The Older I Get…: How I repowered my life

by Fern Britton

‘I didn’t know it at the time, as I didn’t have a word for it then, but I’ve repowered several times in my life. Leaving home in my teens, changing careers from theatre to TV to author, battling my way out of the dark pit of postnatal depression and rebuilding my life as a single mother after the end of my marriage. All these were hard. All of them taught me big lessons. Perhaps the biggest of these was that I can do it. And so can you.’

Fern had recently entered her 60s when a series of life-altering events threw her into the eye of the storm. Both her parents passed away, her 20-year marriage ended, and the pandemic was looming.

Faced with an uncertain future, Fern decided that if she wanted to start over, now was the time. She moved to Cornwall, where she reconnected with her true self and instead of fearing getting older, she chose to create a glorious new life full of friendship, fun and adventure.
Fern explores the joy and challenges of aging with warmth and humour. She reflects back on all she has learnt, from enduring tough times to embracing new opportunities and learning how to be kinder to herself. This wasn’t a moment of empowerment, for that would suggest she never had any power to begin with. As women, we often put our needs aside, and she feels strongly that it’s time for us to repower and rediscover our happiness.
In The Older I Get, join Fern as she candidly shares her experiences of grief and loss, rebuilding confidence and exploring new passions, as well as the importance of finding friends you can put the world to rights with over a couple of Cosmos.

Genres: Nonfiction

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2024

About the author

Fern Britton, an English television presenter, was born on 17 July 1957 in Ealing, London. She was educated at Dr Challoner's High School in Little Chalfont and underwent training in stage management at the Central School of Speech and Drama. She is the daughter of the English actor, Tony Britton and Ruth Britton. Fern Britton spent the early days of her life at Buckinghamshire. Her older sister, Cherry Britton, is a script writer and her younger half brother, Jasper Britton, is an actor. She is married to the celebrity chef, Phil Vickery and lives with her family at Holmer Green in Buckinghamshire.


Fern Britton worked with a touring theatre company and in 1979, she started her career with Westward Television in Plymouth. She worked as a newsreader and continuity announcer on Westward Diary, the nightly local bulletin. Later, she switched to present BBC’s Southwest news programme, Spotlight. She became a known as the youngest national news presenter to present News After Noon on BBC1. Fern Britton then moved to work for TVS in Southampton, where she hosted the South edition of the news programme, Coast to Coast, together with Fred Dinenage. She has also presented other programmes, like Coast to Coast People, The Television Show and Magic Moments.


Since then, Fern Britton has hosted several programmes, which include Carlton Television's After Five, BBC's Breakfast Time, London News Network's London Tonight and BBC 1’s Holiday. She also featured in the first two series of The Brian Conley Show and in 1994, Fern Britton went onto present the famous television cookery game show, Ready Steady Cook. She hosted the show for a long span of six years until she was succeeded by chef, Ainsley Harriott. She joined hands with the British television presenter, Phillip Schofield to host the famous television magazine show This Morning. Since 1999, Fern Britton has been hosting the show and the couple was known for their hilarious presentation. The show was a big hit and won the 2003 & 2004 TV Quick Award for the ‘Best Daytime Viewing’. It also clinched the 2004 National Television Award for the ‘Most Popular Daytime Show’.


Fern Britton anchored the Pride of Britain Awards in 2002 and was one among the panellists on the satirical panel show, Have I Got News for You.



In 2006, the song, “The Fern Britton Experience”, which featured in the album, Hang The DJ was named after her by the UK DJ Shitmat. She hosted the reality television show, Soapstar Superstar, and the British Soap Awards 2006. At the Royal Albert Hall, on 31 May 2007, Fern Britton presented the Classical BRIT Awards and also co-presented the British Soap Awards that year.


Fern Britton anchored her own ITV1 Saturday night series, That's What I Call Television in 2007. In December 2007, she went on a secret trip to Basra to broadcast behind-the-scenes footage of the troops. She appeared as a guest presenter for the show, Have I Got News for You on 27 April 2007 and again on 17 October 2008. On 12 January 2008, she was the winner in the first episode of Thank God You're Here, a television comedy series hosted by Paul Merton. In April 2008, Fern Britton together with her colleague, Phillip Schofield was the presenter of the revived 'all star' version of the super hit ITV show, Mr and Mrs. The show was broadcast on Saturday nights as a six-part series.


Apart from television presentations, Fern Britton has also featured in advertisements for Ryvita Minis. She performed the title role in a Cinderella pantomime in 1988. In March 1998, her first book, Fern’s Family Favourites, was released and in October the following year, she launched her second book Winter Treats and Summer Delights. Fern, My Story was published in November 2008 by Michael Joseph and it ranked among the Top Ten Bestseller list by The Sunday Times.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

mixture of self help and self repowered/self discovery book looking back at her life and how things change. in parts found it funny

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Older I Get: How I re-powered my life by Fern Britton was a wonderful book from start to finish Fern explores the joy and challenges of ageing with warmth and humour which made me laugh out loud it was a breath of fresh air. Just what I needed!

Fern now lives in Cornwall, a beautiful part of England, this is where she reconnected with her true self and instead of fearing getting older she grabbed by the Bxxxs and chose to live the rest of her life to the full, finding new friendships and making everyday a mean full day!
Fern talks about so many mean full things and some things we never talk about, some we hide deep inside our heads and try and bury it forever. Fern shares her experiences of grief and loss, her mistakes, families, etc and we've all gone through this at some point of our lives........

