Valentyna walked the runway at Ukrainian Fashion Week, appeared in a music video for Pianoboy, and featured in clothing brand advertisements.
Every elderly person can live a fulfilling life, but not everyone dares to do so. We interviewed Valentyna and recorded her advice on how to become a model, engage in sports, and experience the taste of life after the age of 60.
Don't worry about what others will say.
I have always been a very serious person. I received a red diploma as an economist specializing in accounting and held managerial positions.
When I was 56 years old, I moved from the region to Kyiv to live with my daughter and didn't know what to do. After some time, my daughter said, "Mom, I found a great organization called LifeLover.
They offer lectures, sports activities, and hobbies for people your age. It's full of lively individuals, just like you.
Maybe you should check it out." So I followed LifeLover on social media, started attending their events, and then saw a casting call for the Adult Models Agency.
In reality, I have always been interested in the world of fashion, but exposing myself on the runway seemed somewhat frivolous. When I saw the casting call from LifeLover, on one hand, I really wanted to give it a try, but on the other hand, I thought, "Well, how is this possible?
I'm a serious person, respected by former colleagues. Would I become a model all of a sudden?" But my daughter supported me and convinced me to send in my photos. After a few months, the agency called me and invited me for a photoshoot to build my portfolio.
Relax
Before the photoshoot, I was very nervous—how it would be, how I would look in the photos, and how I could relax in a place where I didn't know anyone and where I had to be photographed.
I thought, "What nonsense is this? Why did I even get involved in this? What am I doing here among professional models?" However, I showed up, and as soon as I stepped into the studio, it felt like entering a different world.
They did my makeup so well, and everyone was so welcoming that I instantly relaxed. When I saw the photos, it was out of this world! I felt like I had revealed a different side of myself.
My daughter was thrilled and supported me. Former colleagues were pleasantly shocked and asked, "How did you decide to do this?"
Trust fate and say "yes"
Afterward, I started participating in photoshoots and various events. Along with other adult models, we walked the runway at Ukrainian Fashion Week, and then I appeared in advertisements.
I remember after one of the commercials, former classmates who I hadn't seen for decades called me and said, "We saw you in the advertisement! You look amazing! How did you end up there?" It turned out that all my fears were unfounded, and reality exceeded my expectations.
During the shooting of the Pianoboy music video "If You Want New Year," we spent 12 hours together with other actors and the film crew. But it all flew by like a single moment! All the other participants in the process were younger than me, but it felt like we were learning from each other right in the process.
I watched how smoothly they worked, how kindly and understandingly they treated others, and how open they were to the world. At the end of the shoot, they said, "After meeting you, we stopped fearing age. Now we know that we can be like you." It made me happy.
Don't stop and constantly try something new.
Becoming a model seemed to attract other activities into my life. For example, I bought Nordic walking poles and started practicing it in a group. Eventually, I even took first place in competitions in the 60+ age category.
I have other hobbies as well. I really enjoy yoga and art therapy. They give me a sense of harmony with myself and the world. I also take care of my garden and grow flowers.
Thanks to all these activities, I have developed a social circle. It gives me drive and vitality, and Nordic walking has helped me become more confident. Now, I am already an instructor and lead group sessions!
Acquaintances are amazed by my transformation and say that I have blossomed. I suggest they join Nordic walking. They say, "But you're a model!" And I reply, "Well, if you start doing something, you can become models too!"
Understand that 60 years old is just a stage of life.
I come from an older generation, and among my peers, there's a prevalent notion that once you retire, you should fold your hands and stay at home. However, at some point, I realized for myself that it's merely a stereotype, and there's no obligation to follow it.
I am constantly interested in new things, engage in conversations with active peers, and see that people over 70 fall in love, participate in sports, and have hobbies. It inspires me, and I am pleased to feel that my grandchildren are proud of me.
Like any grandmother, I bake pies for them, but my role is not limited to just that. They ask me about my photoshoots, and we have many discussions about their interests.
I believe that my generation is the pioneers of active and joyful old age. And I really want as many people as possible to see that life after 60 is real and can be vibrant. All it takes is to take a step forward and not be afraid of change.
Source: life.nv.ua
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