THIS IS WHAT 53 LOOKS LIKE

Nicky Toffolo lives in Torquay. She has one daughter, former i’m A celebrity winner Georgia, 24, and is a property manager.

MID-LIFE CHARITY WORK

MY CHARITY work gives me purpose. I was born with partial hearing — 50 per cent — but my parents were determined I would live a normal life and taught me I can be anyone I want. So I volunteer with children’s charities to give back and help others. This year, I organised a fundraising lunch for Families For Children, an adoption charity, which raised £4,000.

TRY TWEAKMENTS

I STARTED having Botox twice a year in my mid-40s (£320). This is the age of the selfie, after all. I’d noticed that my face had dropped slightly, but I didn’t want a facelift — so I had a Silhouette Soft thread lift and Ellanse collagen stimulating filler, which last for 18 months (£1,600; £2,600, Dr Pradnya Apte at skinsouthwest.co.uk). It has helped boost my confidence.

MENOPAUSE WEIGHT LOSS

I HIT the menopause very suddenly, after having a hysterectomy at 49. Afterwards, I found it harder to lose weight and went from a size 12 to a 14. But I refused to let it beat me. I upped my fitness regime to include weighttraining at the gym and a tennis match with friends every week. I also bought a Fitbit to make sure I hit my daily count of 10,000 steps. In six months I was back to a size 12.

TREAT YOUR HAIR

IT’S important to build a long-term relationship with a hairdresser. I’ve been using mine for 25 years — she was the one who first dyed my hair blonde, in my 30s. Now I get my roots done every six weeks, plus a weekly blow-dry. This is my treat.

FEMALE FRIENDSHIPS

I’M LUCKY to have a close group of 12 female friends who have been there for me through all the highs and lows, from my divorce to my hysterectomy. You need that kind of support as you head into your 50s. I see a girlfriend most days, whether it’s for a quick coffee, lunch or a walk on the beach. We often go on holiday together, and on spa days, too. The key is to always have a plan.