There's a discussion going on at DorothyL about older women and how they're portrayed in books.
Including some suggestions about how to refer to those of us who might fall into this category.
I'm 62. I guess I'm now one of those women in this category.
A woman of a certain age.
Whatever - I kinda like that phrase, actually.
Here's a thought.
Refer to us as "women."
Or perhaps even, "Penelope So&So is a 78 year old woman."
Whatever. Does there really need to be further elucidation?
All I know is that I've met some women who, at the grand ol' age of 30-something, manage to convey the stereotypical image of "old woman," while I also know some women my age and older who do not convey that image in the least.
I can truthfully say that at the age of 62, I am happier, more content, more fulfilled than I've been at any other time in my life. I have joked that I was born to be a retired person. In reality, that may not be a joke. I seem to have fallen into retirement with a gusto that has surprised me. I'm doing things that interest me and having a ball discovering new things that interest me.
Since I turned 60 I've had two essays published in two separate regional anthologies. I didn't even start writing until I was 60. I didn't even think I wanted to write until I was 60.
I've treated myself (as a retirement gift) to a new camera. A Canon G12 which is not an SLR, but a step in that direction. I'm still learning about the camera, but am having a ball going out on shoots with it, and plan on taking some lessons. Going for a drive by myself in these gorgeous North Carolina mountains looking for the "perfect" shot is just huge fun for me. It's lovely having the time now to be able to do this.
And I've joined a gym. The name of it is The Gym. (I love that).
I was never an exerciser. I don't recall running when I was a child. I vividly recall rolling my eyes and shaking my head when the subject of exercise even came up.
I am known for eating my words.
And on occasion, that is fine fine fine.
Now I wish people who might dare call me elderly would eat theirs. For real.
(I don't even know where I'm going with this. Pffffttttt.)
Lemme try this.
Some of us are older. So????
Does that make us less vibrant? Less interesting?
When it comes to novels, do people really prefer reading about a younger woman than an older woman? Why? Is it because she's sexier? Does that make her more interesting? Seriously - I'm very interested in hearing how you all feel about this.
But this IS the perfect opportunity for me to squeal about my gym. The Gym. Which I love, so thanks!
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| (me. Senior Citizen Gym Rat) |
What's next for me?
No idea.
But stay tuned!
It could be fun!
