Woman, 56, is regularly mistaken for being half her age

A 56-year-old woman has revealed she's regularly mistaken for being half her age due to her youthful looks.

Sheena Cole has shared how she often has to explain to red-faced men in their 20s that she's been happily married for 25 years when they try out their best pick up lines on her.

Sheena Cole poses in sequinned dress
A 56-year-old has shared how she's regularly mistaken for being half her age by men who attempt to chat her up when she's out. Photo: Caters News

Sheena, who is from Auckland, New Zealand, adds that even women assume she's in her early 30s when, in reality, she's already retired.

She said, “I’m often mistaken for being younger. But It depends on what I’m wearing and how much makeup I have on.

“For instance, if I’m in my denim shorts with no makeup people assume I’m younger than I am. There have been many occasions with young guys using their very best lines to chat me up."

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Sheena says it can get a bit awkward when younger men try to flirt with her, as she knows she's often older than their mums.

“Recently, a guy came around to hang some art and I mentioned I’d just celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary," she added.

“He was so shocked and asked if I was five when I got married! Maybe he didn’t expect a 56-year-old to be cruising around in denim shorts.”

Sheena Cole enjoys glass of wine in off-the-shoulder dress
The former marketing manager says her youthful glow is due to a very healthy lifestyle and wearing a lot of sunscreen, but she also enjoys a glass of wine every night. Photo: Caters News

Despite attributing her youthful skin to ‘good genes’, Sheena follows a strict beauty regime.

She uses Tretinoin, also known as all-trans retinoic acid, which helps improve the appearance of surface wrinkles and Vitamin C serum sunscreen.

She said, “For years I have been asked about the secret to youthful skin. There really is no secret. Undoubtedly genetics play a part, both my parents had great skin.

“But the impact of eating healthy food, getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly and wearing sunscreen can’t be ignored.

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“It’s all very well if Botox and Filler are choices to assist with looking younger however youthful skin is also about radiance, skin texture, soft supple skin and even skin tone. Tretinoin is my special cream and I wish I'd started using it earlier.

“For me, it's as close to a miracle in a jar that you’ll get, however, the benefits of sunscreen can’t be ignored especially growing up under the scorching New Zealand sun. Sunscreen is a daily ritual summer and winter whether it's sunny or cloudy.”

She said,
She said, "Tretinoin is my special cream and I wish I'd started using it earlier." Photo: Caters News

Sheena has a healthy and balanced diet which is ‘easy’ as she loves healthy food.

She said: “I rarely eat processed food and avoid anything sugary which is easy for me because I don’t have a sweet tooth.

“My food choices are generally healthy because I love fresh produce.

“These days I practise intermittent fasting which has greatly improved my energy levels.

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“Life is for living so I do have my treat which is a nice glass of wine at night.”

Sheena says it isn’t just her looks which appear younger but mentality too.

She explained, “Despite generally looking younger than my age, part of appearing younger is my attitude. I really don’t know how I am supposed to behave at 56.

“I more or less wear what I like, I have loads of energy and think young to feel young. I’m always ready to dance on the table should the opportunity be there.”

Sheena has previously had Botox and admits it's something she uses sparingly.

She added, "As I’ve gotten older less is more. I like to move my face and show expression.

"My husband often tells me off for pulling a face but at least it moves! My focus is more on skin quality, texture and radiance now."

With reporting by Caters.

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