Marilynn McLachlan hasn’t always embraced the idea of ageing. As editor of the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly – a magazine that celebrates the beauty and power of all women, and the wisdom each year brings – she would read stories about women who proudly owned their age, but that was a mindset she found difficult to accept for herself.
“I’d read these wonderful examples of these fabulous women who felt empowered by their age and who used their life experience in a positive way,” shares Marilynn, who is mum to four adult children. “I struggled to see how getting older could be a good thing personally.”
But this year, Marilynn turned 50 and with that milestone, her entire perception shifted. She decided that rather than wage an unwinnable battle against time, she would embrace aging with optimism and confidence.
For Marilynn’s special day, she pushed herself out of her comfort zone, donned a sparkly gold gown, and celebrated late into the night with friends and family. It wasn’t just a party – it was a pivotal moment in her journey of self-acceptance.
“That was unusual for me,” she admits. “I was never comfortable putting myself in the spotlight. It helped change my perception about ageing. Now I realise it’s not something to dread – it’s something to be really proud of. There is so much joy to be found in getting older. “I care less about what people think and I’m more confident in who I am.”
The catalyst for change came earlier this year, when Marilynn’s youngest daughter Madeline turned 21. “I saw photos of myself at Madeline’s birthday party and I didn’t like what I saw,” she says. “I didn’t think I looked great and I didn’t feel it either. I realised I hadn’t been taking care of myself. I had to make a commitment to my own body, mind and spirit.”
That moment sparked a deeper understanding of how much her self-image had been shaped by others.
She explains, “For example, we have a tendency to tell people how good they look ‘for a mum of four’ or ‘for their age’, but what does that even mean? It implies looking good is unexpected for someone of a certain age or stage. Why not just say, ‘You look great’ and recognise strength and beauty in all its forms – no qualifiers needed!”
Marilynn is especially proud that her daughter ensures she looks after herself.
“Madeline prioritises her own self-care and embraces her worth, and as she gets older, I really want her to own that,” she says. “It’s something I think many women can learn from that generation. When you take care of yourself and genuinely believe you’re worth the effort, that confidence touches every part of your life.”
Now, Marilynn’s self-care regime, with a focus on a nourishing skincare routine specially formulated for mature skin, is something she prioritises.
“Investing time in myself, especially in caring for my skin, makes me feel better in so many ways,” she tells. “Applying my L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Golden Age Night Cream and Radiant Care Eye Cream every night before bed has become a really beautiful, mindful ritual, which in turn flows into all aspects of my life.”
Physical activity is also a key part of Marilynn’s empowering new outlook. She walks a minimum of 7500 steps a day, wakes up for a pre-work Pilates session at 5.30am and has revamped the way she fuels her body.
Marilynn’s new take on ageing has also given her the strength and confidence to say yes to moments she may have previously shied away from and truly be herself.
“Age is just a number,” she smiles. “I’m choosing to honour myself by fully stepping into my power, making bold decisions and seizing every opportunity because I’m worth it – and you are too!”
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