This is part of our series of articles about beauty—how we achieve it and redefine it as we get older.
It started innocently. I was adjusting my bike for a FlyWheel spin class and the instructor asked if I had signed up for the leaderboard — the stats of how you’re doing in class that are projected on to a Jumbotron a couple of times during class (aka, public shaming).
How could he not see that my blonde hair-big boobs-hourglass figure would give me the blonde bombshell moniker?
“Yes,” I answered, “I’m BlondeBomb.”
“That’s cute,” he cooed. “Is that something your kids call you?”
I was dumbstruck. How could he not see that my blonde hair-big boobs-hourglass figure would give me the blonde bombshell moniker? And then the thought crossed my mind: He’s seeing me as a woman of a certain age—a little soft around the edges—who still spins. Nothing more, nothing less.
And I wish I could say this was only time something like this happened, but there have been other incidents.
What was happening? Was the identity I’d so carefully honed over the years now wrong? We’re my outsides not matching my insides?
Was I becoming that woman? You know, the one who dresses and acts inappropriately for her age?
I wondered if I was delusional, suffering from some sort of body dysmorphia disorder brought on by being middle-aged? Was I becoming that woman? You know, the one who embarrasses her friends and family by dressing and acting inappropriately for a woman of a certain age?
Thankfully, I found some comfort in the fact that I’m not alone with these shocking little moments and the identity crisis afterwards.
Not Being Noticed
Angela, a gorgeous, 50-something trainer, reports that getting help at Home Depot used to be a breeze. Now, she could blow in on a hurricane and still be ignored.
“When I was in my 20s, I went in to buy a ladder,” she shared. “When I got to the parking lot, at least six men were knocking themselves out to help me tie it to my car. There was an older man watching who cracked, ‘I guess you have to wear a short skirt to get some service.’”
But today, “I can be dragging a 90-pound bag of rock salt around the store and no one will look at me,” she says, no matter how short her skirt is.
‘I still think I am the girl who can turn heads, but I’m really an old broad.’
Anne Bratskeir, a youthful and chic-as-hell 60-something woman, says her mojo is not quite as effective as it used to be. “I’ve always been the tall, thin woman who could walk into a bar and someone would look at me,” she explained. “I still think I am the girl who can turn heads, but I’m really an old broad.”
But an “old broad” in a new (better) sense of the phrase. “I take care of myself—I exercise and may be in better shape now than when I was younger.” And, she added, “I cover my gray, and when I get my hair styled, I ask for more Patti Smith, less suburban lady.” Laughing, she clarified, “Actually, I ask for my hair to be more rock-and-roll, because I don’t think my stylist knows who Patti Smith is.”
Midlife Identity Crisis: Can You Morph Your Mindset?
The game changer for Bratskeir is that she is less likely to accept these slights. If the bartender treats her as if she’s invisible, she speaks up. Rather than relying on her appearance to open doors, start a conversation, or get attention, she goes after it if necessary—in the most charming way possible. “I am still ‘that girl,’” she says, explaining why she won’t fade into the background.
In I Feel Pretty, Amy Schumer’s most recent film, her character goes from being a woman with insecurities to one who knows she can hold her own next to any woman, supermodel, or otherwise gorgeous creature after suffering a bump on the head. The thing is, she doesn’t look any different—her perception of how others see her is altered by how she sees herself. And while this example is slightly different than women who are aging, the message is the same—it’s in our heads…to a degree.
There’s a fine line between aging well, with style, and trying too hard.
Our bodies, faces, and outward personas change with time and, yes, with age. While we still believe we are the bombshell, the rock-and-roll babe, the vital young woman, and more, we may have to sell it harder and even find a new baseline for what makes us, well, us. In my case, I vacillate between thinking that if they don’t recognize my coolness, they’re not worthy of my time—or working even harder to make sure my outside persona matches what I feel like inside. Going with the latter, though, I run the risk of becoming a caricature of my former self. There’s a fine line between aging well, with style, and trying too hard.
The Confidence Game

Ellen Barkin working the red carpet like only she can.
