What to Know
Going viral online comes with a lot of perks, but unfortunately, not everyone who comes across your content online is going to be kind — even if what you’re sharing is all positive vibes.
One woman named Stephanie whose TikTok account has amassed more than 300,000 followers says she’s being trolled for wearing bikinis and having long hair at 68 years old, despite the fact that she’s pursuing a healthier lifestyle so she can live well for as long as possible.
Stephanie has shared her fitness journey on TikTok.
@seniorstrong Dressing, acting & aging on my terms #boomer #age #strongwomen #strengthtraining #ageism #aging #mychoice ♬ Angel of the Morning (Angelic Mix) – Juice Newton
Stephanie has been sharing different peeks at her life online for a long time now, from footage of her gym routine to fit checks before she heads out for the night. She might be in her late 60s, but to Stephanie, age is just a number, and it isn’t stopping her from living the life she wants — now, and hopefully also in the future.
In an interview with The Sun, Stephanie said that when she realized she looked “scrawny,” she knew she wanted to change things up in the hopes that building muscle and staying in shape will help her stay strong as she continues to age.
“It’s not genetics. It’s not a filter,” she said. “Strength training builds muscle. Muscle beneath the skin minimizes the appearance of cellulite and makes skin feel and look firm.”
She started hitting the gym in her 60s.
It wasn’t easy at first, but now, Stephanie is dedicated to working out six times a week and is often joined by her partner, who she actually met at the gym more than 30 years ago.
“It’s never too late to be a champion of your own health and wellbeing. Start strength training today,” she told The Sun. “I am determined to live the rest of my life to the best that I can.”
Plenty of people have been vocal about her wardrobe and lifestyle — and not in a good way.
@seniorstrong Continuing to build and maintain muscle mass after 65 is crucial and can be achieved by lifting heavy and by attempting and achieving Personal Records regularly. #68 #pr #liftheavy #strongwomen #goalsetting ♬ sonido original – 🧿 Music 503 🇸🇻 🧿
Unfortunately, not everyone who follows Stephanie is there to cheer her on, and she’s received some pretty nasty comments from people who don’t believe she has any business wearing bikinis at her age.
“People think I wear my hair too long and my skirts too short,” she said. “I’m 68 and I never let my age dictate what I can and can’t do. I’ve never been one to care what society thinks. I decided how I dress, act and most importantly how I age… not society.”
Fortunately, Stephanie also has plenty of supporters cheering her on.
Many of the comments on her most recent TikTok posts are really kind, so there’s proof that there are plenty of people out there who are willing to support her journey. In fact, many of them even call her an “inspiration.”
“I promise I’ll at least try to be half as good at 60. I’m 50!” one of her followers wrote.
