Is 60 the new 40? It could mean that people are living longer today, they're healthier, and they're enjoying life more. Now the average age for someone moving into a nursing home is 81, but in the 1950's, it was 65. In a 2005 Merrill Lynch survey of people between the ages of 40 and 59, 76% said they planned to retire when they were about 64 — and then start an entirely new career. Men and women in their 70s and 80s race in almost every marathon. Seniors teach and take classes, travel, and just seem to live fuller lives than ever before. On the other hand, are we ageing gracefully? In other words, how many are turning to Botox, collagen injections, and laser skin treatments? How many grey-haired over 60s do you come across? I’d like to age gracefully and I am lucky that I inherited good genes in that regard. When I was married at 25, I looked about 14 and now as I approach the final week of my 50s, I recall going to my daughter’s office one day and her telling me later that her colleagues thought I must have been a teenager when I had her. (I was 29) I must be honest, though, as I have often thought of having the inherited droopy jowls hiked up and the inherited muffin top suctioned. Will I ever do it? Probably not.
Mark Twain once said, "Wrinkles should merely indicate where a smile has been." I smile a lot because it’s a natural and instant facelift. I wear some makeup to enhance my appearance and I have my hair done because I like the colour. I eat healthily and walk to keep fit because it makes me feel good. Fellowshipping with friends and family, keeping up with what’s going on in the world, and finding things that interest and challenge me will help me to age as gracefully as possible.
I predict that the last third of my life will be the best! As a single sixty, I can do what I want, when I want, if I want. Some plans are to travel more, write those books, and become proficient in photography so I can design greeting cards from my photos. I hope to make even more friends from all over the world and if God intends it, find a companion to join me in the exciting journey to come.
Like Sylvia does, I plan on celebrating for the whole month of October this year. So watch for lots of photos of the birthday dinner at River Rock Casino with my girl friends, the family Thanksgiving/birthday party for me and my son-in-law (remember my American friends, our Thanksgiving is in October), the celebration of life for my Dad, my daughter’s birthday, and Halloween. I also plan on getting out and about taking photos of the changing colours of the season in this beautiful corner of the world.
I plan to live, laugh, and love – in that order. Anyone want to come along for the ride?
UPDATE: Just did a fun little quiz that a friend sent me and apparently I'm going to live to be 95.8 years old. So I've got a lot of living still to do.
22 comments:
I had never heard Mark Twain's quote but it is a great one and I agree with every word. I am also with you, in that I don't think I will go for any enhancements. 50's have made a lot of changes in my appearance but I have worked hard to obtain these wrinkles so I wear them with pride (so far)! Happy early birthday!
When is your birthday?
I have more fun stuff on my fridge.
DANCEE
as though no one is watching you
LOVE
as though you have never been hurt before
SING
as though no one can hear you
LIVE
as though heaven is on earth.
Have an awesome evening.
I was gone Friday and missed the post about your father. So sorry to hear that. What a kind tribute. Glad you're focusing on positive things. I love the cartoon. It reminds me of how a fellow blogger "The Walking Man" often describes how he looks when he writes. (No offense, Mark, if you see this.)
Good for you Leslie. Do everything you can to keep your body moving and your mind active and be grateful for your good genes!
That, my dear fello is exactly how I look without my truss and cane.
peace
TWM
Leslie- I am like Tom/POI- I missed your post about your dad. I will keep you in my prayers. What a great picture of him and a nice tribute to a very special man in your life.
YOU GO GIRLFRIEND!!!!
ROCK ON!!
I decided at 50 I would start to count backwards each year,
let me explain
at 57 I am actually 43 years young and getting younger each day
and at 60, you are actually younger than I, as you would be a fabulous and fun 40!!!!
If we keep this up by the time we reach 80 or 20 we will be acting like a 20 yr old and by the time we are 85 we will be 15 and acting every bit a crazy teenager!
So you see?? It all depends how you slice the cake
AGE IS MERELY A STATE OF MIND!!
I will be here partying right along with you throughout October!!
from your GREY HAIRED (and damn proud of it... I HAVE EARNED EACH AND EVERY ONE!!)
buddy in Montreal
Cheryl xox
Great Mark Twain quote and I agree that a smile instantly improves one's appearance..
Looking forward to your upcoming posts. You sound very upbeat..
xo
Mark Twain always had neat things to say.
Your positive attitude will make a huge difference in how well you age and how much you enjoy your aging years. BTW, I am gray and over 60. I would change my hair color back to brown with highlights if it were not so much trouble to keep up.
fzw
Early Happy Birthday to you Leslie. You certainly do not look 60! Good genes help, but your smile and outlook on life make a difference too.
Sorry I have not been around for a while, things have been keeping me from spending alot of time visiting my blog friends.
I am so sorry to read of your Dads passing. I am glad you were able to be with him and it sounds like he went peacefully. You will miss him, but he will live on in your memories, and you will find you will sense his presence at your family gatherings!
celebration is always good! thats my moto! laugh, love and live it up. i love to smile, I tell everyone I was born with a smile!
they always ask what i am smiling about, (life) of course, there has to be a bright side to everything right? right! so celebrate!
YOU GO GIRL... and we will follow, or better yet-- we will be right beside you..
love ya,
WANDA
Well congratulations girl! 60 is a wonderful wonderful time to celebrate life.
Leslie~ Nice! Reasonable and optimistic outlook on the next third of life. May it be the best yet, for all of us. Tonight, I'm wishing I was a single nearly sixty. My husband was just a wreched grumpy jerk! And I don't want that for the next thirty years. Grrrrr!!! Maybe separate homes. This too shall pass . . . but it always returns. Sorry, this is not the place for a gripe
Laugh, laugh, and laugh some more.
Happy Birthday.
Enjoy.
may you enjoy your birthday month as much as i did mine, and that was a lot.
Show us the way to live gracefully and live fully. We are following in your footsteps.
All living, loving and laughing is welcome here!
Thank you for the bouyant thoughts, they are welcome!
Leslie, I am so happy to have popped in today for your post is absolutely great. You do have the best part of your life ahead because you really do know yourself, what you want out of your life and what your priorities are. No more running around like a chicken little trying to figure out what's what. You are comfortable with yourself, as you should, and that makes you some happy, balanced and fortunate lady.
What an inspiring post! It made me feel better and I didn't even feel bad to begin with.
I'm loving the cartoon. Never wonder why on line dating is so interesting. It's not just the guys that lie about their ages.
Leslie, I think I am the only one in this crowd who knows you personally, and I can say you are one of the liveliest, most vibrant people I know.
Cheers,
Josie
You have great genes, there is no way you are 60....and as well as that your attitude to life and the challenges it (hurls) throws us is inspirational and rocks...
I am so sorry on missing your Dad passing, he looks so beautiful, such a character...they stay with us in spirit and in our hearts and soul; here is to your Dad Leslie..
I'm with you, happy early birthday and may October be Leslie-fun month...
(The pics of the kids down sidebar are just gorgeous btw)
Pam
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