The Beauty of Older Women

It seems like more and more the beauty of older women is being not only noticed, but celebrated. And yet, even historically, there were a few sage men who recognized the older woman as a pearl of great price.

Whenever I get an email missive of this kind, it always gives a me a little perk-me-up and perspective that where I am isn't such a bad place to be. I thought it might be nice to have a list of reminders all in one place and start off the week feeling good about yourself.

1.  In Praise of Older Women. This encomium extolling the no-nonsense virtues of the over-40 set has oft been attributed to acerbic Andy Rooney of 60 Minutes (not so though, see number 3). Observations like "An older woman knows how to smile with such brightness and truth, old men stagger" might bring a twinkle to your eye. 

2. 20 Beautiful Women Over 50. This YouTube video celebrates a score of beauties from Katey Sagal to Beverly Johnson. Don't agree 100%? Add your own candidates.

3. Benjamin Franklin's letter to a friend: 'Old Mistresses' Apologue'. The early American statesman's letter (scroll down), which includes this bit of  sage advice "that in all your amours you should prefer old women to young ones…" requires a sense of humor to weather some of the back-handed  "compliments," but Franklin also introduces a rarely explored point: Once the trophy wife has lost her lustre, both parties could be quite miserable.

4. The recent New York Times article, 'Aging Gracefully, the French Way', offers a European perspective on aging that's quite  refreshing:

I often see an elderly woman in my Paris neighborhood waltzing down the street to her own imagined music, … [she] has great posture and is beautifully made up. …She clearly loves being herself. And she makes me think that in France, women might forget everything else as they age — but never their sense of style."

5. The sidebar to that article, '10 Ways to Age Like a Frenchwoman', offers valuable tips and pointers from your European counterpart — because good advice from another woman is the best advice you're going to get.

6. Women Over 40 Are Hot. Yes, you know it, but it's nice to be reminded.

7. The fact that more and more older women are featured in sexy ad campaigns  underscores their beauty and visability. Adding to the list in High-End Hotties, Megan Mullally and Diane Lane.

8. About 100 years ago, George Bernard Shaw said, in his play Misalliance, "They talk of the wickedness and vanity of women painting their faces and wearing auburn wigs at fifty. But why shouldn't they? Why should a woman allow Nature to put a false mask of age on her when she knows that she's as young as ever? Why should she look in the glass and see a wrinkled lie when a touch of fine art will shew her a glorious truth? The wrinkles are a dodge to repel young men. Suppose she doesn't want to repel young men! Suppose she likes them!"  He foretold Demi & Ashton!

9. Author Lesley Blume lauds "6 of the World's Most Beautiful Women" for allowing themselves to look their age, including Angelica Huston and Iman.

10. As you are inspired, remember that you inspire others — by your smile, your kindness, your being and being a part of the timeless beauty of women of all ages that has inspired paintings, poems, plays — as this Women in Art YouTube video illustrates, women are the Muse no matter what age…

Happy Musing.