Veteran Australian journalist Liz Hayes has celebrated her 70th birthday, with fans praising the longtime television presenter’s energy and youthful appearance.
The former 60 Minutes reporter marked the milestone over the weekend and reflected on turning 70 in an interview with the Daily Telegraph.
“I’m clearly at the pointy end but it’s not concerning me, I feel I feel like life’s pretty good,” Hayes told the publication.
“I don’t feel there’s a major deficit in my life, other than I guess if I did the mathematics. I’m truly fine turning 70 but ask me when I turn 80, geez I hope I feel all right about that.”
Hayes said maintaining her health had become increasingly important as she got older.
“From my 70 years, let me tell you, there’s one thing you learn… The only thing you really need is some pretty good health,” she said.
“I don’t feel like I am about to topple.”
Fans quickly took to social media to express disbelief at the milestone birthday, with many saying the respected journalist looked far younger than her age.
“She’s been around so long that 70 seems a misprint, people can still be working and jogging around the neighbourhood at 70 I hope,” one person wrote.
Another commented: “Are you sure 70?”
On Facebook, one fan wrote: “Hard to believe she’s 70. Happy Birthday.”
Another said: “Happy 70th Birthday Liz, you don’t look your age!”
Hayes has long been a vocal advocate for women’s health and recently fronted a major investigation for Seven’s Spotlight program examining gaps in women’s healthcare and treatment.
The episode, titled Second Class Treatment – Time to Even the Odds, featured Hayes undergoing a series of personalised medical and fitness assessments while speaking with medical experts and athletes, including former Olympic swimmer Libby Trickett.
During the program, Hayes also underwent pharmacogenomic testing to examine how genetics can affect responses to medication.
Professor Kym Mina described the testing as a “game changer in removing the trial and error of prescribing for individuals based on their DNA”.
Hayes learned some medications may be less effective for her based on her genetic profile, including codeine-based pain relief.
The Taree-born journalist joined Seven earlier this year after departing Nine Network following a 44-year career with the broadcaster.
Images: Instagram
