Pat Taub
Research has found that older women are discovering that age has unanticipated rewards. Setting aside the usual physical symptoms like arthritis, decreased flexibility and stamina, the older woman sparkles in new ways. She frequently finds herself more content and more confident, while still full of dreams.
Eager to capture individual stories about how older women think about aging, I posted this question on the WOW Facebook page, “For you, what are the best aspects of aging?” (Some of the responses follow)
AN INDIFFERENCE TO PUBLIC APPROVAL
WALKER: “No longer caring what others think of me. And encouraging myself to be a bit wild, if I choose.”
TRISHA: “Not giving a hoot what others think of me.”
GWEN: “There’s a caring less and less about other people’s opinions of my choices and behavior.”
Two confident older women unfazed by others’ opinions
A NEW FREEDOM
GWEN: “There’s the freedom that comes with being dismissed and unnoticed because ‘I’m just a little old lady who doesn’t matter.’”
SUZANNE: “I like that freedom too. I don’t have to wear makeup and get fixed up . . . feeling more relaxed about life.
KATE: “ I do love the freedom to be me that seems to get better with the years.”
A group of older women expressing their “freedom”
SUSAN: “I love having a new lease on life. I feel wise and the best part—which was surprising to me—is how much at 77 years old, I gravitate to the older person with respect for their life on earth.”
KAREN: “Aging has brought me a new freedom unlike any other. I love being able to start my day at my own pace and for the most part do whatever I want. I’m no longer controlled by the clock or a schedule. It took me awhile to adjust to this new change, but now I love the flow.”
HELAINE: “The ability to speak my mind.”
Author, Lynn Segal exuding confidence and comfort with her age.
HEIGHTENED SELF-AWARENESS
CHARL: Having acquired wisdom through experience, I can now put things in a better perspective after being through so much.
PAULA: Realizing that when I was younger there was so much I expected/wanted to accomplish. Today I am grateful for what I have and what the day may offer.
CHRISTINE: “Emotional calm, a sense of mission, adventure, being ready for anything.”
An older woman enjoying her sense of emotional calm
LINDA: “I am less concerned about the small things and place more value on intrinsic things.”
NANCY: “I like being old. I will be 82 next month. I forgive myself when I act out and I praise myself for what I have accomplished.”
SALLY: “I have the gift of patience now. I feel the slowness of life. Wisdom comes with understanding and acceptance. I just love being a Crone and do not fear death whenever it comes.”
KAREN: “Since I still have to work at 66, I’m pleased that my school district respects my ability and experience to guide special needs kids through the academic roundabout.”
LISA: “Really understanding that relationships are more important than telling other people what I think they should do. Knowing ‘when to hold ‘em, when to fold ‘em when to walk away, and when to ‘run’ is another way of putting it.”
THE OPPORTUNITY TO LAUNCH NEW CAREERS POST-RETIREMENT
TONI: “New beginnings after retirement. I never dreamed I’d write a book.”
Ton with her granddaughter, promoting Toni’s books.
SUSAN: “Grateful to have been able to embark on a second career as an author. Now I’m my own boss.”
AGING WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR
PAULA: “No more drama.”
WENDY: “No more periods.”
TONI: “More comfortable underwear.”
KRISTINE: “Just being alive and vibrant in a time when the world is—excuse my expression—SNAFU!”
KATE: “I have a new mantra, ‘I’m going to live until I die.”
