They say life begins at 40 for many women but these women have proved one can hit 50 and still look as dashing as they were in their 20s. It’s a secret many women wish to unlock, but only a few have been blessed with. Is it genetics, diet, pumping iron at the gym, a happy marriage, being God fearing, a highly paying job, a good life or being plain lucky? Some have no signs of  wrinkles, crow feet eyes, saggy skin or paunchiness. Great sleep or skin care products? 

Esther Passaris: A lot of prayers and fasting is key

The Nairobi County Women Rep turned 50 in 2014. She attributes her good looks and healthy physique to a lot of prayer and fasting. “A lot of prayers and fasting is key in helping you stay healthy. I do occasional intermittent fasting, I meditate, I exercise by walking and read a lot of motivational books.”
When she turned 56 this year, she wrote on her social media handles: “I’m 56 today. Birthdays for me are a day of reflection and appreciation, so I will spend #MashujaaDay in praise and worship and meditation, counting my blessings for the life I have been lucky to forget.”

Cess Mutungi: This path ain’t an easy one

This radio queen is known for her signature laugh and no-holds barred conversations but not many would have guessed she was turning 50 this August. She wrote on her social media handles: ‘I don’t need cake and diamonds. All I need to do is show gratitude to my maker for the many years of living. This path ain’t an easy one, but I do say I was the perfect one to walk it, and with conviction, I declare it is worth my perseverance. Happy 50th birthday to me.”

Millie Odhiambo: Stress free life, eating healthy and dancing  
 

The  Suba North MP is not a new face to many Kenyans. The legislator, who is known for her fierce cutting edge debates in the August House, is among  women who have managed to keep fit while looking good. Millie attributes her fit physique and beauty to living a stress free life, eating healthy and dancing a lot. “Good mental frame through prayer, physical workouts through dancing, hoolahoop and I just recently signed up with Eveal. I do not diet but take reduced portions of carbohydrates and sugar for health reasons. I maintain positive vibes around me through family and friends,” she said.

Senator Naomi Shiyonga: Fashion sense at The Senate

Kakamega County Nominated Senator Masitsa Naomi Shiyonga is a beauty with brains. The recipient of the 2019 Global Empowerment Award, which she received at the Americas Empowerment Institute in Houston Texas. The mother of three does not disappoint when it comes to looking glam from head to toe. Her fashion sense is one of the best in the Senate and when it comes to making an argument in plenary, she is among the best.

Esther Musila:  Well toned skin for fitness fanatic

 The wife of gospel musician Guardian Angel looks great for a 50 year old mother of three aged between 22, 26 and 29. She has a well toned skin and body shape. But again, she’s a fitness fanatic so that might explain it.

Dorcas Odumbe: I am young at heart, a very happy soul

 She is a Gender Editor at the Nation Media Group  and looks really great besides her fashion sense. Says Dorcas: I am a very happy soul; I  laugh off stress; never give it a chance to suck my energy. Laughter is the best medicine.  I believe in age being just a number; I am young at heart. I don’t exercise much; but when I notice my weight rising, I walk a lot and exercise. Then Covid-19 happened and I discovered YouTube exercising and I got addicted. I believe in looking good and dressing the part. How I look means a lot to me and I ensure I am on point every time I step out from what I wear to my makeup. I don’t have a fixed skin routine but I exfoliate once a week, use a mask fortnightly (when I remember) but tone and moisturise daily. I have only become conscious of my diet lately so I avoid  unhealthy food, and do quite a bit of vegetables and fruits. I misbehave with food once a month when I meet my click of girls- the food is always a delicacy one can’t ignore.

I love to dance so I dance a lot. I even do it alone in my living room; I will turn on the music and dance my evening away. They say teachers don’t age because of mingling with the young ones; I taught at Alliance Girls for 12 years and when I meet my former students today, they tell me I haven’t changed - not sure whether the teacher myth is true. Laughter, they say, is the best medicine. I love my hearty laughter; I will watch comedy - local or international and just laugh.  Finally, I am a staunch Christian, a believer in the word. It is so refreshing when I read a verse in the Bible and it encourages me to keep going. God has kept me looking young.

Gladys Boss: To remain youthful, inner joy and happiness is key

1. What exercises do you do? 
I do not exercise purposely for looks. I walk and run 15km whenever I can because I love the outdoors  and it cheers my spirit.  I also enjoy swimming ad I swam for my school team. I climbed to the top of Kilimanjaro to celebrate my 50th birthday.

2. What’s your skincare routine?
I use natural products such as liquid paraffin, olive oil and coco butter. For my face, I use the same natural products plus usual routine of sun screen,  scrub and cleanse regularly.

3. Do you diet? If yes, what’s your diet like?
A few times when notice my clothes getting tighter, I quickly reduce my food intake until I return  to my usual weight.

4.What else keeps you healthy and young?
  The Grace of God. My attitude towards life. Be true and honest  to yourself. Stay away from toxic people. Hateful, angry and bitter people will suck life out of you. Inner joy and happiness is key.