Women of a Certain Age

Painter Alice Neel once proclaimed, “Life begins at seventy,” railing against the social and cultural stereotypes that limit women as they age.

Hopi-Tewa potter Nampeyo’s career spanned several decades, and she produced hand-crafted ceramics well into her seventies. She is considered one of the first recognizable Indigenous artists of her time.

While she developed a style inspired by motifs from the past, she also experimented with materials and introduced innovative shapes and decorative elements in her Sikyatki-revival style pottery. Her descendants have continued her legacy, many becoming notable potters themselves.

Anna Mary Robertson Moses started painting at seventy-eight, “to keep busy and out of mischief.” Her idyllic scenes resonated with post-war audiences. A self-taught artist, “Grandma Moses” spent her eighties and nineties painting prolifically and exhibiting in sold-out shows.

Despite the acclaim and commercial success, she declared, “I go on my own. . . . I love bright colors, so I use bright colors. I paint because I like to, and I know what I want to paint.” 

When Katharine Graham assumed control of the Washington Post after her husband’s passing, she rose to become one of the most powerful women in the country. She recalled, “What I essentially did was to put one foot in front of the other, shut my eyes, and step off the ledge.” 

Leah Chase’s New Orleans restaurant, Dooky Chase, was more than a destination for Creole cuisine. Over sixty years, she also made it into a community center, a haven for civil rights activists, a gallery for Black artists, and a meeting place for politicians and entertainers.

Chase recalled, “In my dining room, we changed the course of America over a bowl of gumbo and some fried chicken.” This quotation exemplifies the renowned chef’s ability to think big.

Dr. Marta Moreno Vega is an Afro-Puerto Rican activist dedicated to expanding visibility and representation for the people of the African Diaspora. Her scholarship explores overlooked histories, religions, and traditions, affirming Afro-Latinx relevance on a global scale.

These women prove that there is no wrong way to embrace life’s phases. For many, the wisdom and self-assurance that come with experience can be a revelation. 

How can you embrace growing older with joy and authenticity?