Bal Harbour

102 BAL HARBOUR You wrote that your greatest achievement is your children [technology entrepreneur Elon, 48, philanthropist and restaurateur Kimbal, 46, and filmmaker Tosca, 45]. Can you talk about that bond? I am very fortunate to have three children who were considerate of my work hours, were independent and had a great sense of humor. What is special about our relationship is that we laugh a lot. What was your mothering style? It's similar to my parents who worked hard and supported us in the different directions we all chose to go. I did the same. During my childhood, we lived in a happy home. I created a happy home when I got divorced. ere were moments of poverty in your life when you wore secondhand clothes and your kids ate a lot of peanut butter sandwiches and bean soup. You write, "So what? We loved one another. We had a lot of fun together. at's what matters." How did you stay grounded? I certainly didn't need painful situations to shape me, and don't recommend my situation to anyone. My parents went through the Great Depression in Canada, so I was and am always frugal. at helped me through my post-divorce years. How have each of your children inspired you? My children are more intelligent and more successful than I will ever be. I learn from them every day. You refer to Elon as "the encyclopedia." Did you know as a child that he would be creating something groundbreaking like Tesla and SpaceX? When you have a super intelligent child, you don't know if they will hide in the basement on their computer or put their knowledge to the good of the world. He decided the latter. I am very happy and very proud about that. Would you ever accompany him on a trip to Mars? I don't know if grandmothers will be on the early trips. I could even be a great- grandmother by then. Your book is filled with gems like "Silver is the new blonde," "You don't have to be stylish to dress well. You just need a stylish friend," and "If you taste something and it's not delicious, leave it." What do you hope to accomplish with your book? I'd like women to have more confidence, study their areas of expertise and share them, dress better, feel good and eat well to stay in good health. You write: "Women don't have to slow down as they age." What are the benefits of aging? When something terrible or tragic happens, you've already been through that, and you know you will come out OK. I just love that. How do you look amazing and continue to model at age 71? ere is no secret. I have to eat well to maintain a healthy weight. at is very hard. I have to avoid temptation all the time, or rather, most of the time. Health is wealth. Tell us about your diet? I plan my meals and snacks for good energy. I follow a flexitarian diet and often have a very light dinner to maintain my weight and energy. You recount your weight battles in your book. How do you stay on track? Every time you slip into past behaviors, you are disappointed in yourself. I am tired of being disappointed in myself. I will now slip into bad behavior for one meal, then eat perfectly for the next three days. at gives me back my confidence. How would you describe your personal style? My personal style is casual and comfortable. Are you proud to have paved the way for more inclusivity in the modeling industry? I am happy to represent older women. I didn't aim to be the forerunner, but that's what I'm called. Yay! You have two master's degrees and started a private dietetic practice in eight cities in three countries. Most important moment in your nutrition career? My most important moment was when I won the Outstanding Nutrition Entrepreneur Award [from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics] in the US, before I became an American citizen. What's next for you? So much is happening. I get excited with every speaking engagement, modeling job and travel experience. Stay tuned… #JustGettingStarted #ItsGreatToBe71 "When you have a super intelligent child, you don't know if they will hide in the basement on their computer or put their knowledge to the good of the world. He decided the latter. I am very happy and very proud about that."

• Cover