Mature women are often funneled into specific stereotypical roles:

: Portrayals focusing on degenerative illness or disability, framing the character as a burden to others.

: The last two decades have seen a rise in films with female leads over age 65, particularly in mainstream and independent cinema.

: Plots where an older woman reclaims her youth or "desirability" through a new romantic affair.

: Older characters are more likely to be portrayed as villains than heroes, with 59% of films featuring older villains compared to only 30% featuring older heroes. Catalysts for Change