My life is so much cooler than before * Bea Ercolini

How can we navigate midlife in a positive way? By doing it together. We can all learn from each other in this phase of transition. Everyone has similar doubts and dilemmas in their third quarter. In this series, we talk to inspiring Third Quarter lovers on how they navigate it.

This is the story of Bea Ercolini, former editor-in-chief of Elle Magazine, founder of 'Touche pas à ma pote' and a longtime advocate for equal rights, aka 'Chief Sexism Solutionist'. We met 15 years ago through our efforts for gender diversity. Instant crush on her energy.

Tell us a little bit about yourself Bea

I am Bea Ercolini and I just turned 62 earlier this month. I feel 62. To be honest, it’s nice to be old. I am not afraid of the word old.

My life is so much cooler than before. 

My partner is Nick, Nick Kuskin, is 64. I think he thinks like me. 

What changed most in your third quarter?

Nick moved from Brooklyn to come and live with me in the Marolles. Quite a big change, isn’t ? Plus he got an unexpected exhibition at Bozar.

After covid, we both moved to the South West of France. My time to experience a big change. I am now working remotely and commuting to Paris or Brussels for some meetings or events.

It took me a little time to find a balance but it’s perfect now. 

How do you take care of your health & wellbeing?

Menopause is an old story for me in a way : I was lucky enough, around my 45, to meet professional people who helped me coping with it very early, at pre-menopause time.

At 50, I was so prepared I lost weight and felt younger ! I am still using HST (hormone therapy) today. I would love to share this experience with other women. 

What do you like most about this life stage?

I said being old is cooler. No children nor parents to take care of, no big team to manage, no mortgage to reimburse, etc.

One thing you have to take care of is your health and energy. Hormone treatment is the base. Gym class 3 or 4 times a week, no or a very few tobacco, idem with alcohol. 

How did midlife change you as a person?

I love feeling I am a little wiser and not so fast as I used to be.

I take time to think instead of rushing head first.

I take things less personally.

I cultivate kindness and empathy.

I pull bad feelings or memories out of my mind/heart  as you do with bad weeds.

Gardening is my meditation.

Nick and I acknowledge our interdependence and our couple is not a stage for drama. So good ! 

What are you most looking forward to in the coming years?

Well, I have to say I take one day after another.

Bea Ercolini by Eleonore Dumont - Tenue de Lumière