I don't she she retired from Strictly because of her age, just because she wanted to (as she in so many word said) 'wanted to leave the party on a high'. She had done a few series before she won and probably thought another chance to win would be less likely to happen if she carried on another year or so as a Pro having partnered Tom Chambers. As mentioned above she still dances and is seemingly taking a more dedicated interest in the acting (which she had said while still on Strictly) that she would like to persue one day. I even think she hinted that she would like to remain on Strictly but in another capacity that didn't involve being a Pro but obviously wasn't asked to be judge (as none of the ex Pros were).