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Clayton Paterson is living proof that life gets better—and sexier—with age. At 66, the former lawyer, father, grandfather, and fitness model is redefining aging and also challenging stereotypes about what it means to be an openly gay man later in life.
For Paterson, coming out in 2015 at the age of 56 was a turning point in his life. He finally accepted who he really was after years of hiding it, and in doing so, he found a new lease on life. He underwent a physical as well as an emotional metamorphosis. He developed a figure that many men half his age would be envious of, demonstrating his dedication to fitness to the fullest. He was feeling empowered, confident, and free.
“I got much more serious about my gym time in my early fifties and then at fifty-nine, I decided to compete in physique competitions,” he previously shared with Daily Mail. “That’s when I really transformed my body into what you see today. But, while how I look is wonderful, the more important outcome is how I feel physically.”
Paterson’s dedication paid off, leading him to national bodybuilding competitions, where he placed impressively. Unlike many competitors, he achieved his results naturally, attributing his success to years of consistency, discipline, and clean living. “I often get asked if I’m on steroids or what supplements do, I take; I do none of those and my natural testosterone level is actually above the normal range. I attribute that to the fact that I have maintained my muscle tone.”
But perhaps his greatest flex? Finding love. Paterson has been in a committed relationship with his partner, Sheldon Joseph, for several years. The two share a love for fitness, travel, and living life to the fullest. Their joint Instagram account showcases their adventures together, from beach vacations to gym sessions that prove love and gains go hand in hand.
For Paterson, coming out later in life has allowed him to fully embrace love, relationships, and his place in the LGBTQ+ community. His four grown children—Jacob, Nathaniel, Anne, and Luke—have been supportive, proving that authenticity and self-love can strengthen family bonds rather than break them.
Now a sought-after fashion model, Paterson continues to make waves in the industry, often gracing campaigns for underwear and swimwear brands. Yet, despite his dapper looks and sculpted physique, he remains grounded. “If you let Mother Nature take her course, she’ll treat you well. You just can’t fool Mother Nature!” he quipped on his birthday post.
While aging is inevitable, Paterson proves that how we age is a choice. “Yes, I do need to monitor the hair in my ears, wonder where my readers are, do my anti-sciatica stretches, and my backflip rotation has slowed,” he humorously admitted. “But just know, it can be a wonderful time of life. We have the power to make it so.”
With his confidence, zest for life, and amazing physique, Paterson continues to inspire many, proving that it’s never too late to come out, reinvent yourself, and find happiness in every aspect of life.
Can’t get enough of Clayton Paterson? You can follow him on Instagram where he posts stunning beach photos, his fitness journey, and more. You can also follow his account with his partner Shel here. Please don’t forget to follow Adam4Adam on Instagram for more hotties like Shel and Clay!
he was a playgirl model when he was younger person, you can google search for them and you will find them .
artifacts of Jurassic park?
one of the lava preserved denizens of Pompey or one of the members of Mt. Rushmore?
im not going to say what you are, but im sure everyone esle is thinking it 🙂 have a great day
suggestion for the future: Have the day you deserve!
Pompey was a Roman general and statesman. POMPEII was the city (one of two, actually) destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius – which was a pyroclastic eruption and produced only a minimal amount of lava.
The more you know…
Why would you bother trying to educate this insecure hater, John…? His jealousy has probably rendered him ineducable….
This what a lifetime of good healthy habits looks like, so refreshing to see a very mature man keepin’ it together physically.
I hope to be as fit as him when I get that age… trying to do right things now.
He looks and sounds incredibly vain…he’s superficial
age is molecular!
With guys like him to think about, who needs to masturbate over a Straight guy?
I’m always amused by the amount of press/coverage a (white) guy receives when he miraculously comes out of the closet to celebrate his amazing new life. Please. What a bunch of bullshit. Do they ever acknowledge their complicit homophobia during their journey? Of course not. That part of their amazing journey is never discussed.
Without a doubt, the man looks phenomenal. But what’s the price to pay to look like that at his age? Hours upon hours, every day, keeping up an exercise routine that would challenge a 20 year old Olympic competitor. Couple that with having to scrutinize every morsel that goes into your mouth and you have to ask yourself, is it all really worth it? Judging by the number of men his age, in his condition, my guess is it’s not. I remember reading an article, eons ago, in Men’s Health. It was about the regimen one of its top models,… Read more »
Who cares about the price he pays. It’s his price to pay, just as the majority of people pay the price of gluttony. He might enjoy the feeling of a body that effortlessly moves through life and makes him feel alive and the glutton values his food and drink regardless of how it affects his body but enjoys his food. Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I say, good for him, just as I say that when I see a great athlete who dedicates himself as well, as an artist who dedicates himself.
I only wish you had read the article I referenced in my comment. The guy was miserable because of all the things he couldn’t do, that he’d like to do, because breaking his regimen, he couldn’t maintain his picture perfect body.
Point being, maybe HE cares about the price he pays, but prefers the accolades and attention (let’s face facts, he’s a show-off) he gets from being a pretty boy.
No thank you.
I’ll be seventy-two this year. I still get mistaken for a fifty-year-old (probably because I shave fifteen years off my age to combat the ageism in our community…).
Barf. Nothing special here. Do you know how many older men are on TikTok/IG with the same story? Has anyone noticed that gay white men (and bears) couples look almost exactly like each other? Talk about vanity… Weird cultural phenomena.