<p>I have just read tricias blog about cover photo of the 81 year old. I really appreciate her criticism of it on all her points. Not much to add to that but thank you for highlighting the issues.</p>

<p>You make want to see Maye Musk's Sports Illustrated photos / cover for a better example of an older model. She is in her mid 70's and has degrees in nutrition and worked in that field as well as modeling. She has written a book A Woman Makes A Plan about overcoming the challenges in her life and has raised three children. She was born in Canada, lived in South Africa and now lives in the US. She has even done a video of herself without makeup showing how she uses products and makeup. I look forward to you Sunday posts.</p>

<p>Hi Jules </p>
<p>I'd be interested to know how you believe that a completely faked photo is  "changing the biased view about older women being irrelevant and proving that we are still capable, attractive, healthy and fun."  I believe that this image actually illustrates and reinforces the appalling bias in our society against the real older faces and bodies of octogenarians. Tx. </p>

<p>Why do we need to look younger? I agree with you Tricia, I like to look my age. I wear your makeup and it makes me feel good and I think I look nice and presentable! If women want to go down the botox chemical route then that is what they choose. I prefer not to. As someone who had chemo for colon cancer I have had enough chemicals in my body and I have no wish to put any more in ! But I would never like to stop anyone from having treatments to make their skin or figure better in their eyes. We all make choices in our lives and should be free to do this. I do think that this magazine is still trying to make us all look 25-35 no matter what our true age is. Very stepford wives I find it. Just be yourself and be happy with your look. Everyone is different and we do not wish to all look the same.</p>

<p>While I agree with much of this post, as American, I do take issue with the statement that all rich Americans have plastic surgery. What a stereotype akin to my saying all older British women emulate the look of Queen Elizabeth!</p>

<p>This is my second comment but after I read the comment about Maye Musk I took a look at the her images on the Sports Illustrated magazine. Maye Musk was 74 when she was photographed in a swimsuit. There is quite a contrast to the image of Martha Stewart. Maye comes over as an extremely attractive older woman who is not trying to be younger. Martha looks like she is trying to regain her youth. Maye looks confident in her own skin. Having said that I have seen much worse than Martha where older women have gone completely naked wearing just a few rhinestones. Not a good look.</p>

<p>Agree with every word Tricia, frankly I think she looks ridiculous.plus whatever she has done or the makeup artists do, Martha is still the age she is. Nothing can change that fact. Xx</p>

<p>Completely agree. We can't keep nit picking about who and who hasn't had work done. She looks, radiant, happy, confident and yes sexy! Maybe she isn't to your liking and you find the photoshopping scandalous but she's changing the biased view about older women being irrelevant and proving that we are still capable, attractive, healthy and fun. Kudos to Martha!</p>

<p>Agree with much of the blog post but take offense at “ So, what if, like all rich Americans, she's had a ton of expensive plastic surgery?” It’s nasty, stereotyping and untrue. Carrie Fishman USA</p>

<p>As I am the same age as Tricia I agree 100% with her. I know who I am and where I am 'going' - and although I enjoy the extra confidence wearing LFF gives me, I have no desire to look other than my age.</p>

<p>I totally agree- she has worn her hair pretty much the same way for years- could have at least left that alone. I’m with you- want to look the best I can with what I have and always age appropriate! I test patterns for a designer and also make garments from fabric I am gifted from Minerva.com in the UK. The nicest compliment I have received was she loved my makes because they are always stylish yet age appropriate. Definitely a great description of you- LFF is exactly this and I am sure that is why you are so successful!</p>

<p>I always enjoy your Sunday blogs Tricia, and I feel exactly as you and your other readers do about this magazine cover. Who wants to look like a sex kitten at our age? This morning I was reading an article about the actress Geraldine James playing Rosalind in an RSC production of As You Like It where most of the cast are over 70. She is photographed with all her wrinkles and looks absolutely beautiful.</p>

