As an 84 year old curious, independent woman, I can tell you that the best is yet to come. However, that means planning. You don’t just retire and everything magically falls into place. Too many assume life will remain the same, with later morning wake times. I look at time as finite and therefore need to make the best possible choices.
brings me back to my years on a municipal senior task force. use of the word "senior" is fraught! like you, i was not yet an older, even though i'd been a family caregiver who also worked in social welfare. it took me a bit to grasp that "we are all olders in training" and we are all on the same road, albeit at different points.
Elders is another fraught word. Accurate? Sure. Good marketing? Not so much. While on the task force (for a sizable city), the words senior and elder(ly) got massive push back. I choose to use older adults or olders. Just my unsolicited two cents.
I am 81, a relatively healthy Senior who goes to the gym twice a week, walks regularly and stretches every day. At our Senior's Gym the motto is simple: "We're Not Done Yet!!!"
I love this reframe. It's like an affirmation. Even if we don't fully believe it 100% of the time, we can gradually make it true by saying it, practicing it, and sharing it. We certainly have issues to manage, but I like the idea of believing we can get better with age. I also love the idea of doing now what will help me feel and function better later.
It also helps to change what comes to mind because "seniors" is a word that is so weighty for so many. It implies "old", like "granny" for older women whether they're a grandmother or not, etc.
Aging is what we all hope to do, and doing it well is my goal.
I love this take. The words we use around aging really do shape how we see ourselves. Getting older comes with challenges, but I’d rather focus on doing what helps me stay healthy, capable, and enjoying life for as long as possible.
I had no idea you were so young, and your voice always rang true for me (and I'm 80, with maybe two decades left). We do get better - not necessarily better physically, but better able to navigate life's ups and downs. I hope I keep growing in that manner until my last breath.
I was surprised by this. As long as the content is helpful, that’s what matters. You might also think about adding some content that reflects the lives(like mine) challenged by chronic illness. What you have shared I’ve adapted from.
Well, this is damned interesting ! :) I must've signed up for this Substack and instantly forgotten I did so (typical, alas !), and here you are writing stuff that has real meaning.
I forgive you for being so young, which is generous of me: I shall shortly turn 83. My forgiveness is based on your acute brain, Diana - I do love thinking people.
I'm an age pensioner living in Melbourne, Australia, and I need to stop finding most things just too much trouble and sitting back with my crochet - because I'm not really that person.
When I read the first few sentences I was thinking “Don’t go!”. As I kept reading I was happy to see you’re not leaving, just shifting a little.
I turned 58 two days ago, and I’ve been applying little bits of what you’ve written about since I found your newsletter several weeks ago. I’ve regained some hand strength because of one article, and realized my mobility isn’t as bad as I thought because of another.
Keep doing what you’re doing, and even though you’re not a senior yet, you have your parents to thank for the part they play in what you do. Without watching them and learning about their challenges and the changes they face, you wouldn’t be able to help the rest of us.
This means more than you know. Hearing that something I shared helped even a little with strength and mobility makes all the writing worth it. Thank you for taking the time to say this, and happy belated 58th. 😊
I am in process of adopting a new cat - 7 years old. The application asked my age. I had to enter 81! I thought “This is the kiss of death!” And the adoption coordinator questioned my reference about my age. My reference said, “If you didn’t know her age and met her, you wouldn’t really be able to ‘age’ her! And it definitely wouldn’t be 81!” That’s what it’s all about!
I like the name change because it is more honest. I really thought you were a senior when I started subscribing to your Substack. I have enjoyed many of your posts and have shared them with other seniors. I will continue to subscribe for now because of this. I do admit to feeling a bit disappointed that you aren’t actually a senior because i have become aware in the past few years how we become invisible to the world in many ways and I felt validated for the exposure your posts represented. I want to believe that you cared about seniors not just to sell stuff but because of a true caring to help and inform. I’m willing to see if this is true but will be seeking other voices as well.
Thanks for being honest about that. I care about helping seniors live healthier, better lives, and I’ll keep doing my best to earn that trust through the work itself. I’m glad you’re staying, and I appreciate you sharing how this felt from your side.
I like the name change and the slightly revised focus. As I emailed you earlier today, I’m proposing to lead a class based upon your newsletter at our LLI 55+ continuing education center. I’ll be revising the proposed title and description to reflect your changes.
As an 84 year old curious, independent woman, I can tell you that the best is yet to come. However, that means planning. You don’t just retire and everything magically falls into place. Too many assume life will remain the same, with later morning wake times. I look at time as finite and therefore need to make the best possible choices.
Eileen Landau
Author: Authentic Aging
100% agree Eileen, thank you for sharing it!
Bravo, Diana. I can see you spreading your wings
Thank you Annie, appreciate it!
