We may occasionally try to pretend that the wisdom of age and perhaps the hurdles to attaining a ripe old age make the aged revered. Bullshit. The only honest comment along those lines is that growing old is better than the alternative. There is truth to the fact that wisdom and experience, which mostly only come with age, have value. If only I knew then what I know now is a very common thought that runs through my mind regularly and probably does for others as well. But the freshness, the vitality and the vigor of youth is universally prized and desired.
The Fountain of Youth is a legendary spring that supposedly grants eternal youth to anyone who drinks from its waters. This myth has deep historical roots and has captivated human imagination for centuries. The concept of magical waters that restore youth appears in various ancient cultures. Greek historian Herodotus wrote about an Ethiopian spring whose waters supposedly gave inhabitants exceptional longevity. Similar legends existed in Hindu, Roman, and other ancient traditions, often featuring sacred waters with healing or rejuvenating properties. During the medieval period, Islamic scholars and European writers expanded on these themes. The legend became particularly associated with Alexander the Great’s supposed quest for the “Water of Life” during his conquests. Medieval European literature, including Arthurian romances, frequently featured magical springs and healing waters. The most famous association is with Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, who led expeditions to Florida (talk about foreshadowing of our cultural proclivities) in 1513 and 1521. However, the connection between Ponce de León and a deliberate search for the Fountain of Youth is largely mythical. This association was popularized by later historians and writers, particularly Washington Irving in the 19th century, rather than being documented in Ponce de León’s own accounts. Historical records suggest Ponce de León was primarily motivated by the search for gold (yet again a foreshadowing of Florida culture) and the establishment of colonies, not magical waters. The Fountain of Youth story became attached to his expeditions retroactively. Nevertheless, the legend has profoundly influenced literature, art, and popular culture. It appears in countless works from the Renaissance through modern times, symbolizing humanity’s eternal desire to overcome aging and death. St. Augustine, Florida, has capitalized on this connection, marketing itself as the location of the Fountain of Youth and operating tourist attractions around this theme. The myth reflects deeper human anxieties about mortality and the passage of time, making it an enduring symbol that transcends its historical origins. It continues to inspire everything from scientific research on aging to fantasy literature and films.
The anti-aging industry is enormous and rapidly growing, especially as the world finds itself aging, representing one of the most lucrative sectors in health and beauty. The global anti-aging market was valued at approximately $62 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach around $93-119 billion by 2027-2030, depending on the source. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 7-9%. Skincare products make up the largest portion, including creams, serums, and treatments with ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants. This segment alone accounts for about 40-50% of the total market. Cosmetic Procedures represent another major segment, encompassing both surgical and non-surgical treatments. Botox injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels, and laser treatments generate billions annually. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported over 15 million cosmetic procedures in 2019. Nowhere is youth prized more than here in America and perhaps even more so here in California, thanks probably to the whole Hollywood phenomenon. Things have gone so far as the growth of supplements and nutraceuticals specifically targeting aging, include collagen supplements, NAD+ and Testosterone boosters, and various vitamins marketed for longevity. This segment has seen explosive growth, particularly among younger and younger consumers. There are even medical devices for home use, including LED light therapy, microcurrent devices, and radiofrequency treatments, representing a growing market segment of craziness.
The overall industry benefits from several demographic trends: aging Baby Boomers with disposable income, millennials starting preventive treatments earlier, and increased social media influence driving appearance consciousness. The “tweakment” trend of subtle, non-surgical procedures has particularly expanded the market. The business spans from drugstore products costing under $20 to luxury treatments costing thousands, making it accessible across various income levels while maintaining high-margin premium segments.
There is now even an emerging anti-aging clothing market, though it’s still relatively niche compared to traditional anti-aging skincare and treatments. UV-Protective Clothing represents a significant portion, with garments featuring UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings to prevent sun damage, which is a major cause of skin aging. This includes specialized swimwear, activewear, travel wear and everyday clothing. Copper-Infused Fabrics have gained attention, with companies claiming that copper ions embedded in textiles can stimulate collagen production and reduce wrinkles where the fabric touches skin. Pillowcases, face masks, and clothing items featuring this technology are marketed for anti-aging benefits. Posture-Correcting Garments target age-related posture changes, including smart shirts with sensors or structured garments designed to encourage better alignment and reduce the “aging” appearance of poor posture. Several companies have entered this space, including established brands like Lululemon with their UV-protective lines, as well as specialized companies like Copper Clothing and various shapewear brands that market anti-aging benefits. And last, but not least, Compression Garments are the most established segment, including compression socks, leggings, shapewear, and sleeves that claim to improve circulation and reduce the appearance of cellulite or varicose veins.
Now we are getting down to the nub of my current thinking. I have never worried about aging. I am not a consumer of men’s cosmetics of any kind and would be the last person in the room to consider anything like plastic surgery or Botox/Collagen-type treatments. I grew up with a baby face and low hairline that still lingers to this day, probably due in part to my years of added fat cell production. I have never been fearful of aging or ashamed of my age as I have gotten older. I have even been comfortable with going from being the youngest of my peers to the older among my peers. Being a man of significant bulk, I have never tried to fit into the likes of skinny jeans. With my kids, I have embraced the image of the guy who wears Crocs (though I have actually now transcended them and moved on to Olukais and now Kizics). I see no shame in wanting to wear shoes that do not require bending down to put on. But when I retired I did stop wearing socks most of the time (the exception being when I travel). The casual no-socks look was both aesthetically appealing and kinda carefree. It worked with Crocs, Olukais and Kizics, not to mention the 8 months of shorts that are de rigueur out here in Southern California. Then came my bout with worsening edema and those ankles that look like they belong in a wheelchair and may eventually require amputation. It’s hard for that look not to make you look old. And when I left the wound clinic last week with my legs wrapped in ace bandages, the mummy leg look was even worse.
But wait…new-age compression socks that actually feel good and work amazingly well to reduce lower leg fluid accumulation have entered my life. I now have an array of black, grey and white Newzill compression socks (they are also available in a multitude of colors and designs if I want to look even more splashy) that look great and actually stay up while having returned my ankles to me. My lower legs are in better shape than they have been in a decade or more. I can’t imagine why I didn’t do this sooner. And then I look in the mirror. I take pride in not being too vain, but its hard not to think that I have either moved to Bermuda in 1960 or I have suddenly gotten so old that I need compression socks…as good as they may look. I recently told my friend Mike that I was starting to think that compression socks are really now more a sign of performance athletics than aging. His comment back to me put me properly in my place. He said simply, “just keep telling yourself that…”