: Female characters begin to disappear in substantial numbers after age 40. On broadcast TV, major female characters plummet from 42% in their 30s to just 15% in their 40s.

: Among characters aged 50 and older, women make up only about 25% in film and television, despite being approximately half of that age demographic in the real world.

: Women over 40 are significantly more likely than men to be shown engaging in cosmetic procedures on screen, reflecting an intense pressure to maintain a youthful appearance. 2. Common Stereotypes and Archetypes