You’re Only As Old As You Feel
It’s a sad fact of life that elderly people are often stereotyped as being unattractive, boring, lonely and ‘past it’. But that negative and misguided perception was challenged recently when an 85-year old pensioner, living in a care home in Surrey, was ‘spotted’ by a top fashion photographer – and it was revealed that she had been a catwalk and print model for Yves Saint Laurent.
Lesley MacLennan, now 85, made her name in her twenties in Paris, but over sixty years later she is now in a care home and is rarely asked about her modelling career. That all changed when Vogue photographer, James Muller, visiting another resident, was struck by Lesley’s inherent beauty and her ‘striking hands’. Lesley, who suffers from dementia, told him all about her career and he was inspired to create a photoshoot at the care home itself.
James has said that he hopes the beautiful photos will be a challenge to ageism: ‘Age to me is just a number,’ he said. ‘During our shoot, Lesley was ‘that’ model again. Age made no difference. I’m sure she has worked with many a top photographer so for me to get the opportunity at her age is simply incredible. ‘I think there aren’t enough older models out there in the media. In many ways, social media etc. is telling us that it’s wrong to age, but it’s such a natural thing. ‘There is so much beauty in ageing too – we’ve just been taught to look at it the wrong way.
And if the catwalk has always appealed to you, it seems it’s never too late to start! “Less of the ‘old’ please, I’m still a teenager inside!” says Daphne Selfe, who claims to be the world’s oldest professional fashion model. Born in 1928, she has been modelling since 1949 and now in her nineties, she says: “I am busier than ever and loving life – campaigns all over the world keep coming!” Her ambition is to inspire people of all ages and stages of life, to embrace new opportunities – and says she believes “life just gets better and better!”
Many people fall into the trap of perceiving care home residents as faceless old people – but we should never forget that the elderly have had wonderfully rich, productive and interesting lives as doctors, lawyers, teachers, writers, scientists, parents, actors – even models! And just like everyone else, many of them go on to enjoy a wonderful – and interesting life in a care home!
Other articles you may like
- How can we support adults with neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is increasingly talked about in care, especially when it comes to meeting emotional needs. And whilst it’s so good to see this happening, sometimes older adults are left out of the conversation. Focus tends to be on children, particularly for school support and early diagnosis. - Pistachio and Honey Crème Brûlée
The Pistachio and Honey Crème Brûlé offers a sumptuous take on a timeless dessert, balancing comfort with sophistication. Hidden beneath its signature, shimmering caramel crust is a silky custard, enriched with the warm, floral sweetness of golden honey. - Prawn and chorizo pasta
This prawn and chorizo pasta offers a perfect mix of sweet and smoky flavour. The prawn brings a lighter, more delicate touch, whilst the chorizo gives the dish a richness. Plus, the fat from the chorizo is great for creating the sauce base! This one is from BBC Food and it’s super easy to prep and make, mixing lots of flavours in a way that feels warm and comfortable. Perfect for spring! - Care reviews: how your voice makes a difference
High-quality care is so much more than meeting basic needs. We want our residents to feel safe, valued, and fully supported in their day to day lives. That’s why feedback is so important. Having a voice is empowering, and we aim to ensure that all residents and their families feel comfortable advocating for their needs. We know that each resident has a unique care journey, and we’re always looking to hear about their individual experiences. This means hearing the good, the bad, and the ugly! We’re always looking for ways to improve, and our commitment to honest reviews keeps us at the top of our game. But why are reviews so important? And as a resident or family member, how can your voice make a difference? - How reminiscence supports wellbeing in later life
As we age, our memories become threads that connect us to who we are, where we’ve been, and the people we love. Even as routines, health, or mobility change, memories can provide comfort, stability, and joy. The act of reminiscing (even simply talking about past experiences) is something most of us do naturally, without thinking of it as a ‘therapy’. At our Kent care home, we see every day how powerful those shared stories can be. - Apple tarte tatin
Apple tarte tatin is a true delight! This dessert mixes caramelised sweetness with tangy apple undertones. The flaky texture of the pastry is another winner, giving the tarte a buttery, flakey base. We took inspiration from Oliver Rowe, and served ours with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whilst the tarte was still warm. And it’s not just apples! Other fruit like pears and prunes also works great for this pudding. Here’s how to make it yourself: - Gluten free chocolate cakes
Gluten free chocolate cakes There’s nothing better than chocolate for a sweet treat, and these gluten free chocolate cakesContinue reading “Gluten free chocolate cakes” - How can we manage stress to promote wellbeing?
We all know what it’s like to feel stressed, and we all have certain triggers. Whether it’s a deadline at work, a missed flight, or a new social situation, stress is a natural part of life. But as we get older, these stress triggers can change. Our health, and the health of our loved ones, becomes a more prominent source of stress, especially as this is something out of our control. On top of that, there’s the possible move into a care home, which can be a hard transition to navigate. At Birchwood House, we want to recognise the impact stress can have on our wellbeing, whilst using gentle, effective ways to reduce anxiety. So, what are some of the ways we manage stress to promote wellbeing? - National Hot Tea Month: why do we like tea so much?
January is National Hot Tea Month, and there is nothing better than a good cup of tea. It’s one of life’s small pleasures, and it’s a daily routine for many, including for us at Birchwood House! Tea is also rooted in long-standing tradition and cultural significance. Legend says that tea was discovered by Emperor Shen Nung all the way back in 2732 BC, when leaves from a wild tree accidentally blew into his pot of boiling water. Tea came to Europe in the early 1600s, and we’ve been drinking it ever since. To celebrate National Hot Tea Month, here are some of our favourite reasons why we drink it!
