Let’s face it most of us want to live long, fulfilling lives. But the idea of getting older? That’s a little harder to embrace.
Image: adriana ramos /pexels
Let’s face it: most of us want to live long, fulfilling lives. But the idea of getting older is a little harder to embrace. With wrinkles, grey hairs, and changing bodies, it’s easy to see why the physical realities of ageing might feel, well, a little intimidating.
For decades, society has framed ageing as something to fear, especially for women.
But here’s the thing: women today are rewriting the narrative. And if there’s one place you can see this transformation in full force, it’s TikTok.
Yes, that’s right, TikTok, the platform we all thought was just for dance challenges and viral trends, is leading the charge when it comes to breaking down the stigma of ageing.
The #fyp (For You Page) is brimming with women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond who are celebrating their age unapologetically, and they’re doing it in style.
Why are we so afraid of ageing? Let’s rewind a bit. How many of us grew up thinking life was over at 30?
If you were a fan of "Friends", you’ll probably remember Joey’s dramatic “Why, God, why?!” meltdown about turning the big 3-0, or Rachel’s iconic plea to “just keep the presents and be 29.” Pop culture has long fed us the idea that youth equals value, beauty, and relevance.
As women, we’ve been conditioned to cling to that youth for as long as possible. But here’s the truth: Life doesn’t end at 30. In fact, for many women, it’s just getting started.
Here’s something I’ve wrestled with personally, and maybe you have, too. As I grow older, I feel more confident in who I am. I know what I want, I’ve learned to say “no” without guilt, and I care less about what people think of me.
But at the same time, I can’t help but notice changes on my face or the way my body has shifted. How is it possible to feel both stronger and more vulnerable at the same time?
This paradox isn’t uncommon. Psychologists have a term for it: the mask of ageing. It’s the idea that while we feel youthful and vibrant on the inside, our outward appearance doesn’t always reflect that. For many women, this disconnect can be unsettling.
But TikTok is helping to bridge the gap, showing that it’s possible to embrace both the wisdom of age and the beauty of change.
How TikTok is changing the way we see ageing
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok recently, you’ve probably noticed the growing number of women celebrating their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
These aren’t just your typical #selflove posts; they’re raw, real, and inspiring. Women are sharing their achievements, their struggles, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. They’re showing that ageing isn’t something to fear; it’s something to embrace.
One viral trend features women in their 30s sharing what makes this decade so much better than their 20s. Comments like, “I finally feel like I have my life together,” or “My friendships are so much deeper now,” are common themes.
Even on Threads, the conversation is buzzing. One user wrote: “The ‘women in their 30s’ trend honestly gave me hope. I’m 26, knee-deep in a quarter-life crisis.
"Every stage of life so far was hyped as the best years of your life: childhood, teenage years, now the 20s. I’m starting to think they lied. Women in their 30s … is it better?”
The responses? Overwhelmingly positive. One woman replied: “I’m 35, and I genuinely feel like I have a handle on life. I have a style I love, I’m sober, my friendships are high-quality and loving, and my partners have their shit together now. My 20s were a mess compared to this!”
What’s most inspiring about this trend is the way it’s normalising something we all experience: change. By the time you hit your 30s, you’ve learned from those mistakes. You’re more self-assured, grounded, and in tune with who you are.
One viral trend features women in their 30s sharing what makes this decade so much better than their 20s.
Image: Thought Catalog/pexels
The girlies leading this movement are showing that confidence comes from within. It’s about accepting yourself flaws and all and refusing to buy into the idea that you need to look a certain way to be valuable.
Ageing gracefully in your own way
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to ageing. For some women, it’s about embracing their naturally grey hair. For others, it’s about experimenting with Botox or fillers. And that’s okay.
At the end of the day, ageing is a privilege. It’s something not everyone gets to experience, and it’s a reminder of all the life we’ve lived. So, rather than fearing the passing of time, let’s embrace it.
Let’s celebrate the wisdom, the growth, and yes, even the laugh lines that come with it. Because if TikTok has taught us anything, it’s that life doesn’t end at 30, 40, or 50. It might just be getting better.