Women reveal when they truly knew they'd hit their 40s – do you agree?
BRITISH women have revealed the tell-tale signs they knew they'd hit their 40s.
A poll of 1,500 aged 40 plus revealed the top signs that made them realise they had hit their 40s.
3
3
Some of the top signs were when they start sounding like their mum, are excited by the latest home appliances, and prefer baths to nights out.
A poll of 1,500 women aged 40 plus found 19 per cent didn't accept they'd completed their fourth decade until they were at least two or more months into it.
With other moments of realisation including being unable to drink coffee after 4pm and having to explain just how big the Spice Girls were to those younger than them.
Going to bed before 10.30pm, realising their favourite album is 25 years old, and developing a tendency to complain about the price of things were similarly revelatory.
The research was commissioned by Vitabiotics Wellwoman Perimenopause which provides nutritional support for women before the menopause when the body begins to change.
It forms part of a campaign to raise awareness of perimenopause among women in their 40s and highlight the support available to them.
More than half (51 per cent) of those aware of perimenopause tended to think of it as something which happens to women when they get old – which 81 per cent don't consider themselves to be.
While 12 per cent admitted they hadn't heard of this "rarely discussed" natural stage in a woman's life prior to taking part in the study.
Perimenopause expert Emma Bardwell, and author of The Perimenopause Solution, said: 'Life is constantly teaching us new things.
"As you get older, these revelations can turn out to be real wake-up calls.
"When I entered the perimenopause at the age of 42, it was an incredibly challenging time.
"I couldn't find the support I needed, and didn't know where to turn.
"Women don't always want to hear this but, if you're in your forties, you're likely to be perimenopausal as hormone levels are changing at that time.
"Fortunately, we now have so much more information and are better educated than ever about this time of life. And, the good news is, it's never too early to start putting yourself - and your health - first."
Other instances where being in their 40s truly hit home, include having to look up slang used by younger people and having a predominantly 2000s and 2010s Spotify playlist.
With thinking your celeb teenage crush is now 'getting on a bit' and feeling relieved when social gatherings get cancelled similarly revelatory.
Despite these moments of realisation, 15 per cent consider their 40s to be the best years of their lives so far.
With the top three best things about this decade including caring less about what people think, appreciating the little things in life, and knowing themselves better.
It also emerged 75 per cent of those polled have taken their health more seriously than they had before since hitting 40.
And for many, perimenopause is likely to be part of their reason for prioritising this more – 50 per cent have been or going through this stage of life.
Although 80 per cent wish they had known more about it before they experienced it.
They described the experience as emotionally draining (21 per cent), physically tiring (17 per cent), and stressful (10 per cent).
Carried out through OnePoll, the research identified the one piece of advice those polled would give their younger selves, with 22 per cent revealing it would be to read more about the perimenopause.
A spokesperson for Vitabiotics Wellwoman Perimenopause, a one-a-day tablet providing 25 nutrients including vitamin B6 to help reduce tiredness and fatigue, said: 'When it comes to the perimenopause, there is a clear lack of understanding, and what this means for women.
"Although some may know what the perimenopause is, this stage of life comes with plenty of myths, misconceptions, and misunderstanding.
"Advice is often lacking, and women are not sure where to turn.
"There are steps you can take for advice, with talking to a health professional a great starting point.'
