Our Top 5 Favorite Older Women Who Redefine What It Means To Be “Viejita”

We’re taught that, when women reach a certain age, they are to quietly fade into the background and become invisible. But we’ve got so much work to do, fun to have and life left to live as we reach our so-called golden years that it seems a little absurd to clock out once we hit middle age. Thankfully, pop culture has given us some role models to help us grow into the sort of women we want to be. Check it out:

• Violet Hobaugh

Violet, 92, lives in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, where she makes do very well without electricity or running water. She’s even vowed to chase away people from the electric company if they ever come to her home trying to get her to live on the grid. With a crowbar. Why does no one think older people can make decisions for themselves in terms of how they want to live? LEAVE VIOLET ALONE!

• Adela

Played by American-born Spanish actress Velia Martinez (she perfected her Cuban actress working on the island in the 40s and 50s), Adela was opinionated, outspoken and wasn’t afraid to… tell immigration officials she loved being a hooker? In any case: We love her berry much.

• Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno has won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony and, at 77, looks more fit and put-together than we ever have. We sort of can’t even deal with referring to her as a “viejita.” AND, although her most iconic role was in West Side Story, it’s her performance below that happens to be our own personal favorite:

• Sally O’Malley

The funny this about this character, to us, is that she seemed to act as if being 50 was, like, really, really old. (Maybe that was part of the joke?) But, regardless, her ability to “Kick, Stretch… and KICK!” impressed upon us the number one best thing about aging: Being able to be as batshit crazy as you wanna, without any regard as to what others might think. 

• Dolores Huerta

At 79, Dolores Huerta is still out advocating for workers’ rights. 21 years ago, when she was 58, Dolores was severely assaulted by San Francisco police officers during a demonstration at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. And she kept right on advocating, giving talks, organizing and attending demonstrations and working tirelessly. She shows that older women can be and are productive, interested, invested members of society capable of accomplishing great things.