It seems incongruent; menopause and sensuality/sexuality, right? Enter Sharon Stone, the 55-year-old lovely, who recently stated, "It's not like 50 is the new 30. It's like 50 is the new chapter." She went on to say, "We're a very colorful generation that is leading once again." She speaks of sexuality and sensuality in the same breath that she addresses the issue of "the art of aging well." Indeed, she seems to have mastered that art. Aging well is a concept that is foreign to most of us. Certainly, using the word "sensual" in the same conversation with the word "menopause" would be a stretch for the vast majority of our population.
Ms. Stone, openly voiced her opinion regarding her own considerations (past and present) about plastic surgery. Granted, her natural beauty doesn't hurt and may well position her to discard the idea (for herself) of conforming to the idea that for menopausal women, "the art of aging well," sounds like pleasant-speak for getting older. It also sounds like a foreign language for almost everyone we know. While her comments regarding herself included the disclaimer that plastic surgery is a very personal decision for each of us to make individually, her remarks were a breath of fresh air and extremely welcome. Perhaps they are even an indication that "change" (not to mention THE CHANGE) is occurring and can be welcomed instead of dreaded. Her reference to us being a colorful generation touches on the fact that our generation has been instrumental in creating change in many arenas. As a matter of documentable fact, we proudly have been, and continue to be, agents of change.
Our generation changed the way America gave birth and gave each of us a voice by insisting that 'knock out/ drag out childbirth' was no longer acceptable. We also demanded that PMS be validated and that hormonal imbalances were NOT "all in our heads" or figments of colorful imaginations. As we pressed forward (and continued aging) we coined a new word; perimenopause, the transitional decade of changing hormones. Perimenopause also needed validation and exploration to understand exactly how our bodies and hormonal balances changed gradually, over time. It was not like falling off a cliff, but rather a natural, steady progression that moved us forward towards menopause.
Now, we are hearing from a member of our own "colorful generation," that the art of aging is (or at least, can be) associated with sensuality/sexuality. What a paradigm shift! We are shifting our thoughts and beliefs from being 'over the hill' to moving into a new, promising chapter. A new chapter that we collectively are writing. Sharon Stone's comments are not only refreshing, but long overdue for all of us to consider and ultimately embrace. And, by embracing this concept; we not only benefit as members of our generation, but for the generations of women that are following in our footsteps.
Founder of Full Circle Women's Health in Colorado, Stephanie Bender has significantly contributed to a much larger understanding of women's health through her books, lectures and television appearances. Her most recent book is, "End Your Menopause Misery, " which she co-authored with Treacy Colbert. You can post a comment or read more about Stephanie on her website, by clicking here. You can also follow her on Facebook by clicking here.