The chapters of The Older I get........

Chapter 1,When The Sh*t Hits The Fan
Chapter 2, Keeping The Faith
Chapter 3, We All Make Mistakes ...
Chapter 4, Imposter Syndrome
Chapter 5, Fern’s DIY Guide To Boosting Self-Confidence
Chapter 6, Let’s Get Physical
Chapter 7, All About You
Chapter 8, Love Me Tender, Love Me True (Part 1)
Chapter 9, Love Me Tender, Love Me True (Part 2)
Chapter 10, Mental Health Matters
Chapter 11, Families ... We All Have Them
Chapter 12, Making It Work
Chapter 13, Fern’s Golden Rule: Never Put Anything in The Loft
Chapter 14, Coping with Loss
Chapter 15, Challenge Yourself
Chapter 16, Go for It..

I highly recommend this book..........especially the audiobook.

It made me look at my life in a different way especially now I am 54 - how did that happen and now living in France?
If I could Hug you I would thanks Fern.....You are amazing.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read here from Fern. A little like a self-help book but not...

This was Fern's story of how in different situations throughout her life, she has re-powered herself. Struggling with marriage breakdowns, the death of her parents, a move to a different part of the country completely alone... All while she encourages us to see things differently and she does this by being very open and honest.

There were chapters covering all sorts of topics, and it was very much like she was sitting in front of me talking to me. I really enjoyed this book, not really a biography but an insight into some private matters in her life where she also tries to help the reader along the way.

[Angela Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but I thoroughly enjoyed. Fern takes the reader through key events in her life while giving friendly advice learned through experience.

It was an enjoyable and interesting read and I thought the advice boxes at the end of each chapter were really helpful.
It wasn’t patronising and gave a great insight into getting older and the different events which can happen in people’s lives and how to face them.

Thanks for Negalley, Ebury publishing, Penguin Random House and Fern Britton for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Nicky McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that I listened to in the audio version as Fern’s narration is beautiful. It’s like having a good friend giving you the best advice for future years to come and I wish I was in the gang with two cups and Jane. Repowering is a great book that every woman should read from 40 years old and up !

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easily read book, it has lots of advice and stories from her life. it is lighthearted and positive so you don’t perhaps notice that it is dealing with some more difficult aspect of life. I enjoyed reading this as Fern is just a few years older than me. Her life and adventurous spirit is quite different from me and my life so it didn’t specifically resonate with me, but definitely worth a read.

[julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a friendly relatable book from Fern. Candid and honest, it is like sitting down with a good warm friend who only wants the best for you. Easy to read, full of excellent advice and tips and a generous sprinkling of humour. Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy.

[Jane Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I didn’t know I needed but one that has made me think about ME!I retired last Feb and the time I thought I had went haywire- repowering will help me move on from the doldrums
Thankyou Fern
Photographed some pointers to lead me on x

[Sorrel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought it would be more of an autobiography but it's not. It's more of a self help book. Nothing of any depth on things she's been through like two divorces or her lying about her gastric band. All very surface level.

[Cynthia Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age is just a number

A great read and certainly makes you remember what you have achieved in life and wanting to do more. I will certainly be thinking about what I can still achieve.😀

[Rita Egan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely, light hearted book, part memoir, part self help, celebrating mid life and discussing how to reboot your energy, take back your autonomy and rediscover the who you were before family, career and life elbowed your needs out of their way.

[Aurora Briar Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this book so much. Do yourself a favour and get C the audio version it’s tremendous. Fern is narrating but comes across as having a as chat with you. About half way through so far …. Enjoy

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed Fern’s book. Found it very empowering. It will appeal to ladies of a certain age group - like myself!. Light-hearted, funny in parts, very practical and relatable.

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very open honest and inspiring read

[StrictlySue · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and inspiring read! Well written and very honest. Thank you Fern for letting us peek into your life to inspire us in ours.

[Marilyn Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book, which gives insight into Fern’s life and how they overcame things. A great little guide for self help and encouragement. Definitely a must read book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I can relate to a lot of the content.

[Alison.A.Bellbtinternet.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed what an honest and sensible memoir/self help.

[Cathygillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Fern Britton’s books and this one intrigued me as she is reevaluating her life at the age of 67 in 2024 given the death of her parents in 2018 and 2019 and the failure of both her marriages in divorce in 2000 and 2020. Her relationship with her four children and older sister however remains very strong.

She decides to “repower” her life after all these personal upheavals by moving to Cornwall which holds great childhood memories for her: first of all to live alone in the family holiday home to see how that suits her but later her daughter Winnie moves in. She is also a close neighbour to her other daughter Grace. She befriends two local women Boo and Two Cups which is not a brassiere reference by the way and joins the local church to immerse herself in the community.

This book is a guide for anyone who is at a similar crossroads in their lives and acts a bit like a close confidante or maybe a big sister to evaluate this new landscape and how to make the best of the new freedoms this offers. She also provides a very helpful list of the benefits available after the age of sixty which I must admit I would have welcomed after my sixtieth birthday.

She has no room for any regrets in this new existence and rather embraces it for all the opportunities it offers. One of which is to do whatever you like whenever you like as these decisions are now yours and yours alone.

It is laid out in chapters dealing with situations that might be encountered and offers a way to deal with all of them giving useful support in this manner.

The message is overwhelmingly optimistic and uplifting and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and have begun to reread it as it was so absorbing.

Many thanks Fern and all the best in your new life.