“People are shocked by my age due to the unconventional aging habits I swear by”

### Welsh Woman Credits Youthful Appearance to Modern Lifestyle Choices and Unconventional Habits
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A North Wales mother has been turning heads and defying age expectations, claiming that a mix of contemporary fashion, youthful attitude, and a carefully curated beauty regime have helped her look decades younger than her 52 years. Nerys Middleton, a fashion influencer and mother-of-one, regularly receives compliments from those who assume she is in her early thirties—a misconception she attributes to steering clear of traditional ‘ageing’ behaviours.

Nerys, who lives in North Wales, rejects long-held conventions about how women should look or act as they grow older. “People often think I’m in my thirties, and it’s not just about how I dress. I keep up with younger people and their interests, which affects how I carry myself,” she explained. Her circle of friends skews younger, and she actively participates in conversations and activities typically associated with those in their twenties and thirties, such as watching reality TV like ‘Love Island’.

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Discussing her lifestyle, Nerys points out that her youthful appearance isn’t the result of following outdated beauty advice often passed down through generations. “There’s this old-fashioned idea that women over 50 should cut their hair short—I just don’t agree,” she says. “Icons like Cindy Crawford have shown you can still have long hair later in life, as long as you care for it properly.” Nerys insists that keeping hair long and healthy is not only possible, but it also contributes to her vibrant look.

Investing in her health and skincare, Nerys allocates approximately £400 each month on vitamins, premium skincare, and occasional beauty treatments. Her regimen includes regular use of retinol and vitamin C serums, as well as advanced treatments like CO2 laser facials and hydrofacials. She began Botox treatments in her late twenties, wears high-factor SPF daily, and has completely avoided both smoking and drinking alcohol.

However, Nerys believes that her outlook on life plays the most significant role. “It’s really all about your mindset. If you start believing you’re old, that’s how you’ll act and feel. I don’t dwell on minor aches, and I don’t let myself fall into the trap of ‘dressing old’. Instead, surrounding myself with energetic, younger friends keeps me feeling lively and engaged,” she commented. According to Nerys, maintaining friendships with people decades younger leaves little space for what she calls a “fuddy-duddy” mentality.

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Socially, Nerys’s experiences reflect her commitment to youthfulness. While her older friends may prefer quieter pastimes, she enjoys travelling, going out to clubs, and embracing a sense of adventure. “It’s about how you live, not just how you look. I love planning holidays with my younger friends and being part of the excitement,” she said. This proactive approach, she claims, enhances her sense of vitality.

Her dedication extends to lifestyle choices that protect her health and appearance. Nerys is careful to avoid overexposure to sunlight, shuns junk food entirely, and steers clear of alcohol, all of which she sees as critical in maintaining her complexion and physical well-being. When it comes to fashion, she prefers classic and understated styles, steering away from floral prints, ripped jeans, and any outfits she views as either ‘overly trendy’ or ‘frumpy’. “It’s all about striking a balance. You don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard, but you also don’t want to dress older than you feel.”

Nerys’s approach to beauty and style encourages women to experiment, find what works for them, and avoid copying trends blindly. She advises, “Take inspiration, but make it your own. Dress in a way that makes you feel fresh and confident, rather than simply following every passing fad or sticking with ‘safe’ options because of your age.”

Her story taps into wider conversations about age and identity, challenging norms that dictate how people—particularly women—should present themselves as they age. While some dismiss her vibrant style and routines as unusual, Nerys stresses the hard work behind her appearance. “People say I don’t look 52. My answer is, I shouldn’t! I make a serious effort, and anyone can make changes if they’re willing to try.”

Nerys Middleton’s example underscores the shifts occurring in perceptions of ageing. As society continues to question outdated stereotypes, her lifestyle serves as a testament to the impact of self-care, modern attitudes, and, perhaps most importantly, a refusal to let age define one’s outlook or style.