TOP 40 - MOMENTS WOMEN REALISED THEY WERE IN THEIR 40s
Caught yourself talking about how fast the year is going
Began enjoying the idea of a "quiet night in"
Started going to bed before 10.30
Realised you sound like your mum
You felt relieved when social events were cancelled
Having to look up slang used by younger family members, friends and colleagues
You now can't read the 'small print' because it's too small to read
Realised you'd rather have a nice bath than a night out
Realised your favourite album was 25 years old or more
Noticed once fashionable items of clothing had become fashionable again
Heard a song from your youth in a supermarket and realised it's now considered a "classic"
Became more interested in healthy eating
Took a multivitamin as part of a new health routine
Realising a song you still know all the dance moves to was released last century (e.g. Hit Me Baby One More Time, Macarena, Saturday Night)
Realised you couldn't drink without a three-day hangover
Noticing you make a noise when standing up / sitting down
Became annoyed at forgetting reusable bags
You finally understood the importance of a good nap
Forgot your own age - more than once
Started using the phrase "back in my day" unironically
Looked forward to weekends mainly for cleaning or gardening
Being unable to function without your morning coffee
Realised you were getting irrationally excited about home appliances
Realised you enjoyed complaining about the price of things
Cared more about the weather forecast than weekend plans
Bought a pair of "sensible shoes" - and liked them
Spoke to your younger colleagues and friends about bands they knew nothing about
Thinking your celeb teenage crush is now "getting on a bit"
Started choosing seats over standing at gigs
Complained about modern music and how it was too loud
Realising people are looking to you for advice
Felt surprised by how young police officers' look
Became irrationally worried about younger people not wearing coats in cold weather
Became extremely loyal to a particular brand of tea
Realising you had a predominantly 2000s and 2010s Spotify playlist
Stopped being able to drink coffee after 4pm
Had to explain just how big the Spice Girls were to someone younger
Made a conscious decision to stop dyeing grey hairs
Suddenly became more active on Facebook
Began treating your house plants as your children
3
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
36 minutes ago
- BBC News
Retrospective permission refused for 'cramped' Bradford flats
A retrospective planning application to turn the upper floors of a former Bradford pub into flats has been refused by planners as "sub-standard".The former Diplomat pub, on Sunbridge Road, received planning permission for an office conversion in 2014, but the building's upper floors were subsequently converted into nine flats without this year, a retrospective application to retain the flats, described by the applicant as "high-quality residential accommodation, was submitted to Bradford planning has been refused, with officers citing a layout that "resulted in cramped and substandard living conditions". The retrospective application submitted described the residential accommodation as "a carefully considered and contextually sensitive conversion of a historically significant building".But planning officers said all the flats fell below legal minimum-space down the application, officers wrote: "All of the flats fail to meet the minimum-space standards for a one-bed single and double occupancy unit."As such, the flats have resulted in cramped and substandard living conditions, with Flat 6 being particularly affected."Flat six measures just 23sqm - 1sqm less than the legal minimum size. Planners added: "[These standards] are especially crucial in this case, as the flats do not benefit from private or communal outdoor amenity space, and the surrounding area lacks open recreational green spaces for residents."Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.
The Independent
36 minutes ago
- The Independent
The best hotels in York for a history-filled city break
Few cities in Britain marry heritage and hospitality as seamlessly as York, which draws visitors not just to see it but to inhabit its history – a layered past shaped by Roman rule, Viking settlers and Norman conquest. Though pilgrims have journeyed to the site of the Minster since 627 AD, we have the Victorians to thank for putting it on the modern map; they brought the steam trains which opened the city up as an interesting, cultural and architecturally beautiful place to visit, and built the grandiose station hotels which played a significant role in accommodating wealthy travellers. Over time, York's evolving tourism has enabled historic buildings to be repurposed as hotels, allowing visitors to stay in authentic medieval coaching inns, beautiful Georgian townhouses and arresting grand dames with traditional five-star service. Additions such as spas and romantic restaurants have upped the offerings. And of course, this being York, there's always a ghost or two. For a characterful stay in one of Britain's most charming cities, here are 10 of the best hotels in York. 1. No.1 By Guest House York In a leafy area just down from Bootham Bar, this charcoal-hued regency townhouse is the place for rest-induced relaxation with an amusing sense of fun and soupçon of locomotive theming. The design leans towards playful luxury, with a toy train circling overhead in the attractive Rhubarb bar, in-room minibars set in dolls houses, and pantries of help-yourself treats (jars full of retro sweets, cans of soft drinks, popcorn) on each floor. Enormous four-poster