Normally, I post on Tuesday and Thursday. The plan is that I post about beauty, fashion or positive ageing on Tuesdays.Thursday’s something related to decor, gardening, entertaining or the like. Kim and I have had some technical difficulties this week due to the storms, so our post on Resort Wear got postponed until tomorrow. In the meantime, let’s have a quick chat about the positive benefits of aging. Why is Growing Old Beautiful?
I know from reading your insightful comments that most of you feel as I do that aging is a gift. How we choose to go about it can be an art. Sure it’s not for sissies, but an optimistic outlook and a sense of purpose can go a long way in fostering positive aging. “It matters not how long we live but how”-Philip James Bailey
WHY IS GROWING OLD BEAUTIFUL?
So many things come to mind
Perhaps the satisfaction we have gained from sharing our own wisdom, and learning from that of others.
(watching our children parent, learning from our grandchildren)
Our capacity to share our passions, and love with our family, friends, and others.
(sharing our knowledge through volunteering and helping others)
Our ability to find humor in ourselves and the mistakes we have made.
The ability to consider different points of view, and accepting compromises.
(this one is so important as we age, we don’t want to become “those old people” who only see black and white and nothing in between)
Appreciating the quality of life that we have been able to attain and share it with others.
“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing”-George Bernard Shaw.
If you haven’t read my post How to Age Positively with Grace, you might enjoy reading the comments and the text. You might also enjoy this post How to Age Positively and More that got the conversation going.
You might enjoy these articles:
Seven Holistic Tips to Age Gracefully
What is so Good About Growing Old-Smithsonian
Eleanor Roosevelt said: “Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, and the youngest you’ll ever be again.” That says it all really, doesn’t it? It’s that simple. We “seniors” (not sure I like that term but for lack of a better one) are significantly happier than our middle aged counterparts.
Than you for reading Why is Growing Old Beautiful. I will be back tomorrow with my scheduled post. Why is Growing Old Beautiful to you? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Seven Holistic Tips to Age Gracefully
What is so Good About Growing Old-Smithsonian
My father passed away at 96. In his later years he loved everyday that was given to him. He was just so happy to be alive! He spent the last 8 months of his life with us and I and especially my children are so blessed to have had that time with him. Miss him greatly and he did grow old gracefully! I have been married 51 years and love our retirement years. I am 71 but sure don’t feel like it!
Love your blog!!!
Love this!
What a great, positive spin on aging. It has its challenges but so many blessings. My philosophy is pretty much “Life is short; buy the dress, take the trip and by all means eat dessert.” i can’t recall where i heard it, but i love it! I would add send time with the grandkids before they outgrow you and keep making friends,
Luckily had a mom who was gorgeous. Why? She valued her daily choice of lifestyle, not anything outside her sphere. She stayed who she was, died elegant looking, well into her 80’s. Never tried to keep her ‘youthful’ looks, merely the simplest/wisest personal caretaking and her longstanding clothing choices of perfection.
Great truths you’ve posted.
What’s not mentioned is what society/mercantile think of aging women. Too many evils there. Amusing. They know, the power of matriarchs and try to sweep it away. ‘The hand that rocks the cradle…………..’
Hi Tara
So great to hear from you. You are my garden mentor! Wise words….your mom sounds wonderful. I love “simplest and wisest personal caretaking” words for all of us to live by.
I think your article might be best named, Why Growing Older is Beautiful, “Old” is a state of mind, body and soul that most of us decline to accept. Case in point, my 93 year young, mother, who lives independently, does NOT consider herself “old”. She frequently mentions, “some old people” who live in her condo, and she is in years the eldest. Years do not count, it’s attitude, and in her case pure curiosity that keeps her going, she says, she can’t wait to see what happens next. The ability to live in the highest and lowest moments, to recognize joy and sorrow, and to say, I know where I am and I know I can live – get up everyday and say, “I am alive, alive, alive!”.
Hi Nancy
I agree! Titles are a funny thing. We bloggers have to choose our topics carefully so that google recognizes them. Isn’t it interesting that I had to phrase it that way to get recognized, just like using the word “bathing suit” in my current post…very odd. Your mom sounds like Steve’s Aunt Betty. She was saving all of her magazines for when she got old. She wqs nearly 100 when she passed.
Cindy,
An excellent reminder that growing old is a gift. I have lost way too many friends way too early.
xx
annie
Hi Annie
You are so right about that…so have we…maybe that is why I appreciate my life so much.
I really enjoyed this gave me some food for thought! I’m like the other lady the runway is getting shorter!!!!
Hi Mary
Yes the runway is getting shorter, but we need to enjoy every inch of it!
This was the very thing this older person likes to hear. I’m happy and content at my age. I will continue to count myself lucky with family and friends. What a nice post. Summer always looks so happy to be with her grandma (or whatever you go by). 😊
Karen B.
Hi Karen B!
Aren’t we lucky to be happy and content at this age? We are so lucky to have supportive family and friends.
Whoops
P.S I think Summer and I have fun…my son says my days are numbered with her…she will be moving on to bigger and better things before we know it!!
Hi Cindy,
A good subject to talk about. At this stage of your life hopefully we have less concerns about the business world that we retired from. That in its self gives us so much more freedom to enjoy the things we were never had to time to do before. Having a partner that adores you that you have been with forever and that your one another as best friends is one of the greatest gifts. Aging together and having one another’s back each and everyday brings an enormous level of comfort.
Cindy, you have an adorable family. The individual picture of you and Steve with Summer is so sweet. Summer is so pretty, but the inside is what counts.
