The moment a 52-year-old was carded by security before entering a bar has gone viral, leaving the internet astonished.
LaeTania Richardson, who goes by @heyladybytania on social media, headed to Level 8 in Los Angeles for a girls’ night out, and the bouncer asked to verify her age before she entered. The moment, which was captured in a TikTok video, has gone viral, racking up more than 364,900 likes and 2 million views.
“I was a little taken aback when security asked for our IDs, as the people who had walked in before us, he did not ask,” Richardson told Newsweek. “Being 52 years old, it certainly did take me aback because I was like, ‘What?'”
It turns out this wasn’t a one-off experience for Richardson, who is the owner of an insurance company and lifestyle brand. “This does happen quite a bit, and each time it happens, I am amazed,” she said.
Photos of LaeTania Richardson. The 52-year-old said she was “blessed” with great genes but also followed a healthy lifestyle.
@heyladybytania/@heyladybytania
In the viral video, Richardson’s surprise was palpable, as she playfully questioned the bouncer: “What? How old do I need to be to enter?” He said 21.
Laughing, Richardson said, “Oh my goodness, I’m getting carded.”
Richardson, who is also a mom, often has her age underestimated. At her insurance company, clients frequently mistake her for being in her 30s. Her secret: a combination of good genetics, a healthy lifestyle and a positive mindset.
“I am just really blessed to have really great genes. However, I don’t drink alcohol. I don’t smoke cigarettes. I hardly eat any fast food. I typically only drink water. I make sure that I exercise, and every six weeks I get a microdermabrasion,” Richardson said.
For those unfamiliar, microdermabrasion is a noninvasive procedure that exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. It can help reduce fine lines, sun damage and other signs of aging.
According to Richardson, maintaining a youthful glow is about more than skin care. “The key to maintaining your youth is your mindset. I’ve never been one to say, ‘I am old.’ When I hear people say that, in my head I’m like, ‘What does that mean?’ I don’t feel like I’m old. I feel like I’m just getting started, and life is just getting better for me.”
Richardson also credits her 21-year-old son with keeping her young at heart. “I never wanted to be the mom who—when they got in the car with my child and they listened to something I didn’t know—would say, ‘Cut that off. I don’t want to hear it.’ I like listening to what he listens to because I want to understand what’s going on in that mind of his.”
As the TikTok video continues to spread, the 52-year-old has been overwhelmed by the love and support from her followers, describing the response as “incredible.”
“What I love the most is all of the young people who are asking me for advice on what to do,” she said.
TikTok users were amazed by Richardson’s youthful energy and appearance, with one writing, “Please Lord let me look like this at 52!!!”
“I make such a big deal getting carded at 36, get it Kelly Rowland,” another added, comparing Richardson to the Destiny’s Child singer.
“You look PHENOMENAL,” a user wrote, while another said, “You look like you’re in your 20s.”
To maintain her youthful vitality, Richardson follows a few key principles. According to WebMD, avoiding certain lifestyle mistakes—such as poor sleep habits, neglecting sun protection and excessive stress—can go a long way in preserving youthfulness.
Richardson said, “What you do in your 20s and 30s will directly affect you in your 40s and up, so make sure that you take care of your body, and your body will take care of you.”
She also emphasized the importance of self-love: “That is the most important thing. I think that when you love on yourself, your body, mind and soul will love on you.”