beds, towering sash windows and Crosley record players add to the joy. Elsewhere, salty charred steaks in the distinctly romantic Pearly Cow are eye-rollingly good (as are the famous beef fat chips). If you're arriving by train, staff will greet you at the station to collect your luggage – so you can get straight onto exploring the city. 2. The Grand hotel Old school luxury service runs through the heart and soul of The Grand, one of York's most luxurious hotels just a liquorice-whip from the station. Once the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway Company, the hotel fires on all five-star cylinders: top-hatted doormen greet you at the door, a concierge plans your evening, waiters show you to your seat in the elegant 1903 bar where piquant French 75s transport you to another era, fine-dining Legacy, or atmospheric restaurant The Rise. Rooms are stylish, spacious and made for comfort. The spa, which is currently closed for a refurb (due to reopen in 2026) is set in the former vaults, and there's an on-site cookery school if you fancy sharpening up your culinary skills. 3. Clementine's Guest House hotel Clementine's Guest House plays a fun and fruitier tune than your typical townhouse hotel. In lovely suburban Clifton (but within easy reach of the walls, roughly 10 minutes), the wonderfully flamboyant style runs through all 27 rooms which span two handsome redbrick townhouses on St Peter's Grove, with no two the same. Think vibrant, Morris-style wallpaper in all manner of jungly patterns, unique bed frames, and a healthy dose of quirk in furnishings and decorations, from solid antiques to neon signs to feathery lampshades. There's no restaurant but the grassy garden at the back is a lovely spot to enjoy drinks or afternoon tea. 4. Malmaison hotel Behind the brutalist block that York's Malmaison calls home is a mix of smartly designed rooms (think modern lines with De Stijl influences), a vast co-working space on the ground floor, a gym and two restaurants: Chez Mal serving modern British food with French elements and rooftop Sora for pan-Asian tapas. But it's the brilliant cocktails that make this latter eyrie stand out – sipping lemongrass-infused Tograshi Margaritas and foamy Umeshu Sours to views of the York Minster is a fabulous way to enjoy a pre- or post-prandial drink before you head into the city for some fun. It's also in a great location, just a hop from the train station and a few minutes' walk from Micklegate. 5. Hotel du Vin Occupying a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion just outside the city walls, York's Hotel du Vin stays true to the formula the brand is so popular for: smart and sophisticated interiors with a bistro restaurant and an emphasis on good French wine. You'll find it packed on race days with chipper folk dressed to the nines on their way to Knavesmire, while on quieter days it's a peaceful enclave owing to its slightly out-of-the-way leafy location just down from Micklegate Bar. That's not to say you're miles from the action; you can reach both Micklegate and Bishopthorpe roads, each with their slew of trendy independent bars, cafes and fantastic restaurants, in seven-10 minutes on foot. 6. Guy Fawkes Inn hotel Steeped in character with a raffish undertone, Guy Fawkes Inn is one of the most significant hotels in York for its history and – like most, if not all of the historic buildings in the city – is said to be haunted (book the Belfry Suite if you're open to an apparition or two). The infamous plotter is said to have been born on the site in 1570 and was baptised in St. Michael Le Belfrey just opposite. Thirteen rooms, a shadowy restaurant and a small bar serving a good pour of real ale are all big draws, but one of the things that most sets Guy Fawkes Inn apart is the complimentary guided walking tours that takes place daily (one to two hours) – a great way to get acquainted with the city if it's your first time visiting. Just don't count on any Bonfire-night themed extravaganzas on November 5 – any buildings formerly owned by Fawkes and his family are 'prohibited' from celebrating it. 7. The Milner hotel You can practically throw your suitcase from the train to the doorway of this grande dame station hotel, which can be accessed directly via Platform 3 at York. The affordable prices are generous given the unbeatable location; it overlooks landscaped gardens – noticeably fragrant in bloom – with views to the York Minster, and you can walk to the centre in a few minutes, along the wall which runs alongside should you wish. A muted, beige colour scheme runs throughout with original features like the sweeping iron staircase, soaring columns, and panelled walls in the Oak Room creating a lasting impression from the days it was created to house aristocracy and rich industrialists. And yet it doesn't feel pretentious. The Garden Room is a lovely place to enjoy a pot of tea. 8. Middlethorpe Hall An impressive William III country pile in 20 acres of sprawling manicured gardens and parkland on Bishopthorpe Road near York Racecourse. It's a couple of miles from the centre but what it lacks in proximity it makes up for in its countryside surroundings and riverside location. One of the National Trust's three Historic House Hotels, the property dates back to 1699 and was once the home of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, an English aristocrat, famous diarist and discoverer of smallpox inoculation. In today's incarnation as a hotel, visitors and overnight guests can enjoy dinner in the two-AA-Rosette restaurant, spa treatments by Aromatherapy Associates, afternoon teas, and classic rooms, as well as events like garden tours, presentations and photography workshops. 