I was burnt out. I’ve come to accept that. I cringe when I look at adverts for ‘over-50s yoga’ with accompanying pictures of grey-haired grannies straining to touch their knees. A 50-year-old who works out regularly and with high intensity intervals can be just as fit as someone three decades younger, according to a study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. I’m an intellectually curious person and get pleasure from learning about new topics. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group, Getting children out of the way early has meant that Nadia Beckett, 53, a solicitor and grandmother from Canterbury, can now work hard and play hard, Age has brought seniority and success for Marisa Drew, 51, from London, who is co-head. Having wasted so much of my youth on pointless crushes on awful men who brought nothing but trouble, it is wonderful to focus on things that bring lasting pleasure, such as my dogs, a good book, a natter with a girlfriend and my boyfriend on his knees mending my waste disposal unit. Start with one of these fat-burning 20-minute interval workouts 3 times a week. In 2001 my husband Jon left me for another woman after 21 years. Although overjoyed, I was worried about being a geriatric mother. I split up from my husband of 18 years in 2009 because we’d grown apart. My husband and I recently discovered clubbing – we did things in reverse. It even makes my skin glow. Now I mentor young women in the finance industry. During the study, more than 4,500 volunteers ages 20 to 90 jumped on treadmills. We never had our own children. Their findings appear today in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Secret weapons: confidence, curiosity and seven hours’ sleep, 'Women – no matter how senior – are often judged on appearance. There's a lot to look forward to about getting older. I go for 1940s nipped-waist suits rather than voluminous 1950s dresses that overwhelm my 4ft 11in frame. We’re madly in love. I was an executive PA before I became a full-time mother, but two years ago I saw a business opportunity and grabbed it. We’ve been together ever since and have a son, Elliot, 27. I don’t wonder if I’ve earned my place any more. What’s made the biggest difference was cutting out gluten. I loathe the theatre but always went when I was invited. The structure of my skin feels firmer, too, thanks to lots of lean meat, fish and salad. I am delighted to see an increasing intake of women at Credit Suisse. I was groped on public transport and endured strange men running across airport concourses to ask for my number. I’d have another baby now if could. But since the youngest, now 31, flew the nest, I’ve been able to concentrate on my career as a solicitor and family mediator.

Nature’s timing is perfect. I am happier and more fulfilled at 53 than I was at 23. When I was younger I doubted my capabilities, but you reach a certain stage in your career and realise you are there for a reason. My 16-year-old son Miles is always showing off on my behalf. I have, however, hired a personal trainer since getting my modelling contract. My figure is better than it was in my 40s.

I’ve also had my eyes lasered and my teeth straightened. Cancer has taught me what’s important. Women – no matter how senior – are often judged on appearance.