65! Yikes! Isn’t That When You’re OLD?
/Last November, I turned 65 years old. It’s surreal to think about. When I look in the mirror, I don’t see an old person, which makes me think: “Maybe being seen as old is just a myth. Maybe people don’t actually perceive 65 that way.”
But then a few weeks ago, I spoke to a group of students at Pace University about Pure Joy Wellness. When I mentioned my age, someone asked me if I feel 65 (implying that was old). I thought about it, and then I said, “Yes and no.” Here’s the logic behind my answer…
The Yes Part
Like I said, when the student asked me, “Do you feel 65?” part of my answer was yes. That’s because life experience teaches us quite a lot. I’ve lived for 65 years, and I’ve learned so much. I’m happy about that. I have more confidence as a 65 year old woman than I ever could have as a younger woman. There’s no substitute for decades of dealing with and solving problems, of surviving hard things, of seeing our own progress in striving to get better at something. When we can make it through all that, we become “seasoned,” and I rather like being seasoned. It certainly feels a lot better than being anxious, fearful that I won't make it, unsure of my skills, or pressured to climb whatever ladder is before me. I'll take “seasoned” any day.
The No Part
The “no” part of my answer has to do with the number 65 and my distorted image of what being 65 should look like and feel like. We’re expected to feel “old,” to slow down, and/or be less interested in having fun, adventures, or sex. But we know that's not true! I'm happy to report that I'm having more fun, adventure, and sex than ever at this point. I created and built a business (Pure Joy Wellness) that I love and I work because I want to work, doing things I feel satisfied doing. I am using all those years of experience in television and in health and wellness to empower women to make health their #1 priority, so they don’t have to be afraid of getting older.
My final thoughts on turning 65
I am lucky I am in excellent health at 65 and I am grateful every day for this. When I take a walk on a beautiful day, I know it's a gift. Every body part works fine. And going beyond a casual walk, I can jog, bike, run, jump rope and do pretty much any physical activity I want. I am always the oldest woman in any exercise class. I can just celebrate being able to do it all. And I do celebrate.
I am among the millions of women who have recently reached this milestone. I am glad and sad about some things. I have already experienced the loss of dear friends. It’s sobering and difficult. But I also think it's a time to celebrate a lot of things. I think about how we, baby boomers, as a generation, are trying to change the concept of aging, and I love it. And I am proud to be on the frontlines leading the way!
So, if you, too, are a baby boomer, I invite you to celebrate with me. Raise a glass to a different and evolving idea of aging. Toast to the beauty of experience and being wiser than we were at 20. Find your joy in showing the younger generation that we know how to live these years in a meaningful way. We can share life's lessons with others. We can set an example of being responsible. We understand that we must savor the moment. We can have a wonderful time appreciating what we are and all we have. Let the beauty of this time of life shine on.
Cheers!
Renata