<p>Good afternoon Tricia, as usual your opinion is very appropriate to any thinking woman, approaching or in their 80s already, we do make the best of what we have if that is our habit and with the help of your lovely products, at 87 I do make more of an effort, especially when going to meet my family and or friends, otherwise keep it simple with moisturising and touch blusher and lightly applied lipstick. I must admit looking at the cover of SI and thought ‘ how lovely’ but then realised it was mostly contrived and as you say ‘fake’, as such a lot of things pictured are these days. Your blogs are always very thought provoking and much enjoyed, as are the comments, to which I’m afraid I rarely contribute. So very many thanks Tricia, with warmest wishes for your success. Valerie</p>

<p>Thank you so much for putting into words what was disturbing about this feature. I am surprised that Martha Stewart was agreeable to portraying herself this way. It does not convey authenticity, grace, and dignity-with-humor  that I hope we embody as we age.</p>

<p>Tricia, I too aspire for different things in life now and for me, they will do very nicely thank you. Jenny x</p>

<p>Brava Tricia!! I’m 75 and agree with every word you’ve written.</p>

<p>Dont take it all too seriously. It is Sports Illustrated after all and the cover is meant to sell copies which I am sure it has. Obviously she has had 'work' and with the draping, posing, lighting and photoshopping -she looks good, although none of us believe it is natural. So I say - good for her for being up for it although I would like to see what she looks like first thing in the morning. We are not all wrinkled - a lot is down to genes and health. We can all make the best of what we have by using makeup and skin products, dressing to suit us and using colour, eating healthily, exercising and looking after our health. My mother used to say that my paternal grandmother who died in her 70s did not have a wrinkle in her face when she died. Unfortunately those genes mixed with my maternal side and I dont look as good. However I think i am still in reasonable nick and I have been blessed with good health. People think I look 10 - 15 years younger than I am. My arms are firm. I am in reasonable shape and I dont think twice about wearing a bikini. I would not pose like Martha, that is totally different but there are many women out there who still look good. Unfortunately a lot of women conform to type as they age and just let themselves go and just dont bother. I am 80 and proud of it...</p>

<p>Couldn't agree more with you! Thanks for spelling it all out.</p>

<p>Spot on with your blog. Thankfully we see through all the cosmetic work, filters and photography alterations and have learned to accept ourselves as we are and not try to be like so many celebrities. We just make the most of out natural selves to feel better and more confident, which in turn makes us happy. I think the photo of her is awful anyway!</p>

<p>Could not agree more, Tricia. Absolutely spot on. What an insult to women that picture is, once more, “ youthful” objects for men to use, abuse and ogle at. Plus ca change, plus ca meme choses. So sad that nothing changes but we do have to persist and thank goodness there are so many more women who stand up and make their voices heard. Eventually, surely we must succeed.</p>

<p>I agree totally. When I heard an 81 year old was on a cover I thought it was great, a positive step forward. But I was most disheartened when I actually saw the photo shoot. Absurd and unattainable, as attractive as Martha Stewart looked it was not real life. Such a shame and detrimental in my opinion.</p>

<p>I agree with you! We all age differently and we should embrace our individuality to be the best we can. As an aside and possibly a little tongue in cheek…. It is Sports Illustrated, not the most cerebral content!</p>

<p>I totally agree with you Tricia and if I'm correct they did the same thing with Elon Musk' s mother some time ago. He is the richest man in the world don't forget so if they can't have a brilliant photo shopped photoshoot who can? It's just another example of the fake ridiculous image culture that we live in. So no Sport magazine I do NOT buy your commercial rubbish I shall stick to admiring real women of all ages not photoshopped "dummies"" Phew feel better for that !!x</p>

<p>I think that Martha Stewart is an attractive woman but agree that the photo has been enhanced. She is successful and does not need to be defined by this type of image. She claims to have not had any surgery or fillers but who knows. There are people who do look young such as William Roache (Ken Barlow)who looks a young 91 and does not appear to have had any work done. Photo's now often bear little resemblence to what a person really looks like. Take the offical coronation photographs for example. Camilla has quite deep lines and these have been filtered out on the official photographs.</p>

