Whenever Jessica Wright reveals her age to strangers, they often wonder if she is telling the truth.
This Australian mum is often thought to be in her twenties because of her wrinkle-free complexion, vivacious energy and zest for life. And it’s all natural.
This busy Brisbane finance worker is 42 and has three children aged between eight and 21.
“Most people are shocked and surprised. And the shock is compounded when I tell them that I also have a 21-year-old son,” Jess told FEMAIL.
‘I certainly never set out to look ‘young’, but it’s nice for people to think I do.
“I’m definitely not afraid of getting older, it’s a privilege! My friends have described me as being ‘full of life’ and ‘a ray of sunshine’. I like to think I’m both, because it’s an honour to be described that way.”
Now Jess has shared the secrets with her. Her skin is anti-aging, from what she eats in a day to her skincare and exercise routine. And she is totally against cosmetic and medical procedures like Botox.
Jess describes herself as a “super simple girl who has never been swayed by trends, brands or magic potions” to preserve her youthful appearance. But she swears she doesn’t wear makeup, drinks very little alcohol and eats well.
Jessica Wright is 42 years old and has three children between the ages of eight and 21.
“Most people are shocked and surprised. Often, the shock is compounded when I tell them that I have a 21-year-old son myself,” Jess told FEMAIL.
Jess only wears makeup and drinks alcohol five times a year at events, weddings or larger gatherings.
Her diet is based on a healthy balance of fats and she drinks more than 2 liters a day, two things that are excellent for the skin. She also doesn’t drink coffee or tea because she doesn’t like the taste.
“I’ve never smoked and I only drink alcohol four or five times a year, the same number of times I put on makeup each year,” Jess said.
“I’ve never gone to bed with makeup on in my entire life, and wearing makeup so infrequently probably helps my complexion, too. In fact, I think I look older with makeup on.”
Jess admitted that her skincare routine is “basic” and that she has moisturized her face every day since she was 13.
“Most people are shocked and surprised. Often, the shock is compounded when I tell them that I have a 21-year-old son myself,” Jess told FEMAIL.
“I also wear sunscreen when I go out in the sun. I lost my father to melanoma, so I know firsthand how important it is, but the sun brings me so much joy that I never limit myself unless absolutely necessary,” she said.
As a child, Jess played several sports, including swimming, athletics, basketball and gymnastics. In her 20s and 30s, she was an avid runner.
At 42, he likes to go for walks and goes to the gym twice to do cardiovascular exercises and lift weights.
“I had spinal surgery in 2020 so I also incorporate a lot of mobility physiotherapy exercises and do yoga and pilates style stretches on the mat. Before surgery I was in pain for three months – I had to use a wheelchair, a walker, a cane and crutches and had to relearn how to walk,” Jess explained.
‘It was a very confronting experience to be so disabled and scared that I might never be able to walk again without disability aids.
‘I couldn’t shower, I couldn’t drive, I couldn’t even sit up, so I was basically laid up for three months straight and had to rely on my husband and my mother to help me out and with the kids.
‘When I was able to dance, walk and sit at the table with my family again, I was ecstatic and so grateful!’
“Personal perception of age is a bit of a stretch because our experiences and the people we grew up with often shape our opinions,” Jess explained.
‘I often think about the fact that Diane Keaton and Steve Martin played 45-year-old parents in the 1995 film Father of the Bride. I’m not too far from that age now, but when I look at those images from the film today, I’d put them more in the 55-60 age range.’
She added that fashion choices and haircuts also play a big role in how someone’s age is perceived.
“There was a time when women over 40 were thought not to have long hair and to dress very conservatively. Now that I’m 40, I care less than ever about what other people think, and it’s liberating!” Jess said.
‘I think we should all dress and act however we want at any age, because life is short and we should all strive to make it memorable.’
Looking ahead, Jess is inspired by her mother, who is 71 and living life to the fullest.
“I’m 70 years old and I’m about to turn 17, I like to say,” he joked.
“She travels abroad, goes on cruises with friends, paints, is the coordinator of the local over-50s group and has had a couple of boyfriends. She dances until midnight at local live music concerts. Now that’s a goal for the over-70s!”
Above all, Jess believes that her attitude towards life is the secret to preserving youth.
“I think living the life I want also keeps me young. I dress how I want and I still go to a club and dance until three in the morning with my friends or my husband a couple of times a year. I love to dance, so why not? Who cares if I’m the oldest? I don’t!” she said.
