
Now that I’m a woman “of a certain age,” I love watching movies starring other women “of a certain age.”
Now before you surmise that I’m comparing myself in any way to Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton or Michelle Pfieffer, let me tell you – I’m not. Not by a long shot. Not by a million light-years into space long shot.
But if there’s anything that’s a great equalizer, it’s being a woman “of a certain age.” Here are my top five movies starring those fabulous women who are a guiding light for me every day:

1. It’s Complicated. Meryl Streep stars in this comedy about a woman who re-connects with her ex-husband (Alec Baldwin) while attending their son’s college graduation. Ok, so that’s not such a bad thing, except for the fact that he’s re-married to a much younger woman with whom he really has nothing in common. Likewise, she’s drawn to a really nice architect (played by Steve Martin, so you know he has to be nice) who’s working on her house. By the way, this movie was directed by Nancy Meyers, who’s known for her fabulous movie houses, and this one doesn’t disappoint.
2. Something’s Gotta Give. Here’s another Nancy Meyers movie with yet another fabulous house. This one stars Diane Keaton as a writer who ends up in a complicated relationship with a swinger (Jack Nicholson) who’s on the cusp of being a senior citizen — and who also has a taste for younger women. But when a heart attack sidelines him at her house for a while, something’s gotta give. Kudos to Keaton’s unabashed bravery for a nude scene.
3. New Year’s Eve. Garry Marshall’s romantic comedy follows the lives of several couples and singles in New York City as they intertwine over the course of New Year’s Eve. Michelle Pfeiffer plays Ingrid, a woman who decides to quit her job after having a near death experience. She asks a young messenger (Zac Efron) to help her fulfill her resolutions, and the two form a sweet friendship.
4. The Kids Are All Right. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore play a lesbian couple with two teenage kids (Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson) who decide they want to meet their biological father. Never mind that he’s never been a real father to them, having only supplied the sperm that made them possible. It’s a new kind of family with many of the same issues as a more traditional family.
5. Brave. This animated movie from Disney Pixar follows young Princess Merida (Kelly Macdonald) who’s determined to make her own path in life. In doing so, however, she brings a curse upon the village where she lives and inadvertently ends up turning her mom into a bear. The girl must rely on her bravery and archery skills to undo the curse and restore order.
Look, every woman goes through the same stuff in life, but thanks to companies who know that and design products specifically for us, life can be a whole lot easier. Like Poise brand’s Body Cooling Towelettes, Personal Lubricant, Panty Fresheners, Feminine Wash, and my personal favorite, Roll-On Cooling Gel, which is a life-saver when it comes to hot flashes (yes, I’ve tried it). You can get free samples here or download a coupon here. Also, hear stories from real women “of a certain age,” share your own and pledge to join The 2nd Talk at Poise.com.
And guess what? Everyone who posts a comment at the bottom of this post will be eligible to win a $100 Visa gift card.
Here’s the question: How are you approaching life’s changes confidently? Answer in the comments below!
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Be sure to visit the Poise brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
I’m taking extra vitamins and herbal supplements.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/293774055163695104
Just keep on living. We’re (thank goodness) long past the days when women are supposed to just surrender to their fate and stay in their room out of the way.
I loved Diane Keaton in Somethings Gotta Give, and It’s Complicated was almost painful to watch it was so true.
I am taking vitamins and evening primrose oil
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/293790532197548032
I am approaching life’s changes with some concern, but I am eating right, getting a bit of exercise, really trying to take care of myself, to make the change easier.
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
2nd entry tweet – https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/293797139157495809
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
I’ve the first two and the last. Loved the first two! Hope Springs is another movie I would put in this category.
[…] Reel Life With Jane […]
Just take it a day at a time.
i focus on the positive!
https://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/293920946270662656
I am approaching life’s changes confidently by staying in shape, eating well and staying open-minded.
tweet
https://twitter.com/kellydsaver/status/293922151709421570
I haven’t seen any of these! Now I know some good ones to rent.
I am approaching life’s changes confidently by trying to ea healthy and take care of my body by exercising.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/JenniferCNP/status/293930870602080257
im staying positive! 🙂
tweet: https://twitter.com/akronugurl/status/294069267664617473 .
by staying positive and staying away from negative people
tweet
https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/294074438033485824
I want to see “it’s Complicated.” I really love seeing women age gracefully in Hollywood. I want to be Meryl Streep when I grow up!
Confidently? Me? I don’t think I’ve ever approached anything — and especially life’s changes — confidently. Instead, I do what I can to take care of myself and keep my fingers crossed. But I’d never confuse that with confidence.
Being a woman of grace is my goal. And eating better — more veggies and fruits.
I take a daily vitamin and exercise regularly. I try to stay positive and embrace life!
tweet
https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/294133085086294017
same as always, just rolling with the punches, life is always changing!thismomwins@gmail.com
tweeted https://twitter.com/thismomwins2/status/294139747956322305
thismomwins@gmail.com
I just hope to take it a day at a time.
chambanachik at gmail dot com
I had others things going on at that time so I really did not notice much different!
Glad it is over. I didn’t do anything different.
I loved Meryl’s wrinkles in It’s Complicated and the fact that her ex husband liked her better than his beautiful young wife (played by Lake Bell, who by the way is a director herself in the real world).
