MORE interviews member Conceição Brito-Lopes, of Lisbon, Portugal.
MORE: You look enviably fabulous in your bikini.
LOPES: I was lucky because my parents always took great care of their physical and mental well-being, and they taught their children to do the same. I have always been very careful about what I eat and drink. I have exercised on a regular basis, five to six days a week, since I was a teenager, and have adapted the exercises to my age. Currently, I do Pilates, Chi Kung, Tai Chi, and power walking, and I use light weights. Last but not least, I have a whole-body massage once a week. I feel stronger and nimbler than most women my age, including my younger sisters!
MORE: Are people surprised to hear that you're 63?
LOPES: Yes, and I must say it’s nice to hear those words. But it’s because people here associate older age with loss of good looks and shape. It is sad that older people are expected to look bad, that they are perceived as people whose time has passed..
MORE: What do you do for a living?
LOPES: I'm a lawyer and college professor. But, unfortunately, I lost part of my sight and had to almost cease paid work. I still work for the human rights of women. I've been married for 42 years and I'm a mother of three. I also have five grandchildren, and one on the way.
MORE: How on earth did you find MORE magazine in Lisbon?
LOPES: By chance, at a kiosk a year ago, but I’ve never seen it anywhere else in my country.
MORE: Good to know we get around! What do you like about MORE?
LOPES: I like the general attitude that all ages can be rich, fulfilled and beautiful. Age is in the mind!
