South Korean grandmother Choi Soon-hwa dreamed of becoming a fashion model when she was in her 20s, but faced with life's pressures it would take another five decades to achieve her goal.

The silver-haired Choi, 81, recently made history by becoming the oldest contestant at a Miss Universe Korea competition, after the pageant dropped age restrictions that had only allowed women aged 18-28 to participate.

"After hearing that the age restrictions were removed I thought - wow that’s great. I cannot miss this opportunity," Choi said.

While she did not win, Choi made it to the finals and was given the 'Best Dressed Award' among her younger rivals.

Her dreams of becoming a fashion model or a movie star when younger had to be put aside so she could take on regular jobs in order to care for her children and meet financial commitments.

It was only while working as a hospital caregiver that her dream became a reality after one of her patients suggested she apply to be a senior model when she was 72.

Choi, who signed up for a modelling academy, recounts how when it was quiet at night in the hospital she practiced being on a catwalk and posing in front of a mirror.

Since then, Choi's new career has taken off and she has appeared at multiple fashion shows and her image has been splashed in magazines and her story covered by television shows.

"I won in the second half of my life. In the first half, I was just running around without scoring any goals, but I finally scored in the second half," she told Reuters.

Yun Mi-young, 59, who is another senior model, said she was inspired by Choi.

"The first time I saw her was on TV, she looked so cool. I thought that I want to be a senior model just like her."

Choi also shares tips on how to stay in shape, including starting each day with a healthy breakfast of boiled eggs and fruit and regularly taking walks in a nearby park.

South Korea is on course to become a "super-ageing" society by next year when more than a fifth of its population will be over 65 and Choi wants her success to inspire others in this age group.

"I hope other seniors can find courage through my story," Choi said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

South Korean grandmother Choi Soon-hwa dreamed of becoming a fashion model when she was in her 20s, but faced with life's pressures it would take another five decades to achieve her goal.

South Korean grandmother Choi Soon-hwa dreamed of becoming a fashion model when she was in her 20s, but faced with life's pressures it would take another five decades to achieve her goal. The silver-haired Choi, 81, recently made history by becoming the oldest contestant at a Miss Universe Korea competition, after the pageant dropped age restrictions that had only allowed women aged 18-28 to participate. "After hearing that the age restrictions were removed I thought - wow that’s great. I cannot miss this opportunity," Choi said. While she did not win, Choi made it to the finals and was given the 'Best Dressed Award' among her younger rivals. Her dreams of becoming a fashion model or a movie star when younger had to be put aside so she could take on regular jobs in order to care for her children and meet financial commitments. It was only while working as a hospital caregiver that her dream became a reality after one of her patients suggested she apply to be a senior model when she was 72. Choi, who signed up for a modelling academy, recounts how when it was quiet at night in the hospital she practiced being on a catwalk and posing in front of a mirror. Since then, Choi's new career has taken off and she has appeared at multiple fashion shows and her image has been splashed in magazines and her story covered by television shows. "I won in the second half of my life. In the first half, I was just running around without scoring any goals, but I finally scored in the second half," she told Reuters. Yun Mi-young, 59, who is another senior model, said she was inspired by Choi. "The first time I saw her was on TV, she looked so cool. I thought that I want to be a senior model just like her." Choi also shares tips on how to stay in shape, including starting each day with a healthy breakfast of boiled eggs and fruit and regularly taking walks in a nearby park. South Korea is on course to become a "super-ageing" society by next year when more than a fifth of its population will be over 65 and Choi wants her success to inspire others in this age group. "I hope other seniors can find courage through my story," Choi said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Age no barrier for octogenarian South Korean model defying stereotypes

South Korea narrowly missed getting its oldest beauty queen at the Miss Universe Korea pageant on Monday. Choi Soon-hwa, an 80-year-old contestant, competed with a group of 32 women and took home the “best dresser” award.

The oldest finalist ever at the contest, she lost to 22-year-old fashion school student Han Ariel who will represent South Korea in November’s Miss Universe competition.

Choi was born on 11 October 1943, almost 10 years before the Miss Universe pageant was first held in 1952. She hopes to instil in people the will to take on a challenge to achieve their dreams at any age.

