This candid photo shows me on vacation, free from makeup and the artificial enhancements many women feel pressured to embrace. While some might call me unconventional for celebrating my natural beauty, I’ve grown used to the judgmental remarks that often come with aging.

Every day, my inbox is filled with hurtful messages reminding me of my age and critiquing my choices. I regularly receive unsolicited, often condescending advice about how I should dress or style my hair.

It’s clear that many people see women over 50 as past their prime, assuming we can’t maintain a youthful or attractive appearance. This outdated mindset is reflected in how we are treated. When I shop for clothes, salespeople often suggest outfits they believe are “age-appropriate.” The notion that older women should adhere to certain styles is both old-fashioned and insulting.

Why is it so hard for younger women to understand that women of any age can wear a short skirt on a hot summer day, especially if she has the figure for it? This double standard reflects the societal expectations that restrict women’s choices and self-expression.

The idea that beauty is tied to artificial enhancements like false lashes and bold makeup is equally misguided. Natural beauty is just as valid, if not more. Cellulite, a common concern among women, should not be considered a flaw.I want to raise awareness among younger women about changing beauty standards and aging. In my time, the term “orange peel” wasn’t even used. Cellulite wasn’t a major concern, and women accepted their natural bodies more freely.

Let’s aim for a society that values and celebrates women of all ages, acknowledging their unique beauty, strength, and resilience.