Tell us about someone you think as a role model for aging beautifully? Why?
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16 Responses to “Tell us about someone you think as a role model for aging beautifully? Why?”
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Vivian Diller, Ph.D. & Jill Sukenick, Ph.D.
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April 18th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
I like the way Sally Fields and Patricia Wettig are portrayed as women on the television show “Brothers and Sisters.” Although I don’t know either of them personally and can’t say much about who they are as people, I admire their courage to present themselves in the public eye as women who can be proud of their aging faces. Surely they are good actresses and have the benefit of being well lit and made up to work in front of the camera, but they come across as natural, with faces that appear to have no cosmetic surgery. We need to see more women like them on television and in the movies so we begin to associate beauty at midlife with these kinds of faces and bodies, rather than with those who work too hard to appear younger than they are. Dr.Vivian
May 4th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Meryl Streep comes to mind for me as a woman not afraid of her age. Her confidence in herself just shines through, making her look that much more beautiful.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:55 am
Agreed. We need more like Meryl Streep (in the public eye) and others in everyday life, who exude confidence, so more women will know it’s possible to feel attractive at any age. Dr. Vivian
May 7th, 2010 at 11:15 am
I agree about Meryl Streep. Also, I watched Audrey Hepburn age and I would put her in that same group as Meryl. I read once that she would tell publishers not to touch up photos of her (they ignored that). She was in her mid 60’s and didn’t have any “work” done on her. Yes, she looked older, but she still looked like Audrey Hepburn.I admired her about that. She had a sense that other things were more important in life.I was in NYC in a department store and saw a woman in her 70’s. I’ll never forget her. She had grey hair, wrinkles, but she had a vibrancy that was electric, which gave her a youthfulness. There is something so powerful about your inner energy and that “vibe” Susan
May 7th, 2010 at 11:30 am
Susan,
Since working on this book, Face It, I notice more and more women like that one you saw in the department store. It’s reassuring that they are out there and are providing us with models for what is possible as an aging woman. Perhaps my internal lens has changed, so that I see the world and people differently? Or after speaking to more women responding to this book, I’ve become more aware of how many women are determined to fight this ‘anti aging’ craze with dignity and grace. Whichever it is, I agree with you. Women can look great in their 60’s, 70’s and into the 90’s. More women need to join the Streeps and Hepburns in feeling confident about their aging appearance. Let’s start a new movement! Spread the word. That’s how change happens. Dr. Vivian
May 7th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Right on sister!!!!
May 7th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Another quote for you is from Catherin Deneuve about aging “I live with what I have and not with what I had”….
May 7th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Another role model that comes to mind is Julie Christie. I will never forget her in the movie “Away from Her” one scene was were the camera did a straight dead on center on her upper body and face and held that shot for a least 30-45 secs while her husband’s voice was overlayed in the background. There was no blinking away from the fact that she looked older, hardly any makeup, lined etc. But WOW! I thought this woman gives me courage! Can’t imagine what it must be like to be in the movie business as an actress. That scene put it right in your face and she didn’t flinch!!…I suspect that Annette Benning is the same way….
May 7th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Susan,
Let’s keep adding to the list. If it keeps growing larger, these are the images that will come to mind as we think of what beautiful at midlife means. Dr. Vivian
May 20th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Helen Mirren!! She’s absolutely gorgeous
May 20th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Yes, Mirren is beautiful. How about Sally Field? There was just a TV special on NBC about her and the work she is doing to help young women through an organization called Vital Voices. She looked great and has done some very good things throughout her long acting career. And she provides a nice role model in her TV series, “Brothers and Sisters.” Our list keeps growing. Dr. Vivian
June 2nd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Emmylou Harris. Beautiful, accomplished, confident and independent. Just what I want to be when I grow up… :)
June 2nd, 2010 at 4:57 pm
We are often asked for names of public figures who women can look up to. Harris is a great one. Thanks. Dr. D.
July 15th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Yes, Meryl Streep came to mind immediately – with a balanced view. I loved the moment in “It’s Complicated” where she wouldn’t show her ex her body after having sex with him. “It looks different standing up.” Too true!
Also, Susan Sarandon. I’ve watched her since “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and she brings a tough grace and self possession that I find heartening.
July 15th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Ah yes, Susan Sarandon. We mention her in our book, “Face It.” She has the kind of face that exudes both vulnerability and confidence. And, she doesn’t look like she has had any major work done. You never know, but her assets are her character and talent and I only hope she continues to get roles so we can admire how she ages on screen.
July 19th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
There is an ageless quality that communicates aliveness, wisdom and self-awareness in a “woman of a certain age” who is finally comfortable with who she is. So many younger women that I see as a psychotherapist, are hyper critical of their looks, body, lack of eroticism despite being in their 40’s. Helen Miren, Merly Streep and others mentioned on this post exude this ageless quality. Charisma, self-awareness and confidence that is more than skin deep.