Ah, isn't she gorgeous! This is my Mum at 80. 

Mum trained and worked as a nurse, travelled the world following my Dad's army career, now widowed, she still works 2 days a week and is enormously active... so what's her secret? Alongside a repertoire of mackerel pate, soaked oats, nuts + seeds, homemade soup, avocados, chicken liver pate, homemade bread, a good Whiskey Mac and all manner of other hobbies, golf for the body, bridge for the brain, work for her purpose and Escape to the Country for her rest and relaxation,  there are so many other questions I am keen to ask her...

 

1. Family History & Genetics

  • “What health conditions run in our family?”

  • “Did any relatives experience things like early menopause, osteoporosis or heart disease?”

  • “Was anyone ever diagnosed with autoimmune conditions or inflammatory disorders?”

2. Brain & Mood

  • “Have you ever noticed memory changes or brain fog?”

  • “Did you experience low mood, anxiety or mental fatigue in your 50s or 60s?”

  • “What helps you feel emotionally balanced now?”

3. Cardiovascular Health

  • “Have you ever had high blood pressure, cholesterol or heart issues?”

  • “Did you feel your heart health changed after menopause?”

4. Bone & Joint Health

  • “Have you had a bone density scan? Were you ever told you had osteopenia or osteoporosis?”

  • “When did you start noticing joint pain or stiffness?”

  • “What helped you stay mobile and strong?”

5. Hormones & Menopause

  • “What was menopause like for you?”

  • “How old were you when your periods stopped?”

  • “Did you take HRT or wish you had?”

  • “What symptoms lingered after menopause?”

6. Energy, Sleep & Resilience

  • “When did your sleep start to change?”

  • “Did you feel more tired in your 50s? What helped you cope?”

  • “How did you manage stress back then?”

7. Digestion & Weight

  • “Did your digestion change in midlife: bloating, constipation or sensitivities?”

  • “Did your weight start to shift and what did you do to manage it?”

  • “Have you ever tried changing your diet? What worked?”

8. Skin, Hair, Eyes

  • “Did you notice changes in your skin, hair thinning or dryness?”

  • “Were there any remedies you swore by: food, supplements, skincare?” I know for a fact that Mum used to get her turmeric from the vets.... because it was cheaper and just the same she said!

9. Emotional Landscape & Fears

  • “What were your biggest health fears at my age?”

  • “What do you wish someone had told you about ageing?”

  • “What brings you peace and purpose now?”

10. Her Advice

 

  • “If you could give one piece of health advice to your younger self, what would it be?”

  • “What would you want me to prioritise for my health moving forward?”