Just because I am no longer in my 20s does that mean I don’t count anymore, that talk around women’s issues should not include mature women?
I’ve been doing a lot of research recently into different issues affecting women – everything from social media affects on body image to unsolicited images sent online – and every article and piece of writing talks about the impact on millennial women. Nearly every discussion ends at the age of 25 – or maximum 28.
And here’s the problem with that. I know that models and 20 year-olds are prolific on some social media platforms…but there are some places that mature women want to discuss issues too, to count us in.
FYI we’re not all bitter, old hags
We’re not all searching for lost youth and pining for our younger years. Ask a group of us and you’ll be surprised to hear that most women genuinely love their 40s and 50s far more than their 20s and 30s. I know I do, and that I finally know who I am and what makes me happy. I’m secure in my self, happy in my skin, and finally at peace with my body.
Getting old is not a plot twist
The desire for everlasting youth is a storyline as old as time. – and it starts with fairytales – the wicked queen in Snow White, Mother Gothel in Tangled, and more – are thoroughly nasty (obviously) and meet bad ends because they prize beauty above all else. Each wicked stepmother, evil woman, and older character is fearful of growing old and gripped by consuming envy of younger and more beautiful girls. The conclusion? They all end the same way – in tears – every time.
The truth
The truth is not all women want to be younger. I wouldn’t want to go back to being the 20-year-old me (give or take the ability to eat loads and burn off a gazillion calories) for love or money. There ARE issues that affect younger women that affect us too, but the media is not talking about us. We are largely excluded from research, and our voice is not heard. This needs to change.
Sexual harassment happens to us too. Body image issues affect us. Comparing ourselves to others on social media is a thing. Dating is something we single girls do. Worrying about careers and business is important, and so much more.
But here’s what Google knows
Here is what Google knows about the media and older women… If you Google “Issues or problems facing women over 40” you are going to get a whole list of health issues – from leaking bladders to menopause to breast cancer. Just our bodies failing. That’s pretty much it. Not about our emotions or our lives, or relationships or our dreams.
Google “problems faving millennials” and you will get a list that includes relationship problems, career issues, being a homeowner, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, coping with anxiety, etc. in fact a whole range of issues. Diverse as life itself.
So what do we do about this?
We start talking about things that affect us. Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. Talking about issues and problems, life, dreams, desires, and everything in between. We start commenting on articles about the need for us to be included in the dialogue, and if necessary start it ourselves.
Here is one of my latest Sassy 60 short videos on an issue we should be talking about: https://youtu.be/o_NhaWAauoU
Let’s stand up and be counted, whatever age we are.
If you would like to hang out with the most gorgeous, beautiful, powerful, caring, mature women for a few hours and take time off from the rest of the world, then you NEED to come to one of our Sassy Ever After Live Events. The free bubbles and Sassy Gift bags are a bonus, but the inspiration and motivation is the best. Click HERE or on the link below to see when and where the next Sassy Event Live events are – would love to see you there! Kate xx
https://www.kategrosvenor.com/live-events/