Stella Ringer’s Zeal: Aging Redefined for Women

Aging is often seen as a challenge, but for Stella J. Ringer, the founder of Zeal, Aging Redefined, it’s an opportunity for reinvention. Below, she discusses her personal journey, the inspiration behind her mission to empower women 40 and older, and the pivotal experiences that shaped her perspective on aging. As she reflects on society’s misconceptions and her own experiences, she emphasizes the importance of education, confidence, and embracing the aging process. Her platform, Zeal, Aging Redefined The Podcast aims to shift the narrative and encourage women to age with boldness, confidence, and positivity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYQaJhYT5dQ

Could you share a bit about your personal journey and how it led you to where you are today?  

One of the greatest gifts a person can have is the art of storytelling.  It brings people in and allows an emotional connection. I’ve always felt that life is told in chapters. How I got to one of my current chapters in life is asking the question of purpose and how I can influence others in a positive way.  The chapter is called Inspiration and Upliftment! 

In generalities, with media, advertising and society devaluing women as they age, Zeal Aging Redefined was birthed (2023) to demystify the stigma and rewrite the narrative.   Zeal inspires women 40+ to age with boldness, confidence and kick-ass positivity, through the lens of mind, body, beauty and fashion.!

What key experiences or turning points have influenced your perspective on aging?

Going through perimenopause at an early age, doing my research so I was educated around this “next life milestone” and uncovering articles and stories that weren’t so positive around women and aging.  I was excited about aging gracefully (still got my sexyJ!), but again uncovered that some women aren’t excited about this journey, so I felt I should do something to inspire women 40+ to walk in their truth, unleash their positive energy and not to see the aging journey as the end, but a beautiful beginning to living their best NOW!

What common misconceptions about aging do you think need to be challenged?

Some of stats from my research state 

• Women feel invisible by age 51

• 6 in 10 women feel life is geared toward younger women

The misconception that once you reach a certain age, it’s over, you’re not seen anymore, and you can’t be your authentic self.  You’re too old to do this or that, you’re pushed to the side.  When in actuality, women 40+ bring a plethora of experiences and knowledge to the table.  An article in O magazine (Susan Feldman interview) stated that late Gen X and Boomer women are the healthiest, wealthiest and most engaged generation.

How do you personally define aging, and how has your perspective changed over time?

I would say my perspective on aging is, it’s inevitable, a natural part of life, and we should embrace and celebrate he journey!

What does it mean to “age gracefully,” and how can people shift from a negative to a more empowered view of growing older?

My definition of aging gracefully is continuing to be the person that you are/were before you turned a certain age where you felt different about yourself.  That “age” may vary by person, but it seems during that 40 something timeframe is when women start to question their worth/value.  To shift to become empowered is education and finding a community where you can ask questions, understand other people’s journey and can enjoy this part of life vs dreading it! With Zeal, Aging Redefined, I share my personal stories and partner with medical and mental wellness experts as well as relationship, physical fitness and sex specialists to share the importance of understanding our bodies, minds and spirits so we can all age well!

How can people at different stages of life begin to prioritize longevity without becoming obsessed with staying “young”?

First accept and recognize that this journey is going to happen, and it’s a natural part of life, but take a different approach and mindset as that’s where it starts.  You either buy into what society sometimes tells us that “we’re done”, sit back and take a seat or take a different path and mindset that you’re going to embrace this journey, educate yourself, take action and live life to the fullest! 

Aging often brings unique challenges. How do you approach the physical, emotional, and social changes that come with getting older?

I can’t stress enough the importance of educating yourselfaround the aging process, and not to scare yourself on all the negative things that may happen, but preventive education so you can continue to live life to the fullest.  Yes, we are going to have wrinkles here and there but educate yourself with your dermatologist on what helps us keep or manage collagen loss. Listen to Zeal’s podcast as well as again we discuss real topics that matter and help guide women through the journey.

How do you think society’s views on aging are evolving, particularly for women?

Although some brands and society in general are taking notice; there’s still work to do to change the narrative!  I’ve noticed recently, many 40+ women in Hollywood have made bold statements about the aging journey in a world of glitz and glamour and how they’ve felt pushed to the side around roles, etc., so it’s still a thing and not just in Hollywood.  Since I’ve started to do more work in this space, one of my favorite quotes is from Cameron Diaz (2014):

“I get so mad when I hear commercials on television where [they say] 

‘anti-aging,’ we don’t honor the journey, who we are and how much we have to offer” 

Is there a particular mentor, book, or philosophy that has deeply influenced your thoughts on aging and life’s later stages?

I would say my own philosophy around life in general.  In all that I do, whether family related, career, community, etc., what’s my mindset, research, how will this impact me/my family positively or negatively and where is my heart in all this.  It’s the approach I’ve taken with aging, it’s starts with my mindset and that determines what drives my next steps.

What excites you most about the future, personally and regarding broader cultural shifts around aging?

That I could (will) be the person to help drive change through my current platforms (successfully building and growing them nationally), which will result in broaderglobal media platforms and consumer products. All those things changing the cultural narrative of aging!

If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self about aging, what would it be?

That it’s something you should look forward to and celebrate!  You will be a wealth a knowledge and will share experiences that will help others along the way and oh by the way; you’re going to be super fine in mind, body and spirit while you’re doing it!

What can people expect in Season 2 of Age Redefined?

More relevant and engaging discussions that will teach, entertain, breakdown stereotypes and encourage women (40+) to celebrate aging….with some of the most influential women you want learn from!  We’ll tackle the real issues by providing tips and tools around mental health, share the importance of physical movement, and discuss menopause, skincare, relationships, and sex will not be off limits…AND lastly, we’ll keep us fashion forward, whether it’s your everyday look, or red carpet ready!  Zeal, Aging Redefined, The Podcast is your go to for aging fabulous!