If any of you are having a mid life crisis and think life, as we know it, is over, think again. Sixty somethings Susan Sarandon, Twiggy, Lulu, Meryl Streep, Dame Helen Mirren and Stephanie Beacham all share a youthful vitality which doesn’t seem to affect their age. But it doesn’t stop there. They are mere spring chickens.

Dame Shirley Bassey, 72,  has just been offered a new record deal worth £500,000. Sophia Loren (74) is still highly active as an actress and stars in the 2009 theatrical film Nine. In her younger days, at 72, she  posed for the infamous Pirelli calendar. Barbara Hulanicki,  the original creator of 60′s fashion brand BIBA, has made a comeback designing for - yes, you guessed it, the hip and happening Top Shop. She’s also 72, proving great design never fades away, and neither should we.

Topping it all though is the amazing Honor Blackman who, at 82, has just released a new single. If that wasn’t enough, have you seen her amazing figure?

 I’m going to use them all as my inspirational icons from now on. Who knows, on the premise that I look better now than when I was 30 perhaps I can apply the same principle to turning 70 ( or maybe even 80!)