Moisturiser
I bought a small tub of expensive moisturiser. It does make my skin feel slightly softer in the mornings. It does not, however, alter the fundamental structure of my face. I am just making the wrinkles more hydrated.
Bad lighting
Catching my reflection in the hallway mirror is always a mild shock. The overhead lighting is unforgiving. I still expect to see the face I had at forty. Instead, I see a man who looks permanently tired, even immediately after breakfast.
The haircut
Going to the barber used to be about maintaining a specific style. Now, a haircut is an exercise in damage limitation. My shortcut still draws attention to the thinning patches, but it is better than looking like a retired geography teacher.
The smart jacket
I put on a tailored jacket, hoping for a sharp silhouette. Instead, the fabric sits poorly across my shoulders. My posture has shifted just enough that clothes bought five years ago now look as though they belong to someone else.
Sensible shoes
I recently bought a pair of shoes entirely because the soles were thick and they did not require lacing. I told myself they looked minimalist. In truth, they look exactly like the orthopaedic footwear my grandfather wore. I wear them everywhere.