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One upon a time, turning 70 meant one thing – that you were officially old. But not anymore.
A new generation of women are redefining how your eighth decade looks and feels. Just consider our 70-something role models today: they’re starring in hit movies and TV series’, wowing audiences on the stage, publishing books and championing worthy causes.
That’s right. These women are doing the opposite of fading with age: they’re blooming. Here, we recognise five inspiring women who will make you think differently about what turning 70 means.
Latest projects: Co-presenter of Studio 10, national ambassador of Alzheimer’s Australia, chair of the Priceline Sisterhood Foundation.
Ita Buttrose, 74
“The only problem with admitting how old you are is that people say, “Oh my God, that old!’ But I don’t look at a number and think, ‘That’s 50, 60 or 70.’ It’s how you are as a person who really counts.
“I’m an optimist and I always look on the bright side – I think that’s a good way to live. The thing about getting older is that it’s better than the alternative; you either get old or you drop dead. Take your choice!”
Latest projects: Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, The Man You’re Not .
Joanna Lumley, 70
“It’s hard to explain how getting older feels. I was formed so many years ago. All that’s changed is the outside, the person inside hasn’t. Getting older isn’t a sin. If you’re alive, you get old.
“I love ‘old’. I love old people and I always knew old would be good for me and would contain great glories.”
Latest projects: Collateral Beauty, Winchester Mystery, L’oreal Brand Ambassador.
Helen Mirren, 71
“There is good and bad in ageing. Each age you become reveals a new person you’ve become. I loved being young but I’ve enjoyed every stage in different ways.
“I’m happy being in my 70s and there will be another person in me at 80, hopefully, and I can’t wait to meet her. I’m just incredibly grateful to be here and incredibly grateful for me health.”
Latest projects: Running Maggie Beer products and the Maggie Beer Foundation.
Maggie Beer, 71
“I celebrate getting older – I think things get better and better. A generation ago women would ‘feel their age’ because that’s what people did – they didn’t necessarily work, so they didn’t have the stimulation. Nowadays we’re embracing life, and that keeps people young.
“I get busier as I get older because I finally have the platform to take on new things. And I’m finally taking better care of myself in terms of making time to walk every day, because I’m very aware that physical activity is so incredibly important.”
Latest projects: Hampstead, L’oreal Brand Ambassador.
Diane Keaton, 70
“I’ve learned to see beauty where I never saw it before. But only because my expectations are more realistic. My favourite part of my body is my eyes. Not because of their colour… but because of what they see.
“When I was in my 20s and 30s I wanted my appearance to be more interesting than the beauty the surrounded me. It was a fool’s folly.”
