Paulina Porizkova is all over social media these days, and not just because of her icon status as a super model. At the age of 18, she graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition in 1984, and then did it again in 1985! She was one of the busiest models in the 80’s, and signed the largest contract up to that time with Estée Lauder for an estimated 6 million dollars, in addition to being the face of countless high end companies and the cover girl for almost every major fashion and style magazine.
But, she has also written books, speaks 4 languages, and plays the piano!
After she married Ric Ocasek, frontman and leader of the rock group “The Cars” in 1989, she put the brakes on her career, working less, so that she could support her husband and raise their 2 sons.
After 30 years of marriage, they divorced and Ocasek died shortly after. Paulina Porizkova felt vulnerable and what she calls “invisible” as a woman over 50. So she had to re-invent herself through her grief, sadness, and fear.
The Interview With Paulina Porizkova
Manopause.com had the opportunity to interview Paulina Porizkova for the Manopod podcast in August as she was taking a short break from her busy schedule. Here’s a taste!
Why have you become so active on social media of late and has it been therapeutic for you?
“You know, when, as a woman you hit 48 or 50 years old and you’re walking down the street, you’re invisible,” Paulina responded. “People look right past you. For that reason, I joined instagram and Twitter, and not much happened until my husband died…I couldn’t post all the fluffy stuff about clothing and cosmetics because I was full of emotions and I was going through sadness and anger…I decided to share my emotions because I really couldn’t do anything else! And interestingly, it hit a nerve with other women, whether they were going through a divorce, being widowed, or just feeling invisible as a middle-aged woman. And then it just took off! And yes, it has been therapeutic! And I love being an Age Advocate for Women!”
Now that you’re dating again, what sort of man are you looking for?
“I’ve always been attracted to talent. A lot of women are attracted to looks or money, but I find talent sexy. And humor! But I’m also looking for a man who is emotionally available, and that’s hard to find in my age group!” Porizkova added, “Many men who have been through a divorce in their 50s or 60s go through a midlife crisis (Manopause!) and are looking for younger women. It’s a challenge!
Paulina Porizkova, you keep yourself in shape, you write, and you’re staying relevant, and yet you still feel “invisible” as a middle-aged woman. Manopause.com respectfully disagrees and we suggest that maybe you are unapproachable, instead of “invisible,” because you appear intimidating as a successful, beautiful woman to the average guy.
“Look, I make an effort to not be intimidating. But that’s also why dating apps are helpful, although there are downsides. But men who see me on them know that I want to date. And If I like what I see, I’ll go on a date with you. But,” Paulina adds, “as an older woman, you have to be who you are. If people don’t like who you are, why would you want to be with them anyway?”
What advice would you give to our Manopause.com male audience about online dating?
Okay, one of the first things I’m going to say is what not to do. Do not f&@%ing pose with a fish!”
With a fish?!
“Do you know how many guys have photos of themselves holding up fish?” Paulina added, “You and the dead fish are not half as sexy as you think!”
What do you want to do in the next 10 years?
“I consider myself a writer now more than anything else. I will post a picture on Instagram to get your attention, and then hope you read what I’ve written about dealing with aging, family, dating, life. And I truly want to be that Age Advocate for Women. I like to say that we’re “seasoned,” and that we know what we want and shouldn’t tolerate less.”
Check out our podcast with Paulina Porizkova to hear a lot more about her new life, advocating for women over 50, more dating tips for men over 50, dealing with loss, and finding your passion in life. Oh, and find out what her favorite curse word is!
