: Some genres, particularly fantasy, rely on the "witch-queen" trope, which can rearticulate ageist backlashes.
: Older characters are nearly twice as likely to be portrayed as villains (59%) than as heroes (30%) in popular films. : Some genres, particularly fantasy, rely on the
: Older women are often depicted through a lens of physical or mental frailty, such as in "dementia storylines" that can reinforce passivity. Representations of mature women in entertainment and cinema
Representations of mature women in entertainment and cinema often face a "double jeopardy" of . While recent years have shown progress, older women remain significantly underrepresented compared to their male counterparts. Representation Trends Common Stereotypes : Women over 50 make up
: Older women are frequently relegated to supporting roles as "mothers" or "grandmothers," often lacking their own careers or romantic lives. Common Stereotypes
: Women over 50 make up less than 25% of all characters in major films and TV shows.
: Older women are much less likely to have romantic storylines than younger characters or older men. Emerging Positive Shifts Older Women and Cinema: Audiences, Stories, and Stars