On the special 70+ installment of ITV's Loose Women, panelists Gloria Hunniford, Prue Leith, Lesley Joseph, and Janet Street-Porter addressed issues surrounding aging, friendship, and personal challenges faced by older women. The episode, aired on January 28, combined heartfelt reflections with humor, focusing on the panelists' lived experiences and shared wisdom.
Gloria Hunniford, at 84, opened up about the grief she has faced following the death of her husband, Stephen Way, last August. She shared her emotional struggle, expressing how deeply she feels the void of companionship. "If I may pick up on something Prue said, I very sadly lost my husband about four months ago and you're absolutely right when you say you'd hate to be without your husband," Gloria said. Her candid revelations about loneliness touched the hearts of viewers, illustrating how the absence of loved ones lingers, regardless of age.
While she noted her close family ties, Gloria admitted, "I have always lived with husbands," reflecting on her long companionship with Stephen. Her fellow panellist Janet Street-Porter encouraged her to focus on building new life experiences. Gloria responded, “Fortunately, I am a positive person and we have a phrase in our house, 'what's the alternative?'” highlighting her resilience.
The show also celebrated positive aspects of aging. Prue Leith, also 84, shared her philosophy on embracing color and style. "I have always liked colour, but I didn’t dare wear it and then I started to be a bit braver," she explained, pointing out how her late marriage to fashion designer John Playfair has inspired her to take fashion risks. Her advice to viewers was to prioritize accessories over shoes and handbags, asserting, "I think we waste far too much money on handbags and shoes… If you wear necklaces and glasses and earrings they are bang in your eye-line, and people see them."
Alongside Prue’s sartorial wisdom, Lesley Joseph reflected on the liberations of aging. The 79-year-old actress articulated how she feels "much freer now I am older" and aims to candidly express herself. Drawing inspiration from her mother, who remained active until her 90s, Lesley emphasized the importance of keeping fit and socially engaged, saying, "I am very lucky because I work with people of all ages. I always try and take good friends away from every show I do.” This notion of maintaining vast networks of support demonstrates the benefit of intergenerational connections.
Janet also shared her thoughts on the challenges of aging, particularly her anxieties around renewing her driving license, due to the renewal requirements imposed by the DVLA upon reaching 70. "I’m doing everything to stay positive" amid concerns about her eyesight as she grapples with glaucoma, showcasing how health issues may complicate daily living as one ages. She is also recovering from her hip replacement surgery, reflecting the physical challenges many face during their later years.
The discussions around personal updates and the themes of resilience were particularly compelling, as each woman brought her unique perspective on finding joy and purpose beyond the 70s. Gloria’s openness about maintaining friendships post-loss underscored the importance of connection, especially as she navigates widowhood. "You realize the importance of family, because I have great family, but also friendship. Friends got in touch whom I hadn’t seen for ages," she remarked.
The episode stood as both a celebration of life after 70 and an honest exploration of the transitions women undergo during these years. Stories shared, like Gloria's tribute to her husband and Prue’s encouragement to embrace one's age, serve as inspiration for viewers who might find themselves on similar journeys. They exemplify how Loose Women captures not just the challenges of age, but also the empowerment and joy found within it.
Overall, the special episode demonstrated the significance of conversations surrounding aging, and how women can support each other through life's various stages. With humor, vulnerability, and wisdom, the panellists transformed what could be perceived as negative discussions about aging, instead presenting it as an opportunity for growth, connection, and reinvention.