Years ago, I interviewed the actress Ellen Barkin and one of the things she shared has stuck with me. In her 50s at the time, she said she was not giving up her bikini, ever. She was a bikini-wearing woman, no matter what. And, furthermore, she said she thought that women in general should not give up their bikinis, no matter what their age.
In my mind, I will always be that girl. And you’re the one missing out if you cannot see it.
Her belief in herself had nothing to do with her body or her beauty—it was all about her attitude and her confidence. Schumer, Bratskeir, and Barkin have it right—you need to own your persona, no matter what others see.
As for this (former) bombshell, I’m off to make sure my red lipstick is in place and to practice my best swivel and shake, which I will own. In my mind, I will always be that girl. And you’re the one missing out if you cannot see it.
***
Lisa Marsh loves writing about real women, living real lives, no matter what their age. She is the author of four books, is a dedicated dancer and FlyWheel spinner and the mother of two in New York City. Find her @LisaMarshWriter across platforms.
Also in Our Beauty Series:
Cindy Joseph: Meet The Pro-Aging Revolutionary
Debbie Hunter-Howard says
It’s a relief not to get hassled all the time. So, there’s freedom in no longer ‘measuring up’ to the patriarchal standard of beauty.
Lana Burris McKnight says
I never had any to start with.
Denise Goodson says
Agism sucks. Particularly when wrapped in the guise of touchy-feely self help.
Anne O'Connor says
It’s called the age of no longer giving a shit.
Jenni Guentcheva says
Now we are going to learn how to exude confidence as we age. Actually, each one of us is an expert in our own development, we don’t need a product or a program to feel better. It only validates the harmful stereotypes.
Leah Gladson says
When you have a body that resembles a middle aged woman since the age of 12……no matter how hard you tried……..you never get that kind of attention to begin with.
Peg Cook says
I suppose it would be too much to ask for the author to try and unpack the patriarchal structures that (still) insist that a woman’s only value is in her ability to attract the sexual attention of men.
Francie Anne Riley says
Yes, I agree, but you need to name the dragon in order to kill it and SO many women have not questioned the patriarchy yet. Centuries of programming must be undone.
Lisa Marsh says
The value I place on my appearance comes from how I want to present myself and be seen by anyone, not just men. I wear red lipstick because I feel “dressed” with it, as did my grandmother, who taught me what it means to be presentable in public. Men usually aren’t the vicious ones commenting on women’s appearances. Thank you for reading.
Jude Thompson says
I think I just hit it.
Gayle Gorlewski says
I freaking love it! Are you nuts! Sexual attention from random strangers was never something I enjoyed. It was at times pretty scary, especially the dudes that yell shit from moving vehicles. Keeping the grey, I will use blue shampoo to keep the sun from turning it blonde!!! Old bats rule!
Nancy Guzzetta says
I’m 60 and the maintenance guy just retiled my bathroom, which I needed, and hes coming back tomorrow to paint my apt, which needed it but I hadn’t asked for. I’m still good!!
Sheila McKenna Dunbar says
Nothing worse than a shallow, boring, self-involved “beautiful” person.
Sheila McKenna Dunbar says
I’ve always believed it is harder for beautiful people to age and lose their sexual attractiveness. For those of us “average” women, we focused on other, more interesting and fulfilling things decades ago. FYI – this average gal never lacked for male attention, and my husband of 30+ years still thinks my ass is remarkable!
Michelle Mueller Teheux says
You can be fat and past 50 and still have much younger, very attractive men show interest in you.
Debra Plowman Junk says
I got very very sick and almost died at the age of 57. Then 8 months later got a painful case of the shingles. I am starting a new terrific, always wanted position this fall. I have never appreciated my health more than now. Health is the key to happiness. So if I am a bit overweight, a bit gray, and a bit wrinkled that does not matter at all!
Sherry Harber says
Love age like a badass
Rhonda Strong Gilmour says
Thank goodness I never based my self-worth on how “hot” guys found me.
