‘being healthy is Far More important’

Lynne Barrass, 57, is an alternative therapist living in Shropshire. When my friend told me recently how much she’d spent on an anti-ageing cream, I was shocked. To me, it’s obscene that people will spend a fortune on trying to look younger, especially when they so often end up disappointed with the results.

Just like the majority of women in the study, I’m not worried about getting older. I think I get that from my mum – she never bought into pricey products, and instead chose to grow old gracefully. And she looked great for it.

When the greys began to appear in my late 40s, I decided to embrace it. I think older women’s skin can look washed-out if they dye their hair, so you can always tell when someone is trying to turn back the clock.

As I reached my 50s, I did realise I was getting on a bit, but it also made me more determined to relish every second. Whether that’s spending time with my son, Tyler, working or visiting my home in France, there’s no way I’d waste a second worrying about how I look.

Being healthy is far more important. I drink lots of water and get plenty of fresh air. I look after my skin with coconut oil, eat organic when I can and practise yoga. You could have all the cosmetic procedures money can buy, but if you’re not happy, you’ll never love yourself.

Society teaches us our worth is measured by our looks. It’s time we fought back. We should all be embracing growing older.

‘Cosmetics won’t buy happiness’