Former Miss U.S.A.: It’s Important to Put Self-health Before Vanity

Mary Therese Friel knows a great deal about grace. She was crowned Miss USA in 1979. She and her husband, Kent, own The Mary Therese Modeling Agency, LLC and have their own formula for aging with grace. They agree on a philosophy of life. They believe that aging with grace is not about looks or lines.

“It’s important to put self-health before vanity. Happiness and good mental health come from within and is reflected in your every expression. Drama ages you,” she says.

To stay focused and relaxed, they live on 12 acres in Mendon, plenty of room for 27 rescued animals including horses, cats, birds, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, a rat and two fish.

“We wake up to the sight and sounds of nature every day,” she says.

They work long hours, love what they do, but gladly retreat to their home of serenity. They also share a deep faith.

Kent echoed what many experts on aging promote. “You have to lead a healthy lifestyle. To be at your peak, you have to refuel your body and get good rest every day,” he says. “Hard work and activity are wonderful ways to keep our minds sharp. We like to walk our property and we have a gym at our house. We meditate and do light yoga. I also downhill ski.”

Friel and Kent make it a point to deal with any aspect of their health that seems off kilter.

“We get all of our shots and screenings. If a symptom arises, we call the doctor. We don’t assume it will pass, just ignore it. Our health is too precious to take for granted,” she says.

The couple believes that connecting with others is an important part of healthy aging. They donate 50% of their earnings to charities in which they believe. “The more we do for others, the happier we are. We are blessed to be able to do so,” she said.

They are strong advocates for many groups for both people and animals. The couple believes that you need to be able to look in the mirror and be happy with who you are.

Friel says, “There is no one thing that defines or creates graceful aging. It is important to value yourself and do the things that bring you joy, including serving others. God put me on earth to accomplish certain things.”