THIS IS WHAT 64 LOOKS LIKE

Alison smith, a farmer’s wife, lives in Derbyshire with her husband John. she has two children and three stepchildren. she shares her secrets to staying young.

BUY SMALL PLATES

IT SEEMS easier to put on weight as we age — our metabolism starts taking it easy! Of course, we want to avoid gaining pounds as it’ll knock our confidence, make us look older and feel lethargic. I don’t believe in strict diets — cutting our carbs, cutting out sugar. As soon as we ban certain foods, we crave them. My trick is to be careful about portion size — ten times easier if you use small plates.

USE MASSAGE OIL

THE skin on our chest and necks can all too easily give away our age. I use a face and neck cream every day, but twice a week I whip up my own skin-perfecting potion using wheatgerm oil, a few drops of rose absolute oil and frankincense essential oil. I massage in this super moisturising concoction upwards from chest to jawline. It smells amazing and leaves skin supple and smooth.

FLAUNT YOUR ASSETS

THE key to looking fashionable in older age is to know what suits you and what doesn’t. If your legs are your best asset, don’t be afraid to wear a mini skirt with boots and black tights. I like to wear classic clothes — a pair of well-cut jeans, a good quality T-shirt — and pair these with a few fun, seasonal items. Keep your wardrobe fresh — for every new item of clothing you buy, donate two to charity.

AVOID THE GYM

I HATE the gym and can’t stand running — it’s tough on joints and probably not the best exercise option as we get older. Instead, I walk three miles a day with my little dog, Tucker. Brisk walking is great for toning legs and keeping fit. Saggy upper arms are also a dead giveaway of age. To combat dreaded ‘bingo wings’, I use full baked bean tins as weights in the kitchen! I also dance when making dinner — it’s great cardio exercise and a mood-booster. You’ll save a fortune on gym membership!

HAVE FUN

IT SOUNDS obvious, but this is an essential part of keeping young. I try my best to find the positives in all situations and relish every day. This can be as simple as enjoying time with family and friends or always having something to look forward to, from a holiday to a shopping trip. My sister passed away at 39 and it taught me that life really is a gift — the more we embrace it, the more alive we’ll feel.