Is turning 50 still a big issue for a woman?
I READ Sarah Vine’s views on turning 50 (Mail) and I’m not sure what planet she’s on. Unless she develops a medical problem, apart from the odd memory lapse, she’ll feel the same at 73 (my age). I took exception to her saying that ten or 20 years ago women walked about like frumps. I even had a dress similar to the one she was shown wearing. At 50, I was working in an office for a large company, and we all dressed smartly in up-to-date suits and high heels, with modern hairstyles. At that time, I was having my hair highlighted at Toni & Guy, the chain of trendy hair salons. I admit skincare has come on a lot further since those days , but we adapt to what’s around at the time. So no more nonsense about ‘50 being the new 40’ — we all age differently, and the brain stays mainly the same even though the body might not. Mrs DIANE LINES, Woodhall Spa, Lincs. SARAH VINE’S explanation of ‘why 50 isn’t middle-aged any more’ (Mail) made me smile. Women kid themselves by taking hormone tablets and dyeing their hair. When I got my first grey hairs — at 40 — I was horrified and had highlights until I realised I had so many it was a waste of money. No way would I have my hair dyed a dark colour. It looks too harsh: grey hair is kinder. Yes, Sarah Vine — you are mistaken. Don’t give up your make-up, but lay off the hair dye. LENE ORCHARD, Beaconsfield, Bucks. SARAH VINE can rest assured that ‘middle age’ (Mail) is at least five years older than you are at any given time. I’m in my 60s and certainly not middle-aged — yet. JEAN COMBEN, Truro, Cornwall.