Fabulous and fifty - fifty is the new 30

30 April 2011

Kristin Scott Thomas. Carole Vorderman. Tilda Swinton. Linford Christie. Barack Obama. Mariel Hemingway. Emma Thompson. The list of celebrities who will celebrate their 50th birthday this year just goes on and on. And if they’ve got one thing in common, it’s that they all look amazing for their age.

So what’s the secret to looking fabulous at fifty? Of course, cynics might say regular botox injections are a key ingredient in this dazzling array of tanned and toned, fabulous looking fifty year olds. But there’s more to it than being wealthy enough to have your own chef to prepare healthy macrobiotic meals and the number of a good plastic surgeon on speed dial on your iPhone. Being fab at fifty is just as much about a state of mind.

In 2011, fifty year olds are happier, fitter and more successful than ever before. For this new generation, 50 marks the beginning of a contented golden age of health and happiness. “Glee” star, Jane Lynch, who plays uncompromising cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester in the musical drama says ‘Turning 50 was pretty cool!”. She has not only got married and gained a step daughter since reaching 50 last year but says she feels much happier and more contented with her life.

With age, comes a sense of perspective too. The small things we fretted about and strived for in our 20s seem to matter less. In our 50s we seem to know how to make time for the things really matter.

Today, we’re used to seeing celebrities who’ve still got the X-factor in their fifties and even into their sixties. George Clooney, Colin Firth and Nigella Lawson will all celebrate their half century in 2011, and Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep still manage to look an age-defying decade or two younger.

This year 868,000 people in the UK will turn 50, some 32,000 more than reached that same age milestone in 2010. And more than ever before, they’ll find there are fewer pressures from society to act or dress a certain way. 50 years ago, a 50-year old was considered old and past it. It was time to start dressing in beige and shopping around for trousers with an elasticated waistband. Today, anything goes… and often does. For 50-somethings like Kim Cattrall, Michelle Pfeiffer and Sharon Stone turning 50 still means turning heads!