If we are asked how old we are, most of us tend to lessen a few years from our actual age. This is because ‘we are only as old as we feel’. This is truly a positive perspective on life.

However, graceful aging is an art; it includes accepting changes, finding meaningful activities that suit one’s age and self-love.

One such graceful ager, from whom we can all take inspiration, is an 81-year-old, raw vegan, chef and author, Mimi Kirk.

I accidentally discovered her video on YouTube some time ago, and since then have been awestruck by her vibrant energy and her youthful look. Anyone who sees her can hardly guess her age!

After following her for some time, I discovered the secret to her natural beauty.

This charming lady had changed her diet forty years ago and had completely shifted to a plant-based diet. She reminded me that it’s never too late to become what you might have become.

Her vegetarian diet and a positive outlook towards life gave her the title of the sexiest vegan of the world, that too in her late sixties. Indeed, she’s aged like fine wine!

George Bernard Shaw, the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925, beautifully states, “You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.”

Taking time to find joy on each day is the reflection of a well-lived life where age shouldn’t be a barrier. In fact, wisdom, resilience and a mature personality are often considered as hard-won prizes of being old. Many people have achived so many things when they reached an advanced aged. Many Nobel Prize winners are those who are over 70 or 80 years of age.

Aging means being alive; celebrating and traveling this beautiful journey is called Life.

But to age with elegance, one needs some sort of discipline.

Eating natural food is the key.

Along with a healthy diet, exercise for physical health and meditation for mental health are also equally necessary.

Similarly, reading, writing and traveling add perspective and value to our lives. And don’t think only people in the rich and developed world have this privilege.

To live a truly happy life is to grow and enjoy life; it is a choice, a commitment and selflove.

And self-love is an endless journey.

Age doesn’t define who we are and what we want to be. Age is just a number. If you believe in yourself you can achieve most things. Have perseverance and just never give up.