Dame Helen Mirren, the renowned Oscar-winning actress, has never been one to shy away from speaking her mind. In a recent interview with HELLO! Magazine, she opened up about ageism, gender inequality, and the importance of embracing oneself at any age. At 78 years old, Dame Helen has become a role model for older women, defying societal expectations and refusing to conform to arbitrary standards of beauty. Let’s delve deeper into her insightful words and learn why age should be celebrated instead of feared.
A recurring theme in Dame Helen’s message is the idea that one’s worth is not determined by their age, but by who they are as an individual. Whether you’re 25, 45, or 85, your value should not be overshadowed by a number. This inspiring perspective challenges the notion that youth is the pinnacle of beauty and success.
Dame Helen shares her personal experience in the entertainment industry, where she witnessed the uncomfortable truth that many talented individuals were chosen primarily for their youth, rather than their skills. This realization often hits people in their mid-30s, as they come face to face with the harsh reality of ageism. However, she affirms that times have changed, and society is slowly moving away from this narrow mindset.
Throughout her career, Dame Helen has been driven by the desire to conquer her fears and take on daunting challenges. She believes that the most rewarding experiences often lie outside of one’s comfort zone. While the fear might never fully disappear, she emphasizes that learning how to navigate it is a valuable skill. As one grows older, they become less self-concerned and more interested in the world around them. This shift in perspective liberates individuals to explore new opportunities and embrace personal growth.
As John Gilbert, a star of the silent film era, once said, “It’s all in the spine.” Dame Helen highlights the importance of posture and body language in exuding confidence and commanding one’s space. She encourages her audience to sit up and take ownership of their presence, reminding them that no one else in the world is quite like them. This empowering message is a call to authenticity and self-expression.
Dame Helen is a renowned rule-breaker, both in her career choices and her personal style. She believes in embracing one’s own uniqueness and refusing to conform to societal expectations. Breaking the rules can be a liberating experience, allowing individuals to express their true selves. And in the realm of skincare and beauty, she advocates for authenticity and self-acceptance.
She acknowledges that as one ages, taking care of the skin becomes more important. Her daily skincare routine includes using a cleanser, night cream, and day cream from L’Oréal Paris. However, she also emphasizes the importance of having a sense of humor about the aging process. Sharing laughter and good company with peers can bring joy and acceptance to the natural progression of life.
Dame Helen passionately advocates for changing the language around aging. She believes that part of embracing one’s age is embracing the vocabulary associated with it. By avoiding negative or limiting words, individuals can cultivate a more positive and empowering mindset. With age comes a growing sense of confidence, as people let go of insecurities that plagued them in their youth.
As Dame Helen recalls her mother’s wisdom, getting older entails gaining wonderful advantages. The journey of life is filled with experiences, knowledge, and self-discovery. Instead of fearing the passage of time, she encourages individuals to celebrate their age and the wisdom that comes with it.
In a world obsessed with youth and external appearances, Dame Helen Mirren serves as a beacon of wisdom and inspiration. Her message to embrace one’s age and authenticity resonates deeply, challenging societal expectations and norms. By celebrating our individuality and refusing to conform, we can flourish at any age. As Dame Helen says, “Age is but a number.” It’s time we embrace our own ageless beauty and live life without limits.