This image is from a controversial Geritol advertisement published around 1971 that sparked significant discussion about aging, health, and societal beauty standards for women.
The advertisement features several women who were all exactly 46 years old at the time the ad ran. The text implies a stark contrast between those who "take better care of themselves" and those who do not, linking better self-care to a more youthful appearance and a continued "busy" life.
Geritol, a vitamin and iron supplement, is presented as one of the "good things" that the more vibrant-looking women do for themselves to get the necessary iron and vitamins, suggesting it is a key to maintaining energy and a youthful look.
The ad generated considerable public discussion and later became a symbol of ageism and the beauty pressures faced by women in the mid-20th century. Viewers at the time, and those reflecting on the ad decades later, often noted that factors like hairstyles, makeup standards, sun exposure, and widespread smoking habits in the era contributed significantly to the perceived differences in appearance, more so than just a vitamin supplement.



























