This piece is brought to you through AARP's Disrupt Aging program. Every viewpoint expressed here reflects my personal stance.
Growing up, the late Aaliyah was one of my favorite artists, and her philosophy resonates deeply with me — age really amounts to nothing more than a number! I stand firmly behind AARP's #DisruptAging initiative, as our collective mindset about growing older desperately needs a transformation.
Women across every age group face countless damaging stereotypes about aging, making this conversation especially pressing and timely.
Photographer: Brady Hahn
I had the privilege of joining a private call with Cindy Gallup, who established MakeLoveNotPorn. As a trailblazing entrepreneur and fierce advocate for women's empowerment, her insights were truly invaluable. I encourage everyone to explore her captivating Ted Talk titled Make Love Not Porn.
Gallup actively shares her age whenever possible — broadcasting it proudly for all to hear. At 57, she embraces every year with confidence and openly celebrates it, a refreshing approach. She points out that older women represent the most overlooked demographic in our culture, and shifting this reality is essential.
Rejecting society's narrow expectations for how women should live, Gallup has never pursued marriage or motherhood, and she chooses to date younger partners. (Personally, I've also never desired marriage or children, though I gravitate toward older men!) She firmly believes women can carve out unique, joyful, and deeply satisfying lives on their own terms. Meanwhile, men don't face these same rigid constraints or judgments. Changing this imbalance falls on us!
Educating younger women about the #DisruptAging mission matters greatly because our views on age form remarkably early in life. Teenage girls stand as perhaps the most undervalued population in our society. Their voices, perspectives, and contributions frequently go unrecognized compared to other demographics. Girls and women of every age deserve to understand the tremendous worth they contribute.
At 38 (turning 39 soon), I've transformed my own views on aging after previously holding ageist beliefs. In my early twenties, I achieved career milestones relatively young and often looked down on older women entering my field later. I considered myself superior simply because of my youth. Looking back now fills me with regret. Those attitudes stemmed from deep-rooted insecurity and low self-worth, reinforced by a patriarchal, ageist culture. We must teach our young women early so they don't repeat my mistakes.
Dismantling the entrenched norms of a male-dominated society requires urgent action. Consider the widespread notion that 'Sex Sells' — it reflects an entirely masculine viewpoint. A key reason this perspective endures: in advertising, men occupy 97% of creative director roles. The worlds of media, film, and television remain overwhelmingly controlled by men. Greater female representation in these leadership positions is essential!
Why do we dismiss older women while celebrating older men as wise leaders? It's absurd that countless women at 50 feel their lives are winding down. At 50, we're merely halfway through our journey, with limitless possibilities still ahead. This bleak outlook must be challenged immediately!
Steps Toward Change
Gallup advises that women can transcend being defined by their age by entirely rejecting the notion that age should shape their identity. Embrace your years fully and highlight how your experiences have equipped you with invaluable skills. As women, we must actively advocate for our worth, since society consistently undervalues female contributions compared to male ones.
Start today! Make stating your age a natural, confident part of how you present yourself to the world!
Never forget: with each passing year, life becomes richer and more rewarding!
