“When did we start agreeing that growing to be an elder is shameful? That our bodies become “disgusting”? When did we become obsessed with the idea that as an elder one should strive to be younger, to be anything but… an elder… When did we forget that these bodies are not for others but are our own divine creation to manifest the dreams of our hearts?” —Jade Beall, Instagram
Photographer Jade Beall’s mission is simple: She wants to show us our beauty—women of all sizes, shapes and ages—and she wants everyone around us to see it, too, even in the face of the wrinkle-free, svelte image of female beauty that we are continuously exposed to.
“As a photographer, all I saw was the perfect body, and everything else was considered offensive,” she says.
Beall is best known for her photographs of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. The photos have been widely shared on social media, and in 2014 she gathered them into a book, “The Bodies of Mothers: A Beautiful Body Project,” which earned her global attention. Now Beall is working on a series of equally truthful photographs, “Beautiful Bodies of Elders.” Like her “mother” photographs, she posts these images to Instagram along with her subjects’ stories and, occasionally, her furious take on how we define “beauty.”
As Beall says, showing pictures of older bodies is revolutionary—especially the bodies of older women who are naked and proud. “Photographing elder men is more acceptable—leathery is OK,” she says. “But women are expected to be photoshopped to look like they really aren’t old.”
Beall chatted with us by phone from Tucson, Arizona, where she lives and works.
How did you get interested in photographing elder bodies?
My passion for elders happened organically as a result of my project photographing pregnant women. The mothers of the women I photographed told me they felt unseen. I grew up in Mexico, I love Africa and I photographed the demonstrations at Standing Rock. I’m aware that there’s a tradition of honoring elders in other cultures. I liked that. I see elders as a source of wisdom, and I think it’s shameful and offensive that their bodies are not appreciated. I love celebrating humans who are not celebrated. The single body type is so boring—the diversity of bodies is so much more interesting. When we put them together, we have rainbow of gorgeous bodies.
I’m infatuated with aging skin, with wrinkles around the eyes. They’re so much more interesting than smooth skin. I see my photos as a way for young people to see growing older as a privilege. My dad just died at 65, so making it to your 70s and 80s is a great achievement for me. The fact that we don’t celebrate it is a travesty.
It’s a divine privilege to be an elder in these incredible bodies, but it’s really hard when for 70 years you’ve been told you should be 20. It’s hard to see the beauty.
Was it hard to find older people who were willing to pose?
I had friends here in Tucson who are in their 70s and I asked if I could photograph them. They’re an interracial older couple who are very much in love. They came over and had a blast doing the photo shoot. She walks with a cane, and it was one of the most special shoots I’ve ever done. When I posted the photos, people went crazy despite the fact that we’ve been trained to find older bodies gross. The vast majority of comments were supportive—people found the photos inspirational, because these people look in love and proud. That photo has been seen by 5 million people. After I posted it, other elders started reaching out to be photographed.
Have there been any surprises for you as you’ve photographed older bodies?
Weirdly, I’ve discovered that people don’t want their hands in the shot. They think elder hands are offensive. How can hands be offensive?
You made a book of your pictures of pregnant and nursing women. Are you planning to do the same with this project?
I hope so. So far I only have photos of about 10 elders. I’d like hundreds—a huge collection of elder bodies photographed as their actual age. I want massive diversity. Once I figure out the funding, I look forward to traveling and doing portraits and turning them into a book. I’d love for my son to see those bodies. He’s five and already surrounded by breastfeeding photos. I want him to say. “Oh yeah, this is normal, these are beautiful bodies as they grow older.”
How do you feel about your own body?
I’m pretty normal looking in a curvaceous way. I’ve changed since I gave birth. I gained 50 pounds, but my body fluctuates. Most of our bodies fluctuate. Our bodies are like the ocean, and it’s OK.
- Visit “Beautiful Bodies of Elders” on Jade Beall’s website
- Follow Jade Beall Photography on Instagram
- See Jade Beall’s book, “The Bodies of Mothers: A Beautiful Body Project”
All photos: © Jade Beall Photography
COMMENTS
5 responses to “The Beauty of Older Bodies”
Thank you for showing what REAL older women look like!
