If you went to the cinema to watch Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, you wouldn’t be alone if the ageing process crossed your mind at some stage. During the 113-minute film, you may have pictured your childhood, your girlhood, your adolescence and beyond. 

You probably thought about wrinkles, cellulite and the passing of time and pondered how life goes by so quickly. The film, although centred around a doll, was sprinkled with lessons about womanhood and what it means to be a female in a man’s world. It also spotlighted what it was like to constantly fight against the pressure to be perfect and youthful forever. 

Even if you didn’t watch Barbie, if you are a woman, it’s almost impossible not to be acutely aware of getting older. It’s like a spine-chilling shadow that follows us everywhere, whispering “Is that a wrinkle?” in our ear every 10 minutes. 

The pressure to remain young forever weighs heavily on the shoulders of women. As a journey, ageing has been treated negatively in society. It has forced women to live with stigma, instead of allowing them to be proud of their evolution. These fears now start in a woman’s youth, with preventative measures such as Botox pushed as a way to slow the process down. Even in your 20s, you begin to dread the future. 

However, more and more women of an older generation are choosing to age ungracefully. They are taking control of their lives and embracing the natural movements of life. For them, ageing isn’t something to be afraid of – it’s something to celebrate. It’s one of life’s greatest gifts. 

And so to salute this change in belief, we asked 12 women to share their wisdom on ageing and to show us how beautiful and brilliant getting older can be.  

“I’m a productivity coach, helping busy people to make the best of their time and to focus on what matters most. I’m also approaching my 60th birthday (next month) so ageing is definitely on my mind. There are certainly challenges, such as health problems and the increasing likelihood of chronic illness and disability, but it’s not all doom and gloom. Studies show that people tend to procrastinate less as they get older – just one of the perks of ageing.

“Maybe it’s a growing awareness of our own mortality and a sense that time is running out, but you begin to do the things you really want to do. There is a confidence that comes with life experience that enables us to let go of perfectionism, take more risks and just get started. As I approach 60, work has never been more rewarding or more exciting. I have more flexibility now – and more confidence – to work online with clients around the world and to develop new workshops and talks. I also have more time to dedicate to both personal and professional development. 

“I’ve also stopped colouring my hair and embraced the silver. My hair’s never been in better condition and I get lots of compliments.”

Juliet Landau-Pope, 59, North London

“My biggest piece of advice for confidence in ageing is to work with the body you have today, not yesterday or what you think you ‘should’ be able to do. Every day it’s different; accept it and be kind to yourself. Move your body in the opposite way to how your day is going – if you’re feeling stressed and over-busy, then do some relaxing like stretches or yoga. If your day is more relaxed then go for a run or do some strength work.

“If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it! That applies to every part of your life from brain capacity and muscles to social skills and breathing well. Being calm, relaxed and at peace with yourself is better than any miracle anti-ageing cream. Remember, it’s your turn to shine now. Maybe you’ve spent years looking after others, working, supporting, cleaning, cooking and now it’s time to do something for you.”

Geraldine Joaquim, 53, West Sussex

“I turned 69 last week and I’m an un-retiree. I believe the way to feel good about your age is to just ignore it. I’m lucky enough to be in good health and reasonably fit. I play golf at least once a week and have a thriving business life alongside my daughter. I also have five grandchildren and I love helping with their childcare. I’ve been married to Pete now for six years – he’s almost 10 years my junior. I eat relatively healthily most of the time but I love a glass of Provence rosé in the evening. 

“My advice to everyone out there is to stay healthy as possible by eating sensibly and staying fit. Go blonde, grey, red, purple or whatever you fancy. Have long hair, short hair or no hair. And wear clothes that you love, not clothes that you think you should wear. Think beautiful and you will be.”

Elizabeth Reid, 69, Essex

“I’m 61 and have been sober for over five years. I look younger, feel so much better and now run a community for women who want to live their best life without alcohol. No one regrets stopping drinking. The benefits are huge. You get clearer skin, better health, more energy, a better chance at getting through menopause without medication and less anxiety.”

