November 04th, 2013

11/4/2013

So many great comments and photos streaming in - I am overwhelmed!
I particularly liked the comment from Alison who thought my own photo was that of a young girl - of course this is flattering, but then the whole point of this project ask why is it that a great thing to hear (and Alison, I'm not complaining, really!) We are often told that we look 'good for our age' which is a bit of a back handed compliment really. Can we older women just not look good? Why is looking youthful so important? I mean I do of course know the answer to that, but let's change it, eh? Hopefully this project is one of a few that will help change society's view of old(er) women!

And in case anyone missed it, here is a fantastic example of some wonderful, stylish older women who are not trying to look young - they just are vibrant and happy with themselves - check it out if youve not already seen it:

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/fabulous-fashionistas/4od

8 Comments

Lesley Anne Burton link

11/05/2013 8:08am

I'm rather sad you are doing this. It is an inverted beauty pageant. I doubt anyone who thinks they look ghastly will send in a photo. Just another way of getting affirmation.
The thing I love about being over 50 is that you are invisible! If I go out dressed to the nines, no one looks at me. If I go out in my painting clothes, no one looks at me. The freedom in that is wonderful!! As a younger woman I dreaded it, but how I look does not interfere with any of the things I love doing. I'm still me and in fact, now I'm not obsessing over how I look, I feel I am even more me. It's a bonus I wasn't expecting!

Lou

11/05/2013 9:45am

Thanks for your comment Lesley Anne. I wouldn't agree that this is anything like an inverted beauty pageant, but its an interesting point. Is there something wrong with getting affirmation?

There is also nothing wrong with wanting to be invisible - good on you! I appreciate there is freedom in that. For me, I have felt invisible for way too long and so now want to change that for myself. And for other women in their 50s and above, perhaps they too don't want to be invisible, to themselves or the world in general.

I imagine many women have posted their photos here in order to help change society's view of ageing - some may like their photos and some may not. Nothing wrong with that is there?! ;)

Lesley Anne Burton link

11/07/2013 9:29am

You say "Is there something wrong with getting affirmation?" For the way we look? I would say yes. We are still buying into society's idea that it's all about how we look. Seeking affirmation for something we have no control over.

Lou

11/07/2013 5:50pm

Yes, but wouldn't it wonderful if we were able to feel good about ourselves without seeking the approval of others, particularly the media that tells us what we 'should' look like?!

Tamara Hosler

11/07/2013 3:42am

Love your project, Lou! I just turned 60 on Monday, November 4th...and I have been saying this for a very long time...you better love what you see because I'm not changing it with any type of cosmetic procedure. Thanks for speaking out for us women who are happy with who we are. Hugs!

Lou

11/07/2013 6:56am

Thank you Tamara - good on you! Good on all of us! X

Tamara Hosler

11/07/2013 4:57pm

Love the photo of Muriel - 102!!! Beautiful!

Lou

11/07/2013 5:50pm

Isn't she?!

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November 04th, 2013

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