Newsweek Exclusive Feature
"Are you afraid of getting older?" Gina Drewalowski asked viewers, before sharing why they shouldn't fear "time."
In an industry that tends to glorify youth, influencer Gina Drewalowski, 58, is challenging ageist beauty standards through her social-media content.
Drewalowski shared a video of herself dancing to the Gipsy Kings' upbeat track "Volare," dressed in a black mini dress and heels, on May 29. Her unapologetic display of joy is a clear bid to encourage her followers to embrace the aging process—amid rising rates of young people seeking botox, and online trends that glorify youth and shun signs of ageing.
The German creator's post, which has 110,000-plus likes, has garnered widespread support and some criticism for its unconventional message.
"At 58, I've found that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing passion and purpose," Drewalowski told Newsweek. "Through my dance videos and digital narratives, I aim to inspire not only those in my age bracket but anyone with a passion for living fully.
"Age should never be a barrier to exploring new horizons and finding fulfillment," she added.
The influencer had spent over 30 years working in the fashion industry, assisting big names among the style set by taking on several marketing and communication roles. It was there that she learned how much emphasis was being placed on one's age and physical appearance, and how digital media could be used for storytelling.
"For me, the greatest happiness is that I can grow older in a state that makes me happy and in which I feel fit and have a positive mindset," Drewalowski, known as @ginadrewalowski online, said in the post. "Are you afraid of getting older? It's the passage of time, and I have the attitude that things you can't change should be accepted and made as pleasant as possible."
"Of course we would perhaps like to be 18 or 25 or 30 years old, and stay in the time when life was most interesting and full of energy for us, but it's just not possible," she added.
Viewers were able to see Drewalowski smiling and dancing in an aesthetic corner of a public park, breaking the stereotype of how women in their late 50s should look and act according to the traditional views perpetuated in part by the cosmetic, film and media industries. The influencer aims to shift the narrative around aging, with much of her content surrounding how she enjoys her life with the same amount of vigor and excitement that one would expect of someone in their early 20s.
Drewalowski's message provides a sharp contrast with the beauty industry's focus on youth. The global personal care and beauty market is expected to reach $1.5 billion in 2027, highlighting society's obsession with maintaining a particular, usually youthful, appearance. The findings come from the Global Wellness Institute's 2023 global wellness economy monitor.
Drewalowski's refreshing perspective, that it's OK to celebrate life at every age, rejects the notion that beauty is confined to youth. Still, not all reactions to her post have been positive, and some critics have argued that her behavior is more immature than inspiring.
One user, @30_jun1, wrote: "Behaving like a toddler is staying young?"
Another, @dflip111, added: "I'm still afraid despite your dancing."
There has been some backlash, but a number of viewers have jumped to Drewalowski's defense.
"A woman enjoying herself and looking great for her age, keep it up," one user, @jame.mech, shared.
"I love your spirit, keep shining," another, @mixhaxholm, added.
A third, @drfatumina, posted: "What is with the all the hateful comments. The point is she is not trying to be a 30-something, she is trying to not conform to society's view of what a woman her age should behave or look like. She is being herself. Our bodies may age but we all stay the same inside. And to those who say she is acting like a toddler. Darlings that's a compliment. When I get older I plan to have fun, be as irresponsible as I want to be and p*** people like you guys off so you can spend hours hating on me whilst living my best life."
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