Should we be trying to look younger than we are?

‘Getting old’ has long been held up as something that’s best avoided by mainstream media.

We’re bombarded with advertising that shows a single standard of beauty – but who says grey hair and wrinkles aren’t beautiful? And faced with the alternative, growing old is a privilege.

All over the world actors, singers and public figures all work hard to maintain a youthful appearance even into their 50s, 60s and 70s.

They aren’t alone; as plastic surgery becomes more affordable and treatments like Botox readily available in hair salons, it’s never been easier to try and look younger than our years.

While there’s nothing wrong with taking pride in your appearance and looking your best, many argue that the emphasis on youth has made growing old taboo.

Others view staying young as a necessity – when ageism exists looking old can result in discrimination in the workplace and feeling forgotten on the high street.

What are your views? Should we try and cheat our age to look younger than our years?  Or is it better to embrace physical ageing and celebrate grey hair and wrinkles?