Annie Lennox on why she hasn't had botox or plastic surgery: 'Health is the greatest gift of all'
Annie Lennox says that despite the constant pressure on women to look good no matter their age, she hasn't had Botox or facelifts because she "appreciates that health is the greatest gift at all".
The singer and avid campaigner for women's rights - who is Good Housekeeping's cover star this month - told the publication: "I haven't had Botox or facelifts (yet!).
"Not that I judge women who do have cosmetic surgery – if a woman gets a psychological boost from it, then it's her choice. I'm 64 and I've got wrinkles, so what? I've earned a few lines! The pressure on women to look good is so strong, but at this stage in life, I appreciate health is the greatest gift at all."
Lennox also discussed her support for Global Feminism which advocates the human rights and empowerment of girls and women, and reflected on how far we have come with feminism, which was a term that wasn't accepted so long ago.
"My current focus is to bring the term ‘Global Feminism’ into the zeitgeist," Lennox continued.
"I'm so happy we can use the 'F' word now and talk comfortably about being feminists! Not so long ago, you couldn’t even get the word 'feminist' published as people felt uncomfortable with it. But the word has come out of the shadows and everyone seems to be using it. Terminology is incredibly important.
"Global Feminism absolutely includes and welcomes men. We need men who are proud to identify with this issue. We are not criticising men per se, we are criticising negative and abusing behaviours.
"At the end of the day, Global Feminism is about the fundamental human rights of girls and women – why should we continue to tolerate disrespect, abuse and disempowerment."
Lennox is also pushing the message that women in their 60s "don't have to become invisible" - and that the Good Housekeeping shoot reflects that women can have fun and be full of life regardless of age.
"Dressing up for this photoshoot was really fun and trying on all these clothes for the pictures was enjoyable," the activist and philanthropist said.
"I want people to realise that women of my age don't have to become invisible. We can still thrive, be full of life and have fun. And we have so much to offer, after all!"
The full Annie Lennox interview is in the March 2019 issue of Good Housekeeping, on sale the 30th January. Also available as a digital edition.
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