There is something misogynistic about the idea that older women should not participate in fandom, like it's okay to be passionate about frivolous stuff while young but once we reach a certain age we should stop being A Person and live in function of kids/job/vacuuming the house.

This is not something that is ever brought up about men (ever heard someone say that middle-aged dudes are too old to play Fantasy Football?) it really underscores how much we (yes, even women) police what other women can and cannot enjoy.

I feel like I could point out that in every fandom I've been in lots of my favorite creators were not young (whatever that even means?!) but it almost seems beside the point. The point is that we've been brainwashed into thinking that older women are not allowed to have fun.

Bottom line: women turn 30, 56, 78, and they're still interested in sex! In hot dudes and dudettes! In stan culture! In squeeing! In porny art! In love stories! If you're telling them (or yourself) that they should focus on knitting and taxes, you're doing everyone a disservice!