‘I’m a match gran and needn’t look youthful – I already know I’m stunning’

A grandmother admitted she has no desire to look younger – as she feels beautiful just as she is.

Jacqueline Hooton, 61, from West Sussex, is known for fighting against ageing with fitness. She’s showing women over 50 that you can be both fabulous and fit at any age.

The grandmother is known for sharing fitness tips online, and she promotes the importance of strength training. She recently revealed just why it’s so important not to give into the pressures of “anti-ageing”.

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In a defiant post, she told people they are under no obligation to look “younger”. It doesn’t matter what colour your hair is, what clothes you wear or how you do your make-up – there aren’t any rules, as long as you’re happy.

Jacqueline insisted you shouldn’t feel the need to look more youthful just to win other people’s approval, as it’s up to you if you think you look good. And – it’s clear to see – it’s struck a chord with many people.

The fitness guru boldly stated: “Younger is not the price you must pay to exist in this world as a woman.”

Writing on Instagram, she added: “Inspired by the quote ‘you are under no obligation to look pretty’. Here’s a reminder you are also under no obligation to look younger.

“It’s always 100% up to you how you show up in this world. You can want to look ‘good’ without wanting to look younger. Or looking ‘good’ might not be your priority at all.

“Either way societal expectations, and ageism, can make us feel that being older is a problem. Just remember Age isn’t a problem that needs fixing, ageism is the problem that needs fixing.”

Since she shared the post, it’s got a lot of people talking, especially about how the experience differs for everyone.

Women opened up about their thoughts and stories about getting older and, what’s clear is, people have differing opinions.

One person wrote: “But everyone is getting Botox! So the ones that aren’t or can’t afford it are gonna look old sadly.”

Another added: “I’m really really struggling with this just now. Badly. I just ran a marathon in Sierra Leone for charity in blistering heat and humidity through sandy, rocky trails. The race photos came out today. I look terrible. Old, tired, saggy and ugly. This is now my focus. I know how ridiculous that is and that just makes me hate myself more: no idea how to deal with this.”

A third replied: “Love this. Just struck me that I have never heard this type of messaging before, and it’s so true and refreshing.”

Meanwhile a fourth commented: “Needed to hear this. I just need to believe it. Since I retired two years ago and now am turning 60, I’ve scrutinised my life, particularly my looks. I also was diagnosed with osteoporosis, which didn’t help how I was mentally feeling.”

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