Timeless Beauty: Does Ageism Still Exist in Pageantry?

By: MARIA LEE

For decades, beauty pageants have celebrated a very specific ideal: young, unmarried, and childless women. Many titleholders were expected to retire from competition upon marriage or motherhood. When I announced my intention to compete in a pageant at the age of 42, I was met not only a few raised eyebrows but comments suggesting I might be “too old.” (Spoiler: I didn’t listen.)

Fortunately, cultural standards are slowly shifting. Yet one question remains: Is age still a barrier in the world of pageantry?

The Invisible Line

Most mainstream pageants have traditionally had age limits in place, often capping eligibility at 27. The underlying message? Beauty is synonymous with youth. These restrictions—created decades ago—reflect an outdated notion that older women are less marketable or relevant in the pageant industry.

But the world has changed. Women today are building careers, raising families, and redefining themselves well into midlife and beyond. For many of us, our 40s (and beyond) are when we feel most confident, grounded, and beautiful. I personally feel far more accomplished and comfortable in my skin at 42 than I ever did at 22.

Older women often make exceptional titleholders. We bring life experience, emotional maturity, and relatability—qualities that resonate deeply with audiences and communities.

The Rise of Age-Inclusive Pageants

More pageants are now embracing contestants of all ages. Competitions like Mrs. America, Ms. Senior USA, and Classic Universe are championing inclusivity, though they still tend to operate outside the mainstream spotlight.

A historic breakthrough came in September 2023, when the Miss Universe organization removed its upper age limit. The decision was widely celebrated and led to a wave of applicants in their 30s, 40s, and beyond, proving there really is a deep desire for representation across all ages.

Why It Matters

Pageants have always been more than beauty contests. They are platforms for advocacy, personal growth, and career opportunities. When older women are excluded, it isn’t just about missing the opportunity to get the crown—it’s about silencing voices.

Ageism in pageantry reinforces a damaging message: that a woman’s worth declines with age and that after a certain point, she should refrain from being seen publicly at all. As we push for equity in workplaces, politics, and media, it's only natural that the pageant world should reshape itself as well.

A New Standard of Beauty

It is refreshing to see organizations adapt to the changing times. Every woman who takes the stage past the “expected” age challenges a stereotype, breaks a boundary, and redefines what beauty looks like.

Because true beauty doesn’t fade—it evolves.