We should never say people look good ‘for their age’. They look good, full stop!
JO Whiley wants people to stop mentioning age when giving compliments – saying it should never be a barrier for women.
The 58-year-old DJ and mum of four is determined to keep making the most of life.
BBC Radio 2 host Jo said: “We should never say someone looks good ‘for their age’. They look good, full stop! I’ve been working with L’Oreal and I love their message that you don’t look great ‘for your age’, you just look great.
“The feedback I got from lots of women about that campaign was wonderful. It’s lovely being a woman of my age at the moment.
“There’s a sisterhood feel about people looking and feeling fantastic. Talking to other people and sharing wisdom is empowering.
“Instagram is an amazing place for sharing tips. It cuts through all the rubbish. There’s been a real revolution over the past few years and whether it’s your vulva or your vagina, you can talk about it all without shame. I don’t think age is a barrier to anything.
“It’s a transition and there’s nothing you can do about it. If I ever worry about getting older, I think, ‘Thank God you’re alive,’ and I’m so grateful.
“There’s a lot to get your head around because visually and physically, things change with age, so you have to address them. I’m always keen to find out about new facials, creams or serums because I think they can really help.”
Jo, who is married to record executive Steve Morton, looks stunning in a photoshoot for Woman&Home.
The BBC’s Glastonbury coverage veteran told the magazine she is now trying to “bulletproof her life” so she can be around for her kids for decades to come.
Lifestyle
Her decision comes after the death of a number of friends.
Jo said: “Life can change so quickly. Often when you’re not expecting it. It’s shocking because they’re people you thought you would be sitting with on a park bench laughing when you’re old.
“Suddenly you know there will be an empty space next to you on that bench.”
Jo added: “I’ve overhauled my lifestyle since losing loved ones. One of our friends died of a brain tumour, one died from Covid, another died from epilepsy and one passed away from stomach cancer. They are things that can happen to anybody, at any point.
“I need to do whatever I can to keep this body going. I want to be here for my children. Hence the swimming, diet, vitamins and routine health checks.”
Steve Wright, Jo’s friend at Radio 2, also recently died and she said the station DJs “all supported each other”. Jo added: “The outpouring of love proved how much people loved him.”