My wife ( also 59 ) gets occasional alopecia.
The first time it occured it freaked her out and a friend recommended a clinic where there is a specialist to consult. He gave her some oral medicine to take and a couple of topical lotions. One of these was RETEN 2.0g ( which contains minoxidil ). Lost the bottle so can't remember the other lotion or the oral.
The treatment was successful and her hair grew back in the effected patch.
Best thing for her to do is consult a specialist.