Older Women Now Competing in Miss Universe Pageant After Rule Changes

Beauty pageants, long associated with youth, are now seeing older women compete after rule changes. This shift prompts questions about inclusivity and the evolving definition of beauty.

A New Era for Miss Universe

The Miss Universe pageant, a global competition with a long history, has recently undergone significant rule changes that have allowed women of all ages to participate. This departure from previous age restrictions has opened doors for older contestants to enter the competition, marking a notable evolution for the pageant. The oldest ever contestant to enter Miss Universe Australia is one example of this change. This move follows a broader trend across the Miss Universe organization to expand its inclusivity.

Timeline of Age Limit Adjustments

The Miss Universe organization has been gradually adjusting its rules regarding contestant age.

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• September 2023: The 72nd Miss Universe competition announced that adult women of all ages would be allowed to compete. This decision was presented as the latest in a series of rule changes. At the time, Alicia Machado, at 29, was noted as the oldest woman to have been crowned Miss Universe.

• Recent Announcements: Following the global policy shift, national pageants affiliated with Miss Universe have begun implementing these changes. This has led to the identification of older contestants in various national competitions.

Notable Older Contestants and Bids

The removal of age limits has brought attention to several women who are now eligible and participating in pageants.

• Miss Universe Australia: The oldest ever contestant in the history of Miss Universe Australia has entered the competition following the lifting of age restrictions. This participant stated her motivation was to step outside her comfort zone.

• Miss Universe Buenos Aires: In April 2024, Alejandra Rodriguez, a 60-year-old Argentinian lawyer, was crowned Miss Universe Buenos Aires. She expressed her aspiration to become the oldest Miss Universe contestant.

• Miss Texas USA: Marissa Teijo, aged 71, is noted as one of the oldest contestants in beauty pageant history, competing in the Miss Texas USA pageant.

• Miss Universe Korea: An 81-year-old model competed in the Miss Universe Korea pageant. While she did not win, her participation highlighted the impact of the rule changes. Organizers in South Korea also removed other eligibility requirements, such as the swimsuit competition.

• Miss Universe GB: Christina, aged 31, became eligible to compete in the Miss Universe GB pageant due to the updated rules allowing women over 28 to enter. She aims to be the oldest Miss Universe winner.

Perspectives on Age and Beauty

The inclusion of older contestants has sparked discussions about beauty standards and the aging process.

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• Contestant Sentiments: Participants like Alejandra Rodriguez emphasize that "age is just a number" and attribute their participation and appearance to self-care and lifestyle choices. One contestant mentioned, "I've taken care of myself," in reference to her ability to compete.

• Pageant Adjustments: The move to include older women is part of a larger effort by the Miss Universe organization to become more inclusive. The removal of the swimsuit competition in some national pageants also indicates a broader reevaluation of traditional pageant elements.

Evidence and Data

• Global Rule Change: The Miss Universe organization announced that adult women of all ages would be allowed to compete starting with the 72nd Miss Universe competition. This decision was made public in September 2023.

• National Implementations: Following the global announcement, various national pageants have seen older contestants participate:

• A 60-year-old woman won Miss Universe Buenos Aires.

• A 71-year-old woman competed in Miss Texas USA.

• An 81-year-old model participated in Miss Universe Korea.

• A 31-year-old woman qualified for Miss Universe GB under new rules.

• The oldest contestant in Miss Universe Australia's history has entered following the rule change.

Expert Analysis and Interpretations

• The lifting of age restrictions by Miss Universe is viewed as a significant step towards greater diversity and inclusivity in a space historically dominated by younger women. This change acknowledges that beauty and confidence are not limited by age.

• The decision to broaden the eligibility criteria could attract a wider range of participants and potentially reshape public perceptions of what constitutes a beauty pageant contestant. It allows for more diverse life experiences to be represented on stage.

Findings and Implications

The Miss Universe pageant has demonstrably changed its approach to age eligibility, enabling a wider demographic of women to compete. This has led to the participation of the oldest contestants in the pageant's history across various national competitions. The implications suggest a broader cultural shift in how beauty and participation in such events are perceived, moving away from strict age-based limitations towards a more encompassing definition. The focus is now on individual merit and life experience, rather than solely on youth.

Sources

• Daily Mail: Oldest ever Miss Universe Australia contestant enters beauty pageant after age restrictions were lifted: 'I've taken care of myself'

• Published: 13 hours ago

• Link: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-15548811/Oldest-Miss-Universe-Australia.html

• Context: Reports on the oldest contestant in Miss Universe Australia following rule changes.

• People Magazine: Miss Universe Pageant Puts an End to Age Limits — Soon, All Women Over 18 Will Be Allowed to Compete

• Published: September 13, 2023

• Link: https://people.com/miss-universe-pageant-ends-age-limit-all-women-over-18-allowed-compete-7969273

• Context: Announces the global policy change by the Miss Universe organization regarding age limits.

• Local12.com (AP): 81-year-old model falls short in bid to become oldest Miss Universe contestant

• Published: October 1, 2024

• Link: https://local12.com/news/entertainment/beauty-pageant-age-limit-elderly-miss-universe-81-year-old-woman-falls-short-bid-oldest-contestant-crown-contest-model-south-korea-diverse

• Context: Covers the participation of an 81-year-old contestant in the Miss Universe Korea pageant.

• The Sun: I’m the oldest Miss Universe at 60 - I still turn heads thanks to my diet rule

• Published: April 26, 2024

• Link: https://www.the-sun.com/lifestyle/11199622/oldest-miss-universe-contestant-still-turn-heads-60/

• Context: Features a 60-year-old contestant and her approach to aging.

• Daily Star: 'I'm the oldest Miss Universe contestant – people can never guess my age'

• Published: April 30, 2024

• Link: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/real-life/im-oldest-miss-universe-contestant-32700380

• Context: Reports on Alejandra Rodriguez, crowned Miss Universe Buenos Aires at 60.

• BBC News: 'I want to be the oldest Miss Universe winner - at 31'

• Published: September 13, 2024

• Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y3y6vne3po?at_link_id=D0890C2A-7153-11EF-9899-A4BBD0193317&at_ptr_name=facebook_page&at_link_origin=BBC_Scotland_News&at_format=link&at_bbc_team=editorial&at_link_type=web_link&at_campaign_type=owned

• Context: Discusses a 31-year-old contestant competing in Miss Universe GB under new age rules.

• Wide Open Country: Meet The World's Oldest Beauty Pageant Contestant At 71

• Published: June 24, 2024

• Link: https://www.wideopencountry.com/meet-the-worlds-oldest-beauty-pageant-contestant-at-71/

• Context: Highlights Marissa Teijo, a 71-year-old contestant in Miss Texas USA.

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