Living in “comfort and ease” certainly brings so many blessings.
Hi Katherine
Completely agree with your words Katherine. Thank you so much for your kind comments regarding my family. Summer is just as sweet on the inside as she is on the outside, but full of it! Living with comfort and ease…love that…
I love your sunglasses! What brand/style are they?
Hi Judy
They are from Ahlem. They are prescription. If you can’t find them or are local contact Specs by Kyla in Atascadero. She is taking this area by storm. She has a great eye for what looks good on people. You can contact her via Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/specsbykyla/
Ryan, our three year old grandson, reminds us every day to live in the moment! Yesterday and tomorrow is NOT today!
~ As an “older woman” there are two quotes that I live by: 1) “Care about what others think and you will ALWAYS be their prisoner.” — Leo Tsu. When I was much younger, I did care about what others thought of me. Now, I don’t. The other is “Stay away from negative people. They have a problem for every solution.” — Albert Einstein. There are many positive attributes to growing older. I’m living my life for such a time as this (Esther 4:4). ~
My husband retired last year and I semi retired at the beginning of this year. The mix of working and having free time has been a wonderful balance for me! I for one, embrace my age. I love life, enjoy my 3 grands, exercise, reading, gardening, decorating, spending more time with those I love the most! I would not go back. Much knowledge and understanding have come with the years. What a gift! Have a wonderful day!
I had a scary time for first 6 months of 2020, just as I was to turn 70, with jammed kidney ‘rocks’ and then something called Ménière’s disease, so lots of dizziness and nausea… terrified of vomiting but got over that fear pretty darn fast. Suddenly felt very vulnerable and old! But it all passed by and I got my confidence back. Haven’t looked back and feel great… decided that I would be the best in my 70’s that I could be. Life is moving fast.
2 years ago I began Reformer Pilates twice a week and chose to travel on a couple of solo adventures . My husband is very absorbed working on his late 60’s cars and motorcycles at the workshop a lot, so I have to find my own pursuits as he is living his much anticipated retirement dream . More companionship would be welcome , but I need to accept what we do have together and keep doing what makes me busy & happy. C’est La Vie 🙂 after all, you never know what’s around the corner…
Hi Cath,
I see you on many of the same blogs and Instagram sites I follow so assume we have similar interests. I too live in BC but on the mainland, in Vancouver. After reading previous comments from you I had assumed you were single but fortunately for you there is a partner in your life.
I love to travel and try to take at least two to three major trips a year. If you are ever wanting to have a companion on an otherwise solo adventure, please contact me. If it fits into my schedule I will always consider. If you are coming to Vancouver we could meet for coffee and see just how compatible we are.
I too do Pilates on a Reformer twice a week to keep the body moving. Off to Barcelona in May on a small ship cruise headed for Dublin.
How lovely for reaching out ,Joyce! I discovered blogs only a couple of years ago…simple pursuits as I referred to previously. I grew up in Vancouver, just outside UBCgates three blocks from Locarno Beach. Then in Calgary for 25 years where I met my fellow. We retired to Qualicum Beach area 6+ years ago , but Vancouver has many memories for me. Needed spring breaks to visit girlfriends and see the blossoms, as nothing in Calgary in March!
How cool that you are an adventurous solo traveller as well. I am cruising as well in late May… small ship from London ( hopefully again from Tower Bridge) to Glasgow , with a stop in Dublin! PONANT again , that offered no solo supplement. Glasgow is appealing due to the opportunity to visit my favourite Scottish cousins nearby. Do you have Irish roots, Joyce ? ☘️
Thank you for your suggestion regarding a coffee ☕️ date. Not sure how we’d connect re: privacy, but there must be ways I am not aware of.
Just leaving St Lucia with husband today … ✈️ via Toronto to YVR… will be a slog but will be good to be home after 2 weeks. Just completed a PONANT cruise on Durmont d’Urville …Barbados to St Lucia , which he agreed was exceptional . Might plant idea that for my 75th in 3 years…we’ll look at another cruise to celebrate that milestone.🎂
Like I wrote …life can send you an unwanted surprise anytime, so make haste! 🕰️
So happy you two found each other!!
~ Hi Cindy, Thanks for sharing…your granddaughter Summer is adorable. There was a great quote I read a few years ago: “Don’t regret growing older. It’s a privilege denied to many.” My sweet husband, whom I met in July 2008, is my 2nd bestest friend (the First One is Messiah!). I dubbed him “the cowboy of my dreams;” and he was definitely worth waiting for (I married him at age 57). We’ve known each other 15 years; next Monday, 20 March 2023, we will celebrate our 12 year wedding anniversary. I’m in my late 60s, he’s in his early 60s; together, we make a great team. I wouldn’t trade him for any other man in the whole world. That part of growing “older” is da bomb! ~
There’s another George Burns quote I heard recently, “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” Very nice and uplifting post today, thank you so much!
Wow, so many good thoughts Cindy to think about and I love seeing the photos of you and Steve with your children and Summer. I’ve known you for many years and I think you are living your best life now. My husband and I keep saying how lucky we are to have our two daughters and our grandson who is adored by us all. We are still working and don’t plan to stop bc we continue to meet such interesting people and are constantly challenged which is a good thing. All of our friends are retired so they have much more free time than we do and that’s ok too. We are able to tell them our funny work stories!
In one word: freedom! Age liberates my spirit and outlook.
To be truthful, I have struggled a bit with turning 70–last year. I do recognize how fortunate I am to be alive and healthy, but the idea of a shorter runway has haunted me. I also struggle to align how I want to spend my time with how my husband of almost 50 years wants to spend his.