The year is 2020, such a perfectly balanced number-  almost a clinically perfect looking year. And yet it has wreaked our lives in ways we could’nt even imagine. The stress has definitely sprouted a few extra grey’s and you couldn’t care less about hiding those white roots, or probably you do…

Caroline Labouchere, at one point did stress about her premature grey hair and opted to colour it for many years but then she just threw up her hands and decided to embrace her ( as cliched as it sounds ! ) 50 shades of grey.

Caroline, at the age of 53 started a new career as a model and fitness ambassador for her generation, after being a stay at home mom and an ex-army wife.  She has gone on to feature in major advertising campaigns in multiple editions of British Vogue, Tatler, Hello and the White magazines.

In an exclusive interview with Cage Your Age, Caroline Labouchere , based out of Dubai, gives us hope and optimism that life can truly bloom after the age of 50.

Caroline , you became a model for the very first time at the age of 53, did this sudden move have a positive impact on your psyche, or were you overwhelmed by the response?

Totally positive.  I had no idea a change was on the cards.  From an unplanned casting to the job, it all went smoothly, I didn’t have to think twice.  I just said yes as each question was asked.   This was a huge opportunity and I was ready to run with it.

Women go berserk when they spot their first grey, and here you are, sporting this beautiful grey mane, how and when did you decide to knock out hair colour from your life?

Society still teaches our children that grey means age.  It doesn’t.  Grey happens at all ages.  My mother started going grey in her late 20’s and I don’t ever remember thinking it was a negative.  I dyed my hair until my 40’s because that was what the world, my peers, culture and society expected of me.  I conformed just like anyone else.  I think there is a right time for everyone, and only you will know when it is and when you are ready to ignore the comments.  It often isn’t an easy road.

What kind of special maintenance is required for grey hair since it can tend to look brassy and yellow ?

I think the easy option is to get a toner put through it.  I haven’t managed to completely cancel ‘brassiness’ out but up to now I have used an array of purple shampoos and conditioners.  My white hair tends to go yellowy, mostly from the sun, so I now wear hats!

Fitness plays a huge role in your life; your husband is an Ironman champion. Were you always into fitness, and what is your typical routine when it comes to exercise? 

I have always liked being slim, that has been supported by my lifelong relationship with fitness.  I also like food of all types.  There have been many phases including Jane Fonda routines, road cycling and in the last few years distance running. A slow 5km a day will keep you fit and trim.  For me, a long ultra-marathon often forms the target and gives me a goal to work towards.

At the age of 55, with two grown up children, your body definitely changes in ways which are beyond your control. What changes have you seen in yourself, as compared to when you were in your 40’s. 

My body hasn’t changed that much.  While my waist will never be tiny again, I am in proportion. Running really works all over for me.  As for changes in my psyche, I am braver and more secure now.  I have earned my various mental/experiential badges and feel more able to help people through life experiences.

Are you a believer that nutrition plays an important role in overall health, how much of an impact does healthy eating in your 30’s and 40’s play when you reach the 50’s?

I’m a believer in listening to your body.  If I crave salt then my body needs it.  Sugar is evil so that is rationed, but I choose to live a life with some sugar.  Life is too short!  What I used to eat and drink has not affected me; I never over-indulged regularly.  I put on weight more easily now so I have to be stricter about portion control.

What is your skin care routine, as a woman with Caucasian roots, but living in Dubai with a tropical climate, what special care do you need to take?

I don’t put my face in the sun and only recently started using suncream on my body. I have been a sun worshipper all my life.

MORNING ROUTINE

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2, followed by Neutrogena Cellular Boost Anti-Ageing Day Cream SPF 20 and the Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen SPF 50.

NIGHT ROUTINE

Generic cleanser and a prescribed Tretinoin compound cream, I have never had such good skin since I started using this . If the cream makes me too dry I use the Neutrogena Cellular boost night cream under it. I use Blinq lash serum on my lashes and brows every night, this product actually works!  I have just started using a serum for my hair, it also contains Tretinoin.  I’m only two weeks in and have taken before pictures to see if I have more growth.

During these uncertain times, when the entire world is going through an upheaval, how are you keeping yourself mentally sane, what realisations have you come to during this lockdown period.  And how are you managing your exercise routine during these times? 

In all honesty I haven’t kept myself sane.  In the beginning my husband and I made a list of things/jobs to do every day, but after a couple of weeks I could feel myself falling.   I knew the signs and called my Doctor.   It has now been three weeks since I upped my dosage of anti-anxiety medication and I am beginning to cope with life again.  Separately, I realised that I need people in my life complete with touch and eye contact.  I have engaged with strangers all of my life, it is part of who I am, but social distancing makes this really tough.   I will never take walking the dogs and being free for granted again.  Physically, I have continued with my squat challenge and am up to 240 repeats without a break.  I can also now do a headstand for the first time in my life.  I might start a ‘step-up challenge’ next.