Being in the same age category, I get most of this, but am slightly amused (or is it bemused?) by the introduction of the Zara Everly quote -

"... that despite middle age, having borne and raised 4 children, a bit of gray hair, and a no longer flat stomach, men still want her — older men, but younger men as well. " -

Using "despite" reinforces the idea that middle age, 4 kids and a flabby tummy are undesirable, and it goes right back to placing a woman's worth in terms of a man's opinion of her - in this case whether or not she is F***able.