Recognizing that not all folks believe in God or a higher power, much of my context is shaped by my embrace of the Great Spirit. In the Old Testament of the Bible it says “we were made in the image of God.” It didn’t say that image or truth changes with age. So it is my belief that God “don’t make no junk.” Now, we do “junky” stuff throughout our lives that is separate from what God did, but that does not denigrate God’s work in creating us and treating us with “sacred worth” throughout our lives. Beauty in my opinion, is strictly a contextual word and how wonderful it would be if we would start to see pure beauty in the aged eyes and and body of a respected elder, our “Wisdom folk,” as our Native American sisters and brothers would say. Kudo’s to you, Jade.
peace,
George
Palmyra, Virginia
You can come to southern Illinois to photograph me and anyone else I can round up. I am not shy about my body. After my husband’s first affair, I gained 100# of protection. I spent 20 years that way. Then in 2008, I decided I was sick and tired of being fat and sick and tired. By the end of 2009 I had lost 80#. Guess what, I then had a body lift in 2012 because all I could see was the loose skin. Many were against it. Few were pro surgery. But I did it. I felt better but still had an issue. My husband. He then had another affair and within 2 mo I lost 25#. I still have wrinkling skin and worn out hands even though I am 62 yrs old. I have worked hard all my life and my body shows it. I think the pics you posted were beautiful. If you ever come to Newton Il (I don’t know why you would. It’s a dying town with too many old generational views) you can stay at my house.
Linda Michl — as we say here in the South, “Bless your heart,” (and, yes, many of us use that phrase sincerely). Sounds as though you could lose an additional 180 +/- lbs by getting rid of that cheating husband! When men cheat, it says more about them (for example, it can be a sign of deep-seated insecurities) than it does about us. As someone who knows, I’m sorry you’ve had to go through that.
Getting more and more comfortable with it!
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now
Join Senior Planet Community
Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.
Join the Conversation Today
Upcoming Online Classes
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
13 events,
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Cloud Storage
Cloud Storage
Learn the basics of cloud storage — a technology that lets you store documents, images, and other media files remotely.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
16 events,
28
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Can tech give you a green thumb? Come to this lecture to find out!
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
12 events,
29
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a special holiday tour in Paris, France!
虛擬博物館導覽
虛擬博物館導覽
在家中舒適地參觀世界著名的博物館!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Messaging Apps
Messaging Apps
This lecture will go over the features of three widely-used apps: iMessages, Hangouts, and WhatsApp.
16 events,
30
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Come learn about QR codes, augmented reality apps, and more!
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 行動健康應用程式 (Mobile Health Apps)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 行動健康應用程式 (Mobile Health Apps)
來聽聽看市面上一些受歡迎的健康應用程式的簡介。
Money Matters
Money Matters
This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe.
9 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
A simple plan is better than no plan! Get to know a few free and low-cost resources that make it simple to plan your estate.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Come learn how the medical industry is embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to treat patients remotely.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
2
0 events,
3
12 events,
4
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Affordable Home Internet
Affordable Home Internet
This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
14 events,
5
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Learn how to stay safe while you surf the web!
Introduction to A.I.
Introduction to A.I.
Come chat with ChatGPT and learn about A.I.!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
11 events,
6
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Cusco, Peru
Discover Live: Cusco, Peru
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Cusco, Peru!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
關於 Zoom 的一切
關於 Zoom 的一切
了解如何使用 Zoom 與家人朋友聊天以及參與 Senior Planet 線上學習!
Digital Coupon Tools
Digital Coupon Tools
Learn how digital coupon tools can help you save money!
15 events,
7
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Like to know what's happening? Come learn about X (formerly Twitter)!
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「行動健康應用程式」開放問答室 (Mobile Health Apps Open Lab)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「行動健康應用程式」開放問答室 (Mobile Health Apps Open Lab)
這堂開放討論活動適於解答您聆聽過關於 「行動健康應用程式」講座中的疑惑。
Fitness Apps
Fitness Apps
Learn how fitness apps can help you track and conquer your goals!
9 events,
8
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Need a vacation? Learn about popular websites and apps for booking vacation rentals.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Introduction to Digital Wallets
Introduction to Digital Wallets
You CAN leave home without your wallet! Learn about popular digital wallets and their many uses.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
9
0 events,
10
12 events,
11
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
15 events,
12
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
How smart are they? We'll tell you all about smartphones.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Instagram Basics
Instagram Basics
This lecture offers an overview of some of Instagram's more popular features and will give you a taste for what all the fuss is about.
11 events,
13
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Shopping
Online Shopping
This lecture will provide a general introduction to shopping online using the popular website Amazon.com.
介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊會議主持人
介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊會議主持人
我們將討論如何準備首次會議,以及成功舉辦會議的技巧。
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Food Delivery Apps
Food Delivery Apps
Learn about the pros and cons, how to search for new restaurants, and how to leave a tip and rating.
16 events,
14
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Sharing the news? Learn to read and check sources before sharing!
Intro to Gaming
Intro to Gaming
Game on! Come discover the world of gaming and start playing!