9. Hotel Indigo York Riffing off York's chocolate history, this Indigo on Walmgate displays subtle references to Rowntree's and Terry's confectionery heritage throughout its rooms and public spaces – old photographs on the walls, cocoa tones throughout the decor, sweet-themed cushions, chocolate martinis in the bar – as well as residing in one of its oldest areas. It's in a quieter part of town, just down from the trendy independent brunch spots of Fossgate, but also within easy reach of some of York's most famous attractions (Jorvik, York Castle Museum and Clifford's Tower, for instance, are all less than 10 minutes' walk away). Enjoy craft beer and cocktails as well as food by Pasta Evangelists in the on-site restaurant, No.88 Walmgate. 10. Grays Court hotel With just 12 rooms and a triple-Rosette restaurant, The Bow Room, serving expertly crafted tasting menus featuring ingredients grown in the kitchen garden, Grays Court combines boutique and luxury hotel factors to create a unique, star-quality hotel in the middle of York. The property, located in the Minster Quarter, stands on the site of an old Roman fortress. It was originally built in the 11th century as the official residence of the Treasurers of York Minster, hosting visitors on royal, state and church business as well as kings and noblemen. It's also the only building to have private access to York's City walls and boasts beautifully tended lawns bordered by flowers and trees. Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writers, each with a deep knowledge of the destinations they cover. Our contributors either live in these locations or visit frequently, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, they consider their own experience staying in the hotels and evaluate location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller.
Telegraph
36 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Eufy Smart Scale P3 review: Can a home scale actually track muscle mass?
This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service. What is the Eufy Smart Scale P3? The Eufy Smart Scale P3 is a feature-packed smart scale, named The Telegraph 's Best Buy bathroom scale, for its blend of affordability and high-spec health tracking. Priced in the mid-range (around £70, but often discounted for less), it stands out in a crowded market by offering 16 body composition metrics, including weight, body fat, muscle mass, heart rate and more, delivered through a smart, durable design with a large, colourful display. Unlike basic bathroom scales, the P3 syncs data via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to the EufyLife app and major platforms like Apple Health, Google Fit and Fitbit, making it easy to track progress over time. It supports unlimited user profiles and includes dedicated modes for babies, pets, pregnancy and athletes, plus a 'simple mode' for those with pacemakers who need to avoid the electrical signals used for tracking. Standout features include a motivational avatar that changes as you progress, highly accurate readings to 0.1lb/50g and a stable, anti-tip design. For anyone seeking a smart, reliable and user-friendly way to monitor health at home, the Eufy P3 is well worth a closer look. How we test bathroom scales I started by seeing how easy the scales were to set up and use straight out of the box, along with if there were any issues connecting them to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and any apps. I then appraised how clear the display was and how user-friendly and accurate the scales were. I mostly did this both by weighing myself and a test item to see how similar or dissimilar the readings were, while also taking into consideration the maximum weight capacity for each. Since quite a number of these bathroom scales, particularly those of the smart kind, had a range of different features and controls, I considered these as well. Out of all the bathroom scales that I put to the test, Eufy's is the one that I have continued to use to keep track of my weight and health metrics, mainly thanks to the engaging app. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Accuracy Score: 9/10 Comparing these scales to the nine others I tested, I was able to gauge how accurate Eufy's was when tracking a number of weight readings. Not only was this set reliable compared to the others, I found that even when I stepped on and off the scales several times in a row, they showed the exact same number, giving me confidence in terms of accuracy. At times there would be only 0.1 of a decimal difference when moving from one set of smart or digital scales to the other, which was a decent enough allowance to make. The body composition measurements are harder to measure accuracy on, where Eufy uses bioelectrical impedance analysis, which sends a small, safe electric current through your body and measures the resistance encountered. It then analyses this data alongside your height, weight, age and gender the estimate the 16 metrics, including body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone mass, visceral fat, water content and more. These results are then displayed in detail within the Eufy Life app, where you can track your progress over time, view trends and export reports. As with all smart scales, this is an estimation rather than dead-set medical information, but from what I know about my own body, I found them to be fairly accurate. You can enter the data into your fitness tracker to increase the accuracy of the information it shows you. Ease of use Score: 8/10 The scales are incredibly easy to use. Once