Christie Brinkley at 70: Redefining Aging and Beauty in Sports Illustrated

Confidence and gratitude turn each decade into a vibrant celebration of aging with joy.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Confidence and gratitude turn each decade into a vibrant celebration of aging with joy.

Christie Brinkley at 70: Redefining Beauty, Confidence, and Aging

Supermodel Christie Brinkley, an icon in the fashion world for decades, once again captured headlines for her fearless and radiant return to the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue—this time at age 70. By embracing her seventh decade with gratitude, humor, and grace, Brinkley is challenging stereotypes and inspiring others to celebrate aging as an opportunity, not a limitation.

Introduction: A Milestone Moment for Brinkley and Sports Illustrated

Earlier this year, Christie Brinkley joined other legendary models to commemorate Sports Illustrated’s 60th anniversary with a new swimsuit cover shoot. Unlike typical images associated with youth, her appearance sparked powerful conversations about representation, inclusion, and the evolving standards of beauty for women over 50.
During a candid interview on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, Brinkley reflected on both the honor and the significance of posing for the iconic magazine at 70. She emphasized that “there’s nothing to fear” about aging when you choose self-acceptance and gratitude.

The Legacy of Christie Brinkley: Decades of Influence

Christie Brinkley’s modeling career spans more than four decades—a journey that has seen her grace countless magazine covers and campaigns. Yet, even after all this time, she remains a beacon of positivity, energy, and resilience.
Brinkley was first thrust into the spotlight in her twenties, quickly rising to fame with her fresh-faced looks and vibrant smile. Her influence only grew as she became one of the faces most associated with Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issues, symbolizing the carefree glamour of the era.

Early Career: Brinkley was told in her youth that she would be “chewed up and spit out” by age 30 in the modeling business, highlighting the industry’s harsh ageism.
Continued Success: Despite such pessimistic predictions, she has graced magazine covers at ages 63, 70, and beyond, proving that beauty and relevance do not have a cutoff age.
Breaking Barriers: Her continued visibility redefines perceptions of aging, especially in industries that typically prioritize youth.

Sports Illustrated: Milestones and Messages

For the 60th anniversary of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, Brinkley was invited to pose alongside other modeling legends. She humorously noted that for this particular shoot, she was “covered from wrist to ankle,” but still found it deeply meaningful to be included and celebrated at a pivotal age.

Brinkley discussed how hitting 70 served as both a time for reflection and a catalyst for forward-thinking ambition. “It’s really nice to be included, especially when you reach an age where you might feel invisible,” she explained.

Body Image, Self-Criticism, and Acceptance

During her appearance on TODAY, host Hoda Kotb read a portion of an introspective poem Brinkley wrote for Instagram on her birthday. The verses revealed a journey from self-criticism to self-compassion:

“Looking in the mirror on my 70th Birthday and what do I see, I’m finally happy with the person looking back at me. I’m no longer critical and demanding, now I’m grateful and understanding.”

Brinkley elaborated, sharing that in her youth she struggled to live up to others’ expectations. Years of modeling left her hyper-aware of her looks, often uncomfortable even on the beach after SI shoots because of pressure to meet impossible standards. Turning 70 prompted her to change her perspective: it’s her life and her happiness, not anyone else’s expectations, that matter most.

Rejecting Unrealistic Standards

Comparison Trap: Brinkley likened standards on magazine covers to impossible beach standards, sharing that SI would choose the perfect suit and angle, but reality is different.
Empowerment: At 70, Brinkley realized she doesn’t need to “suck it in” or compete with her younger self, inviting all women to free themselves from such demands.

Criticism, Trolls, and the “Wrinkle Brigade”

Remaining in the public eye comes with challenges. Even now, Brinkley faces harsh scrutiny from online “wrinkle brigade” commenters who criticize any evidence of aging in her Instagram posts.

However, Brinkley claps back at negativity with humor and wisdom, pointing out that those who attack her appearance may be compensating for their own issues. Instead of letting critics define her, she focuses on embracing natural aging and showing life in her face rather than aspiring to “waxy” or “preserved” perfection.

