THIS IS WHAT 71 LOOKS LIKE
SUE BEARDSHAW is single and lives in Berkhamsted, hertfordshire. She has three adult children, aged 40, 35 and 32, and is retired from a career in pharmaceuticals.
GOODBYE RETIREMENT
IN 2018 I retired — and became Mayor of Berkhamsted (2018-2019). I was planning to go back to work but there seems to be so much age discrimination for my age group. But I keep busy and love learning. In lockdown, I started volunteering with Age UK locally. It is humbling, and I am very inspired by the people I speak to; their resilience and positivity is incredible. I refuse to retire fully.
ORGANIC HAIRCARE
FOUR years ago, I had my hair coloured and my hair was burnt, so I changed to an organic salon for my cut and colour. Now I go every few months to The Hair Secret ( thehairsecret.co.uk). They use natural, ammonia-free dye. At home I use Organic Colour Systems Aqua Boost Shampoo and Conditioner (£12). Now my hair feels much healthier, my scalp less itchy — and it’s thinning less, too.
WORK OUTS WITH WICKS
BEFORE lockdown, I used to go to the gym. Now I go for a 30-minute walk every day plus 30-60 minutes on my exercise bike while watching BBC’s Antiques Road Trip. I also do Joe Wicks’ video workouts. He does a brilliant seniors’ routine, with lots of gentle stretching. He’s so positive and upbeat.
SIMPLE SKINCARE
I WASH my face with Little Soap Pure Lavender Soap and cold water (£4, waitrose.com). I use it on my body, too. Then I apply Weleda Iris Hydrating Day and Night Cream, both good for dry skin (£17.95 each, weleda.co.uk). I don’t wear much make-up, but do invest in a Rouge Dior lipstick in shade no. 683, a soft dusky pink (£30, dior.com).
TWO MEALS ONLY
I USUALLY only have two meals a day. I eat brunch at 12pm: a sourdough sandwich with no butter, just a thin slice of chicken and avocado. (My GP recommended cutting out normal bread and dairy.) For dinner, I have an organic burger or fish with grilled veg or salad. I love Mexican food, so if I have a cheat day, I’ll have a burrito.
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