Paulina Porizkova rang in her 60th birthday in April 2025, and although a little belated, she celebrated the milestone in her signature candid, empowering style—by posting two striking bikini photos on Instagram. The legendary model, who underwent double hip replacement surgery in January 2024, sparked both admiration and debate online. But most of the responses echoed one key sentiment: Paulina continues to redefine what it means to age gracefully, authentically, and unapologetically.

Back on January 5, Paulina shared a heartfelt post informing her followers that she would be turning 60 in just a few months. She didn’t sugarcoat the reality of aging. Instead, she offered a refreshingly honest take: “And just as I can look great and well rested, I can look tired and haggard. One is called you look younger and the other is you look older.” That raw truth is a rare voice in a culture obsessed with youth, especially when it comes to women in the spotlight.

In another post, she reflected on the tendency of society to view women as objects rather than people. Alongside a serene photo taken in Iceland by her fiancé Jeff Greenstein—whom she got engaged to in July 2025—she wrote: “So we obviously equate age with use. In objects. Like clothing. Furniture. Cars. Seems crazy to have to keep reminding people women are NOT objects. Twilight, although more hushed in its anticipation of the settling night, may feel different, and you may have a preference, but it is exactly as beautiful as sunrise.” That poetic reflection struck a chord with many of her fans who applauded her for speaking truth to ageism and sexism in such a graceful, evocative way.

Paulina, who rose to fame as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, has consistently used her platform to speak openly and powerfully about aging. Many fans have come to admire her for that. One follower commented, “I love that you are talking so openly about aging… as a society… we need to do more of it — in a thoughtful & honorable way. We can redefine & change attitudes, which may, in turn, help people live their lives in a way that allows them to remain vibrant & active!”

Despite the depth of her message, others couldn’t help but rave about her timeless beauty. One fan gushed, “Paulina… Total perfection in the 1980s… Total perfection today… She is scientifically the most physically perfect woman around. Her facial bone structure is perfectly symmetrical, which is not common. She was blessed with AMAZING genes.”

On July 28, she marked her 60th birthday publicly with a post that packed both visuals and a powerful message. She uploaded two images to Instagram—one, a professional shot of her posing in a white bikini while on vacation; the other, a raw, makeup-free mirror selfie taken at home. The caption read: “This is me. Vacation, pretty light, posing for a shot.” She followed that with, “This is also me. Home, not great light, not posing.”

The intention behind these contrasting images was clear—to dismantle the illusion of perfection and reveal the full, unfiltered truth of her 60 years. Paulina elaborated: “This is 60. This is 60 years of sometimes healthy eating, sometimes not. 60 years of sometimes working out, sometimes not. 60 years of doing the right things followed by doing the wrong things and over again and again. It’s 60 years of learning what works and what doesn’t. And just as I think I’ve figured it out, everything changes and I have to start again. The beauty of 60 is that now I understand the importance is IN the lesson, not passing the exam.”

That message struck a deep chord with her followers. One fan praised her honesty, saying, “THIS. 👏🏼 The honesty, the power, the reminder that aging isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Thank you for keeping it real and reminding us that we don’t have to have it all figured out to be thriving.” Another marveled at her youthful appearance: “This is 60” ???? Looks more like This is 27!” And another admitted, “I am 46 wishing I looked like this when I was 26😌 She looks amazing.”

Still, not all responses were flattering. One critic commented, “You mean one airbrushed camera and one not.” Another user shared a more sobering perspective, “I’m 60. That’s not 60, that’s Paulina at 60. We didn’t start with the same materials.” Some voiced frustration that her declaration, “This is 60,” was oversimplified. As one pointed out, “To say ‘this is 60’ is just crazy, and also a lie. This is a bunch of other things, like: this is luck + eating healthy + probably exercising + family genes + having some money to spend on health care + therapy or meditation.” Another simply said, “Many people don’t make it to 60. Be thankful.”

And yet, what’s undeniable is that Paulina’s message resonated on a broad scale. She’s not just showing off her appearance—she’s encouraging a conversation about aging that moves beyond stereotypes. She’s showing that aging is not a steady march into invisibility, but rather a journey of experience, rediscovery, and self-acceptance. Whether she’s glowing in perfect light or standing in front of a bathroom mirror with no makeup, she is pushing back against unrealistic standards with both vulnerability and pride.

This isn’t the first time Paulina has used her social media to break the mold. In the past, she’s openly shared moments of grief, loneliness, strength, and love. Her posts often serve as journal entries, filled with both wisdom and humor, offering a refreshingly unfiltered glimpse into the life of a woman who refuses to fade into the background simply because she’s reached a certain age.

Hats off to Paulina for continuing to embrace her truth and share it so boldly with the world. At a time when many women are told to become quieter as they age, she’s only becoming more vocal, more visible, and more vibrant. Her celebration of 60 was not just about a number—it was about liberation, growth, and the courage to show up exactly as she is, no matter the lighting.

And she’s certainly not the only one showing us that age is no limit to beauty or confidence. Just look at Salma Hayek, who turned heads at 58 when she posed in a bikini for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover. These women are not just aging—they’re thriving, reminding us that every year lived is another chapter of grace, strength, and undeniable presence.