THIS IS WHAT 56 LOOKS LIKE

SARA DAVENPORT lives with her husband Alnur and they have four children. She is an author and founder of the charity Breast Cancer Haven.

ACUPUNCTURE FACIAL

TWICE a year, I do an intensive course of seven acupuncture sessions in a week (from €45). You see the effects quicker this way. I get needles inserted at energy points on my face and body, including between my brows. It helps to smooth my deep frown lines, so that I don’t need any cosmetic surgery. I prefer a natural look.

THE MENOPAUSE NCT

I HIT the menopause at 51, but never had hot flushes. I put this down to an annual liver cleanse, which I do to rebalance my hormones, as part of a ‘health NCT’. For five days, I drink two litres of apple juice daily, alongside a reduced sugar diet. Then, I drink 2-3 glasses of Epsom salts in water over three hours; plus olive oil and lemon juice at 10pm. I feel re-energised the next day.

TRY ALKALINE SKINCARE

EVERY day, I use Sönd Sidekick Day Cream (€37.88, sondskin.co.uk), Revitalising Face Serum (€48.60) and Midnight Feast Night Cream (€42.34). A friend recommended them, as it’s an alkaline skincare range. The idea is that our cells function best in this state, so it helps keep our skin healthier. I used to wake up with dry skin and pronounced lines, but now my face feels baby soft.

DE-STRESS YOUR HOME

COLOURS have a real effect on my wellbeing. I wear lots of oranges and pinks, never black — as they make me feel happier. But for interiors, I stick to calming shades of blue and peaceful greens. In my study, I have neutral walls, with turquoise cushions and plants. It helps to boost my mood and combat stress, which is so ageing.

MIDLIFE CAREER CHANGE

TWO years ago, I wrote a book, Reboot Your Health (rebootyourhealth.co.uk). I was inspired after 20 years working at a charity where I’d met so many unwell women. I wanted to share what I’d learned, with a toolbox to measure and improve your baseline health. It was challenging, but learning keeps me young.