Janine's Story - Psoriasis, Midlife and Me: Making the Most of the Years Ahead

This Psoriasis Awareness Week, Janine reflects on living with psoriasis since her twenties and how her priorities have changed with age. Now in her fifties, she’s embracing healthy ageing, staying active and making the most of the years ahead.

I was 22 when I was first diagnosed with psoriasis during my first pregnancy. Almost 30 years later, I’ve stepped into my fifties and have been reflecting on how my relationship with my health, my body and myself has changed.

Click to enlarge

In my twenties and thirties, psoriasis affected far more than my skin.

I struggled with painful flare-ups, psoriatic arthritis and a growing self-consciousness about how other people might react. Looking back, I realise how much the condition influenced my life and the decisions I made.

My forties became something of a turning point.

I began paying closer attention to the way I lived, making changes to my nutrition, routines and physical activity. Small steps gradually became bigger ones: completing Couch to 5K, running half-marathons and discovering a real love of being outdoors.

I also began to see my body differently. Rather than focusing on its limitations, I started appreciating what it could do.

I’m fortunate that my skin has remained clear for more than a decade. I never take that for granted, and I recognise that everyone’s experience of psoriasis is different.

Click to enlarge

And now, in my fifties, my priorities are changing again.

Turning 50 has given me a different perspective on life. I’m more aware of the importance of making time for myself, both physically and emotionally and of making the most of the years ahead.

I’ve also come to accept that life doesn’t have to be perfectly balanced all the time. Life gets busy, priorities change and sometimes we slip down our own list.

Even as a health and wellbeing coach, I still have to remind myself to practise what I encourage others to do.

Midlife has made me think more carefully about what feeling well really means - how I feel, how freely I move and what I want to be able to do in the future.

Click to enlarge

At 51, I’m focusing on building habits that support the life I want to lead. Maintaining muscle and looking after my joints matter to me, particularly after living with psoriatic arthritis for so many years. Feeling well enough to enjoy the things I love is something I value deeply.

Healthy ageing is about having the strength and freedom to enjoy the life ahead.

Becoming a grandmother has brought a new motivation, too. I want to be the nanny who’s out exploring, making memories and keeping up with her grandson for years to come.

I’m happiest outdoors, whether I’m walking in the mountains, paddleboarding or simply spending time in nature. It supports both my physical and mental wellbeing.

My experiences of living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have also shaped the work I do today as a health and wellbeing coach.

Click to enlarge

I understand how difficult it can be to make changes when you’re struggling physically, emotionally or with motivation. I also know that everyone’s starting point is different.

Sometimes, the smallest steps can make the biggest difference.

Getting older doesn’t have to mean giving up the things that matter to you.

For me, entering my fifties feels like an opportunity to keep learning, challenge myself and discover what I’m capable of.

There will, of course, be challenges along the way. Living with a long-term condition has taught me not to take feeling well for granted. But I no longer want to measure my life by what I can’t do.

I want to celebrate everything I can.

If I could tell my 22-year-old self anything, it would be that psoriasis doesn’t have to define who you are or what your future looks like.

You’re not too old. It’s not too late. Your best stories can still be ahead of you.