How Christie Brinkley Stays Youthful at 70

Brinkley’s radiant health and appearance result from a positive attitude, but also from daily habits and routines. She frequently shares her wellness secrets with fans and media:

Vegetarian Diet: Brinkley maintains a nutritious, vegetarian diet, which she credits as a key to her longevity and vitality.
Regular Exercise: In a playful example, she mentions doing squats while drying her hair or staying active by walking her dogs.
Sunscreen: Wearing sun protection is a non-negotiable part of her routine for maintaining healthy skin.
Staying Curious & Adventurous: Brinkley emphasizes the importance of keeping curiosity alive and staying adventurous to remain fulfilled as we age.

Tip	Description
Vegetarian Diet	Rich in fruits, vegetables, and plant proteins for energy and skin health
Daily Movement	Includes squats, daily walks, and fun physical activity
Sunscreen	Essential for protecting skin from UV damage and premature aging
Mental Wellness	Focusing on gratitude, learning, and adventure

“70 Is the New 40”: Embracing Age as Opportunity

Brinkley’s philosophy is centered around the idea that age should not restrict ambitions, joy, or opportunities. On social media and in interviews, she reiterates: “70 is the new 40.”

She sees her seventh decade as the perfect time to tackle new challenges, volunteer, travel, start new companies, or simply enjoy the freedom that age brings. Brinkley encourages others to make dreams and goals a reality—regardless of their age. Her example demonstrates that each decade of life can be celebrated and maximized for happiness and achievement.

New Beginnings: Brinkley recently launched her own collection (Twrhll) and continues to evolve professionally and personally.
Breaking Stereotypes: Fans praise her for “shattering stereotypes” and serving as living proof that “age is just a number.”
Role Model: Brinkley’s Instagram is flooded with comments from women who now look forward to turning 70, inspired by her energy and optimism.

Changing the Narrative: Women, Aging, and Representation

Brinkley’s visibility as a model and public figure is helping to change how women experience and talk about aging. She notes that nutrition, exercise, and positive attitudes are making 40, 50, and 60 look and feel vastly different than in decades past.

Her approach—freeing herself from “little voices” that challenge her worth—resonates with a generation reimagining life after 60 as a time of empowerment, not exclusion. The broader landscape is shifting, with more women in media and entertainment challenging norms around age and beauty.

Inclusive Representation: Sports Illustrated’s New Era

Inclusion: SI’s decision to feature Brinkley, Martha Stewart (at 81), and other trailblazers demonstrates a commitment to representing women of all ages.
Visibility Matters: Representing older women in high-profile media reverses the traditional narrative of invisibility after a certain age.
Community Support: Brinkley says the most rewarding part is hearing from women who feel seen and inspired by her example.

Practical Wisdom: Lessons and Advice from Christie Brinkley

Christie Brinkley’s journey offers valuable guidance for anyone seeking to embrace aging with confidence:

Let Go of Numbers: Don’t let your age dictate your dreams or your self-worth. Every milestone is an opportunity for gratitude and growth.
Embrace Self-Acceptance: Shift focus from criticism to compassion for yourself. True beauty comes from inside—gratitude and understanding shine through.
Stay Active, Positive, and Curious: Physical exercise, mental wellness, adventure, and a sense of humor keep you young at heart.
Ignore Critics: Haters are inevitable, but their opinions are irrelevant. Focus on personal fulfillment and self-love.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does Christie Brinkley maintain her youthful looks?

Brinkley credits her appearance to a vegetarian diet, daily exercise, strict sunscreen use, and a positive, adventurous attitude.

Q: Has Brinkley faced ageism in her industry?

Yes, she often heard she would be “chewed up and spit out” by age 30. Instead, she’s thrived, challenging and reshaping industry expectations for women over 60.

Q: What message does Brinkley want women to take away about aging?

She wants women to see aging as a liberating, exciting time. Brinkley encourages embracing age, pursuing new goals, and loving oneself at every stage.

Q: How does Brinkley deal with online criticism?

She addresses “wrinkle brigade” trolls by dismissing negativity and celebrating life’s natural changes, insisting that beauty includes character and vitality.

Q: What makes Brinkley’s Sports Illustrated shoot at 70 so significant?

It challenges traditional standards of beauty in media, celebrates inclusion, and inspires all generations to rethink what confidence and visibility can look like at any age.

Conclusion: Inspiration for All Ages

Christie Brinkley remains an indomitable force, using her platform to shatter outdated stereotypes and empower women to embrace aging fearlessly. Her courage—from proudly posing for Sports Illustrated at 70 to sharing candid reflections on self-acceptance—reminds us all that age is not an ending, but a new beginning full of possibility, vitality, and joy.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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