Alison O’Neil
For Alison O’Neil, beauty is deeply connected to how we feel, how we’re cared for and how we move through the world as we age. A recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award and founder of the Beauty Becomes You Foundation, O’Neil is reshaping the beauty and wellness conversation with dignity and personal well-being at its center. Having overcome significant health challenges of her own, the Scotland-born author brings faith and firsthand understanding to her work helping older adults feel seen, valued and connected to their communities.
Where are you making the greatest difference right now?
In response to an ever-increasing over-65 population, I recently relaunched Beauty Becomes You, a nonprofit that works to prevent failure-to-thrive syndrome in seniors by providing them and their caregivers with aesthetic health services, including massage therapy and hair, skin and nail care. I also created a first-of-its-kind training program called Senior Select Seal that teaches beauty professionals and certified nursing assistants how to recognize conditions associated with aging, how to respond and when to refer someone for further assistance.
How are aesthetic health professionals uniquely suited to support seniors?
Aesthetic health professionals can sometimes be the only community links for an increasingly isolated aging population. We see people every month. People are often vulnerable with us, and we can see things that others miss, like changes in grooming habits or memory. Plus, when a senior adult feels better about their ability to care for themselves, they’re more likely to get involved in the community and live longer.
What do you believe has gotten better about yourself with age?
My patience, and the faith that feeds it. When I look back at everything I’ve persevered through, I’m reminded that I can handle what comes next. I don’t need to have every answer right away. I can trust myself and give things time.
