Celebrating a successful sled run! (photo credit goes to Lucia.) Very soon I will be turning 62. It’s an age that almost seemed unfathomable to my younger self. Ancient! And yet it’s an age by which I always knew I wanted to be free: Free from family business. Free from being a dutiful daughter. Free from the expectations of society and men, especially, but also other women. Free from all the wondering about what my future would hold (kids, jobs, relationships, etc.). So here I am, qualifying for senior discounts at the movie theater! Lately, I’ve seen a lot of women on social media beginning to talk about getting older and wondering about it. As you may know about me by now, I love talking about the stuff that often people don’t talk about. Demystifying the mysteries! So here is my list of what I love about being an older, and even old, woman:
Every single point is true. All important, and I think the first one may be the biggest for many. It took me years to figure that one out. And I prefer the swimmer's one piece. Now, on to the movies. Thank you, Maria. It's great to be an older woman. 💕
This is divine. I am so glad you have taken these inchate thoughts inside of me also and put them into words. I had so much hate directed toward me because of a family business that I came to all of these conclusions, but could not articulate any of them. (Unlike yourself, Maria, I am an expert blocker, though!)
Great essay! I read bits of it out loud to my husband (who is still 13 like me and laughs at the same weird jokes.).
The one thing you don't mention is that the medical industry is NOT our friend. It sees us as cows to be milked for on money through endless prescriptions. God forbid that they work to solve any of the issues we have, such as urinary incontinence! They would rather we spend thousands of dollars for PADS than actually have bladder control. (Pads are not a pleasant way to relive your 13 year old lifestyle.)
You've got me sold! I really worried about being the old lady at my kids' nursery school, but I'm finding this international collective of moms is quite forgiving and even grateful to have an ear with someone who's been around the block once it twice. Meanwhile, I'm actively plotting my eccentric old age!
I feel every word of this -- and even more now that I am about to turn 70. So much freedom, so little self-judgement, such firm boundaries, so much fun.
You had me at Zero fucks -- and kept me nodding and applauding throughout. Loved reading your truth. Me too and getting closer to zero everyday since entering my 60s. Still the fun part of 14 inside. Love the snow shot. Thx Maria.
Ok, you’ve convinced me: I want to be an older woman too! Many thanks for the revelations.
At 76 I can say that it only gets better! Thanks for cheering on older women, Maria.
Every single point is true. All important, and I think the first one may be the biggest for many. It took me years to figure that one out. And I prefer the swimmer's one piece. Now, on to the movies. Thank you, Maria. It's great to be an older woman. 💕
Happier humans-yes!
This is divine. I am so glad you have taken these inchate thoughts inside of me also and put them into words. I had so much hate directed toward me because of a family business that I came to all of these conclusions, but could not articulate any of them. (Unlike yourself, Maria, I am an expert blocker, though!)
Lovely. At 70 I feel many of those things and can certainly relate to the rest. Just love the inside of your head.
Great essay! I read bits of it out loud to my husband (who is still 13 like me and laughs at the same weird jokes.).
The one thing you don't mention is that the medical industry is NOT our friend. It sees us as cows to be milked for on money through endless prescriptions. God forbid that they work to solve any of the issues we have, such as urinary incontinence! They would rather we spend thousands of dollars for PADS than actually have bladder control. (Pads are not a pleasant way to relive your 13 year old lifestyle.)
You've got me sold! I really worried about being the old lady at my kids' nursery school, but I'm finding this international collective of moms is quite forgiving and even grateful to have an ear with someone who's been around the block once it twice. Meanwhile, I'm actively plotting my eccentric old age!
Beautiful. At 56, I’m tasting freedom.
Love you to the moon and back, Maria!
I feel every word of this -- and even more now that I am about to turn 70. So much freedom, so little self-judgement, such firm boundaries, so much fun.
You had me at Zero fucks -- and kept me nodding and applauding throughout. Loved reading your truth. Me too and getting closer to zero everyday since entering my 60s. Still the fun part of 14 inside. Love the snow shot. Thx Maria.
Indeed! And agreed!
I am adding "I don't have to" do so many things I felt obligated to before. And I feel free.
So many truths 👏👏👏👏👏