THIS IS WHAT 61 LOOKS LIKE

Linda Matthews lives in surrey. she is single and has two children and two grandchildren. she works as a personal trainer.

MIDLIFE PERSONAL TRAINER

AFTER a career in the police, I became a personal trainer last year, specialising in the over-50s. It’s so empowering to help other women get fit and feel happier. Plus, exercise is great for the menopause. I do four weights sessions in the gym every week and prefer swimming to running, as it has less impact on your joints. I also avoid dieting, as it just makes you think about food.

TRY EXTENSIONS

A FEW years ago, I had hair extensions at my local salon (£500, greatlengths

hair.co.uk). They’re expensive, as they need changing every four months, but they make a big difference. I have fine hair, so they add body, volume and length, which helps frame my face and has boosted my confidence.

BOTOX BOOST

EVERY six months, I have Botox to smoothe my frown lines and crow’s feet (£395, ivorydentalsurrey.co.uk). I started a few years ago and can still see a noticeable difference in my wrinkles when I look in the mirror. It’s not about being vain, but rather feeling good about myself. I also prefer ‘tweakments’ to cosmetic surgery, as they look more natural.

HOOKED ON HRT

DURING my mid-40s, I started going through the perimenopause: I didn’t get hot flushes, but I was so emotional and tearful all the time. So the doctor put me on HRT and I haven’t had any of these symptoms since. Two years ago, she took me off it for a few months and I became so down and depressed. I don’t want to feel like that again.

LIFELONG FACIALS

IT’S important to have regular facials if you want good skin. I’ve been going to the same beauty salon in Croydon since my 20s ( beautyaspects.com). I used to have bad pigmentation, blemishes and eczema, but the owner sorted it all out. I’ve changed treatments as my skin has aged. I used to have acid peels, but now I prefer the IPL facial (£90): it uses a laser to boost collagen and reduce wrinkles.