
Ultimately, Desai argues that the beauty in decay lies in its evolution. Ageing isn’t a decline but a testament to growth. It should be seen as a privilege, not a burden. As shared by these inspiring women, beauty does not fade with time; it deepens, revealing itself in new, unexpected ways. So let us stop fearing the word ‘decay’—there is beauty within it that can only be understood with the passage of time.