<p>Congratulations on another well thought out, incisive article, I looked at magazine cover,the photograph depressed me and immediately I wondered if it was fake! I’m in my late 70’s, recovering from an accident, living with diabetes and cancer and all I desire, or want, is to be as healthy and happy as I can be, despite my age, loneliness and ailments. Looking good and still breathing is an extra, the icing on the cake! . ! Sexy at 80! I love your approach to being elderly , inspirational.I use your products, they makes me smile: there’s someone out there who really cares, I’m not fading wallpaper! thank you.</p>

<p>Great blog Tricia! The picture of Martha quite offended me! We have such lovely Super Troupers of similar age that are far more beautiful! I even googled her, not good! The only 81 year that must have been pleased with the magazine cover must have been Martha herself! Sadly she has had far too much surgery which is not very flattering! Aging is a part of life and you have shown us how we can do that to the best of our ability without surgery! So thank you Tricia! xx</p>

<p>Hear hear Tricia, you have absolutely hit the nail on the head, or should I say nails! I can add nothing to your point of view except to say I totally agree with you.</p>

<p>Totally agree , the whole picture looks artificial and as you say they wanted to have the kudos of an older woman on the cover but she had to be " flawless" and not look like an older woman!!</p>

Tricia, Your comments really hit the mark. One of many things I find about this type of advertising is, the majority of older women have more common sense than to believe the rubbish that is printed. Obviously, with her money and status she is the 'ideal candidate' for this type of advertising. Does Martha Stewart really believe she looks like this for real!! At 89 would I really like to look like this - no thanks far too much hard work (even if I had the money!)

Whilst messaging, I think your products do a great job

Spot on Tricia, absolutely right and exactly what I think. In fact, the photo just makes me laugh and think 'Oh really?!' Well said.

<p>May I take another stance on this blog. Whilst I agree Martha Stewart must have been photoshopped within an inch of her life, plus she has had some plastic surgery, many much younger models have had the same “help”. However, I am still glad that an 81 year old women has been put on a magazine cover. I am always pleased when older women are shown in the media usually Jane Fonda etc but it at least keeps the flag flying that we are still alive and most of us want to look and feel the best we can, even without false intervention.</p>

<p>Well said - totally agree! LFF ladies come across as confident and much more realistic about our looks as we age, dressing and using makeup to please ourselves rather than to try to impress others or live up to some unrealistic idea of beauty; so our reaction to this fake image, that does the opposite of celebrate age, is totally understandable. I wonder though how I might have reacted to it when younger. Hopefully the same but, if going through one of life's down periods when I certainly didn't feel confident or happy in myself, I can imagine thinking 'If this lady looks that great at 81, there's little hope for me at 35'. I do worry about some young women being pressured to look a certain way however unreal, without the confidence that many years of experiences have given us older women.</p>

Oh how I agree with you Tricia regarding Martha Stewart. Does nothing to promote the good feelings of the average woman of 81!! And I'm afraid seeing that low cut swimsuit makes me feel quite uncomfortable - certainly not attractive to the eye!! Keep Up the good work

Jan

<p>Totally nailed it Tricia!!</p>

<p>Totally agree with Tricia on this one. When I see celebrities of a certain age on tv and in the news, it’s obvious a lot of them have had extensive plastic surgery and enhancements and somehow they look less of a person. I can think of many instances where celebrities have had work done which means their faces don’t move, not an attractive look. I too use make up, a decent hairstyle and clothes to suit my shape, which hopefully enhance the best of me for my age. Keep up the good work Tricia!</p>

<p>That front page is typical of the appearance of a type of woman that certainly doesn’t appeal to me either. But neither does the smug and preachy type who know what’s good for us all. For attitudes to continue to improve we need to be supportive and encouraging not unkind and derogatory.</p>