Janey Lee Grace, 61, Hertfordshire

“Turning 50 made me realise that the greatest gift I have received is the ability to proudly say, ‘I am 50 years old.’ In a world that often perceives ageing as a negative process to be feared and avoided, it is time to rewrite that narrative. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to redefine the significance of growing older. This is not the midpoint of our lives; it is the prime, a time to embrace and treasure. Let us celebrate the wisdom, experiences and growth that come with age. Instead of fearing the passage of time, let us revel in the beauty of each passing year and inspire others to do the same. Age should be a badge of honour, a testament to the richness of life’s journey and a reminder that there is so much more to come.”

Roz Colthart, 50, Edinburgh

“I’m 56, and my principle is to embrace ageing because I lost my dad when he was 53 and my brother when he was just 35. It really is true – age is a privilege denied to many. For me, ageing means being as old as I feel (young at heart) and also accepting that I’ve got wrinkles and grey hair that I love. I feel I’m getting more relaxed and accepting of things the older I get. I trust life more and feel immense gratitude, even for the tiniest of things.”

Sylvia Tillmann, 56, East Kent

“I am very much in the pro-ageing camp. While some things change as we age, so much of how you age is in the mind. I don’t believe in fighting the natural changes and would rather work with them. So, I have long, naturally greying hair. I’ve always eaten pretty healthily, and that hasn’t changed. I exercise regularly – walking or running every day and practising yoga most days to maintain flexibility. The only real compromise I’ve had to make from a style perspective is no longer wearing heels because I have osteoarthritis in my right foot. I love leather trainers, ankle boots and a flat sandal now. They are comfortable and stylish too.”

Helen Johnson, 58, Gateshead

“I think it’s safe to say that I have never felt better about myself than I do in my 50s. I can’t turn back the clock and I have to embrace and own my age, but I do my best to look and feel the best I possibly can. Since the end of 2019, I have gone through a huge change in terms of my general wellbeing. I walk 10,000 steps every day and I no longer suffer from chronic indigestion. I’ve changed my approach to food as well which has been revolutionary and life-changing. At the same time, I started out on my own as an independent human rights consultant and built my own practice in challenging times. I feel empowered and confident to grow my practice and offer my services to governments, intergovernmental organisations and civil society organisations.”

Vicki Prais, 51, London

“I have been told many times that I do not look my age. I think this is because I believe in investing in mind, body and soul with a healthy diet and exercise regime. I approach all areas of life with a positive attitude – this helps greatly in not draining my energies on stuff that I cannot control. It also helps with wrinkles and tension on my face and inflammation in my body. I also believe in having a very simple skincare routine. I use CeraVe face wash and cleanser and exfoliate once a week. I also use prickly pear oil on my face and neck twice a week. Above all, however, I see a distinctive glow on my face if I am happy. I am doing whatever I can to still have joy in my life.”

Furrah Syed, 55, North London

“As you age, you are wise enough to know right from wrong, you are financially a little more secure and you master the art of saying no. I’m not afraid to speak my mind and go to bed at any time I want. You can just simply do what you want without guilt. I was widowed almost two years ago but I’ve started going to the cinema and on holidays on my own. It is liberating. I have turned my life around in the past 22 months. Coming from an ethnic background, I am going against the grain and not conforming to the typical ‘widow’ title. I never thought I could but I am definitely living my best life.”

Mina Bhogaita, 55, London

“I think ageing is a privilege and to keep yourself looking younger you need to act young and enjoy every minute. Don’t close your mind to new things. Eat well, keep fit and laugh.”

Claire Ronan, mid-50s, Sligo, Ireland 

“My take on ageing is that it is better than the alternative. It isn’t easy to imagine being over 50 when you are 35, but somehow, suddenly you are. However, you stop caring what others think about you. You realise that no one is that interested in you, so you can largely do what you want or wear what you want. It’s made me judge less and be more compassionate. It’s never been easier to be older, as expectations have changed. In the 1970s, a middle-aged woman was in a twinset, pearls and maybe a hair set. Nowadays, we can be anything and wear anything.”

Polly Arrowmsith, 56, London 

Images: Getty; courtesy of case studies