Don’t write us off – we are not old, more like ageless

April 14, 2023

This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.

Acting one’s age is not in my vocabulary. I am proud to have made it this far, but I will not accept the description old. I prefer to call myself ageless. However, I am not afraid to tell people my real age in years though in my mind I am a lot younger.

Recently, my husband and I were driving up to visit our eldest daughter on her 33rd birthday. Our younger daughter, aged 31 years, was with us. My eldest daughter lives in Hackney Wick. There was a lot of banter amongst the kids and their partners about us leaving our comfort zone of the West End of London to venture into the depths of the East End. The last time I had been there was for the Olympics.

I had the address programmed into Waze and was following the instructions when my younger daughter asked why I have the same song playing on a loop. I explained that I have no idea why but this is the only way I can get Waze to play through my car sound system. In actual fact, I quite like the tune, but maybe not for 90 minutes however, as I don’t know how to turn it off, I put up with it as the Waze instructions are more important. There was a lot of ‘tutting’ from the back seat, and I knew what my daughter was thinking, ‘Oh Lord, Mum is getting old and a little bit ditsy.’

Ever since the pandemic, my children have treated my husband and me like we are about to fall off our perch. I would love to point out to them that our immune systems are in solid working order as I never got Covid, and my husband had it once, so mildly that it was only because he had to have a fit-to-fly test that he knew he had it.

That’s not to say that I am not aware of my limitations, but these are mostly on the technological side of life. Rather than be frustrated by the advances in technology, I just take on board the ones I need. My husband gets a little bit more cranky than me when he cannot get things on his iPhone to work, but nothing that a quick Google of ‘How to…’ won’t solve.

And yes, I am a co-founder of this website with Grace, my friend of over 45 years. We are all about being positive in our lives away from our computers and writing uplifting articles on A&G. Grace is a sensational 70 years young, and I am rising 65 years. We cannot call ourselves Glamorous Grannies, as neither of us has grandchildren yet. However, I think we are entitled to call ourselves glamorous, and I would like to add ageless. Age is just a number, they say. But sometimes, people treat you like that number is a countdown to your final moments on this earth. And it can be especially frustrating when you’re still feeling as fabulous as ever with the addition of a few laughter lines.

It’s not uncommon to hear people say things like, “You’re too old for that”. Or even “Aren’t you a little too old to be wearing that?”. But what does age have to do with style and fashion? Absolutely nothing, if you ask me. In fact, some of the most fashionable people I know are the ones who have been around the longest.

ANNABEL & HER YOUNGEST DAUGHTER – both in trousers by ME+EM

I am not a granny yet, something I am hoping will be rectified soon. I am definitely not in my 20s or 30s, either. And yet, I often still wear the same clothes as my daughters, and why not? If you’ve got it, flaunt it, I say. And if you feel good in it, even better.

It’s funny how people’s attitudes towards age and fashion have changed over the years. In the past, it was considered inappropriate for women of a certain age to wear anything that showed off their legs or their cleavage. Now, women of all ages are embracing their bodies and wearing whatever makes them feel good. And why shouldn’t they?

@Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

I mean, have you seen some of the celebrities out there? Jane Fonda is 85 years old and still slaying it on screen. Helen Mirren is 77 and looks better in a bikini than most 20-year-olds. And let’s not forget about the queen of ageless style, Iris Apfel, who, at 101 years old, still wears bold prints and statement jewellery like nobody’s business.

I go to Yoga and Pilates classes regularly, and whilst I can’t quite do a headstand, I am still quite flexible and not starting to look at stairlifts or mobility aids. I may have silver blonde hair, but I have all my own teeth, and I think I am quite alert even at 6.30 a.m. when I tend to get up to do my exercise and walk the dogs. However, I do enjoy a 30-minute rest in the afternoon, particularly if I am going out in the evening. Who wouldn’t if they could?

So, to all the naysayers out there who think that once you hit a certain age, you should start dressing and behaving like a traditional granny, I say: “Not today”. There is no age limit on style and fashion or lifestyle. You can wear whatever you want, whenever you want. And if people don’t like it, well, that’s their problem, not mine.

Of course, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind as you age. For example, you may want to opt for shoes with more support. Or clothes that are a little more forgiving on the waistline. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for comfort.

ANNABEL IN THE ELOISA from BAUKJEN

In fact, there are plenty of ways to look stylish and comfortable at the same time. Think flowy maxi dresses, oversized blazers, and chunky sneakers. And don’t forget about accessories. A statement bag or a pair of bold earrings can take any outfit to the next level.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to wear what makes you feel good. If you’re confident in what you’re wearing, that confidence will radiate outwards and make you look even more fabulous. So go ahead, wear that mini skirt, rock those skinny jeans, and strut your stuff with pride.

If you are interested in Anna Murphy’s new book, Destination Fabulous, read my review HERE.

Remembering Iris Apfel (1921-2024)

American interior designer and fashion influencer Iris Apfel sadly passed away on March 1st, 2024 at the age of 102 years old. At Rest Less, we have regularly featured Iris for her entrepreneurship, sense of style, and emphasis on positive ageing, and we will continue to remember her as an inspiration and example to all.

Our thoughts are with Iris’ friends, family, and anyone who loved her. May she rest in peace.

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