<p>I agree Tricia. She looks beautiful if only it was a true representation of her. I wonder what she looks like first thing in the morning? Still a lovely looking woman I’m sure but not as the photo above would have you believe.</p>

<p>As i contemplate another week of trying to 'control' the weight and just cope with growing 'old' i too find this representation ludicrous and depressing. It is stuff like Sports Illustrated that stops most mature women wearing - or feeling confident to wear - a swimming costume at all. I wonder how many women - mature or otherwise - work on this magazine? Only those young enough to accept this rubbish. Thank you for blogging on this :)</p>

<p>I totally agree with you, Tricia. This image is so far removed from the reality for most of us cruising towards our ‘80s, it’s almost a bit of a caricature. I don’t look anything like this in a swimsuit at the age of 67 (& I like to think I look after myself pretty well!) & so there’s no way this would be me in 14 years time at the age of 81! I’m absolutely for women aiming to be the best version of themselves at whatever age, even breaking the mould a bit, but to publish a photo like this as representing ‘beauty in older age’ is at the same time sexist, ageist (you’ll only get on our front cover if we make you look at least 30 years younger) & frankly, a bit shallow!</p>

<p>Well said Tricia, I think there comes a time in our lives when we should embrace what we've been given. I agree with concentrating on health and happiness and of course LFF products</p>

<p>How right you are Tricia! Poor Martha Stewart: she needs a 'Re-makeover', to bring her back to the true beauty of age!</p>

<p>Just had a photo taken with me in a swimsuit in Destin , Florida, no makeup or special lighting . Not the best on the beach but not the worst either ! Just as it has been all my life . I do the best with what God and my parents gave me . No regrets ……</p>

<p>Good morning !you are absolutely right! My immediate reaction to that pic was that’s either completely fake or they have pictured a much younger woman to sell copies! That neither inspires nor reflects older women .. we’re proud of our wrinkles and older faces .. made up looking better with LFF I might add ! However, don’t forget that not every woman gets to be 81 or whatever .. too many have been taken much too soon by various illnesses ! I’m just thankful to be here !</p>

<p>You had me, totally, until the last sentence which reads like a bit of an apology! I realise “I’m afraid” is just a figure of speech, yet you are perhaps the least fearful older woman I know… and nothing “will have to do” - we make our own powerful choices and to deny the validity of this image is one of them. My own view is that Martha sold her soul for a publicity opportunity, and she probably sees it very differently. Why, oh why are we still being pushed the belief that everything that is successful about life depends on looks? And a very superficial view of what looks good? Sigh…..</p>

<p>I really enjoyed reading this article, well written and spot on. Be who you are, I say. Such fakery. Made me laugh out loud</p>

I agree with every word you’ve said. No 81 year old can look like that without lots of cosmetic surgery, cunning lighting, airbrushing etc. I admire the way Lookfabulousforever helps us more mature women to make the best of what we’ve got without the need for lots of external help and to accept we do age. We worry about teenage girls trying to live up to unrealistic images on social media but what about older women feeling unattractive and past it when presented with images of Martha Stewart.

<p>Absolutely brilliant Tricia. Well done and thank you. My thoughts exactly.</p>

<p>Thank you for writing this piece and tackling ageist journalism , which this cover is, albeit in a subtle and less obvious way. When I first saw this photo and read the attached article, I just couldn't unpick my thoughts of why I felt uncomfortable, disappointed, uninspired and sad! You have unpicked exactly why I had these feelings. Thank you Tricia for batting for our generation in a sensible and realistic way and written with clarity as always.</p>

<p>Mirrors my thoughts exactly. Totally fake and aimed at making us think that a certain sort of "beauty" is the only way to happiness.</p>

<p>I completely agree with you. Enough said!</p>

<p>I think this photo makes us all feel jealous, not as good as other women, and it doesn’t represent any 80 year olds that I know. It makes me feel badly about myself and I’m 68! I doubt very highly that any younger men would date women in their 80s. Just my thoughts.</p>

