At 70 years old, Julie Ford refuses to fade into the background, proving that age is no barrier to living boldly and stylishly. While many women might choose to adopt more conservative fashion choices as they age, Julie challenges these expectations with her vibrant personality and unapologetic style. From wearing crop tops and side-slit skirts to maintaining an active lifestyle, Julie’s journey defies society’s rigid standards. Her story is a powerful reminder that confidence, fitness, and fashion have no expiration date—it’s never too late to embrace who you are and live life to the fullest.

Julie Ford: A 70-Year-Old Woman Defying Fashion Norms

Julie Ford has never been one to follow conventional rules. At the age of 70, she continues to reject the idea that age should dictate how she dresses. Despite battling arthritis and having a knee that limits her movement, Julie still dares to wear clothing that many would consider “too young” for someone her age. From short tops to side-slit skirts, she has never been afraid to showcase her style, challenging the perception that older women should hide their bodies behind drab, loose-fitting clothes.

Julie has no intention of “going invisible” as she ages. “I don’t want to hide away, I want to live fully,” she said. Her sense of style is not driven by trends, but by a desire to feel good and look confident. For Julie, the goal isn’t to follow the latest fashion but to remain visible and vibrant in her own skin.

Video

Watch the video 69-Year-Old Julie Ford Discusses Her Goal to “Look Sexy” in Her 70s for an inspiring conversation on confidence and aging gracefully.

A Lifelong Passion for Fitness

Fitness has always been an essential part of Julie’s life. From a young age, she developed a passion for physical activity. Although she didn’t excel academically, she always enjoyed sports and running outdoors. After completing her teacher training at 18, she became a physical education teacher in East Sussex, a role she still holds part-time today.

Throughout the years, Julie maintained her love for fitness. In the 1980s, she was an avid participant in fitness groups, even joining in Jane Fonda’s popular aerobics classes. Julie didn’t let the responsibilities of being a wife and mother stop her from keeping an active lifestyle. Her children were raised with the same enthusiasm for physical activity, and Julie has passed on her passion for exercise to them.

Even at the age of 70, Julie continues to run, cycle, and walk regularly. Though she has had to give up playing hockey due to her arthritis, she refuses to let age or health limitations stop her from staying fit. For Julie, fitness is not just about maintaining a healthy body but about maintaining a vibrant life.

Overcoming Breast Cancer: A Story of Resilience

In 2013, Julie faced an unexpected and life-changing challenge. After what she thought was a routine mammogram, Julie was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer at the age of 63. The news devastated her, but her positive attitude and resilient spirit helped her through the most difficult period of her life.

“It’s still hard to believe I ever had cancer because I felt so healthy,” Julie shared, reflecting on her diagnosis. Despite the emotional toll, she decided to approach her treatment with the same determination that she applied to everything else in her life. She even scheduled her cancer treatment around the fall semester so she could continue doing the work she loved.

After a month of radiotherapy, Julie began to feel better and noticed a change in how she approached fitness. Previously, she had always engaged in high-impact exercises, but now, she opted for gentler activities, like long walks in the countryside. The experience of battling cancer also led to a shift in her mindset, reinforcing the importance of self-care and fitness, no matter the age.

Creating InStepp: A New Approach to Active Living

Julie’s passion for fitness did not stop with her personal workouts. Inspired by her experiences, she set out to create a product that would help others lead active lives as well. Enter InStepp, a resistance band designed specifically for walking. After experimenting with over 30 prototypes, Julie created a product that she felt would make a difference for people looking to stay fit without needing to engage in high-impact exercises.

Julie now uses InStepp during her holidays in places like Croatia and Cornwall, incorporating it into her daily routine. The product is available for sale online, and Julie is proud of how it’s helping others maintain their fitness while avoiding the strain of traditional gym workouts. The creation of InStepp not only marked a new chapter in Julie’s life but also allowed her to help others stay active and healthy as they age.

Fashion and Confidence: Dressing for Yourself

Despite the challenges she has faced, Julie has always placed a high value on self-expression through fashion. While she might choose to cover up certain areas of her body, like her arms and legs, she still strives to look good and feel confident. Julie’s approach to fashion is not about vanity but about empowerment. She says, “I have spent my whole life showing off my body, not because I am vain but because I feel good.”

Julie’s refusal to hide behind societal expectations is reflected in her wardrobe. She wears what she feels comfortable in and what makes her feel confident. Whether it’s a crop top, shorts, or a side-slit skirt, Julie embraces her body and her style. “I don’t want to look like mutton dressed as lamb,” she added, “but I like to still look nice.”

Family, Legacy, and Active Lifestyles

Julie’s active lifestyle isn’t just about her own health and confidence. She has passed her love of fitness and self-care down to her children, and even her grandchildren are being raised with an appreciation for staying active. Julie’s family shares her commitment to living life to the fullest, and her example has created a legacy of health, fitness, and style that will continue for generations.

“I have two adult kids, a 2-year-old granddaughter, and a second grandchild on the way. None of them has given me the excuse to look — dare I say — ‘Momsy’,” she proudly states. Julie’s commitment to staying vibrant and visible serves as an inspiration to her family, reminding them that it’s never too late to live a full, active life.

Video

Watch the video Wendy Ida, 70, Shares Her Secret to Conquering Aging and Reclaiming Your Life for powerful tips on living vibrantly at any age.

Conclusion: Age Is Just a Number

Julie Ford’s story is a powerful reminder that age is just a number. Whether it’s fashion, fitness, or personal style, we should never let societal expectations limit us. Julie has proven that it’s possible to remain confident, fit, and stylish at any age, and that our bodies deserve to be celebrated, not hidden away. As she continues to embrace her life with enthusiasm and joy, Julie serves as an inspiration to us all—showing us that it’s never too late to redefine what it means to live a full, vibrant life.