As I turned my attention to the book I planned to write about, a post popped up from a high school friend, sharing pictures from a recent trip they took to a resort in the suburbs of Beijing. Around 24 of them had attended.
I commented, "The guys in the picture look like they no longer care about their appearance." He replied, "We've all passed the age of putting on a show. Being healthy and happy are our top priorities. If you feel good about yourself, that’s what truly matters."
On one hand, it’s true that as we grow older, our well-being and inner contentment take precedence over trying to impress others. However, I believe that looking good isn’t just for show—it can have a deeper, personal value.
For a high school reunion, especially among people in their late 60s, how one dresses still carries significant meaning—though perhaps in a more reflective way than it did in younger years.
First, from my own experience, the way we dress shows self-respect as well as respect for the occasion and the people around us. It demonstrates that we care about presenting ourselves decently to those who were once an important part of our lives.
Second, dressing is a form of self-expression. Regardless of age, dressing well and carrying ourselves with confidence boosts our self-image. It allows us to reflect our personality, mood, and values. More important, what we wear can influence how we feel and how we approach social situations.
For a high school reunion, people may want to dress in a way that reflects how they see themselves now, as well as how they’ve grown over the years.
Moreover, there's a psychological theory supporting the idea that dressing well can benefit seniors. The concept of "enclothed cognition" suggests that what we wear can affect our self-perception, mood, and even cognitive processes. For seniors, dressing well can evoke feelings of dignity, confidence, and vitality, positively impacting their mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, don't neglect your appearance as you age.
A Chinese saying captures this idea perfectly: "佛靠金装，人靠衣装" (fó kào jīn zhuāng, rén kào yī zhuāng)—"Just as the Buddha relies on gold adornment, people rely on clothing." This saying highlights that appearance matters and can impact how others perceive us, emphasizing the importance of dressing well, especially in social situations.
In the end, dressing well goes beyond aesthetics or impressing others. It reflects self-respect and honors our connections. Understanding the concept of "enclothed cognition," we can use our attire to boost confidence and vitality, enriching both our mental well-being and enjoyment of life.