As the years pass, our understanding of ourself grows – we know what our body and soul need, look after ourselves and reap the benefits. “Women are much more aware that the key to happiness is good health, and that our psychological well-being is built on physical well-being. Plus we have the knowledge we need to look after ourselves inside and out,” adds Akhtar.
It’s difficult not to notice this physical confidence manifesting all around us. While January saw the inevitable slew of twenty- something workout DVDs, three of the top sellers were from 48-year-old Davina McCall and 56-year-old Lorraine Kelly. At 82, Sister Madonna Buder, aka the Iron Nun, is the oldest woman to complete an Ironman; last year Harriette Thompson, 92, became the oldest female marathon finisher, and blogs such as “Old Girl Running” and “Sporty Over Forty” reflect how age doesn’t have to limit us physically. In 2014, athlete Jo Pavey won the 10,000m gold medal at the European Championships, 10 months after the birth of her second child, to become the oldest-ever female European champion.
We’re leading healthier lives, are more in tune with our bodies and have the ability and drive to do more for longer. Yet it’s not just about buff bods and sixty-something six packs (impressive though they may be). Women around the world are taking the opportunity to share their bodies – wrinkles, scars, curves and all. From online hashtag #thighstories, which encouraged women to share how life had marked their bodies, to projects such as photographer Carey Lynne Fruth’s “American Beauty” series, which saw women of all ages, sizes and ethnicities play homage to the iconic, rose petal-clad movie scene.
Even the notoriously youth-focused world of fashion has had an age-positive makeover. Designer Iris Apfel is a style icon at 94, while models Twiggy, 66, Iman, 60, Lauren Hutton, 72, Carmen Dell’Orefice, 84, Daphne Selfe, 87, show just how many decades of beauty there are.
Perhaps most strikingly, the less than inclusive world of men’s media has seen a transformation. Whether long-term trend or token toe dipped (literally) in the water, this year’s Sports Illustrated “swimsuit issue” featured not only the athletic and comparatively un-busty martial artist Ronda Rousey and plus-sized model Ashley Graham, but 56-year-old Nicola Griffin in a gold bikini as well. This year’s Pirelli calendar (known for nubile supermodels) pictured women of substance Patti Smith, 69, and Yoko Ono, 89.
It’s a privilege to live a long life and now, more than ever, it’s easier to do it well. To return to Sharon Stone: “It’s not like 50 is the new 30. It’s like 50 is the new chapter.” The ageless woman just has to write it.
Dove knows that your skincare needs change as you get older and has developed a beautiful range to perfectly match these needs. As dermatologist Dr Yuko Fukano explains: “The Dove Youthful Vitality range not only moisturises but also makes the skin look even and bright.” These are just a few of the product benefits which help the skin to look and feel revitalised. The new Youthful Vitality range comprises an elegantly fragranced Body Lotion, Body Cream and Hand Treatment. The range boosts smoothness, suppleness and resilience for beautiful skin at every age.
Quiz: What body boost do you need now?