AARP’S November 2011 Issue featured men and women in their 50s who have embraced their outward appearance and inner-self, and here’s why: 


Stella Moreno, 50

Anthony, New Mexico
Speech pathologist

"Two weeks after I had my son, I turned 41. Two years later, we adopted our daughter from China, and I stopped coloring my hair. The first time I saw the gray, I thought, 'Oh, this is really different.' But my husband encouraged me every step of the way. I would get stopped with my little ones, and people would say, 'Are those your grandkids?' But simplicity has become very important to me. I just want to be healthy for my kids and set a good example. I don't want to be fixated on outside appearance." — Photo by Ben Baker

Bonnie Salvo, 53

Chicago, Illinois
School Social Worker

"My philosophy is that beauty comes from within. In my field, I've worked with a lot of people who are gorgeous on the outside but their self-image is so poor. I have a good self-image — I'm a good person and respected in my field, so all that makes me feel good. I'm feeling okay about turning 53. I don't know if I'd ever get [plastic] surgery. Maybe 10 years from now. I'm not against it, but right now it's not a priority." — Photo by Ben Baker


Darliene Howell, 57

Las Vegas, Nevada
Small-business Owner

"People think that if you're big, you don't have discipline. I definitely have discipline. I once went on a medically supervised liquid fast for a whole year. I'm a size 24. My family has always been this way; I can't change it unless I have surgery. I've become something of a fat activist. I eat a healthy diet and move and don't let things hold me up because I may appear to someone else an unacceptable. I believe I'm a beautiful person." — Photo by Ben Baker 


http://www.aarp.org/entertainment/fashion-beauty/info-11-2011/gallery-faces-of-50.420-bonnie-salvo.jpg.html