Hey, Baby Boomers, we are fast approaching the big 7 0. Don’t ask me how, because it was only the other day, we were 50. I’m choosing to approach it by playing more, not taking life too seriously, but embracing it with humour, style and a sassy attitude.
No longer considered ‘hot’ in the physically sexually attractive sense, but instead, ‘post menopausal hot’, with hot flushes. We can take consolation in the fact longevity is on our side nowadays. So, don’t bemoan ageing as an ending, nor Sartre’s quote, “life’s a bitch and then you die”. This is a defeatist attitude we are not adhering to, defying ageist stereotypes.
Consider our grandmothers. They looked old, stooped, used walking sticks for mobility, and sat in their rocking chairs. We are vibrant, far healthier, live longer and believe age is a number, not a definition.
Seventy, as with the previous decades, comes with its milestones and body metamorphosis. When gravity takes charge as our body slides south. With saggy skin, creaky, cranky joints, slackening muscles, faltering balance, senior moments, thinning grey hair and eyebrows. Energy levels are less robust, naps and early nights have become habitual and going to bed has become a favourite destination, compared to partying or socialising the night away. But that doesn’t mean we are boring foggies.
That as it may be, our style must remain intact and up to date. But heaven forbid, not mutton dressed as lamb. Rather be comfortable but fabulous. Wear your red lipstick with pride and your kitten heels. I’m sure the killer stilettos we used to wear are what gave us the corns and bunions some of us have. Ballet flats or kitten heels are stylish, way more comfortable and better for overall balance on terra firma.
Terra firma is where we want to be, as roads, kerbs, stairs and slopes can become the enemy, as hip and knee replacements become commonplace among our age group, whether from falls or osteoporosis.
Who on earth came up with the ridiculous notion that women of a certain age shouldn’t have long hair? That they are sexless, invisible, incompetent, senile, feeble and are just old. Of course, like most stereotypes, these are ageist, sexist and obnoxious.
The yesteryears were great. We were young and invincible, or so we thought. Transiting from building a career to starting a family. Suddenly, we were 40, then 50, and even more startlingly, imminently 70. But by golly, I’m going down enjoying life to the end. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not afraid of approaching 70.
The betraying signs pale in comparison to the confidence and power gained knowing precisely who you are, no longer suffering fools gladly, gaining hard-earned wisdom, living life on your terms. Hopefully with more to come, with good health of course, God willing.
Ladies, here’s to 70, fabulously, unapologetically 70, ageing like fine wine, rich with full flavour. Still with a zest for life and choosing to go down with a wink, wiggle and sass. Whatever your tipple, Cheers!
What does 70 look like to you? Let us know in the Comments Section.