you pop the batteries in the compartment on the rear side, you are ready to go. The scale does work without being connected to the accompanying app, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but you won't be able to access all of the measurements without doing so. The process of taking the scales out of the box and setting up my own profile on the app took just a few minutes, meaning I was able to start tracking all of my desired metrics and data quickly. I also appreciated that the scales didn't wobble at all, feeling stable on tiled, hardwood and vinyl flooring thanks to the four textured rubber feet. My only real issue was the foot tapping controls. They are designed so that you are able to switch between the different measurement units and user profiles at the tap of your foot. Yet it wasn't that simple. Sometimes it took eight to ten taps for the scales to register that I was trying to utilise these controls. Because of this, I ended up relying solely on the app to switch between settings. This might not be too much of a deal-breaker, but if you don't have your phone and the app to hand, this could be quite frustrating. Display Score: 9/10 The display is large and clear, letting me see the different stats with ease. The numbers are bright and big enough that I didn't feel the need to lean down, like I have when using other bathroom scales in the past. When switching between the different measurements, the amounts were equally legible. I also liked that it wasn't just a monochrome display. Each user has their own individual avatar, shown in colour on the display, which you can tailor to look like you, your friends or family members – including babies and pets. Any achievements and celebrations of your weight tracking goals are also shown in colour, which I liked. I also appreciated that the display included battery, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi indicators to let you know when you might need to replace the batteries or if there are any connectivity issues. Capacity Score: 8/10 With a weight capacity of up to 200kg – or around 31 and a half stone – this set of bathroom scales has one of the highest capacities on the market. When putting bathroom scales to the test, the majority ranged somewhere between 150kg and 200kg, with most having a maximum weight of 180kg, making Eufy's a better option for heavier individuals. One slight negative was that you can't quickly weigh an inanimate object, like a suitcase or heavy parcel, as you are able to with mechanical scales or some other digital scales. This is because these scales are designed to measure body composition via an electrical current, which for obvious reasons, doesn't work on anything that isn't live. There is a way to get around it; set up baby mode, but instead of holding an infant, weigh yourself while holding a suitcase. The scales then weigh you without the suitcase and display the difference in the same way as it works with an actual child or pet in pet mode. Special features Score: 9/10 Part of what makes the Eufy Smart Scale P3 impressive is the number of special features it has. In addition to the usual metrics like weight, BMI and heart rate, the P3 also measures bone mass, skeletal muscle mass, water and protein levels, with 16 health measurements in total. This is one of the highest numbers of those on the market, particularly at this price point. It was the app that cemented the Eufy scales as a favourite for me. Features like progress graphs and a 3D virtual body model enable you to track your progress with ease and in a visual way, which I found helpful. The app has what it calls a 'smart coach,' giving you individualised recommendations to help you meet any fitness goals you have set, or spur you on to keep you motivated. Technical specifications Depending on your budget and how many health metrics you're looking for your scales to track, there are a number of devices and brands to choose from. From higher end options from the likes of Withings or Garmin to more affordable smart scales, one of the most comparable to the Euphy Smart Scale P3 is Renpho's Elis Solar 2 Smart Body Scale. But at less than half the price, how does it compare? Should you buy the Eufy Smart Scale P3? The Eufy Smart Scale is the best at-home smart scale I've found, tracking everything from weight to body fat, BMI, muscle mass and bone mass. But not everyone will need quite so much detail. Yes, if: No, if: You're on a budget Eufy Smart Scale FAQs How accurate is the Eufy Smart Scale P3? During testing I found this scale to be one of the most accurate, delivering accuracy up to 0.1lb/50g. Why does my Eufy scale show inconsistent weight? According to the brand, 'the accuracy of a scale during measurement can be affected by the user's standing position and posture. Scales are designed with four-point balance, meaning each sensor needs to be evenly loaded for the most precise reading. However, since it's difficult to control exactly where and how a user stands, slight variations can occur after just a few minutes. These discrepancies tend to be more noticeable in heavier individuals.' How do I calibrate my Eufy Smart Scale P3? To calibrate your scale, all you need to do is simply step on and off it. Can multiple users share one scale? Yes. An unlimited number of users can be created and used on the Eufy Smart Scale P3. What's the difference between Eufy P1, P2 and P3 models? As you might expect, there are a few differences between Eufy's three smart scale models. Because the P1 scales are no longer available to purchase here in the UK, I've put together a handy table to compare the two latest models.
