Gloria, Age 69
Recently I did a sort of life review, in 10 year age spans, and I realized that I accomplished more in the years from 50 – 60 than any other span. I haven’t yet completed the 60 – 70 span, but I am sure it will likewise be very full.
My life also had more changes as I aged.
Now I work only 3 days per week, but am loathe to give up my profession, as a clinical psychologist, completely. I find that age and experience have deepened and enriched my ability to empathise, assist and engage with my patients. By using my own life experience I am encouraging other women to expect to be similarly productive long past their 40’s. And I hope I am a role model to my young clients as they tackle life’s challenges.
Being a grandmother certainly is very joy-filled, but I have not become the fulltime nanny my daughter and son-in-law invite me to become. I relish the time I have to read for hours, or to walk among my trees and pick up branches to burn. Even with the loss of loved ones and friends, I am enjoying these days and savoring each pleasure. Although I have some medical conditions, I am thankful for my general good health- emotional, physical and spiritual. Seventy does not seem the threat it would have been at age 40. Sometimes I even contemplate turning eighty, as with every decade I wonder, ‘Is this the time to stop coloring my hair?’