Accepting middle age was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done…I first focused on what was now lost and was shocked at the health issues that arose. But now I realize that with the wisdom and perspective and skills mastery I have at this age, I’m “poised” to live my best life ever. I am not even kidding!
As with most challenges, I just try to take things one day at a time. (p.s. great movie suggestions, thanks)
I came through but not confidently.
I made it without doing anything different.
What scares me is Michelle Pfeiffer is now of a certain age.
My biggest life change right now is having my first child (so no menopause just yet!)! I’m finding confidence in preparing for that by taking time to research it and work through my feelings/fears beforehand, so that when the time comes, I’ll (hopefully) be more ready for it!
I have not had an easy time of it. I am still going through it. I have contacted my doctor regarding different issues and each time she says that what I am experiencing seems to be a symptom of perimenopause with menopause coming on. Some days are good and others really not so good. I just have to take it as it comes. I am not taking medication due to a health issue (unrelated) so I have to do things naturally. I am taking it as it comes.
I am approaching life’s changes confidently by focusing on the positive things. It might be easier said than done.
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/295038438036627457
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
I’m just taking it one day at a time – and hoping that my symptoms aren’t as bad as my moms were!
I am trying to approach it with a little laughter and try to be confident about it. My mom started early and I think she is still going through it! Hopefully it will not be as bad for me!
https://twitter.com/catholicfanatic/status/295366823627616256
tweeted
I am working on my bucket list, traveling as much as I can and avoiding surgery whenever I can.
I try to relax and not stress about what’s happening. It’s hard, but there is nothing you can do except handle it and try to be comfortable. These cooling products sound wonderful.
https://twitter.com/mendyd/status/295737683613999104
I keep up with daily exercises and have balanced meals to prepare for life’s changes.
https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/295754374293123072
I stay active and work on being healthy. Without health, your life isn’t much fun.
Also, I’m not much of a movie goer but you’ve given me five reasons to become one.
I love “It’s Complicated.” Meryl Streep is absolutely wonderful in it.
Great list of movies! Talking to my mom about how she went through changes always give me confidence, it’d be nice to read more stories on poise.
songyueyu at gmail
tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/296869364987219968
songyueyu at gmail
I am taking vitamins (especially vitamin D) to help with mood changes and I go for acupuncture every once in a while to help with night sweats. I have lost weight recently and am exercising every day to keep it off, gain confidence, and help with mood.
I’m just trying to stay positive about the changes I’m going through by taking good care of myself by eating right, exercising, getting enought sleep and taking vitamins.
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/297895184220450816
I’m not there yet, but it is something I’m already starting to think about since my mom had early menopause. Nice to see that there will be products to use!
I am accepting that change is a way of life, good or bad. We must embrace change and not try and fight it. That is the attitude I am trying to take anyway!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/299164995713896448
Haven ‘t gotten to menopause yet – will take it one day at a time.
i do my stretches and stay happy
Find humor and enjoyment in the little things in life and keep smiling.
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/299998013319958529
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
I just go on with my day to day activities and don’t think about it.
I have to admit that I’m not really approaching it with confidence, but it sounds like these products would be a great help! Thanks so much for sharing and for a chance to win!!!! kmassman gmail
I’m through it now – a sense of humor helps a lot 🙂
https://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/301887979381739520
eating healthier, taking vitamins, and taking it one day at a time.
dlatany at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/302095489757741056
dlatany at gmail dot com
I’m reading and learning all I can about menopause.
I’ve been taking better care of myself both physically and mentally – I’ve been working out and telling myself to take a break every once in a while!
https://twitter.com/jfong1130/status/302616352395505666
I am approaching life confidently by knowing that these changes are going to come, so enjoy life know and stay healthy so I am healthy when they are present
Oliviatheservicedog at hotmail dot com
love somethings gotta give
ia m approaching it positively by saying that once i get through it…i will be free of my monthly friend
Trying to be prepared with as much information as possible help boost my confidence.
I’ve already had the worst of it but still have hot flashes so I might try the cooling gel.
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/303582163050303488
I’m eating healthy and taking care of myself for an active lifetime ahead.
ssremington (at) gmail (dot) com
quite honestly, I am 55 years old and still having my period on a regular basis…I take one day a time…and try to keep my attitude positive.
i like to take it easy, not get stressed over things! hopefully when i approach menopause i will have it easy and if not these products seem like they would be helpful
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/303842189488820224
Thanks for the chance to win!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
i change the way i eat and just enjoy life
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/303959651534393345
just by making small changes so when the time does come it isn’t that bad. I have heard horror stories, and I am just hoping it is a fast process. sweepmorey at gmail dot com
I moisturize my skin daily, drink lots of water and walk several times a week
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/303995651824435200
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
To feel confident I try to keep my skin healthy looking by using lots of moisturizer and sunscreen.
I’m trying to eat organic food and exercise to be confident.
tweet https://twitter.com/prizepuzzle/status/304036120885334017
i tweeted here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/304073219655204864
just trying to stay healthy
I try to stay consistent with exercise, and I dress in layers for those days when I’m hotter than usual!
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/321791556308856832
I get plenty of sleep and do it one moment at a time.
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Tweeted here
https://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/327018360762142720
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
I’m doing it one day at a time and learning all I can about menopause.
I’m through it now – keeping my sense of humor helped!
https://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/329033610369851392