Turning 50 has never been so popular or looked so good. A while back, the word ‘fabulous’ and 50, could never be pronounced in the same sentence. To date, beauty, style and fashion has been tied to youth.
In the fashion world, magazine covers are carefully retouched to remove any signs of life after 25 and with the birth of the Insta-model, filters do the work at home for anyone wanting to go back to sweet-sixteen as many a woman’s pet peeve is to be asked her age.
Popular culture and ageism perceptions, have made people believe that ‘men age like wine and women like milk’, which goes to push the narrative that women looks are perishable.
These perceptions have made many women abandon their stylish wardrobes in favour of ‘age-appropriate’ wear and discard their self-care regime.
However, a number of women have risen up to demystify this ageist narrative. They defy tradition, by oozing confidence, displaying effortless elegance as they embrace a youthful style. Behind their chicness they illuminate wisdom and knowledge as they gain respect for their many accolades.
Word has it that today, old is the new black, 50 the new 30, 60 the latest 40 or as someone recently suggested 70 is the undisputable 55.
Saturday Magazine caught up with a few women in their 50s, and some about to hit the milestone who believe whatever your number, age is all the rage.
JOANNE MWANGI – YELBERT, 50Founder CEO Professional Marketing Services Ltd (PMS Africa Group)
Joanne Mwangi - Yelbert 50, is the founder CEO Professional Marketing Services Ltd (PMS Africa Group)
An entrepreneur Mwangi leads PMS Group, which offers digital marketing, advertising, brand development, PR & Communication, Events & Promotions and merchandising services. She is also one of the investors referred to as ‘Lions’ on the TV reality show KCB Lion’s Den. On the show, she goes by the nickname Queen of the Den
What has been the most interesting thing about turning 50?
And what has been surprising? If, as they say, life begins at 40, what happens at 50?
Your sense of style does not fit in the woman-in-her-50s stereotype. Was this something you did deliberately? I am intentional about taking great care of myself by keeping fit, eating well and engaging with those that add pizzazz to life. I especially enjoy playing with my granddaughters who teach me how to be fully present in each moment.
Many older women don’t glam up or follow fashion trends as they consider themselves ‘too old’, is that really the case? What has been your motivation into demystifying this narrative?
As a modern woman, what informs your trends in terms of fashion? Are you by any chance into skin care routines?
With your busy schedule, do you find some time to work out?
How often do you exercise?
ESTHER MUSILA-OMWAKA, 52 For 18 years, the mother-of-three has had an illustrious career as international civil servant for the United Nations. She has also worked as a Program manager in Lagos and Nepal. Esther is a budding musician who recently got married to 32-year-old gospel singer Peter Omwaka alias Guardian Angel
Esther is a budding musician who recently got married to 32-year-old gospel singer Peter Omwaka alias Guardian Angel Photo | Pool
You recently got hitched, congratulations
There has been so much noise ever since you guys went public?
You know what exactly I am talking about?
I will tell you this. I gained all this (points at her hips) weight during the lockdown period. My work pressures had reduced, so I got to a little bit of eating.
Did you discover your glam in your 50s?
I have always loved dancing since I was little girl. Back then, I would play myself music and just dance. A few years ago a friend introduced me to a dancing class and I have never looked back.
What about weight lifting?
How about your eating habits?
Recovery Manager, KCB Bank Group
Isabwa has over 18 years’ experience in project and portfolio management, credit administration and Sales/Marketing in the banking profession.
ELIZABETH ISABWA is a Recovery Manager at KCB Bank Group Photo | Pool
What animal do you identify yourself with?
Do you celebrate your birthdays, or are they just like any other days in your life? th I was in New York, 47th the Swiss Alps and 50th the Maldives.
What has kept you this fabulous over the years?
You also look like one who’s been into fitness for a while?
Why at 25?
I would love to know your exercise program
How has your fitness journey changed over the years? th floor at the office.
What’s always sitting on your plate? kienyeji with traditional vegetables and take plenty of water. I also do seed cycling which is recommended for balancing hormones. Sometimes I incorporate intermittent fasting.
Anne-Marie previously worked as a Regional Spa Manager, Serena hotels . Photo | Pool
Anne-Marie Burungu, 49 . The mother-of-two, ran a distribution business in Bia Yetu, which until 2016 was EABL’s largest Distributor
Anne - Marie is the Co-founder of Vivo Active Wear. Photo | Pool
How would you describe Anne-Marie?
You recently turned 49, how does that feel?
At 50 you are quite the fitness junkie, not so many women can keep up with that. What’s the motivation?
Haha! To be honest, I don’t find it that hard simply because of how great I feel as a result of working out. My energy levels are higher, and the quality of my sleep better. I’m also more productive mentally. I have learnt first-hand that if you take care of your body, it takes care of you! That is enough to keep me going.
How important is it for women at this age to keep fit?
When did you begin your fitness journey?
How do you balance work and fitness?
How do you deal when you hit a plateau?
How difficult or easy has it been keeping up with this kind of lifestyle as you grow older?
What is your meal plan like in a week?
What’s your advice to older women wanting to start the fitness journey?
What kind of compliments chase you?
Well I would say your fashion style is impressive too?
What's your fitness regime like in a week?
Do you take long breaks after months of consistency? st January this year. st January 2018 including the couple of months I was in a cast having broken an arm and sustained some injuries from a skydiving accident.
When traveling or on vacation do you still exercise?
What are some stereotypes you have faced?
Talking of money it’s said keeping fit is indeed an expensive venture?
HASSANAT WANJIKU, 48
HASSANAT WANJIKU, 48 is an Entrepreneur and a mother-of-one. Photo | Pool
You know Mejja once sang ‘looks are deceiving’. You easily pass as a woman in her 30s?
Is it that not risky, especially now you are about to hit 5th floor?
How has that been?
Being a Muslim is religion a detriment to fitness?