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 如何選取一台新電腦 (How to Choose a New Computer)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 如何選取一台新電腦 (How to Choose a New Computer)
對於新電腦的種種選擇感到困惑嗎?我們將協助您簡化,讓您能夠做出決策!
7 events,
15
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
eBay & PayPal
eBay & PayPal
This lecture provides an overview of the popular auction website eBay and the pioneer online payment service PayPal.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
Tech Talk: Android Smartphones
Tech Talk: Android Smartphones
Have questions about your Android smartphone?
0 events,
16
0 events,
17
12 events,
18
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Telemedicine
Telemedicine
This lecture provides an overview of telemedicine options and focuses on exploring virtual medical appointments with your doctor in real-time.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
15 events,
19
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
All Things Zoom
All Things Zoom
This lecture will go over how to use Zoom to chat with friends & family, and take virtual classes with Senior Planet!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Facebook
Facebook
Facebook can be a great way to connect with old friends, share life updates, and join social groups. Learn more about the popular platform.
11 events,
20
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
物聯網 : 生活方式和娛樂
物聯網 : 生活方式和娛樂
本講座將探討我們日常與物聯網交互的多種方式,並了解它如何徹底改變整個行業。
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Will your digital content and social media pages live on forever? Come learn about your digital legacy options!
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Move, breathe and flow during this gentle, slow, flowing form of exercise
15 events,
21
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Crowdfunding for a Cause
Crowdfunding for a Cause
This lecture will give an overview of donation-based crowdfunding and explore two popular platforms used by individuals and nonprofits to raise money: GoFundMe and Facebook Fundraisers.
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「如何選取一台新電腦」開放問答室 (How to Choose a New Computer Open Lab)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「如何選取一台新電腦」開放問答室 (How to Choose a New Computer Open Lab)
這堂開放討論活動適於解答您聆聽過關於「如何選取一台新電腦」 講座中的疑惑。
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
8 events,
22
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Don't worry about formatting your resume. Let the templates do the work for you!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Drones
Drones
Learn why more and more drones are taking to the skies!
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
23
0 events,
24
0 events,
25
14 events,
26
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Health Resources
Online Health Resources
Learn how to evaluate health-related information online.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
How smart are they? We'll tell you all about smartphones.
12 events,
27
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
實惠家用網路
實惠家用網路
了解負擔得起的家用網路的選擇
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
#AgeFriendly
#AgeFriendly
In this lecture, you’ll learn about the World Health Organization's eight elements of an age-friendly city and what makes a business age friendly.
14 events,
28
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
Voice Assistants
Voice Assistants
Learn about the many devices, current uses, and future implications of this exciting technology.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
8 events,
29
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Learn about tools to help you be a part of the movement and support racial justice!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Internet of Things: Entertainment
This lecture will explore the many ways we interact with IoT on a day-to-day basis and take a look at how it’s revolutionizing entire industries.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
30
0 events,
31
0 events,
1
0 events,
2
0 events,
3
0 events,
4
0 events,
5
0 events,
6
Morning Stretch
Cloud Storage
Fit Fusion Workout
Mobile Health Apps
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Gardening Tech At a Glance
MyChart
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
虛擬博物館導覽
Fit Fusion Workout
Messaging Apps
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 行動健康應用程式 (Mobile Health Apps)
Money Matters
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Fit Fusion Workout
Affordable Home Internet
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Introduction to A.I.
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Cusco, Peru
Fit Fusion Workout
關於 Zoom 的一切
Digital Coupon Tools
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「行動健康應用程式」開放問答室 (Mobile Health Apps Open Lab)
Fitness Apps
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Introduction to Digital Wallets
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Mobile Health Apps
Fit Fusion Workout
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Smartphones at a Glance
Chair Yoga
Instagram Basics
Morning Stretch
Online Shopping
介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊會議主持人
Fit Fusion Workout
Food Delivery Apps
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Intro to Gaming
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 如何選取一台新電腦 (How to Choose a New Computer)
Morning Stretch
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
eBay & PayPal
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Tech Talk: Android Smartphones
Morning Stretch
Telemedicine
Fit Fusion Workout
Intro to Translation Tools
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
All Things Zoom
Chair Yoga
Facebook
Morning Stretch
Fit Fusion Workout
物聯網 : 生活方式和娛樂
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Crowdfunding for a Cause
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「如何選取一台新電腦」開放問答室 (How to Choose a New Computer Open Lab)
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Drones
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Online Health Resources
Chair Yoga
Smartphones at a Glance
Morning Stretch
MyChart
實惠家用網路
Fit Fusion Workout
#AgeFriendly
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Voice Assistants
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Recent Articles
Recent Comments