This raw image shows me on vacation, unrestricted by cosmetics and artificial additions that many women feel compelled to wear. Although some may consider me strange for appreciating my inherent beauty, I’ve been used to the critical remarks that come with becoming older.
Every day, my email is overflowing with messages that are critical of my decisions and painful reminders of my age. Uninvited advice on hair and wardrobe styling is always flying at me, and it’s usually delivered in a patronizing way.
It’s clear that a lot of people think women over 50 are beyond their best and unable to look young and appealing. The way we are frequently treated in society is a reflection of this antiquated viewpoint. Salespeople usually provide me with selections that they think are acceptable for my age when I enter a clothing store. It’s disrespectful and out of date to think that elderly women should only dress in specific ways.
Why is it that younger women find it so hard to accept that a woman with a nice body may wear a short skirt on a hot summer’s day, regardless of her age? The expectations of society that frequently restrict women’s choices and self-expression are reflected in this double standard.
It is likewise incorrect to think that appearance is only associated with cosmetics and artificial embellishments like fake eyelashes. Natural beauty is equally, if not more, precious. Women of all ages worry about cellulite, but it’s not a character fault.
My goal is to educate the next generation of women about the evolving standards of beauty and aging. My generation did not know what an “orange peel” was. Women were more accepting of their natural bodies, and cellulite was not a big deal.
Let’s work to create a culture that appreciates and honors women of all ages, appreciating their distinct resilience, power, and beauty.