Supermodel Paulina Porizkova, renowned not just for her striking looks but also for her inspiring messages about ageing and body positivity, recently shared a poignant message about the societal pressures women face as they grow older. In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram on 27th September, the 61-year-old Czech-born model highlighted the often sidelined role of women in discussions surrounding ageing.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/_Paulina-Porizkova--092726-37c8ae74c6eb45919fe269840198b992.jpg)
In her video message, Porizkova expressed her surprise and gratitude towards the numerous women who have reached out to support her online presence. “This one is for you, ladies of Instagram — and those of you who sometimes stop me on the street just to say ‘hi’ and ‘thank you,’” she began, acknowledging the meaningful connections she has forged through her candid discussions about ageing.
The supermodel, who has garnered a reputation for her honest and body-positive messaging, explained that many women feel isolated when grappling with their feelings about ageing. “I guess the ‘thank you’ is for making you not feel alone in not being psyched about ageing,” she said, affirming that although ageing is a privilege, it comes with challenges, particularly for women.
Porizkova eloquently articulated how society tends to marginalise older women, suggesting they are expected to step back from public life. “We get dismissed from the main tables when we age. We are expected to go silent. We are expected to sort of withdraw from polite society,” she remarked, shining a light on the societal norms that often dictate women’s value based on their age.
Moreover, she raised a critical observation regarding the choices many women feel compelled to make: “Those of us who are not ready to give it up have to go through surgical procedures. 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.” Porizkova’s comments underscore a troubling reality — the perception that women must either conform to costly beauty standards or become invisible as they age.
With a call for change, she asked, “Can’t we age and still be at the main table? I mean, we have more to contribute now than we ever did.” This challenge to societal norms resonates deeply with many women seeking validation beyond their youth and physical appearance. Porizkova’s message encourages women to embrace their wisdom and experiences rather than retreat into the background.
In a bid to foster a supportive community, the supermodel invited her followers to share the type of content they wish to see more of online, asking them what inspires them and makes them feel good. “Let’s do more of that,” she insisted, reinforcing her commitment to uplifting others in their journeys of self-acceptance and empowerment.
Porizkova’s impact as an influential figure in the modelling industry can be traced back to her iconic status in the 1980s, when she became the first model to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue consecutively in 1984 and 1985. Her modelling career includes notable associations with major fashion brands, alongside her ventures in film and television.
In addition to her modelling work, Porizkova has been open about her personal struggles and triumphs. In 2022, she published “No Filter: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful”, a compilation of personal essays that delve into her experiences with ageing, beauty standards, motherhood, and the loss of her husband, Ric Ocasek, in 2019. Her candid approach to these topics has resonated with many, making her voice a vital part of contemporary discussions around female empowerment and body positivity.
Recently, Porizkova married writer Jeff Greenstein, further embracing life’s new chapters with a sense of optimism and resilience. Her continued advocacy for women to thrive at any age is a testament to her belief that one’s worth is not defined by age but rather by individuality and the strength to be oneself.
Through her social media presence and public engagements, Porizkova aims to ignite conversations about the challenges women face and to inspire them to reclaim their rightful place at society’s table, regardless of age. Her message is clear — ageing may present its complexities, but it also offers an opportunity for growth and connection.