This is what 89 looks like: Widower says playing the piano keeps her young

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This is what 89 looks like: Widower says playing the piano, going on holiday and moisturising every day keeps her young

  • Josephine Loewenstein lives in Richmond, South-West London and is widowed
  • Every day, she practises the piano for two hours despite suffering sight problems
  • Do you look good for your age? Reveal your secrets to [email protected] 

By Florence Scordoulis For The Daily Mail

Published: | Updated:

Josephine Loewenstein lives in Richmond, South-West London. She is widowed and has three children and two teenage grandchildren.

WRITING THERAPY

I was happily married for 57 years before my husband, Rupert, passed away in 2014. Since then, I have found it therapeutic to write about our life together. He was financial adviser to The Rolling Stones for 35 years, so it was pretty eventful!

STRICT WELLNESS ROUTINE

It’s important to follow a daily routine when you live alone. Every morning, I have breakfast at 8.30am: two tablespoons of granola with yoghurt, or toast with marmalade. 

Then, I take the dog for an hour’s walk. I also do ten minutes of exercises. Lunch is my main meal. Then I have a siesta from 2-3.30pm. I only watch TV after 5pm.

Josephine Loewenstein lives in Richmond, South-West London. She is widowed and has three children and two teenage grandchildren

DAILY PIANO PRACTICE

Every day, I practise the piano for two hours — despite suffering from sight problems. 

It is pure escapism, a form of mindfulness. When I was younger, I studied at the Sadler’s Wells Ballet School, performing in Covent Garden in 1946, before giving it up when I got married at 26.

BUDGET FACE CREAM

I’ve been using Nivea All Purpose Creme (£1.69, boots.com), every morning and night for as long as I can remember. 

It feels very nice and sinks in quickly, helping the skin stay moist, without being too thick or greasy. I only wear make-up on special occasions: Max Factor Crème Puff Powder (£7.99) and Dior Rouge Satin Lipstick in a bright pink (£30.50).

AGE-GAP FRIENDSHIPS

I still have a lot of friends, most of whom are in their 50s — the same age as my daughter. 

They help to keep me young. We often go on holiday, and we recently visited friends in Ireland. I’m also a member of two music societies, including The Chopin Society. 

And I love to give and host concerts at my house. I also organise about three dinner parties a year.

n Wind In My Hair, by Josephine Loewenstein, is out now (£20, waterstones.com). 

Do you look good for your age? Reveal your secrets to [email protected]