Paulina Porizkova Slams Societal Pressure on Women to Halt Aging
The supermodel argues that aging is a privilege, and women are unfairly pushed towards cosmetic procedures or sidelined as they get older.
Supermodel Paulina Porizkova, 61, has sharply criticized the societal pressures women face to alter their appearance as they age, asserting that "aging is a privilege." In a candid Instagram video posted on Sunday, Porizkova shared her perspective on beauty standards and the challenges of aging gracefully.
"I guess the 'thank you' is for making you not feel alone [in] not being psyched about aging," Porizkova stated in the video, addressing women who have expressed similar sentiments to her. "Aging is such a privilege when we get to do it — and yet — it's so on the line, especially when it comes to women."
Porizkova highlighted the societal expectation for women to undergo cosmetic procedures to maintain a youthful appearance, suggesting that those who age naturally risk being marginalized. "We get dismissed from the main tables when we age," she explained. "We are expected to go silent. We are expected to sort of withdraw from polite society."
She elaborated that many women feel compelled to undergo invasive cosmetic procedures to remain relevant and retain their professional opportunities. "Those of us who are not ready to give it up have to go through surgical procedures," Porizkova said. "And those who don't care can withdraw, sure, and have very happy lives. But there seems to be a lack of balance in here somewhere. Can't we age and still be at the main table? I mean, we have more to contribute now than we ever did."
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Porizkova encouraged women to seek out and create content that makes them feel positive. In her Instagram caption, she reflected on her own social media consumption, asking what makes individuals feel better or worse, envious, generous, or inspired. "I know I feel better when I see women who mirror my experiences," she wrote. "I feel worse when I have no ability to help in any way... I get envious when I see my peers getting the thing I want."
She added, "I feel generous when I see people I respect doing well and am able to transform the quick flash of envy into best wishes. I am inspired every time I see a woman being unapologetically herself."
The model and author recently married her boyfriend Jeff Greenstein, 62, in a private ceremony in Italy, seven years after the death of her ex-husband, Ric Ocasek.