<p>Thank you for your insightful, intelligent analysis of ‘that photo’. Agree with every point you make. I also want to be the best I can be in my eighties - that includes how I look. In contrast to the underlying message of Martha Stewart’s image - you must look young at all costs- I want to retain authenticity and dignity!</p>

<p>I totally agree and you put it so well, as always. I find the photo is ridiculous and irrelevant. Its just another sexualised and manipulated image of a woman used to make money. Depressing indeed.</p>

<p>Well said Tricia! Who wants to look sexually alluring in their 80's? I'm not there just yet but I'm sure I won't! Patti</p>

<p>Hi Tricia - you’ve hit the nail right on the head! When I first saw this cover photo I thought to myself, how ridiculous…..without all the aids that you mentioned, NO 81 year old woman could ever look like this, it’s utterly impossible. I’m 85, still walking 3-KLM’s a day, making up every day, cooking fresh food every day, feeling attractive most days, etc - but my skin has aged, wrinkled in many places, and NOTHING can make it look as I did in my 20’s! Thanks for an excellent blog, YOU are truly aspirational- enjoy your holiday x</p>

<p>I totally agree with your blog, and then I wondered how I would portray an 81 year old woman in a way that would be accessible and attractive to a mainstream magazine buying public? I once saw a picture of Peggy Seager promoting her concert tour aged 70, she was lively and herself, her personality coming through the photo: the make up and clothes enhanced who she was........</p>

<p>Well said Tricia. It just shows how little people, especially younger ones, understand what ageism actually is. A friend of 72 has been trying to get a job because she needs the income but is getting nowhere not because she isn't capable but 'as soon as they find out your age, they don't want to know'. That's what matters about getting older, not whether or not you are 'fit' enough for a magazine cover. Matha's body is mostly hidden which tells it's own story anyway but I'm left wondering why she did it. Not for the money, surely, and if she has children and grandchildren wouldn't it be likely to cause them some embarrassment or perhaps that's my prudery on display! She hardly needs a profile but perhaps she really, but mistakenly, thinks she is doing something positive for older women. Perhaps it reflects the attitudes of her youth when women were routinely objectified & their bodies displayed in ways we no longer tolerate in the mainstream - remember page 3?</p>

<p>I am a 78 year old widow, and I agree 100% with Tricia’s article this week. Since being on my own I have embraced Saga Cruising. I travel alone, but always meet new people. Around the ship, and especially on Formal Nights, you will always find some truly stunning women. Being Saga everyone is over 50. None of the passengers aspire to be 20, but many certainly do not look their true age. With the right clothing, makeup and accessories, we can strut our stuff, mainly because the only people we have to please/impress are ourselves. And maybe one of the dishy captains!</p>

<p>Oh Well said Tricia. I will add no more as you have said it all. As soon as I saw the Martha photo I thought the same. Oh well said. X</p>

<p>Thanks, Tricia! Please, please get an article in the magazine yourself, if possible, calling out this dated, unconstructive approach to an image of a business person who has created a business brand/empire as high profile as she has. I looked online at the rest of the photos - ugh! - perhaps we could also ask for them to do an edition featuring a high profile swimming trunk clad businessman of 81, in precisely the same poses, and see where that takes us?</p>

<p>Spot on Tricia. I don't really know Martha Stewart but I am sure she is an attractive woman but this is a fake photo. I totally agree with the points you make about being sexually alluring as well and isn't that actually something even young women suffer from these days. Many grow up with the idea that to be sexually attractive you have to look like someone off Love Island. Of course we want to look our best - that's why we love make up - but we want to look real. I want to look the best the real Andy can look at 68.</p>

Agree 100%. The SI cover made me cringe.

