Home Health UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: Celia Birtwell, 83, textile and fashion designer, answers our health quiz

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: Celia Birtwell, 83, textile and fashion designer, answers our health quiz

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I think I eat pretty sensibly. I don't have as much appetite as I used to and I'm much slimmer. Celia Birtwell answers our health test

Can you run up the stairs?

I can still walk fairly quickly, but since I had heart problems (about four years ago I had a stent fitted and then I developed atrial fibrillation), I don’t enjoy walking as much anymore. My partner and I often go to our house in the country, where I do a bit of gardening.

Will you get your five daily servings?

I think I eat pretty sensibly. I don’t have as much appetite as I used to and I’m much thinner.

Have you ever been on a diet?

Oh yes. I was constantly dieting because I wanted to wear nice clothes. I’ve always had fairly thin legs, but a bit of a belly. I’m 1.50m tall and weigh 4.5kg.

I think I eat pretty sensibly. I don’t have as much appetite as I used to and I’m much slimmer. Celia Birtwell answers our health test

Any vices?

I smoke occasionally and then think, “This is disgusting, just turn it off,” and then light it up again. One pack lasts me about a week.

Any family ailments?

My father died at 74, which was too young. He had a problem with his aorta (the main artery) and it gradually became weaker. My mother lived to be 84, but she was not in good condition for the last three years. She was in a nursing home and stopped recognising us.

Worst illness/injury?

I had a hip replacement about ten years ago. Then I had a stent and a pacemaker fitted about two years ago. I often have heart palpitations which are quite scary.

Did you take any pills?

A blood thinner (edoxaban) and doxazosin, bisoprolol and losartan for blood pressure. I also have a nitrolingual spray to calm my heart.

Have you ever had plastic surgery?

Never. I know you can be all wrinkled up and then have swollen lips, but I think that looks ridiculous.

Is sex important?

Not as much as before, but I have a nice relationship with my dear Andy. We have been together for about 38 years.

I've never had plastic surgery. I know you can be all wrinkled up and then get a tattoo on your lips, but I think that looks ridiculous.

I’ve never had plastic surgery. I know you can be all wrinkled up and then get a tattoo on your lips, but I think that looks ridiculous.

Hangover cure?

It’s nice to get drunk, but since I’ve had heart problems, I’m more cautious.

What keeps you awake?

I sleep pretty well. I love the electric blanket in winter. I was the one who told Mr Hockney (David, the artist, a close friend) to buy one and he is now enthusiastic about it.

Would you like to live forever?

No. You can’t be too greedy about it…

  • Celia’s new range can be found at joanieclothing.com

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