These four fabulous women have turned 50 this year, and we’re can’t help but be inspired! Sure, they have a whole team of people to help with the hair, makeup, exercise routines and healthy eating, but they are also inspirational in their attitude to their lives at 50. They‘re releasing some of their best work, having comebacks, and proving turning 50 doesn’t make you over the hill – its just the beginning!
Jennifer Lopez
There’s no denying that J.Lo is a megastar and triple threat with her music, dancing and acting. Over her career she has recorded 8 albums, acted in 30 movies and hosted or starred in nearly a dozen tv shows. Not only that but she is a smart business woman, launching several fashion lines and fragrances. With all this success, she has earnt her 400-million-dollar fortune and last year was declared one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine.
As she enters her 50th year she shows no signs of slowing down, with a birthday tour that sees her hitting 24 US cities – what a way to show that 50 isnt “past it” and break down the ageism in the industry! She wants to celebrate turning 50 rather than looking at ageing in a negative way and says that affirmations are important to her to keep her feeling her best.
“Affirmations are so important. I am youthful and timeless. I tell myself that every day, a few times a day. It sounds like such clichéd bullshit, but it’s not; age is all in your mind.”
Jennifer Anniston
Jennifer Anniston has spent years in the industry with her relationships under the microscope. The media paints her as someone to be pitied, with two divorces and no children as she approached 50. However, nothing could be further from the truth! She is keen to break down the ideas of what a woman should be – married with kids by a certain age and needing a man to be happy and complete.
“That’s a fairy tale. That’s the mold we’re slowly trying to break out of.
As she hit 50, she said that she doesn’t feel any different, in fact she feels incredible. and wants to challenge the way that women are spoken to as they get older.
“It’s weird that it’s all of a sudden getting telegraphed in a way that’s like, ‘You look amazing for your age.’ I think we need to establish some etiquette around that dialogue and verbiage.”
With a career spanning almost 30 years, near 40 film and tv acting credits and a plethora or awards and nominations, she is a successful woman no matter what her relationship status, and certainly seems happier at 50 than she has been before.
Cate Blanchett
Theatre and movie actress Cate Blanchett has two Oscars, three Golden Globes and three BAFTAS under her belt, not to mention a plethora of movie and theatre critic awards. She’s the star of both big blockbusters and interesting indie films, picking interesting roles and complicated characters.
She credits her attitude towards ageing to growing up with growing up in a house with three generations of women. She was inspired by how funny and active her mother and grandmother were, and knowing that there was still so much good to come helped her cope with getting older.
“I think as a society we need to banish the notion of “old age.” We don’t get to know and cohabit and mingle with people who are several generations ahead of us. And as a result we’ve become more fearful of aging.”
She has also spoken about ensuring you look the best you can whatever your age and working with what you have. If you’re comfortable in your own skin, that’s the best attitude to have. She also embraces the history her body has been through, like having her children.
“When you’ve had children, your body changes; there’s history to it. I like the evolution of that history; I’m fortunate to be with somebody who likes the evolution of that history. I think it’s important to not eradicate it.”
Renee Zelwegger
Renee Zelwegger has been criticised over the past few years for the way she has aged. After taking 6 years out from the public eye to focus on her personal life, she returned to the red carpet with people unable to recognise her. People criticised her thinking she had had surgery, which she denies and said it was actually stopping her ageing tweaks that made her look different than she did before.
In the last few years she has returned to acting including the Bridget Jones sequel and a Netlflix show. Her newest film, Judy, a biopic of Judy Garland, is receiving a lot of Oscar buzz and critical acclaim. As she turns 50 she is making her big career comeback – what an inspiration! She has talked about the joys of ageing, saying that she feels less encumbered by societies pressures now than when she was younger. Turning 50 isn’t a burden – it’s an opportunity!
“You know, I feel like a kid. It’s a clean slate. You get to a point where you recognise what you value and live by it with a greater degree of ease.”
Her advice to younger generations? Just you wait, it’s going to get so good!
“Good luck to every girl until you get to 50, that’s all I have to say! I’ll be thinking about you, but just wait – what fun. Oh my goodness.”