<p>Not knowing or following much about Martha Stewart in general, what irritated me the most about her agreeing to appear in SI was that she completely bought into their "anti-aging" premise. In the process she did a real disservice to women everywhere. I have always disliked the SI swimsuit edition as it objectifies women (of all ages). I tire of hearing justifications from beautiful women as to why they should show their bodies off (arched backs and pouty expressions et al), as generations of young girls fall prey to the impossible mindset of perfection. Martha Stewart had a great opportunity to push back against that mindset and chose not to. A wasted opportunity.</p>

<p>I agree with every word, I am 83 and my best feature is my smile, I love life never had plastic surgery could do with losing some fat, but I enjoy my life, that photo is not inspirational, its how you are as a person, I say never mind your age, love life love colour don't turn into a grey image.</p>

<p>Very interesting comments but I won der how many of us really accept ourselves as we are? Would you have a business Tricia if we did? I really dislike the way I look without make-up ;no visible eyebrows or eyelashes, deep shadows around my eyes, thread veins and discoloration on my skin. We say this is just 'making the best of ourselves' but isn't it really trying to erase the ravages of ageing? not sure I know the answers but I know I'll keep on with the deception as long as I can!</p>

<p>I could not have said it better!</p>

<p>Hi Tricia, I agree so much with everything you have said. I get really fed up with the emphasis on women that we have to be 'hot' and 'sexy' in order to be of any value in today's world. It is so disheartening that many women follow this train of thought and indulge in all manner of procedures etc in order to conform, regardless of any future reactions or harm they are doing to themselves. In many other countries, especially in the Far East, the older generation, especially the women (probably because they live longer?), are respected and revered for their wisdom and life experience and are honoured by the younger generations. It would seem that in the 'progressive West' we do not have all the right ideas despite the aura of superiority that some people have. .We need to look outside of the appearance-led parameters that we (women in particular, but increasingly for men) have allowed to be set for us and take notice of what is really worthwhile in humanity. Beauty from the inside out really is noticeable and so much more real. Please keep up your good work and remain clear-sighted as always. Best Wishes, Sue.</p>

<p>You said it all Tricia. I feel Fabulous Forever, with my skin care and wonderful makeup. I am a 78 year old Canadian, and have a new husband of six years that shows me love everyday. Don’t need the photo shoot, lighting or face lift. Love lifts the face and gives you more smile lines but even that’s ok. Thank you for you in my life.</p>

<p>Totally agree . Well stated. The best me at soon to be 72. Thks for your honesty.</p>

<p>I agree with everything you have written Tricia. When l saw that photograph l was horrified as l could not believe in any way it could be real. I am 82 this year and like you try to be the best version of myself that l can. I enjoy using makeup, love looking after my skin and hair and, according to my husband, always buying new clothes. Something l confess l should try and curb but hey ho if you can’t enjoy life in your 80’s,when can you. All the best, Maureen x</p>

<p>My Sentinents! Thank You!</p>

<p>Bravo, Tricia. I couldn't agree with your words more. Thanks so much for so beautifully putting into words what many of us of a "certain age" thought about the magazine cover. Neither inspirational nor aspirational!</p>

I see every point you make is extremely relevant and true about the Martha Stewart cover and we should all be aware of the huge efforts that have obviously been made here,however aren't ALL model’s images,whatever age, treated, primped, preened, altered, falsified, accesorised, etc, etc in exactly the same way, so that even baby-faced teens are pixel perfected in the same way and teens looking at those pictures of total, unattainable perfection cannot attain those looks its why the cosmetic proceedures industry is booming with ever younger patients.I take the encouraging message from this fab looking 81 year old as a positive to saying women of all ages are still relevant models and to find our own individual beauty looks, to me its saying youre never too old to be fabulous in your own special way.

<p>This is the best comment I've read on that cover!</p>

<p>Absolutely right on Trish on every point you made.First that image made me laugh, and then it made me depressed. Some role model However, you are a true, interesting, smart, attractive and thoughtful role model, a realistically aspirational one. Keep up the great work!</p>