There is always something exhilarating about watching Glastonbury –
the vibes, old & young dancing together, and of course the weather!Â
The weather as always a talking point, but this year no wellies needed, with Glasto baking in a sweaty 30 degrees. I was ready – loving my sofa seat, my powerful fan & of course the chilled beverage! However I was not really expecting to be hit with this massive wave of awe, hope and exhilaration, all coming from one fabulous set, from the legend himself, Rod Stewart.
Suddenly I was spell bound by the magnificent sight of Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood and Lulu, all pushing, or past 80 years young – absolutely smashing it on stage. The statement outfits, the swagger, the body confidence & voices full of passion – it was inspiring. They were not just singing, but owning the stage. Images perfected, voices seasoned and absolutely no signs of slowing down.  It wasn’t just nostalgic – it was a master class in positivity. A reminder that youth is not about age. It’s about attitude.
Undoubtedly we are living in an age-obsessed culture, where the message to often is: stay young by looking young. But what if staying young has more to do with what’s happening inside your head than what’s showing on your face? I profess to be a fan of skin treatments, & tweakments, but also wanting to combine that, with a ‘happy & healthy mindset’.
People with positive views of ageing lived 7.5 years longer
Because science backs what those Glastonbury legends already know : how we think about ageing directly affects how we experience it. In fact one major study has recently found that people with positive views of ageing lived 7.5 years longer on average than those with negative beliefs. That’s not just a boost – that’s nearly a decade !
And it’s not about denying reality. It’s about embracing life. Whether you’re 45, 65 or 85, choosing joy, connection, curiosity and purpose can help you live not just longer – but better.
Rod, Lulu and Ronnie aren’t youthful despite their age. They’re youthful because they havn’t let age dictate how they show up. Their hips may creak and voices crack a bit more, but their spirit? Untouched.
So how do we channel that energy into our own lives ?
Here are a few small powerful shifts that can keep you forever young in heart and mind:
- Stay Curious. Learn a new skill, listen to some new genre of music, download the app you think you won’t understand. Growth keeps us sharp.
- Move for joy, not just for health. Dance everyday in your kitchen. Walk with a friend. Your body doesn’t care if it’s the gym or gardening – it just wants to move.
- Connect. Loneliness has been called a public health crisis by the NHS. Prioritise friendships. Say yes to invites. Ring the friend you keep thinking you should have rung.
- Play. Do something pointless & playful. Paddle in the sea.  Skip round your garden. Wear flowers in your hair or that sparkly party top to coffee with the girls
- Mind your mindset. When you catch yourself saying ‘I’m too old for that’ pause. Says who ? Ban the age appropriate & welcome being life appropriate !
Ageing is inevitable. But becoming dull, disconnected or invisible? That’s optional.
So next time you catch yourself lamenting that age is creeping up on you, picture Lulu in her white sexy trouser suit & shades, Rod in his white frilled open shirt & tight cheeky jeans, and Ronnie Wood still giving it some on the guitar – not because they’re chasing youth, but because they never gave up on the joy of life.
I have vowed to embrace the joy of life, with even more vigour and thanks Sir Rod for your age positivity – thank you for being Forever Young, with your Hot Legs, and your Do Ya Think I’m Sexy outfit, for Tonight’s the Night that is captured in my mind and hopefully many others’ minds too.
Join me in loving life, and being a bit more Rod, Lulu & Ronnie !
