In a world where early retirement often seems like the ultimate goal, there are those rare individuals who defy this norm by continuing to work passionately well into their later years. One such remarkable individual is Carmen Dell’Orefice, 93, celebrated as the world’s oldest working model. Let’s dive into her extraordinary journey and the lessons we can learn from her enduring career.

From humbling beginning to Vogue fame.

Carmen Dell’Orefice’s story began when she was discovered at the tender age of 13, in 1944. It’s hard to believe that such a fashion icon could come from such humble beginnings. Growing up, her family faced significant financial struggles. Modeling was just a glimmer of hope in a rather challenging upbringing.

Her first attempt at fashion was far from glamorous. In fact, it was an epic flop. But, as they say, the road to success is often paved with failures.

Just two years after her initial setback, Carmen graced the cover of Vogue at the age of 15. This was a monumental moment, marking the beginning of a legendary career in the fashion industry.

In 2023, Carmen was featured on the cover of Vogue Czechoslovakia, making her the oldest working model in the world. Her timeless beauty and elegance continue to captivate audiences globally.

She faced life’s hurdles, from financial struggles to failed marriages.

Carmen’s early life was fraught with financial difficulties. Her modeling work barely supported her family, so she and her mother also worked as seamstresses to make ends meet. This challenging period taught her resilience and perseverance.

1Her marriage to Bill Miles in the early 1950s added another layer of hardship. Miles exploited her career, collecting her modeling agency checks and giving her a mere $50 from her earnings. Yet, Carmen remained steadfast and continued to rise above these challenges.

Carmen then chose to marry photographer Richard Heimann. However, their marriage was also short-lived. When Carmen stepped away from the modeling industry in 1958, Richard left her.

Facing financial difficulties, Carmen Dell’Orefice made a bold comeback to modeling in 1978. Within just a few years, she was back on the covers of top fashion magazines, showcasing her timeless elegance. Ever since, she has been tirelessly working, featuring in numerous magazines, spearheading advertising campaigns, and strutting down catwalks for prestigious fashion brands.

She shared her secret to timeless beauty and longevity.

One of Carmen’s profound insights into maintaining beauty and longevity is the importance of self-care and self-love. She once said, “Men and women should care for themselves and love themselves. One of the secrets to maintaining beauty is doing what you do for a baby, nurturing and feeding the baby with love. That’s what we should do with ourselves: nurture ourselves, love ourselves, and give that kind of energy to ourselves.”

Carmen embraces aging with grace and dignity. She has never shied away from her age. Instead, she has used it to her advantage, proving that beauty truly knows no age.

Carmen’s unwavering passion for modeling teaches us that retirement is not an obligation but a choice. If you love what you do, there’s no reason to stop, no matter how old you are. Her life is a testament to resilience. Despite numerous challenges, she has continued to thrive, proving that with determination, one can overcome any obstacle.

Another inspiring supermodel is Daphne Selfe, 96, who still makes waves in the fashion industry and hasn’t given any sign of stopping yet. Read her story here.

Praying for Jimmy Carter as His Foundation Makes Dreadful News

According to new reports, former President Jimmy Carter has entered hospice care. According to a statement provided by The Carter Center, the 39th president’s choice to enter hospice comes after many hospital hospitalizations.

“Following a series of short hospital stints, former US President Jimmy Carter elected to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of extra medical intervention. His family and medical staff are completely behind him.”

At 98 years old, Carter is the oldest living president. He’s held that record since 2018, when George H.W. Bush died at the age of 94, according to CNN.

Carter has had several health problems in recent years. The former president defeated brain cancer in 2015, and in 2019, he underwent brain surgery to relieve the growing strain.

Jimmy is a retired peanut farmer, US Navy Lieutenant, Sunday School teacher, and former US president. He is also a Habitat for Humanity volunteer and a 2002 Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, live in Plains, Georgia. Amy, Donnel, Jack, and James are their four children.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jimmy and his family as they support him through this difficult time.

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Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter honored with first-ever CNN Heroes Legacy Award

CNN announced its “Heroes of the Year” awards on Sunday night and for the first time ever, CNN also awarded a “Heroes Legacy Award.”

The inaugural winner? It’s former President Jimmy Carter and his late wife first lady Rosalynn Carter. CNN recognized Georgia’s favorite couple for their lifetime commitment to community service.

Rosalynn Carter died in November at the age of 96. Jimmy Carter has been in hospice care since February. The Carters’ granddaughter Sarah Carter accepted the award on her grandparents’ behalf.

“My grandparents had the ability to envision the world as it should be with astonishing moral clarity and the audacity and determination to pursue that vision over decades. And they touched so many people’s lives along the way,” Sarah Carter said.

The Carter family has committed their lives to several notable causes.

Jimmy Carter has worked in partnership with Habitat for Humanity since the mid-1980s. He earlier volunteered with the organization in Americus, Georgia where it was founded.

Rosalynn Carter made it her life mission to advocate for mental health. She played a key role in the passage of a federal law requiring insurance to pay for mental health treatment on par with physical illnesses.

President and Mrs. Carter were the longest-ever married presidential couple, having wed in 1946.

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