What Sexy At 60 Looks Like

culled from:prevention.com

If you’re familiar with the clothing brand American Apparel, you know that, like most of the clothing industry, the company’s ads typically feature sexy 20-something (or younger) models. So when we saw the newest face of American Apparel, we were thrilled—and had to know more.
Meet Jacky O'Shaughnessy, the line's newest model. At 60, this first-time model is about as gorgeous as it gets, and 100% natural. We sat down with her to learn her secrets—and how you can steal them.
Prevention: Before this new gig, you worked as everything from a live-in-maid, to a legal secretary, to acting on the small-screen. How did this career change come about?
Jacky O'Shaughnessy: When I was 13, my mother brought me to New York City to be interviewed by the leading modeling agency at the time. I was told I would need to get my nose fixed and lose 10 pounds. It was more than I wanted to deal with.
I moved back to New York last December, and in January, I randomly met Marsha Brady, the creative director of American Apparel. A few weeks later she proposed we do some pictures.  I had no idea what it would be like, but it was the polar opposite of being told I needed a nose job and to lose 10 pounds. The photos were liberating—I wasn't thinking at all about how I looked. That in itself was very freeing.
What does 60 feel like to you?
I am very grateful for my body, and I take care of it the best I can. However, inside I'm not my age; I don't run my life according to my age. Perhaps that has an affect on how things look on the outside. I actually felt much older when I was in the second grade—childhood is rarely easy, and I felt as though I was 80 years old then. But now I feel better about myself than I ever did. Self-love does not come easily, but without it we often make unhealthy choices. It takes work and lots of self-exploration but it moves your life forward.
How do you take care of yourself?
Prevention goes a long way. I believe in acupuncture, seeing a chiropractor regularly, and getting my teeth cleaned three times a year.
What is your fitness routine like? 
Stretching, walking everywhere, taking the stairs, 20 minutes of Pilates when I'm into it, and lifting 5-pound weights when I think of it. Like many people, I could use more exercise.
What about your beauty routine—any products you swear by? 
I always wash my face before I go to bed. Currently I use Cetaphil and moisturize with Origins' Precipitation. Precipitation is for the body, but I also use it on my face and it works well for me. I also attend to my feet, keeping them clean and smooth.
You clearly look amazing—has maintaining your weight ever been a problem? 
I've weighed as much as 185 pounds and have been through most diets out there. Getting off wheat made a huge difference, and I don’t drink coffee or black tea and haven't touched a diet soda since I was in my teens. Learning to eat more slowly and stop when I feel satisfied made a big difference, and I had to learn to stop associating guilt with whatever I eat or drink—guilt sabotages my efforts on all fronts.
Other than diet and exercise, what do you think are keys to staying young? 
The company of great friends. Dancing, usually by myself. Good theatre, good TV, music, and books. Singing in the shower or whenever I'm moved to do so. And laughter.
Do you have any messages for women who might be afraid of aging?
Comments about age have always been around. An aunt once said to me, "So, how's the acting going—you’re no spring chicken anymore." I was 28. A good friend said, "Forget it. People are always going to say things like that. Choose now to just drop it." So I did. The acting business gives you a tough skin.
If you work on being balanced, if you insist on finding what makes you joyous, you have an easier time accepting where you are in life. Age has not limited my ability to get stronger physically or stay flexible. I don't feel old, just older.