THIS IS WHAT 65 LOOKS LIKE

AVRIL HARVEY is a therapist. She lives with her husband, ian, in Southgate, North London, and has two grown-up daughters and four grandchildren.

FIND THE ONE

I DON’T step out of the door without make-up. I discovered Japanese brand Shiseido in Harrods 29 years ago and have been using it ever since. It is my go-to for tinted moisturiser, mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow. When you find something that works, why change it for the latest trendy new brand?

NO HOT FLUSHES

WHEN I turned 47, a friend recommended that I take black cohosh supplements (£13.99,

hollandandbarrett.com). I took them twice a day for the next nine years and the effects were amazing. I escaped all the usual menopausal symptoms: no hot flushes, no insomnia, no mood swings.

STAY GROUNDED

STRESS is one of the biggest agers, so I have a reflexology session once a month. It is amazing how each part of the foot is connected to different parts of our body — by applying pressure here, calming and rejuvenating effects are felt all over.

BESPOKE DIETING

I SAW a nutrition specialist to find out what I should be eating. The resulting blood tests showed I might be able to lower my cholesterol by cutting out certain carbohydrates. I haven’t eaten bread, pasta, rice or potatoes for six years — and my health has really benefited.

YEARLY CHALLENGES

EVERY year, I set myself a challenge. At the age of 44 I went backpacking around Australia with my eldest daughter. The following year, I started university on the same day as my other daughter. After a psychology degree followed by a master’s, I went on to qualify as a counsellor. When I turned 60, I learnt to swim. Last year, I started running, completing a 10k charity run for a hospice. It’s never too late to be who you want to be.

Look good for your age? Tell your secrets at inspire@dailymail.co.uk