Love it! Good pivot. 👍
I loved stumbling onto your site and meeting another positive aging advocate. Your reflection on the space between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming really resonated. I recently wrote about this in a piece called The New Map of Aging that is very connected to what you’re exploring. https://webbbierbrier.substack.com/p/aging-up-a-new-map-for-growing-older?r=5f9hb5&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Thank you! I’m in!
brings me back to my years on a municipal senior task force. use of the word "senior" is fraught! like you, i was not yet an older, even though i'd been a family caregiver who also worked in social welfare. it took me a bit to grasp that "we are all olders in training" and we are all on the same road, albeit at different points.
“We’re all elders in training” really lands. Appreciate this perspective, thank you for sharing it!
Elders is another fraught word. Accurate? Sure. Good marketing? Not so much. While on the task force (for a sizable city), the words senior and elder(ly) got massive push back. I choose to use older adults or olders. Just my unsolicited two cents.
I am 81, a relatively healthy Senior who goes to the gym twice a week, walks regularly and stretches every day. At our Senior's Gym the motto is simple: "We're Not Done Yet!!!"
Love it ❤️❤️❤️
I love this reframe. It's like an affirmation. Even if we don't fully believe it 100% of the time, we can gradually make it true by saying it, practicing it, and sharing it. We certainly have issues to manage, but I like the idea of believing we can get better with age. I also love the idea of doing now what will help me feel and function better later.
It also helps to change what comes to mind because "seniors" is a word that is so weighty for so many. It implies "old", like "granny" for older women whether they're a grandmother or not, etc.
Aging is what we all hope to do, and doing it well is my goal.
I love this take. The words we use around aging really do shape how we see ourselves. Getting older comes with challenges, but I’d rather focus on doing what helps me stay healthy, capable, and enjoying life for as long as possible.
I had no idea you were so young, and your voice always rang true for me (and I'm 80, with maybe two decades left). We do get better - not necessarily better physically, but better able to navigate life's ups and downs. I hope I keep growing in that manner until my last breath.
Aging can teach us a lot. Wishing you many more years of growing, learning, and finding joy in the ride!
I was surprised by this. As long as the content is helpful, that’s what matters. You might also think about adding some content that reflects the lives(like mine) challenged by chronic illness. What you have shared I’ve adapted from.
Well, this is damned interesting ! :) I must've signed up for this Substack and instantly forgotten I did so (typical, alas !), and here you are writing stuff that has real meaning.
I forgive you for being so young, which is generous of me: I shall shortly turn 83. My forgiveness is based on your acute brain, Diana - I do love thinking people.
I'm an age pensioner living in Melbourne, Australia, and I need to stop finding most things just too much trouble and sitting back with my crochet - because I'm not really that person.
https://chl.org.au
I am, as is said, a cover girl. [grin]
I shall follow you with fascination, looking for more intelligent words, and saving up to pay for my subscription.
When I read the first few sentences I was thinking “Don’t go!”. As I kept reading I was happy to see you’re not leaving, just shifting a little.
I turned 58 two days ago, and I’ve been applying little bits of what you’ve written about since I found your newsletter several weeks ago. I’ve regained some hand strength because of one article, and realized my mobility isn’t as bad as I thought because of another.
Keep doing what you’re doing, and even though you’re not a senior yet, you have your parents to thank for the part they play in what you do. Without watching them and learning about their challenges and the changes they face, you wouldn’t be able to help the rest of us.
Thank you for all you do! 😀😊
This means more than you know. Hearing that something I shared helped even a little with strength and mobility makes all the writing worth it. Thank you for taking the time to say this, and happy belated 58th. 😊
Thank you!
I am in process of adopting a new cat - 7 years old. The application asked my age. I had to enter 81! I thought “This is the kiss of death!” And the adoption coordinator questioned my reference about my age. My reference said, “If you didn’t know her age and met her, you wouldn’t really be able to ‘age’ her! And it definitely wouldn’t be 81!” That’s what it’s all about!
Way to go Susan! 💪
I'll be with you as you expand and slightly refocus. It sounds great and a journey I want to travel.
Thank you Barbara, I really appreciate it!
I like the name change because it is more honest. I really thought you were a senior when I started subscribing to your Substack. I have enjoyed many of your posts and have shared them with other seniors. I will continue to subscribe for now because of this. I do admit to feeling a bit disappointed that you aren’t actually a senior because i have become aware in the past few years how we become invisible to the world in many ways and I felt validated for the exposure your posts represented. I want to believe that you cared about seniors not just to sell stuff but because of a true caring to help and inform. I’m willing to see if this is true but will be seeking other voices as well.
Thanks for being honest about that. I care about helping seniors live healthier, better lives, and I’ll keep doing my best to earn that trust through the work itself. I’m glad you’re staying, and I appreciate you sharing how this felt from your side.
I like the name change and the slightly revised focus. As I emailed you earlier today, I’m proposing to lead a class based upon your newsletter at our LLI 55+ continuing education center. I’ll be revising the proposed title and description to reflect your changes.
Thanks John. I haven’t seen your email yet, but I appreciate the support and I’m glad the newsletter is useful for what you’re building.