Sophie Davant has just published a new book with Solar Editions. What a joy to grow old offers you advice from the host of Europe 1 and France Télévisions, combined with recommendations from doctors and experts, intended for those who aspire to continue to take care of their bodies over time.
The host – also at the head of a women’s magazine (S Sophie Davant’s magazine) – discusses in his book the question of age through various spheres: the body, food, beauty, sleep but also transmission and spirituality… All while reminding us how aging is an opportunity. “ A chance that is not given to everyone », recalls Sophie Davant who refers to the loss of his mother, who died at the age of 44 of very aggressive breast cancer. For Top Santé, she confides.
“I have always been aware that growing old is an opportunity”
Top Santé: Why this book?
Sophie Davant: For several years, I have published books based on my personal experience to share advice with readers. This year, I have passed the 60-year mark. I wanted to salute this passage and show that it is not sadness, but joy to say that we live in good health. I want to show women that we can embrace this new period, by not suffering, by being active and doing what it takes to spend these years as pleasantly as possible… With expert advice in certain chapters .
Top Santé: You talk about accepting the passage of time. Was there a period when you found it difficult to accept?
SD: Accept no. In my opinion It’s a joy to still be here. I lost my mother when she was 44 years old to very aggressive breast cancer. His early death sounded to me like an injunction to celebrate life. I have always been aware that getting older is an opportunity and even more so when you feel in good shape.
“It’s not because we’re 60 that we can’t move anymore”
Top Santé: You celebrated your 60th birthday this year. Do you have any advice to share with our readers to continue taking care of themselves over the years?
SD: I have been seen on television for 35 years. I felt legitimate in showing that there is a way to take care of yourself, stay in shape and presentable despite the years that pass. First I encourage physical activity. Just because you’re 60 doesn’t mean you can’t move. It’s all about finding the sport that suits you. Then there is food. It is important that it remains balanced, varied, while limiting fat… and even more so from a certain age. I would also say that beauty starts from within. When a person is fulfilled, they are beautiful and it shows!
Top Santé: Have you been a fan of diets?
SD: I’m lucky to have a body that burns well. I am also very active due to my busy schedule. I have the opportunity to exercise. So I don’t need to go on a diet. I have never experienced any weight change. At menopause, I was able to benefit from an alternative treatment, which allowed me to keep my energy, and as I play sports, I was lucky not to gain weight. But if it happens to you, know that it is not inevitable. You just have to talk to your doctor, because there are solutions!
Top Santé: Do you have a guilty pleasure when it comes to food?
SD: I’m quite a sweet tooth, but I’m lucky enough to prefer savory to sweet, which solves the dessert problem. I’m not in excess, I pay attention to my diet while enjoying myself. What I find hard to resist are potatoes, fried or cooked in olive oil with shallots so that they are nicely browned… with duck breast. I sometimes cook the potatoes in the melted duck fat. I treat myself to this guilty pleasure quite regularly!
Top Santé: Have you always taken care of yourself?
SD: When you work on TV, it’s a sign of respect for the viewers to be in your best light. With my image job, it would have been difficult not to take care of myself. I rarely feel neglected, even when I’m not working. I don’t always go out with my hair and makeup on, but there is a minimum. However, I remain quite natural. I prefer a workout to a facial.
“The most difficult age was around mid-life, after I turned 40”
Top Santé: If you had to choose an age that you could relive for just one day, what would it be?
SD: There are happy moments at all ages. I think back to romantic encounters… These are moments that we would like to relive… with butterflies in our stomach. But there is also the birth of my children, a very upsetting moment. And the moments of success, when you make a show that you care about. And finally, moments of friendly or romantic sharing. Life is a succession of good moments.
Top Santé: What was the most difficult age for you?
SD: The most difficult age was around mid-life, after 40. We have already spent part of our lives responding to the injunctions of our society, like starting a family. Then comes this moment when we wonder. Is this the life I wanted? We then question everything. I actually wrote a book about it, for which I consulted a psychiatrist who helped me a lot. Forty is an age of questioning and questioning. You have to listen to yourself and sometimes make the necessary decisions.
Top Santé: What would you like to say to a person who has difficulty accepting the passage of time and who doubts themselves?
SD: I would like to tell him that self-doubt, I am the first victim. It’s normal to question yourself. But lack of confidence can be cured by taking action. Force yourself to take on challenges, be active… When you succeed, they are small successes. It is by taking action that we regain confidence. I would also tell him not to worry, it is typical of women to doubt themselves. But we women are great! We are capable of achieving ourselves in a lot of areas.
