Jacqueline Hooton, 61, from West Sussex, is fighting against ageing with fitness. She recently shared a throwback snap from the 80s where she looked unrecognisable – and people can’t get over it

Women can be beautiful and confident at any age – and one gran is on a mission to prove it.

Jacqueline Hooton, 61, from West Sussex, is known for fighting against ageing with fitness. She’s showing women over 50 that you can be both fabulous and fit at any age, and her latest picture showed it in abundance.

The grandmother recently shared a throwback snap from 1981, and she looks totally unrecognisable in it. People can’t get over how amazing she looks, and think she’s living proof that it’s “sexy” to grow older.

In both pictures Jacqueline was seen wearing a silver sparkly dress. Even though one was taken 43 years later than the other, she still looks amazing in both – in fact, you could argue she looks more confident at 61.

She looks strong, happy and healthy and she isn’t afraid to show off her long legs and grey hair. Jacqueline wanted to show that fitness is a “lifelong journey”, and she proves just how amazing you can look at any age when you put the work in.

If you try hard, are consistent and take the time to focus on your health, she said getting older can be really fun.

Writing on Instagram, Jacqueline said: “Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to be consistent. Fitness is not a 12 week transformation – it’s a lifelong journey

“And you’re never too old, and it’s never too late to start, so start now (if you haven’t already). It’s less about adding years to your life – but instead – adding life to your years – by increasing health span. Although extending lifespan is often a by-product.

“You will almost certainly face challenges along the way if you’re in this for life (I’ve had three shoulder surgeries and I have osteoarthritis). Most people will have to adapt and modify how they ‘do’ fitness and work around physical challenges as they grow older. Keep going though.

“From 18 to 61 – 1981 to 2024 – lies the story of my life so far. I’ve had 5 children, gained 3 grandchildren, run two London marathons, numerous half marathons, and races of varying distances, been a competitive bodybuilder, been strength training for 28 years, engaged in physical activity ALL my adult life.

“I’m a personal trainer but I’m not an athlete. I may be average when it comes to physical fitness, but I am OUTSTANDING when it comes to consistency. I live as though my body needs to last me another 40 years – yes I’m aiming for.”

She added: “I’m not talking about simply surviving, and increasing lifespan, I’m talking about HEALTH span, because it’s not about how we look, but how we FEEL and FUNCTION as we grow older. The challenge is maintaining physical function, strength, cardiovascular health, cognitive function and reducing the risk of accelerated ageing.

“So here starts the 61st chapter. Thanks for being my ride or die teammates. Let’s go!”

Since she shared the post, over 29,000 people have liked it, and her followers were quick to comment too. Her followers told Jacqueline they think she looks “hot” and loves the message she sends via her platform.

One person said: “You are just fantastic and so beautiful in your photos now and then! Thanks for always being this inspiring force for women of all ages!”

Another wrote: “I love you. You look getting old so fun and sexy.” A third replied: “Maturity – nature has a wonderful method of encapsulating knowledge, wisdom, experiences and beauty!”

Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “I love to see you appear more confident later in life than at 18. It’s just the way it is considering you did not think you’d post the first photo for thousands to see at 18 years old, but it’s very refreshing.”