Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

I am 73 years old, and my husband is 74. Our oldest granddaughters are 22 and 18, and two years ago we became grandparents again.

Our youngest son, who married later than his older brothers, had his first baby, a boy, at 40. This precious boy is the first of our grandchildren who we don’t have to get on a plane to visit. We anticipated this new addition to our family with great joy.

When our older grandchildren were born, we were in our 50s – so young. Our own mortality never entered into the picture. We would all live happily ever after.

With this birth, however, there was a conscious realization that our time with this new baby is finite. Will we get to see him grow into an adult? Maybe. This makes our time with this new addition to our family all that more precious and urgent.

Everyone needs to have access both to grandparents and grandchildren in order to be a full human being.

—Margaret Mead

The Changing Demographics of Becoming a Grandparent

With the change in demographics that is a result of young people committing to marriage and family at much later ages than previous generations, it is not unusual to hear older adults wonder out loud if they will ever become grandparents.

Many years ago, I read an article that stated that as we remain healthy for a longer period of time, there are tons of prospective grandparents out there with energy to spare who are “running around in their jogging suits” longing to have a grandchild.

As I researched this phenomenon, I was surprised to find a good amount of rich material. One of the first articles I came across was written by Susanna Schrobsdorff for TIME Magazine.

When taking her young children to visit her 81-year-old dad in an assisted living facility, she realized that they were among the youngest grandchildren visiting a grandparent. She wrote that they are “among a growing number of kids who will see their grandparents primarily as people in need of care rather than as caretakers.”

Is Grandparenting Becoming an ‘Endangered Institution’?

In another article, one written by Petra Starke for New Corp Australia Network, the author suggests that grandparenting may be an “endangered institution.” A 40-year-old mother, who has to wait the average 30.6 or 40 years for her child to become a parent, will be 70 or 80 by the time she herself becomes a grandparent.

Organizations like Find a Grandparent (Australia) and Adopt a Grandparent (UK) connect surrogate grandparents with young families. In the United States, we have a Facebook Group called Surrogate Grandparents USA that connects surrogate grandparents and grandchildren.

I see this as another way of ameliorating the incessant ageism that pervades our society. Children need to be exposed to – and form relationships with – older adults if they are to grow into adults who welcome age diversity in their communities.

This is also an excellent way to enrich the lives of older grandparents who have no grandchildren or are living far or are estranged from their own progeny.

What Older Grandparents Give to Their Grandchildren

My first reaction to the ‘aha’ of coming to grips with this new adventure is the advantage of our older age. We may not be able to run as fast as we once did, but what we have now that we didn’t have then is an entire lifetime of wisdom and experience to share.

It is the remarkable ability of someone with a long life lived being able to give to a new life just beginning. And, hopefully, this little boy will not perpetuate the incessant age prejudice that is all around us.

Optimistically, his experience of having old grandparents will inform his feelings towards old people throughout his life. This alone is a great gift we get to give him. To add to this, we are about to receive a special gift from our new grandchild.

What Grandchildren Give to Their Aging Grandparents

Your grandchildren do more than make you smile – they can help you stay sharper, be more active and live longer. Spending just the right amount of time with grandchildren could sharpen your cognitive skills.

But, don’t overdo it. Grandparents who are full time caregivers to their grandchildren can suffer stress which eradicates all the benefits of interacting with your grandchildren. Research, however, has shown that the benefits to grandparents who spend one or two days a week with their grandchildren are multifold.

Time with grandchildren can make you sharper, more active, lower your risk of depression and keep you learning. