‘Getting older is a privilege’: Naomi Watts’ powerful comments on ageing

Australian actress Naomi Watts has taken to social media to deliver a powerful message about ageing, claiming that “getting older is a privilege”.

The 53-year-old actress posted a selfie on Instagram where she opened up about the ageing process while sharing her own experience with menopause which caught the actress by surprise.

“Does the word menopause freak you out?” she wrote.

“It did me… But, why? It’s just a natural phase of life and something half the population will be directly affected by and the other half will feel indirectly (so please stick around … even the dudes!).

“When I was in my late 30s, I was finally ready to start thinking about creating a family. Then the M word swiftly blew my doors down, it felt like a head-on collision with a Mack truck.”

 

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Watts discussed how menopause seemed to be a taboo subject and how she found it difficult to have an open dialogue with anyone about “this phase of life”.

“How could I figure this out when no one was talking? I was earlier to it than my peers. My mentors and mum didn’t seem up for discussing it, I didn’t know how to ask for help and they didn’t know how to provide…. even doctors had little to say. It’s oddly like an unwritten code of silence: women should suck it up and cope, because that’s how generations passed have done it,” she said.

“I think it’s time to see women in this phase of life or this age group be well represented. We’ve been under-served in media, stories and marketing far too long. Particularly since more than 1 billion people worldwide will be menopausal by 2025.

“When you spotlight uncomfortable conversations, they get easier. Progress is made. Why has this particular one taken so long?”

She concluded the inspirational post by reflecting on the “privilege” of getting older and calling for the stigma around menopause and ageing to be addressed.

“Let’s conquer the stigma and address the secrecy and shame we’ve felt and help create a healthier foundation for future generations,” she said.

“Getting older is a privilege and a time for us to feel proud of our cumulative experiences — to feel empowered, unapologetically so. I think being part of a change-maker generation is exciting. No more walking through this alone.”

Fans were quick to praise the actress for her powerful statements while sharing their own experiences with ageing and menopause.

“Thank you for destigmatizing this natural and powerful time in a woman’s life. It’s time to rewrite the narrative,” one wrote.

“I am so with you! It’s more than time to normalize this conversation. And get real answers to our real issues.”

“I now LOVE Knowing and BEING the menopausal Human I am. GREAT that You are sharing and expanding the conversation Darling. I love getting older. Information always helps make it easier. No shame to be had. Fuck that! Looking forward to seeing what you knowing.”

“I like very much your post. I am 55 and just starting the menopause as a natural event in my life which I think it took too long for me. Ironically my 35 years old daughter is going through too early and it is painful and frustrating as she is no kids. We are embracing it as a new bond to build between us. As mother and daughter, as women,” commented another.

“So happy you are mentioning this!!! I am 51 and have had a difficult time with perimenopause for years now. I am starting the conversation with my 21 year old daughter now so she is more prepared than I was. Thank you for sharing and looking forward to more on the subject.”

Watts urged fans to stay tuned, saying she’s “working on something I feel super proud of” and that she will “share more in the coming weeks”.