Marie Helvin Discusses Dating Challenges and Body Confidence at 73

In a recent episode of the HELLO! magazine’s Second Act podcast, model and fashion icon Marie Helvin shared her experiences with dating and personal confidence at the age of 73. Despite her vibrant sex life, Helvin expressed difficulties in finding suitable partners, particularly those her age. During her conversation with host Ateh Jewel, she revealed her preference for dating younger men, admitting that her options appear limited.

Helvin conveyed a sense of nostalgia regarding her dating experiences. “The idea of going on the internet and matching with somebody is just so alien to me,” she stated. She lamented the decline of private parties, suggesting that social opportunities for meeting new people have dwindled, particularly in her age group. “People that they want to introduce you to are already set up,” she noted, which further complicates her dating endeavors.

Reflecting on her choice to date younger men, Helvin explained, “I’ve [dated younger men] only because otherwise I’d have nobody else to go out with.” While she enjoys the company of younger partners, she acknowledged, “To be perfectly honest, I would prefer to go out with someone my own age just because of the experience and what you have to talk about, but they don’t like me. I’m too old for them.”

Despite these challenges, Helvin described a newfound confidence following her recovery from breast cancer. After undergoing a mastectomy in 2022, she embraced her body and participated in lingerie campaigns, a testament to her self-acceptance. One particularly impactful experience occurred when she had a brief romantic encounter at the age of 72. She referred to this moment as a “gift” that helped her appreciate her body again.

“I’ve never seen him since. And I don’t think I will again,” she said of her one-night stand. “I think he was my gift, and I’m so grateful that he came because he made me treasure my body again.” Helvin’s candid remarks highlight her journey towards body positivity and self-love in a society that often marginalizes older women.

Listeners can tune in to the Second Act podcast, sponsored by Gold Collagen, on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, and YouTube. Helvin’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that confidence and self-acceptance can flourish at any age, while also shedding light on the complexities of dating in later life.