I read an interesting article in The Telegraph recently about ‘The ageless generation’ meaning the women that are in their 40’s and 50’s and how things have changed a lot over the years. The term they gave us was ‘perennials’ and I like that!!

I at 52 am obviously middle aged but I hate that expression as I certainly don’t feel it or act like it!

Looking back at my grandparents generation and even to my parents, our grans were definitely considered ‘middle aged’ at 40 plus and a lot of my mums generation also were, even though I had a very fit, attractive, vibrant mother who has always looked after herself (and still does at 85!)

We are living longer and refusing to retire and be put out to pasture! I expect to be working in some capacity well into my more mature years (dare i say ‘old’?)

The world has changed hugely especially as now there is a lot of focus put on health, fitness and nutrition for the mature woman. I think that we are trying to stay as fit and healthy as possible and are able to do that with the amount of information at our fingertips!

Fashion is more accessible for women in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s  and it’s not frowned upon to wear clothes from fashion shops such as Top Shop, Miss Selfridge, River Island etc. I would never have bought clothes from the same shop as my mother but I still shop in the same shops as my daughter and even borrow her clothes, shoes, make up etc (Shhhh, don’t tell her!)

I love that fact that we have some amazing older role models out there still kicking a**e, the likes of Michelle Obama and Helen Mirren, both in completely different arenas but both equally awesome!

The term ‘middle aged’ is not really appropriate anymore. I am fitter, stronger, feistier, more flexible and happier now than I ever have been, although saying that I am one of those annoying ‘glass half full’ people’ anyway! It annoys me when people use age as an excuse e.g ‘I can’t start exercise now, I’m 74 you know!’ I couldn’t care if you are 74 or 104 there is something out there for everyone and the more active you are the more the rest of your life will benefit!

Most of the women I know look after themselves through eating well, exercising regularly, taking supplements but also take care of their appearance by having their hair coloured and styled, dressing fashionably and updating their make up once in a while……it all helps!!

I understand that we have to adapt our diet and exercise regime as we age and it takes a bit more work to get the results that would have come easily in our 20’s but with a little bit of effort it really does do wonders to your wellbeing and mental state to keep fit and active, even if it’s just regular walks.

I wear denim hotpants on holiday and no one’s going to tell me i’m too old for hotpants, except for my daughter and when she says that I will stop!! I trust her judgment totally!!