THIS IS WHAT 59 LOOKS LIKE

MANDY SMITH lives with husband Jonathan. They have two children, Lana, 34, and Louis, 31. She is a Cambridge Weight Plan consultant.

TRY HORSE RIDING

I DO A two-hour horse-riding session every fortnight. It’s amazing for strengthening your core, which is especially useful now that I’m in midlife and have put weight on my tummy. I combine it with three 5k outdoor runs a week to keep my bones healthy as I age; it’s highimpact exercise that helps prevent osteoporosis.

MENOPAUSE MANI PEDI

EVERY month, I get a manicure and pedicure. It’s my treat. It just gives you that finishing touch, making it look like you’ve tried. Since going through the menopause, I can’t use gel polish as it dries out my nails.

KEY INVESTMENTS

I WOULD rather spend more money on a few sophisticated key pieces than lots of cheap, low-quality clothes. I do this at the start of every season. For example, this spring, I brought a €340 floral dress and €225 denim jacket from Hale Bob (halebob.com). It’s been my go-to dress for so many occasions this year.

BEE VENOM SKINCARE

I CAN’T get facials because I have sensitive skin, so a good DIY skincare regime is crucial for me. I’m obsessed with Heaven by Deborah Mitchell

(heavenskincare.com). It’s an organic range that (safely) uses a bee venom formula to stimulate collagen production in the skin. I use the Prism Age Defiance Cream (€41.59) and Overnight Success Prism Oxygen Cream (€135.14), which leave my skin brighter and clearer.

MIDLIFE CAREER STARTER

I GOT my first proper job when I turned 50. This, more than anything, is keeping me young! I was unable to pursue a career in my 20s due to ill health. Then I had my children. After they left home I lost two stone in six weeks using the Cambridge Weight Plan, which is how I got the idea to apply for a job there. Now I manage a team of 45. It has changed my life. I feel more confident than ever.