MODELING AGAINST TIME: 74-YEAR-OLD’S BRILLIANT RETORT TO AGEISM CRITICS

Colleen Heidemann, a stunning 74-year-old fashion enthusiast, firmly stands against ageism, refusing to bow down to judgmental voices labeling her stylish choices as “inappropriate for her age.”

This remarkable grandmother embarked on a modeling journey at 68 and even graced the cover of Vogue six years later, showcasing a figure she diligently maintains through hard work and dedication.

Heidemann passionately fights against ageism, drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance and grace of iconic figures like Jacqueline Kennedy, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor.Speaking with DSCENE, she candidly acknowledged the challenging reality that women face unique aging experiences compared to men, often encountering what she terms the ‘Age of Irrelevance’ with menopause.However, she advocates for a shift in perspective, envisioning it as an ‘Age of Enlightenment,’ a phase brimming with opportunities for continued growth, learning, feeling, thinking, experiencing, and, of course, laughing.This former flight attendant turned model and actor, who shared the screen with Dakota Fanning in the 2020 TV series Last Looks, humbly admits that self-assurance wasn’t always a given in her journey.She shared, “There were times when I couldn’t muster the positivity I have now, or be as strong as I aspire to be today. Time, experiences, and a genuine desire for change are truly invaluable gifts.”As the cover model for Vogue Portugal, Colleen Heidemann stands as a beacon of inspiration across generations. Her TikTok profile boasts an impressive 4.1 million likes, while she gathers around 500,000 followers on Instagram.In the world of digital media, she captures the online community’s attention with her down-to-earth demeanor and bold fashion choices, including miniskirts, ripped jeans, and thigh-high heels. Beyond her striking looks, she offers valuable fashion and beauty tips, reminding us that beauty transcends age boundaries.When asked about her style, Heidemann responded, “I don’t stick to one particular style. At this stage of my life, I wear clothing I never would have chosen when I was younger. So, I avoid pigeonholing any image of myself and prefer a more diverse selection process… I recognize it when I see it and usually know immediately how it might complement my body.”In early June, this senior beauty shared a TikTok video with Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” as the backdrop. The post, which received 1.4 million likes, showcased her makeup artistry. Her eyes were accentuated with vibrant blue, and her lips painted a bold red. She captioned the post, saying, “I never know which face the makeup will reveal. I relish the opportunity to embody new personalities. Thank you, ‘Proud Mary’.”

Fans showered Colleen Heidemann with adoring comments like, “I just adore this beautiful lady,” and “Have a fantastic day, Colleen! You look absolutely stunning… so graceful, elegant, and radiantly beautiful!”Showing immense gratitude, she often personally responds to fan comments with heartfelt messages like, “Thank you so very much.”While most of her admirers praise her grace and beauty, there are some who critique her bold fashion choices.In response to a comment suggesting that her poolside attire wasn’t “age-appropriate,” Heidemann posted a TikTok video, stating, “As temperatures rise, I just want to remind you to wear what makes you feel beautiful.” She emphasized, “Every body is a swimsuit body.”One fan expressed, “I don’t want to look like that when I’m older, I want to look like that NOW!! Gorgeous!” Another commented on her positive outlook, prompting a response from Heidemann: “Thank you, it’s so important to find something positive in each day.”In another TikTok video, she confidently strolls down the street in an elegant, lacy black ensemble, her white hair styled in a casually glamorous updo. She asserts, “We are strong. We are not invisible. I dress my age how I want.” The caption delivers a powerful message: “Opinions on taste, preference, and age are profoundly individual… this diversity makes our world wonderfully fascinating and interesting. The freedom to dress and be yourself is yours to claim.”A fan writes, “You’re a queen. I’m literally at a loss for words every time I see you here. I hope one day I have that level of confidence and self-love,” to which Heidemann warmly replies, “What a truly wonderful thing to say, thank you.”Colleen Heidemann stands as a genuine inspiration for women across generations, offering a source of motivation through her confidence and refusal to be constrained by ageist stereotypes.We applaud her for spreading the message that aging is something to embrace, not fear!