Rising up, one adage that I knew to be true was that you simply completely don’t ask a girl her age. It was at all times one thing to be coy about—the implication being that not solely was it intrusive to ask, however that it’s greatest to not put the lady within the uncomfortable scenario the place both she is could be judged … or may lie. Age was at all times the elephant within the room however as Bob Dylan mentioned … 🎵 the instances they’re a’altering 🎶 .
Increasingly more ladies are getting snug embracing and sharing their age with satisfaction and I believe it’s due largely to the truth that ladies have begun to redefine what it means to age on our personal phrases. Whether or not it’s by means of skincare routines, well being regimens, or just the selection to flaunt our silver strands (or not), trendy ladies are shifting past outdated stereotypes and now have the liberty to outline our personal narratives.
How Turning 50 Used to Look
After I was a younger lady, 50+ 12 months outdated ladies at all times regarded a particular manner. I’m positive you’ve seen the memes concerning the Golden Ladies, or bear in mind from the present, Dorothy, Rose and Blanche had been ladies of their 50s. On this formative time in my girlhood once I was watching the present (I used to be 10 when it got here out in 1985), they regarded like my grandmothers and had been lively like my grandmothers however the purpose it stands out a lot now could be that by means of in the present day’s lens they appear a lot older.
I’m turning 50 in a number of months, I can’t assist however take into consideration what it should have been like throughout that point, and feeling like that was the embodiment of being in your 50s.
How Turning 50 Has Modified
Through the years, the portrayal of ageing has actually modified. 10 years in the past The At present Present put collectively a slideshow of being in your 50s “then and now” that confirmed stark distinction, particularly among the many ladies. One notable superstar featured was Courteney Cox alongside Aunt Bee from The Andy Griffith present.
In an interview in 2013 in New You journal Cox herself spoke about ageing. The interviewer famous that there have been a variety of reveals on the time the place the principle character was in her 40s or 50s (Cox was starring on the present Cougar City) to which Cox attributed that to, “I feel like no one really looks their age anymore.” Additional within the article, she talks about her concern of turning 50 and in addition her use of anti-aging merchandise together with injectables, which on the time was not usually brazenly mentioned, particularly amongst celebrities.
Quick ahead to in the present day—actually there’ll at all times be individuals who really feel it’s nobody’s enterprise to know their age they usually may even lie about it for concern it might jeopardize their careers, relationships, and so on., however it’s changing into extra widespread that ladies are proudly saying their age and embracing it as a result of extra ladies are ageing on their very own phrases. There is no such thing as a longer one look that represents a particular age.
At present, celebrities will endorse and host infomercials speaking about anti-aging merchandise that give them “confidence in my body and certainly my skin” (Jane Seymore for Crepe Erase). They may also stand exterior the US Capitol shouting to a crowd, “I’m in menopause, OK?” and insisting that “the shame has to be taken out of menopause. We have to talk about this very normal part of our life that happens. Our doctors can’t even say the word to us, let alone walk us through the journey,” (Halle Berry in Could 2024).
At present’s lady has area to age as she desires to—injectables and menopause hormone remedies are spoken of collectively across the espresso store, not whispered quietly about in line for the Girls Room. There’s nobody “right” option to be 50—or any age, for that matter.
Personally, my 50 will embody lotions and serums, hair colour (spoiler alert, I’m not naturally crimson), inexperienced drinks, hopefully a number of extra marathons and conversations with my mates concerning the present state of my perimenopause journey. However I can confidently say that these merchandise and my wardrobe aren’t about some quest to be perceived as younger as a result of I’ll inform anybody who asks my age. After which once more, possibly sometime I’ll need beautiful silver hair or to put on glasses on a regular basis, however I really like that now it’s as much as me.
Your 50 will look completely totally different from mine—and the way cool is that?! Every of us has the chance to create our personal path ahead … and to personal it.
Hey, yeah … 50 is the brand new 50!
Share your individual experiences and insights about turning 50 and past. —Tam
