I was at the gym a couple of weeks ago, when a fellow "gymite" mentioned that everyone is using botox and fillers. Let me explain. She's a dermatologist. It's her world. It's her livelihood. "Not me," said I. "Ah but you will," Dr. Derm exclaimed gleefully. "All your friends are doing it. You might not know it, but they are. I'm 100% percent certain that they are." Under my breath, to the guy doing crunches next to me, I said, "Not me. I don't want to. Tell me I don't have to." "You don't, you won't - you look great," he said. "It's unnecessary and ridiculous." (Yes, these kind of guys do exist.) "I heard that," the dermatologist snapped, "Don't kid yourself, your face has an expiration date. It'll be just a matter of a few years until you'll break down and get an injection." Heavy sigh.

Fast forward a couple of weeks later and I overhear Dr. Derm plying her trade yet again. A really lovely woman -- 62 and in the most amazing shape -- has walked in telling a tale of a broken heart. Her boyfriend of a year has chosen to two-time her with a friend. (Not a younger woman and not a male, but yes, her best friend.) This sweet woman is truly suffering. Red rimmed eyes and shoulders stooped so low you could ski off of them. What does Dr. Derm advise? "Come to my office late in the day tomorrow and we'll play. I've got lots of things to get your skin and face looking younger and younger. We'll round it off with a couple of injections." Empathy, it seems, now comes packaged in single dose syringes. Who needs talk therapy?

Age well. Drink plenty of water. Exercise. Eat wholesome organic food/avoid highly processed food. Take supplements to nourish and support the body and brain in ways that lead to agility and independence as you age. Practice deep breathing to calm any anxiety you might feel. Be kind.

My best to Dr. Derm.