Dustin Gandof
Famous Women and Ageing- My Take
The Pressure on Women to Age Gracefully
The adage, “Age is just a number” has become the mantra for many women globally. However, famous women in different fields often find themselves trapped in a peculiar kind of pressure- The pressure to age gracefully.
Imagine being a public figure and hearing that you look too old for your age or that your wrinkles are showing. That type of societal expectation can be frustrating, and it can lead to women feeling like they need to do everything in their power to halt the ageing process.
The media has not helped one bit, continually putting women on the spot by discussing their ageing process at every given opportunity. Women are forced to be in this never-ending cycle of criticism and scrutiny about their looks.
Famous Women Who Didn’t Follow the Rules of Ageing
Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton is a quintessential example of an older woman who has defied ageism. The actress is over 70 years old and still rocks in the fashion world with her sense of style. Keaton is not afraid to try anything new and always finds a way to put her unique twist on fashion trends.
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres, a popular talk show host, is in her sixties but continues to attract attention due to her vibrant look. Ellen’s glow is attributed to her vegan lifestyle and her dedication to a fitness regimen.
Christie Brinkley
Christie Brinkley is known for her stunning looks and age-defying beauty. The model and actress are in her late ’60s but could easily pass for someone in her ’40s. Brinkley tries to live a healthy lifestyle and practices good skincare habits, which have helped her maintain her looks.
Why the Pressure on Women to Age Gracefully is Unfair
The expectation for women to look a certain way at every stage of their life is a result of systemic sexism and ageism. It is a dangerous culture that tries to suppress women and reduce their lives to just their looks.
Women do not need to justify how they choose to age. Whether they choose to invest in skincare regimens or embrace their wrinkles, that is their choice.
Conclusion
As a society, we need to do better and shift the conversation around ageing gracefully. We must stop putting pressure on women to conform to these unrealistic beauty standards. Women have the right to age in a way that makes them happy, and that should be celebrated, not scrutinized.
