Not so long ago 50 was regarded as the start of old age and people began to slow down. Not any more. JANE HELMICH meets three women who are proof that 50 is the new 40.

Not so much of age barrier now. CATHERINE Cook has a busy work and social life and shows absolutely no sign of slowing down now she is in her 50s.

The Newport mother-of-two has three jobs, one of which involves role-play for Teri Wiltshire Associates, and is an amateur dramatics enthusiast who enjoys acting and directing for the theatre.

Catherine, 51, also believed 50 was the new 40. "I think it has a lot to do with clothes and hair styles and general appearance. Fashion is more geared to the older woman, it can be tasteful but still fashionable. Years ago it was cardie, slippers and pinnie!

"There are a lot more beauty treatments. You can have pedicures and manicures, for example and that all helps to make you feel better."

Catherine said she did not feel her age - most of the time. "What helps is that I haven't got a friend as old as me or even older than me so everyone I'm associated with is younger."

With more women out to work than in previous generations it also means they are mixing with people of all ages rather than just those in their own age group.

"When I joined a musical society with my son and daughter it was all youngsters and that kept me feeling young."

Catherine also believed there were more opportunities for older women than ever before. "There is not so much of an age barrier and less age discrimination. Quite a lot of employers feel older women, whose families have grown up, are more committed and more focused."

Hormone replacement therapy was also a boon, said Catherine. "I don't think I would feel so energised if I wasn't on it."

She agreed there was a difference between 50 year-old women today and in previous generations. "There is a big difference both physically and in mental attitude."

Art's given a new lease of life

JENNIFER Phillips was a primary teacher for nearly 30 years until she took early retirement. But instead of putting her feet up and embracing early leisure she embarked on a new career.

The 53-year-old mother of doctors Emma, 27, and 25-year-old Kate returned to college to train as an artist.

"I started a part-time art and design foundation course in Newport and that led to a degree course."

Jennifer, who is studying at the University of Wales Newport's Caerleon campus, said she had always dabbled in art but had not thought she was good enough to take it more seriously.

Although she found it nerve-racking to begin with, she soon began to enjoy it and is now coming to the end of her second year.

"I might go on to exhibit and do an MA when I finish but at the moment I'm just enjoying what I am doing and want to carry on with what I'm doing."

She fully supported the claim that 50 is the new 40.

"My daughters graduated and I retired and it all happened around my 50th birthday, so I became 50 and had a new lease of life.

"My mum wouldn't have been looking at education beyond 50.

"There are all ages on the course but they are so inclusive I don't feel the odd one out."

She agreed that women do have a lot more opportunities now.

"They get support from home that they may not have done previously."

Jennifer's art certainly is not limited by her age - she makes sculptures out of bubble gum "that I've chewed myself" she said, laughing.

"One of the things I've discovered on the course is the use of ephemeral materials.

"I've been welding this afternoon," said Jennifer, who lives in Devauden.

"I've no intention of growing old gracefully. I'm going to enjoy every day as it comes."

Fun now not just for young

CHRIS Williams, owner of World of Fitness in Newport, whose stunning looks and figure belies her 52 years, says fun is no longer the perogative of the younger woman.

"The perception and expectations of how women's lives should be is totally different now. Women are living longer, they are more independent and there are more opportunities for the older woman," she says.

She also believes men's attitudes are changing. "They are contributing to the domestic scene much more so than years ago when women were expected to be home all the time.

"Women have more leisure time and this is more readily recognised and accepted."

Chris says there are a multitude of affordable cosmetic techniques available to improve appearance.

"There are so many beauty counters, salons and we have got advice in every newspaper and magazine telling women how to improve their looks," she says. "Whatever the problem area might be, women can find an answer to looking better and gaining confidence in themselves."

Confidence and self-esteem are important factors in feeling good and exercise is a key to that, says Chris.

"The physical benefits are obvious. Posture is totally different, for example. A woman gives her age away by the way she holds and carries herself."

There are also health benefits, such as increase in lung capacity and feeling more energetic, she says. The release of endorphins also gives a feel-good factor.

"Their bodies will be much more toned up and having a toned-up body means you look better in clothes."

Chris has no desire to grow old gracefully. "I feel now exactly as I did in my 20s. I still teach classes and run the business. I have my home and my family and I have a busy social life."

World of Fitness runs a range of classes. For more information contact 01633 244644.