Paula B says
This is a pretty good article, and I think that many women have shared the experience of realizing that they’ve faded a bit, and the spotlight is shining on other, younger women. Personally, I’m ok with that. I’ve never been truly beautiful, which is freeing in a way. Attractive maybe, but never the flame that drew the moths. It made me feel somewhat less affected to find my youth fading because I’ve spent my life having experiences. That gives me something to talk about besides facelifts and aging! My bone to pick is the statement that “There’s a fine line between aging well, with style, and trying too hard”. I’ve heard this before, and it implies that there’s a right way and a wrong way to age, to BE. When will women be free of society’s punishing expectations and judgements? We can be so hard on each other!
Jeannie Ralston says
Good point. You’ve made us look at that line differently; it certainly wasn’t intended to imply that one way is right and one way is wrong. More like encouragement to see that you don’t have to try hard to hold on to youth because there are so many more ways to quantify someone’s significance–beyond looks.
Beth Tehan O'Donnell says
Love yourself, love who you are. The beauty that comes with that is undeniable and hard to ignore
Julie Goforth-Kremner says
Fab article – interesting site … Roxie Clements Colleen Shaw Maria Greico Jane Eaton
Helen Soboski Fortino says
I was the type that got attention when I was young….I remember quite a few years ago Lauren Hutton remarking that she became a certain age and became (for her standards) invisible….I now know what she means…however that doesn’t stop me from still being as cool as ever
Grace Tollini says
I know what she means too.
Suzanne Alley says
STFU
Mary Carpenter says
The last unfuckable day? If you measure your self-worth on superficial guidelines promoted by media, you will be unhappy until the day you die.
Natalie Trudeau says
Agreed! Self love and acceptance is where we find peace and happiness, not from external validation on something so temporary as “good looks” or an hourglass figure.
Fran Helene Best Pest says
Good role models!
Martha Jaban says
I’m 63 and I just enjoy life. I haven’t really noticed a big difference in the way people treat me.
Fonda Nunnery says
Yep but I still like me!
Debra W. Strange says
I have at the age of 60+ worked to be in the best shape of my life and dress to suit that. I’m having to beat them off with a stick I swear. So much for invisibility. I’m no great beauty, but I am way more confident than I ever was
Jennifer Townsend says
I bet you do! You are very beautiful, but don’t look 60 at all.
Emily Mcmanaway says
It always comes back to how you feel about yourself, inwardly, viscerally, not necessarily how you appear to men. In my opinion at 64 is if you feel lousy about your looks that lousy feeling will broadcast loudly!
Emily Mcmanaway says
Oh and don’t forget… never lose your sense of humor!
Rhonda Lowenstein says
This couldn’t be truer!
Lisa Snyder Tomalavage says
Yes!!!
Jonie Fiore says
Lisa Marsh SPOT ON ❤️
Mollie Ann Curran says
What a silly article.
Deb Brunelle Charron says
I went thru this phase years ago, noticing that guys did not want to make eye contact, weren’t as friendly as when I was younger. Oh well, it did not sit well with me but you adjust. Another stage in my life and I am proud to have made it this far(61)I am a mother, grandmother, and still love to shake my booty!
Diane Feen says
Duh. Yes and yes.
June Feinstein Michaels says
I was always physically very ugly so l never “lost” anything. Instead, l’ve always nurtured my inner qualities. With age has come the realization that physical ugliness, at least for a woman, acts as a wonderful screening tool. I don’t have many friends but the ones l do have value me for ME
Barbara Warga says
Inner beauty shines bright. Shine on June!
Jennifer Townsend says
I don’t think you are ugly (or have been) at all. You have a distinctive look-you should trust that.. we all may be different but that doesn’t make you any less beautiful. Inside too, even better. I hope you see this too one day..
Lisa Martini Cristelli says
I can relate in the sense that I don’t feel as old as I may look. I guess that’s a good thing- meaning I could feel a whole lot worse. Lol
Facebook Comment says
I read the whole article. It was a little sad and off the mark for me. Because my agency always came from my mind and my actions, that only got better as I got older. And I STARTED wearing bikinis at 52.
Jackie Bye Bladl says
Great read. I can totally relate to the author. I started noticing that feeling of being “invisible” a few years ago. I still like looking stylish and well put together. That will not change. I hope I never need the approval of others to just be myself
.
Korin Selin says
Vino
Facebook Comment says
I still think I am hot as hell
NextTribe says
Love it!!
Jean Balassone says
Great article. I think many of those commenting missed the point.
