Is it permissible for a wife to uncover her face after the age of 48, especially since the niqab bothers her breathing?

"Qawa'id min al-Nisa'" (women who are past the age of childbearing) are those who have reached an age where they neither desire men nor are desired by them. It is not a condition that menstruation has ceased. There is no specific age defined for this; if the wife reaches this stage, there is no sin upon her for uncovering her face, though it is better for her not to do so. However, if she has not reached this stage, scholars have differed regarding the obligation of covering the face and hands in front of non-mahram men. The fatwa adopted by us is that it is obligatory. Scholars agree on its obligation when there is a fear of temptation (fitna) by or for the woman. It is advised to handle the matter with wisdom and gentleness. The wife must obey her husband in covering her face as long as she is able to do so and it does not cause her extreme hardship.