“Even at this age, I had the courage to grab on to an opportunity and take on a challenge," Choi told the Associated Press before the pageant.

“I want people to look at me and realise that you can live healthier and find joy in life when you find things you want to do and challenge yourself to achieve that dream,” she said.

The Miss Universe Organization earlier only allowed applicants between the ages of 18-28. But their updated criteria allow all women above the age of 18, irrespective of marital status, to participate.

“After seeing that the Miss Universe competition has no age limit, I said I am participating in this."&nbsp;

<h2>Choi's early life</h2>

After working as a nurse, a pastor, and a textile factory, Choi retired at the age of 68. However, she was forced to return to work as a caregiver after being conned out of her savings.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/couple-follows-systematic-lifestyle-to-live-healthily-until-the-age-of-150-763637">Biohacker couple follows systematic lifestyle to live 'healthily until the age of 150'</a>

In 2014, one of her patients suggested she try modelling. She was instantly taken in by the idea and decided to join a modelling school. “Her remark hit me like a ray,” said Choi.

Four years later, at the age of 75, Choi walked the runway at Seoul Fashion Week. She became instantly popular and has been a part of editorials in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. She has also worked on commercial campaigns for popular brands.

Choi never let her age become a deterrence, and in fact, believes her life experience helped her make a mark in the world of fashion. She was born during World War II and bore witness to South Korea’s struggling economy and the Asian Financial Crisis. Choi was a single parent and had to look after her two kids alone.

“I was born and raised in a very tough time, and I still have that resilience to fight, to survive my own battles. But the young generation has no idea,” she told The Washington Times.

Choi might have lost the crown, but she is determined to make it big on the global stage and says will find an opportunity to do so.

South Korea narrowly missed getting its oldest beauty queen at the Miss Universe Korea pageant on Monday. Choi Soon-hwa, an 80-year-old contestant, competed with a group of 32 women and took home the “best dresser” award.

South Korea narrowly missed getting its oldest beauty queen at the Miss Universe Korea pageant on Monday. Choi Soon-hwa, an 80-year-old contestant, competed with a group of 32 women and took home the “best dresser” award. The oldest finalist ever at the contest, she lost to 22-year-old fashion school student Han Ariel who will represent South Korea in November’s Miss Universe competition. Choi was born on 11 October 1943, almost 10 years before the Miss Universe pageant was first held in 1952. She hopes to instil in people the will to take on a challenge to achieve their dreams at any age. “Even at this age, I had the courage to grab on to an opportunity and take on a challenge," Choi told the Associated Press before the pageant. “I want people to look at me and realise that you can live healthier and find joy in life when you find things you want to do and challenge yourself to achieve that dream,” she said. The Miss Universe Organization earlier only allowed applicants between the ages of 18-28. But their updated criteria allow all women above the age of 18, irrespective of marital status, to participate. “After seeing that the Miss Universe competition has no age limit, I said I am participating in this." Choi's early life After working as a nurse, a pastor, and a textile factory, Choi retired at the age of 68. However, she was forced to return to work as a caregiver after being conned out of her savings. Also Read: Biohacker couple follows systematic lifestyle to live 'healthily until the age of 150' In 2014, one of her patients suggested she try modelling. She was instantly taken in by the idea and decided to join a modelling school. “Her remark hit me like a ray,” said Choi. Four years later, at the age of 75, Choi walked the runway at Seoul Fashion Week. She became instantly popular and has been a part of editorials in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. She has also worked on commercial campaigns for popular brands. Choi never let her age become a deterrence, and in fact, believes her life experience helped her make a mark in the world of fashion. She was born during World War II and bore witness to South Korea’s struggling economy and the Asian Financial Crisis. Choi was a single parent and had to look after her two kids alone. “I was born and raised in a very tough time, and I still have that resilience to fight, to survive my own battles. But the young generation has no idea,” she told The Washington Times. Choi might have lost the crown, but she is determined to make it big on the global stage and says will find an opportunity to do so.

This 80-year-old model competed in Miss Universe Korea, missed it by a sliver

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Age no barrier for octogenarian South Korean model defying stereotypes

This 80-year-old model competed in Miss Universe Korea, missed it by a sliver