Lisa Bell says
When I was a little girl my Grandmother would come and stay sometimes. Her name was Josephine. She came from Sicily. She was very tiny and round and had long silver hair. She would braid it and twist it up on top of her head in a bun.
At night she would take it down and let me brush it. It was beautiful. Then she would put it back in a braid for bed.
I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. Silver hair, age spots, wrinkles and all. I thought she was beautiful. I got angry when I passed her height of 4’ 11” but I still wanted to be just like her.
One day, someone told her to cut her hair because she looked like a hippie. She cut it all off.
And so,I decided, that when I got older, I would let my hair grow long and wear it in a braid or pile it up on top of my head and I would let the gray come in, in all of its glory, because I knew that every gray hair was earned.
To me, wrinkles are a record of my life… every smile, kiss, laugh, tear… all engrained into my very being, and I wouldn’t erase any of it. It is, because I am.
I try to embrace every new stage of life like I did when I was young, full of excitement, and willing to let the story of my life unfold.
Once, when I was in my 30s, a friend asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I said, “An eccentric old woman.” And he assured me that I was well on my way.
Life is beautiful at all stages. Embrace it.
NextTribe says
This is beautiful.
Lisa Bell says
Thank you
Regina Argentin says
I just read this article how sad. So glad I don’t relate to this and I am in that age group. Perhaps a better approach would have been not to establish a limiting belief then giving these depressing examples (and I think the term is midlife crisis) but begin on a positive note of what women are up to in this age group like making a difference as opposed to being concerned about getting hit on or hairdressing bullshit.
Regina Argentin says
What kind of sales pitch is this? So tired of media standards pushed on people.
NextTribe says
No sales pitch. One woman’s report on her feelings.
Facebook Comment says
I never was a “bombshell” or at least I didn’t feel like one. As a widow at 50, and trying to re-enter the world of dating is formidable enough. I guess they are just gonna have to be attracted to my short, round sassy,funny warrior self !!
Anonymous says
I have no concept of this article. I’ve seen other women who got fawned over and thought it was kinda creepy… maybe I was just jealous but I guess I’m glad I don’t have to mourn the loss of something I didn’t have! ?
Betsy Jane Beck Homan says
Same here!!
Shannon Adams says
I’m not that vain. I knew it was coming and when it did, I shrugged my shoulders and changed careers.
Donna Kurtz says
There is something to be said for the knowledge and wisdom that comes with aging.
Margaret Marquez says
Date younger guys
Jennifer Jackson Guscott says
I’m very comfortable w my aging process. I’m the mother of a 25 year old and am often mistaken for her friend or sister. I love being the age I am. I garner the attention of men of all ages and races and I’m very grateful to b aging so gracefully
Toril Øien says
What a sad article. I’ve never felt like this and I very much feel like a ‘real’ woman. The article is sexist and superficial.
NextTribe says
Sorry you didn’t like the article. Many women feel this way. You are fortunate, with an admirable attitude!
NextTribe says
Please read the whole article. The point is this: “you need to own your persona, no matter what others see.” We don’t think that’s sexist and superficial.
Anonymous says
NextTribe the point is this: we already know. So stop making it a bigger deal than it really isn’t
Toril Øien says
You miss the point. They feel that way partly because of articles like this.
Jeneiene Schaffer says
True. Lets call a crisis into existence because we said so ?
Toril Øien says
The premise for the article is that ALL women at some point lose their physical attractiveness and become invisible, and the “problem” we supposedly need to solve is how to handle this experience.
This is sexist and superficial and demeaning to women.
Katherine Gardos says
Toril Øien I don’t think the article said it was a problem that needed to be solved. In fact I think the point of the article was just the opposite. I relate to this article and I am a feminist working in a majority male industry. I find it sad that often today people can’t write about their feelings without being judged in the light of hyper critical hyper PC opinions of others. I think the pendulum has swung way too far in one direction and I wish it would settle in the middle so not everything is judged as sexist and demeaning to women. I find that attitude unhelpful to women gaining true equality.
Laura Brock Kroening says
My looks and demeanor never garnered that much attention when I was younger, so I can’t say it feels all that different now.
