It was so inspiring to meet these stunning octogenarians. After chatting to them during the Weekly photoshoot at the historic Alberton homestead in Auckland, fashion editor Lucia Tigri-Brown and beauty editor Nicky Pellegrino say they now feel less concerned about the prospect of ageing. Here are the key tips they picked up from these wonderful women:
Keep up with the things you love whether it’s fashion, films or food.
Enjoy the company of young people.
If you like your work, don’t retire. Keep going, even if only part time.
Keep learning new skills and make new goals.
Don’t be afraid to be glamorous.
Don’t fight ageing… instead, do it brilliantly.
Have a positive outlook on life.
Never stop making an effort.
Colour is important as you get older, as is good grooming.
Stay active.
Don’t smoke and try to keep your own teeth!
**June Sayers (81) & daughter Christina Sayers Wickstead (45)
**When she was a child, journalist and media consultant Christina Sayers Wickstead assumed all mothers had bright red fingernails. “It never occurred to me that my mum was painting them on, they were always so perfect,” she laughs. “Bohemian elegance” is the phrase Christina uses to describe her mother’s style.
“She was always well presented – she wouldn’t go to the beach without the scarf that matched her swimsuit. But her style was relaxed and warm, rather than being intimidating.” Although her hair is now silver, June continues to wear the same shade of red lipstick that she was known for in her younger days. “Until I was in my forties my lipstick and some eyebrow pencil was the only makeup I wore,” recalls the former nurse, who lives in Whangaparoa with her husband Alan.
“I felt I looked better without foundation. When I washed my face I’d splash my skin with lots of cold water – 10 times at night and 10 in the morning. The more I splashed, the better it looked. And then I’d use Nivea Crème with some Oil Of Ulan on my neck.” Christina cherishes childhood memories of watching her mother getting dressed up. “I was entranced,” she recalls.
“I remember a silver evening dress with two cerise panels that floated out the back. When she put on her heels and looked beautiful I could see how good she felt, and how Dad felt about her too. I think it really influenced my interest in how fashion and glamour can empower women.”
The 1950s was June’s favourite era for fashion. She loved the elegance of the full skirts and little jackets. “I’ve always been interested in style rather than fashion,” she explains. While June admits turning 80 gave her a bit of jolt, she doesn’t let her age define her. “I can say quite honestly that I’ve found something lovely about each decade. Each brings some new happiness. So ageing is quite wonderful, in a way.”
June Griffin (81) & daughter Caroline Wedding (54)
Riding on the back of her 66-year-old husband Ken’s motorbike, wearing a leather jacket with the words Harley-Davidson spelt out in bling on the back, you’d never believe June Griffin was in her ninth decade. Her daughter, company director Caroline Wedding, admits even her kids struggle to keep up with June at times. “Mum only has one speed and that’s fast,” she laughs. “Over the years we’ve worried because she wouldn’t stop working, but on reflection it’s been the best thing because she keeps learning new things and is never lonely or bored.”
Until last year June lived on Waiheke Island where she was Countdown’s oldest checkout operator. Now she’s shifted to Paeroa and is about to start a part-time job in the pharmacy there. There’s nothing June loves more than dressing up and having fun. “I read magazines and keep up with the fashions,” she says. “I think if you look good then you feel good.”
“Mum’s always had style,” says Caroline. “Not long ago she was wearing a tie-dyed frock that exposed her belly and threatening us with getting a piercing!” “I don’t think about it [ageing],” declares June. “I just do what I feel like doing. My husband reckons I’m hard to keep up with!”
Bette Daniels (86) & daughter Jane Daniels
Most weekdays Bette Daniels leaves her apartment in Auckland’s Viaduct and drives to work for her fashion designer daughter Jane. “I’m her Girl Friday,” she explains. Bette’s always been interested in fashion, so when Jane started an accessories business at just 19, Bette was there to support her – and never really stopped. “Mum keeps totally up-todate,” says the designer. “And she keeps me on a level, as I like to make clothes that are timeless and that anyone can wear, young or old.”
Jane still remembers many of the gorgeous clothes Bette wore in her younger days. “She had a flame-coloured fairy princess dress with lots of tulle. And a beautiful princess-line coat she paired with a Russian-style hat. She always looked good.” Nowadays Bette aims for comfort as well as style. “I’ve always been a natural person,” she explains. “On my skin I use soap and water plus a bit of moisturiser. I used to like Coty, now it’s Estée Lauder. I don’t wear foundation, only powder, lipstick, eyeshadow and some pencil on my brows because they seem to have disappeared. And I like colour on my nails.”
Bette’s philosophy is that ageing might not always be a bundle of laughs, but there’s only one alternative and that’s far worse. “You’ve just got to keep going and not let things slip,” she tells us. “I like being around young people. I love cooking and walk every day. Life is good.”
Helen Bridges (89) & granddaugther Angela Daniel (35)
She may live in a Waikato rest-home, but every day Helen Bridges still does her hair and makeup, just as she’s done every morning of her adult life. “I’ve never ever seen Nana without makeup,” says her granddaughter, jeweller Angela Daniel, who credits her nana with setting her on her career path. “No, and you never will,” Helen retorts. “My mother always said, ‘Put on your makeup and dress yourself for the day,’ and that’s what I do.”
Helen recalls how her husband Don loved how glamorous she looked. “He always said he wanted to marry a blonde with an upswept hairdo and I fitted the bill,” she says. “So we got married and then after a few nights of me washing my face before bed he asked if I could leave my makeup on for him!” Helen believes ageing is all about attitude. “I try to do everything for myself, because I believe you’ve got to keep active and think positively.”
She may be nearly 90 but Helen is up with the play when it comes to the latest developments in beauty. “Oh, I know all about Botox,” she tells us. “I would have gone along with it if I was younger but I’m not a cougar, so what’s the point?”
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