The days of sipping Cosmopolitans like Carrie and the gang in Sex and the City, or
laughing along with Bridget Jones and the Absolutely Fabulous duo as they drank
their way through every social situation, felt like the epitome of fun and liberation for
many women. Those cultural moments painted a picture of excessive drinking as not
only normal but almost necessary to be part of the social scene. Back then, it was
funny, even aspirational. But, fast forward 20 or so years—times are changing.
More and more midlife women are re-evaluating their relationship with alcohol,
including some very famous faces, like the ever-inspiring Elle Macpherson. Recently,
Elle revealed she’s been sober for over 20 years—a decision that feels nothing short
of empowering. For many women in midlife, Elle’s story is a beacon of hope, a
reminder that its okay to make changes—big ones. Her sobriety is more than just a
personal choice; it’s part of a larger cultural shift where midlife women are beginning
to embrace the idea of thriving without alcohol.
When high-profile women like Elle McPherson open up about their sobriety, it sends
a powerful message to those of us quietly questioning our own drinking habits. It
reassures us that we are not alone. In fact, midlife women make up one of the largest
groups that drink too much, often using alcohol to navigate stress, boredom, or
loneliness. But when someone in the public eye steps up and says, 'I stopped
drinking, and Im better for it',  it helps to lift the veil of shame and stigma that so
often surrounds the conversation about alcohol. It creates space for others to think,
'If she can do it, so can I'.
And that'a he thing—there is no shame in reassessing your relationship with alcohol.
Whether you arere choosing to stop altogether, like Elle, or simply cut back, the decision
to change your drinking habits is a deeply personal one. It’s also one that should be
celebrated, just like we should to celebrate other major life changes in this stage. For
too long, topics like menopause and sobriety have been whispered about, as if they
were something to hide. But the more we talk about these things openly, the more
we empower each other to make healthy, informed decisions without judgment or
embarrassment.
Elle isn’t alone in this journey, either. Other notable midlife women are embracing
sobriety or choosing to drink more mindfully. Sarah-Jane Clarke, co-founder of the
Australian fashion brand Sass & Bide, has spoken about how she now barely drinks.
Then there’s Ruby Rose, Chrissie Swan, and Isabel Lucas—all examples of Aussie
women challenging the narrative around alcohol in midlife. It’s not just in Australia,
though. Globally, we are seeing women like Anne Hathaway, Blake Lively, and Drew
Barrymore choosing sobriety. Naomi Campbell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jada Pinkett
Smith, Tyra Banks, Florence Welch, and many others have also joined the
conversation about their alcohol-free lives. These women are proving that it’s more
than okay to step away from the societal pressure to drink; it’s actually fantastic.
Let’s be real—midlife is about so much more than just 'surviving'. It’s about
embracing change, (all changes), rethinking old habits, and living in a way that feels
right for you. For many women, that means reevaluating how alcohol fits into their
lives. For some, it is about realizing that alcohol no longer serves them, and that
stepping away from it—whether temporarily or permanently—can lead to more.energy, clearer thinking, better health, and more meaningful connections. It’s about
taking charge of your life, your health, and your future.
The era of quiet suffering is over. We don’t need to hide our struggles or pretend
we’re okay with societal norms that no longer serve us. And with public figures like
Elle McPherson leading the way, it’s becoming easier to talk about these things
without shame. The conversation about midlife women and alcohol is shifting, just as
the dialogue around menopause has shifted from hush-hush to something women
can discuss openly and proudly. As more women share their stories of sobriety, the
idea of an alcohol-free (or reduced alcohol) life is becoming more normalized—and
celebrated.
It’s time to start talking about these issues the way we talk about other midlife
changes—with honesty, curiosity, and pride. Because just like menopause, there’s
nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to wanting to feel better, live healthier, and
take control of your life. Whether it’s through sobriety, moderation, or simply making
mindful choices about how we treat our bodies, midlife can be a time of incredible
transformation.
So here’s to Elle McPherson, and to every other woman choosing to live life on their
terms. You’re never too old to change, and there’s no shame in choosing to feel your
best. Midlife is about embracing all the changes—both big and small—that help us
live fuller, richer lives. And if that includes reevaluating your relationship with alcohol, then more power to them.