Colleen Ginchereau da Silva says
Me too.
Roseanne Montillo says
Likewise ?
Michelle Rollings says
Yep
Rosa Carvalho-edwards says
So as I get older my worth as a woman will be tied to how men perceive me. Got it. Such bullshit cannot be possible.
Dena Ellen says
It’s been that way all my life so growing older hasn’t really changed things.
Cindy Conte-McCormick says
Shoot me. Now.
Teresa Crosson says
Not just women… unfortunately it hits our “spouses” as well somewhere between 45 and 60. Affairs, mid-life crisis, wanting to feel young and free instead of encumbered and burdened with life and six kids, lol. The other younger more care free interests generally have a huge cost.
Facebook Comment says
Now
NextTribe says
Great photo!!!
Facebook Comment says
I like the way I look and feel at 50 so much more than I did at 25. I am more comfortable in my own skin, and I honestly think I look better! My theory is that I was burn to be a middle aged woman, and I’m finally home!
NextTribe says
Great attitude. Love it
Facebook Comment says
I don’t think this is a pivotal point in EVERY woman’s life. JMHO
NextTribe says
Yes, you’re right. Probably should have made that in “many women’s lives.” Good for you that you did feel this way!!
Kathleen O'Neill Sims says
Shut up! Your articles are part of the problem. You focus on loss and what we give up to a false set of ideals. Bs. I will not go gently into that dark night. I’m fucking here. I don’t live my life in front of a mirror.
NextTribe says
We agree that you shouldn’t go gently. That’s what we’re all about. And we agree don’t live in front of a mirror. We have a whole list of 6 daily habits of women who are aging boldly, and one of them is “Stay away from the Mirror.”
Teresa Crosson says
I’m fighting kicking and screaming as well…..but it is disheartening at times…..then I pull up my big girl thong, shake out the wrinkles in my 56 year old skin and get out there and get that….whatever it is that feels young and free.
Melody Grandy Keller says
Grind the Sacred Cow of Beauty into hamburger.
Deborah Olsen says
You had me until “have to sell it harder”… Nope. We have to “own it” if anything.
Angela Lord says
If, for some reason, I find myself temporarily buying into the idea that my value is tied to how attractive I am to men, I simply say my mantra ….Fuck That Shit.
NextTribe says
Yes!!
Jewel-e Anne says
Lower my standards.
Lara Morris Starr says
Not every woman. I was very overweight my entire life until my early 40s. I was never the hot, young babe. I have never looked or felt better right here, right now on the edge of 50.
I don’t feel ignored at all. Maybe because I’ve never been fawned over for my youth or beauty, but I don’t feel the lack of attention from servers, clerks, etc and plenty of men hold doors for me.
Patricia Mary says
My first evesadvocate—the one that got me the column— was about how differently people treated me after I gained weight.
Erin O'Brien Baehr says
Patricia Mary is that online? I’d be interested to read it
Kaye McIntyre Drahozal says
Get rid of all your mirrors.
Susan Pond Nakashima says
Age Like A Bad Ass. Helen Mirren. Meryl Streep , Whoopi Goldberg.Oprah. Smile! Happy and healthy is the best pro aging formula.
Lisa Cole says
Yes, I am there. Getting here was not easy. Many scars. Every thought is etched in my face. I focus on being like a child again.
Creativity, movement, reading and learning something new.
Mary Laux says
Yes I have reached it. Still working on things
patricia says
But now old dudes think I’m hot. hahaha I’ll take it.
Facebook Comment says
Learn to listen to my inner self and pay no mind to others ideals. Freed up my mind for more important things
Facebook Comment says
I’m working on dressing quirky.
Autumn Cisneros says
Grace grace grace grace.
Greta Witcher says
I began collecting role models for aging: Helen Mirren – actress 72, Ernestine Shepard- body builder 81, Carmen Dell Orefice – model 86, Gloria Struck – biker 92, Eileen Kramer – choreographer 103. Decided to age like a badass.
Susan Wolven says
Me too. We rock.
Greta Witcher says
Yeah sister
NextTribe says
Age like a badass! That’s a great spirit.
JoAnn Pelliccio-Lindgren says
It’s an every day battle…