What do you do when everything that previously held up so well starts to head south. Its inevitable as we age. There are, of course, those people who are prepared to take some intervention steps.
In America we hear of girls (why is it always girls?) as young as 14 or 15 being encouraged to see early intervention as a way of holding off and possibly cancelling the effects of aging. They are encouraged to plan early for their cosmetic surgery. With their parents permission this could start when they're in their teens.
Aging is just a normal part of life but today its effects must be avoided at all costs. Hardly surprising, I suppose, when the body beautiful is constantly touted. We see and hear it all the time. You have to strive for it if you don't have it.
There's make-up now that is supposed to take off 10 years in 10 minutes. Miracle creams and age-defying products that really work. And cosmetic surgery, not just for the usual places, but now going into areas where a nip and tuck will never see the light of day. Staying fabulous forever seems to be the order of the day.
Magazines, our own and overseas editions, are extolling the virtues of alternatives that work. Their articles let us know about anti-aging for the face and body, mind and soul. Its enough to frighten any young girl off.
I was asked recently whats up with Paula Bennett?
"Why, whats she done?" I questioned. Obviously if somethings up, then somethings happened. Thats just it; my friend couldn't put his finger on it.
"Haven't you seen her lately?"
As a matter of fact I had. Up close.
"Didn't you notice anything?"
"Yes, she looked great," I said. "Thats it," pounced my friend.
"She's done something, got something done."
He went on and on. But hes not the only one.
A lot of people are commenting on the new-look Paula Bennett. Shes getting the thumbs up too. Its natural when your'e in the public eye and in our lounges most evenings you'll want to look your best. You know you'll be scrutinised til the cows come home. Men may have a nice tie that complements their suit, but with women, its our hair, clothes, make-up and lets not forget earrings. We get put under the microscope.
Minister Bennett looks energised, fresh and on top. When we met I shook her hand and blurted out nice to see you again, you look great. She does. I'm sure she loves her job too. When you love your job, it shows.
I was asked, after yet another person had commented favourably on Paula's new look, if shes had something done, would you?
Well for all I know she may have got herself a personal trainer and put together a 12-month fitness and healthy lifestyle programme. She could just be working the programme. And if she did have cosmetic surgery, good luck to her. Its worked and it's her business.
So would I ever contemplate cosmetic surgery? Absolutely if I thought I would look and feel better within myself. And that would be my business. We do view aging differently these days. Eternal youth seems to be highly desirable and we want the lifestyle to go with it. But we can never turn back the clock. It could be changing from the inside out that would make the biggest difference. This has the power to maintain the passion and energy of youth, with a new kind of beauty and grace.
Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.