A Woman of a Certain Age!
How old is a “Woman of a Certain Age?”
Well you see, I think that is the brilliance of this phrase. It is in itself ageless. Well for anyone over 60 at least.
You don’t have to endure, as our mothers did, being referred to as an “older or mature woman” or a“senior”, knowing that it is just a prelude to being called “elderly”, God forbid.
Where did the term “Woman of A Certain Age” come from?
In 18th century England, “a woman of a certain age” was first used by poet Lord Byron to refer to spinsterhood – those “unfortunate” women who never married and had nothing to describe their sad predicament between Miss and Mrs.
Oh, Boo Hoo!
BUT in France, “une femme d’un certain age” had erotically or sexually charged overtones, referring to an “experienced” woman (in the 18th century that meant over 40!) who could still entice young men into their beds.
Hey — I have no plans to do that (I don’t think!) but I’ll take that definition any day. Vive La France!
And what I do notice on my trips to Paris and France is that women of a certain age are revered for their maturity and experience.
You see them often sitting alone in restaurants, elegantly dressed with an air of confidence as they enjoy a glass of wine or a meal.
They command respect.
Think about it!
For the first time in history, there are more women over 50 in this world than ever before!
We are living longer, and offer the experience, and wisdom to keep us relevant.
So why not use our numbers to influence how we are perceived and valued now and in the future?
Let us also command and demand respect!
Absolutely, the best thing about being a woman of a certain age? We can be this in our 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
We can ditch the numbers and derogatory labels.
So I say “women of a certain age” unite!
I am a woman of a certain age all the way baby!
Are You A Woman Of A Certain Age?
What do you think?
Please share your comments with us at the bottom of this blog!
Have you Subscribed To My Blog
Woman of A Certain Age in Paris?
I have created a community of women of a certain age
who want to explore the magic of Paris and France
to really embrace this chapter of our lives.
Because like Paris, we only get better with age!
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE. It’s Free!
Brought to you by www. WomanofACertainAgeinParis.com
Diana Bishop the founder of The Success Story Program and A Woman of a Certain Age in Paris as well as a well-known correspondent with over 25 years working for CTV, CBC News, and NBC News. She loves travel, writing, and all things Parisienne.
Dear Diana..congratulations, love,& blessings…YOU look wonderful…more like 30s than 60s !,!…delighted that you included 90s as “women of a certain age” ! Cheers for you xoxGill
I think I’m going to really enjoy this blog. Thank-you Lorie Hanley for the introduction.
Laurie-Ann — Welcome! I look forward to hearing about your impressions of Paris too! Thanks for subscribing. Diana
Dear Diane ! This is incredible movement for ladies in certain age. As a woman in certain age most of us we accumplished a lot, had so much ups and downs and gave our priority to everyone
In our family more than ourselves.
This is our time and thank you so much being a leader of this path of our lives. Good luck and look forward reading your blog
So happy I was scanning LinkedIn and found your blog
Great to hear from you Karen!
This looks like quite an adventure in Blog writing! I am already itching to learn more about Paris Women and culture. Quite a fascinating look at how beautiful & respected woman are at a certain age… Truly fantastic.
Hi Tamara,
Thanks for reaching out and subscribing to my blog. Yes, I will be writing about all sorts of things, and French women fascinate me too! They are the epitome of style and elegance! Diana
(noting that no one has posted here since 2018)
Hello Diana, as a man, I used to wonder what a ‘certain’ age was/is – I am 50 so is my age also ‘certain’? I haven’t really thought about it recently but I was out on a run this afternoon and my brain metaphorically tapped me on the shoulder (unbidden, as it often does) and told me that the phrase – “A Woman of an Uncertain Age” would be an awesome title for an autobiography. ‘Certain’ women came to mind for whom the title might work but I was wondering what you thought about that?
Neil — I love this comment and I am so so glad to hear form you. I like your title! My working title is WOMAN OF A CERTAIN AGE IN PARIS like my site but perhaps yours would work better for this memoir. I have already written and had published my first memoir called LIVING UP TO A LEGEND so this new one will have my adventures as a francophile as the focus. A WOMAN OF AN un-CERTAIN AGE is a great title… hmm..food for thought. Thank you again for sending me your thoughts — much appreciated. Best to you and I look forward to hearing from you again SOON! Diana
[…] French felt women’s maturity and experience are more revered as they age (“Women of a Certain Age in Paris,“), and are considered more erotic because they are more experienced. The implication is that […]
Definitely. My point exactly. Quite different from the North American view of female ageing.