Louise Chunn is the founder of welldoing.org, a therapy matchmaking programme that enables people to find a local therapist just right for their needs. Prior to entering the world of technology, Louise was an Editor of Psychologies, Good Housekeeping and In Style, and was also Editor of the Guardian’s Women’s pages. She lives in NW London with her husband and teenage daughter.
WHO ARE YOU?
Louise Chunn
HOW OLD ARE YOU?
59
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
London
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am the founder of welldoing.org, which matches you with the best therapist for your needs. I also do some freelance journalist – I’m a former editor of five magazines, from Psychologies to Just Seventeen
TELL US WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE YOUR AGE?
I feel pretty good right this minute, but I do feel the shadow of turning 60 in the summer growing longer and more ominous
WHAT DO YOU HAVE NOW THAT YOU DIDN’T HAVE AT 25?
Three children, my second husband, a life in London — I grew up in New Zealand and at 25 I was just about to leave
WHAT ABOUT SEX?
Women fear the menopause will mean the end of sex, but I’ve found the opposite. Not being able to get pregnant is a big weight off your shoulders
AND RELATIONSHIPS?
I feel much more open to making new friends these days
HOW FREE DO YOU FEEL?
Medium-level — don’t care so much what people think of me; can get anxious about financial futurers!
WHAT ARE YOU PROUD OF?
Picking myself up when I’ve been down (with help from others, of course)
WHAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED?
Seeing other women my age continuing to do new and exciting things. I really value role models these days, but I also have to remember to ignore unrealistic goals
WHEN ARE YOU HAPPIEST?
Reading a good book on a sunny evening in my little garden
AND WHERE DOES YOUR CREATIVITY GO?
I’m looking for an outlet actually
WHAT’S YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF LIVING?
It’s not a dress rehearsal.
AND DYING?
I think about this quite a lot, having had several friends die and been with them very near the end. It’s the Big Question and we just can’t bear to think about it.
ARE YOU STILL DREAMING?
Oh yes, I love to dream. I hate that my husband won’t talk to me about my dreams
WHAT WAS A RECENT OUTRAGEOUS ACTION OF YOURS?
I went to Silicon Valley on a residential accelerator course where I was the age of most of the other participants’ mothers – and spent the last night in a San Francisco dive dancing with the lads. Great fun!