The Other Side of Sixty
I often think about the other side of sixty, wondering what comes next.
I am 65 years old, a few months shy of 66. I am at the “in-between” stage of my sixties. When I turned sixty, I felt the upcoming years would be a snap. I loved my fifties, growing mindfully in leaps and bounds. When I turned sixty, nothing could stop me. I managed to pick up a little sass in my step, feeling wiser and more courageous. Five years passed in the blink of an eye. Life is good. I still take every opportunity to remind myself, “You got this.”
I am healthy, my body is still moving, my state of mind is in check, and I know where I have been and where I am going. Although I must say, some days, I wonder…do I really know where I am going?
Post covid and raring to go, I joined a few volunteer groups in town last year. I enjoy being part of the bigger picture and giving back to a community I care about. One group fascinates me because I am one of the younger members of the committee. I don’t really think about age with friends; all that matters is that we click. But lately, I think about age a lot.
I am reminded of the awe I felt as a young girl transitioning from my local primary school building (Years 1-6) to the high school (Years 7-12). I still remember those early days, standing by my shiny grey metal school locker in the hallway, looking up, doe-eyed in awe of the older kids, senior girls and boys, strolling past. Older, taller, confident, and self-assured, I knew, one day, I wanted to be just like them. I like to think that I achieved the same by the time I graduated.
Fast forward 50 years, and recently, I was reminded that some things never change. I was the new committee member at a backyard potluck luncheon and looked forward to meeting the others. After filling my plate at the buffet, I sat down with a group of women I had yet to meet. A couple of conversations were going on amongst them. I listened intently. A few women were chatting about a weekly walking group. I chimed in and asked about it. One woman looked at me and curtly said, “You wouldn’t be interested; it is a walking group for women of a certain age.” End of story. The message was clear: I was not a “certain age.” I was too young. And there I was, at that moment, back in my high school hallway, looking up at the big kids, waiting for my turn to be accepted.
I was so surprised by her response that I had to laugh. What just happened? I wasn’t sure if I should feel flattered or insulted. The discussion around aging just somersaulted on me. At that moment, I was too young when the world told me I was getting old.
Months later, I am happy to report that I have grown to enjoy the company of these women immensely. They are the all-encompassing “S”- smart, sassy, and sprightly. One day, as we chatted together, a woman asked me to guess how old she was. I was a bit nervous about the question. Years ago, I assumed a woman was pregnant and asked when she was due. It turned out she wasn’t pregnant. That awkward moment has stayed with me ever since. I can barely manage to guess people’s age in their sixties. I looked at her, knowing she was in her seventies, and felt my safest bet was to say 70. She beamed at me and said, “I am 79,” I replied, “No! You are not!” Another one said, “I am 79, too!”. I must admit I was surprised by both ages; if that was what 79 looked like, things were looking up for me. Others joined in, even the woman who remarked about the walking group, whose company I have come to appreciate.
I think about these women a lot. I watch and listen. Some are settled into a local retirement community; some are in the wings of transition. They engage in the community in remarkable ways, giving their time and taking every opportunity to stay connected and inspired. Like me, they were drawn to this small town in New Hampshire as a place to thrive in the next chapter of their lives.
I have a lot to learn about the other side of sixty. I am fascinated by it all. I have come to appreciate that no matter your age, life is for living; enjoy it daily. I feel fortunate to be inspired by men and women of all ages; I happily follow their lead.
Jeanne :))
PS: I would love to hear your thoughts. Do you think about what’s ahead, or let it be? You can write to me here. Thank you!
#beginagainwriting26
