These age-defying lightworkers are living their best lives and inspiring us to do the same.
– KEYS SOULCARE
Appreciating the gift of aging is soulcare, but getting older often gets a bad rep. Ageism, defined as “stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination towards others or oneself based on age,” creates cultural expectations and limitations that impact everyone — and it’s about time we shift the narrative.
Ready to celebrate your midlife revival? Read on to discover 10 inspiring lightworkers who are breaking all the rules, and living their most authentic lives in every decade.
Alicia Keys, 41
Our goddess-in-chief recently celebrated her 41st and could not be more in her zone. “I don’t want any more of the nonsense or bullshit,” Alicia shared in an interview with USA Today, when speaking about her milestone birthday. “It’s such a freedom and strength that comes from knowing who you are and who you want to be, and all the things we’re all looking for and for our kindred spirits to connect.” FOLLOW ALICIA.
Stacy London, 52
Retired from her days as TLC’s What Not to Wear co-host and critic, Stacy London is deep in her rebirth. From leaving men behind in her dating life to becoming the CEO of State Of — a safe haven for all things menopause — Stacy’s post-40 transformation has been extraordinary. In her interview with StyleLikeU, Stacy talks about the joy of her continued metamorphosis and why everyone should start looking forward to midlife. “If we keep talking about this stage of life — the middle of life — as some sort of ending, instead of maybe an ending that has a new beginning, we lose the incredible brilliance and wisdom of people at this age…” If Stacy isn’t proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your story and live your fullest life, we don’t know who is! FOLLOW STACY.
Denise Harris, 53
On the hunt for some fitness inspo? Look no further than Denise Harris, founder of Resolve to Move. Denise embraces movement as a daily practice and promise, making incredible strides as a Brooklyn-based personal trainer and pilates instructor. Harris’ secret to fitness success? Just move. “I dabbled with working out for years, but I always fell off the wagon. Hard work can lead to great results, but it isn’t always sustainable.” Denise told Women’s Health Magazine. “So when I was 42, I resolved to just move. When I’m active every day — whether that’s a 10-minute abs series before bed or a 30-minute circuit while I’m waiting on laundry — I’m more disciplined and happy.” FOLLOW DENISE.
Nick Wooster, 61
Nick Wooster is a design and retail consultant making iconic menswear statements on and offline. Nick’s seemingly unwavering confidence is one of his many draws, especially to younger menswear enthusiasts. In an interview with The New York Times, Nick shares he’s most courageous when it comes to his closet: “I’m probably one of the most fearful persons in the world, but not when it comes to getting dressed.” At 61 years-old, an age where most expect more drab than fab clothing, the fashion legend is showing no signs of going out of style anytime soon. His 924K followers are a testament to his swag and inspiration to look and feel good at any age. FOLLOW NICK.
Jin Cruce, 54
Jin Cruce has a thing or two to say about living with grays. The pharmacist-turned-influencer stopped dyeing her hair back in 2018, leaving behind the aesthetic pressure to hide her true shades. “Getting older has been great for my mind, body, and soul,” Jin shared with her IG community. “I’m seeing and experiencing life with an open heart and open mind and taking better care of myself. I’m more relaxed, mellow, confident, loving, and free — and I think that comes with finally accepting and embracing who I am and letting go of old fears and expectations of how life or I should be.” Well said. FOLLOW JIN.
Grace Bonney, 40
Grace Bonney is a curator of stories from midlifers across communities. The founder of Design*Sponge and Good Company took inspiration from her own storytelling project, Collective Wisdom, in order to build a new path on her own journey. “Working on Collective Wisdom was actually what showed me I was ready to move on and try something else, so I am now a graduate student studying to be a marriage and family therapist at Syracuse University,” she shared with us. “I felt self-conscious going back to school at the age of 40, but it’s been an incredible experience.” FOLLOW GRACE.
Jeffrey Marsh, 44
Jeffrey Marsh was the first openly non-binary presence to be interviewed on national television and continues to be a beacon of hope for the LGBTQIA+ community. As an advocate and author, Marsh is creating space for dialogue to disrupt false narratives surrounding queer identity. In their #ProudToBe Nonbinary and Old video, Jeffrey expresses the importance of older queer representation online. “If you’re a teenager, and you’re non-binary, and you’re watching videos on YouTube, and you only see videos from younger people — I think it instills inside [of] you a sense that you have no future.” They go on to say, “If you are a young person and you’re looking at me with my crow’s feet, you’re going to earn yours someday. You’re going to make it.” FOLLOW JEFFREY.
Grece Ghanem, 57
With 740K — including fashion’s latest and greatest, Zendaya — Grece Ghanem is a name and face to know. The microbiologist-turned-personal trainer switched up careers, but her elevated personal style has always been swoon-worthy. When asked about the one fashion rule that drove her crazy, Grece told Glamour, “That when women reach a certain age, they should have a more conservative and classic aesthetic…I think that’s so passé. As long as you dress with confidence, you can pull off any look.” So, what are Grece’s true fashion rules? “My rules are ageless; they apply to women in every stage of her life,” she added. “Buy the piece that you like not because anyone else tells you it’s the trend of the season, but because it makes you feel empowered. Do not let your clothes overwhelm you. They should make you feel more beautiful and give you strength and joy.” FOLLOW GRECE.
Maryam Remias, 50
Maryam Remias is a favorite among beauty enthusiasts. The makeup artist started her social media journey to ease her way out of depression and has been shining her light on her 142K followers ever since. In a heartfelt post, Maryam shares her love of color and disrupting beauty limitations. “Some women believe that wearing muted neutral makeup is more age-appropriate,” she said. “But if you love makeup and color, you should be able to express yourself and be true to yourself.” Doing what you love to express yourself? That’s soulcare and we love to see it. FOLLOW MARYAM.
Elisa Goodkind, 64
Alongside daughter Lily Mandelbaum, Elisa Goodkind founded StyleLikeU — the viral interview series and subsequent book that gets its guests stripped down, literally and figuratively speaking. The concept developed by the mother-daughter duo is all about vulnerability and radical self-acceptance. Elisa, the veteran fashion stylist, knows first-hand the struggles of creative expression and age. In the “Defying Ageism” series of StyleLikeU, Goodkind talks about the undeniable joy she builds with time. “When I look back on 30, 40, 50, 60, there’s no question that with each decade, I’ve become a happier person.” What’s her secret? “I’ve never really focused on age at all,” she said. “The way that I live my life is just ‘oh, what can I do next?’” FOLLOW ELISA.
How are you living your best life, at every phase of life? Share your favorite ways to celebrate yourself across the decades.
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