'I still feel 19 inside': Former Miss World Anneline Kriel speaks out on ageing

Anneline Kriel, one of South Africa’s most iconic faces at the age of 70, recently wrote, “After spending much of my life in the spotlight, I have reached a point where I value quiet contentment more than anything else,” yet, whether she likes it or not, she remains fascinating, relevant and outspoken on interesting and controversial topics, and I hope that she will continue to do so for many years to come.

The former Miss World recently celebrated a romantic milestone birthday with hubby Peter Bacon at her favourite hotel, Le Touessrok, on the island of Mauritius. When asked about ageing, she said, “There is no denying that I am older, but I appreciate my health and all the blessings that I have, such as a beautiful family and a home filled with 5 gorgeous dogs that give my husband and me such pleasure. I think the benefit of reaching this age is that you can really appreciate your life and make peace with the bad times.” 

A 70-year-old with few wrinkles, who laughs and jokes addictively during dialogue as if it were second nature. She walks with a straight back and lives life with intent. She dresses impeccably, like a lady. She does it effortlessly and with class. The embodiment of graceful ageing.

Anneline walks as if she were her own hero. She goes on to say, “Health is a Special Privilege. I am grateful for good health and try to live as naturally as possible, though ageing gracefully is not without its challenges. A friend recently invited me to meet her surgeon “because he is so nice and helpful”. I declined — the temptation would simply be too great. There are certainly a few spots I would love to have cut out, sucked out or lifted. I do not judge anyone who chooses differently, but for me it remains a personal decision to avoid plastic surgery, Botox, fillers and similar procedures. In earlier years, I was forever dieting and believed one could never be too thin. Today I know better: health is king. Without it, you cannot truly enjoy anything.”

Plastic Surgery?

And for those of you who are thinking it, no, she has not had plastic surgery. “I think my thoughts about plastic surgery and Botox are a personal choice. I have always been a natural girl and never liked using a lot of makeup. Getting older is an interesting journey and part of life. Personally, lifts, tucks, and enhancements, such as fillers, don’t turn me on. But as I say, it is a personal choice.”

Anneline believes that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. What makes someone beautiful is in their personality. She also believes that island life, swimming in the sea, and the humidity are good for her skin, and hopefully, it makes her stay younger longer. Living in Mauritius has its benefits, such as being rejuvenated after a swim in the ocean, a major form of exercise, and healthy food. “We have our main meal at lunchtime and then fast until breakfast the following day. As you get older, you don’t need that much food. My favourite drink is a glass of champagne, and I don’t need an occasion to enjoy it.” 

Anneline remembers arriving in Mauritius many years ago. She says that people think that if you live on a tropical island, you must always be on holiday. (She laughs.) “No, that is not true, but both my husband and I are retired, and we are taking it slow. We walk our dogs on the beach in the mornings.

The island is like a small town, and many of us know each other. Many South Africans live on the island, and sometimes the local supermarket feels like being back in South Africa when I hear Afrikaans or the South African accent. “It takes about 2 hours to drive from the North to the South of the island, and the two parts of the island are very different from each other. The South is quite mountainous, and even when you snorkel in the South, the coral is totally different. It gets, of course, very hot in December, January and February, which is also our cyclone season. We haven’t had a major cyclone hit the island in many years, but when it hits, the winds and rain can be devastating.”

When I asked Anneline how she felt about being an icon in the gay community, she smiled and answered. “You say I am an icon in the gay community, and I feel very flattered by your suggestion. I must say many of my best friends are gay, and I find them to be very talented, fun and trustworthy. I think they might like the fact that I am prepared to live my life on my own terms, and I am not afraid to embrace opportunities.” The truth is that the gays love her because she is fabulous, unafraid and a role model.

Anneline posted a social media message that touched hearts, saying, “People have a picture in their minds of what I looked like when I was 19. I still feel the same inside. Your spirit doesn’t really age, but even though my body has changed, I’m comfortable with it.”

* Henry Bantjez regularly publishes articles on wellness topics and is a cognitive behavioural therapist who is from Cape Town.