Catholic School Lessons to Catwalks: Annie Stirk’s Ageless Adventure

Hey everyone, it’s Siobhan here, and I’ve just got to say, sitting down with Annie Stirk for our latest Retirement Rebel episode was just brilliant. Here are the three big things we chatted about right off the bat.

First up, we tackled how important it is for us women in our 60s to really make some noise and shake things up. I mean, we’ve been around the block, you know? We’ve got so much to share and it’s about time everyone realises that we’re not just going to fade into the background. We’re here, we’re full of life, and we want the world to know it.

Then we moved on to this whole idea of mixing it up with the younger crowd – intergenerational collaboration, they call it. It's like, we’ve got so much to learn from each other. I’m all for mixing and mingling with the young ones; it keeps us cool and gives them a taste of our hard-earned wisdom. It’s pretty clear that when we all come together, great things can happen.

And, we couldn't not talk about our shared rebel vibes! That cheeky streak we both have, well, it’s partly thanks to our old convent school days. Let's just say the nuns did their best but look at us now, bending the rules of retirement and living life our way. We had a few laughs about how that nonconformist spirit has nudged us to carve out these incredible new adventures in our 60s and beyond.

Honestly, it was one of those chats that leaves you buzzing, ready to stir things up and live life to the fullest. We're on this wild ride together, and who says it's got to slow down just because we're getting a bit older? Not us, that's for sure! So, do yourself a favour and come hang out with us on the podcast – we're all about keeping it real and having a blast doing it. Who’s with me? 🚀

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Key Points:

06:24 Started work at Ilka College, radio involvement.

08:54 Unexpected opportunity leads to offer of job.

13:13 Transition from successful PR business to pressure.

14:02 Reluctant move for promotion, wanted stress-free retirement.

18:21 Advocating for older representation in media and advertising.

26:02 Women of all ages found confidence through fashion.

28:03 Struggled with menopause, felt ashamed, had symptoms.

30:41 Lack of support in career due to ageism.

34:07 Joyful link up with young people vital.

39:14 Our childhood shapes how older women feel.

41:07 Anna Marks: Inspiring woman, entrepreneur, and adventurer.

Guest Info

Annie Stirk is a mature silver model from Yorkshire who is breaking barriers in the fashion industry. At the age of 70, she is proving that style, beauty, and a successful career are not limited by age. With a background in broadcasting and PR for over 35 years, Annie brings her dynamic personality and silver style to the world of modelling. She has been involved in various projects, including fashion and catalogue shoots, showcasing her versatility and adaptability. Annie is also an advocate for positive ageing and shares her experiences and insights through her blog, where she discusses topics such as working with photographers and styling tips. Follow Annie's journey and discover her unique style at her official website.

Links and Resources:

• https://anniestirk.com
• https://uk.linkedin.com/in/annie-stirk-model
• Notre Dame Grammar School
• ITV's "This Morning"
• York College
• Absolutely Food (Annie Stirk's PR business)
• Vegan company (for which Annie Stirk became the face at age 70)
• "Granny Annie" (Annie Stirk's role on billboards)
• "Find Your Midlife Magic" event

Quotes:

The Struggle Against Ageism: "the ageism problem really does exist and I think just seems, doesn't it, almost every point in a woman's life still, it has got hugely better."

Aspirations and Influences: "Well, it's really important because I think all of us aspire to other people, don't we? All of us look to other women particularly and think, well, yeah, she's done that and that's something I want to do or try or whatever, so I'm just going to give it a jolly good go."

Age Inclusivity in Fashion: "I went to the team at York Fashion Week and said to them that there wasn't any representation for women with grey, silver and white hair and are they going to do something about it?"

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Website: www.retirementrebel.co.uk

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Copyright 2025 Siobhan Daniels

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Partnering to Challenge Ageism Together

We’re thrilled to partner with the Centre for Ageing Better to support their Age Without Limits campaign. This inspiring initiative challenges stereotypes and champions the idea that ageing should be celebrated, not limited by societal views. Discover more and join the movement at agewithoutlimits.org.

Ageing Better