On Women and Growing Old

In response to “How Long Do Old Women Have to Be Young?” by Ellen Goodman, Commentary, Nov. 20:

In my opinion the answer is when each individual woman rejects the stereotypes, labels and discounts. If we women wait until “someone out there” gives us the approval we deserve, it will be a long wait indeed.

Goodman quotes Germaine Greer: “She is allowed to say ‘Now I shall let myself go.’ ” Why should a person at any age let herself go? We all have an obligation to present our best face to the world. My little grandmother was a delight to behold while aging gracefully because she did not let herself go. Katherine Hepburn, I think, is no different now than she has always been; she presents a woman secure in herself and who she is.

Women in their 40s far from being “still attractive” are just coming into their peak years of beauty and power. It’s how we as women feel about ourselves that shines through at any age. We need to stop looking outside for validation and start giving it to ourself.

DOROTHY CROWLEY-CAVECCHE

Palos Verdes Estates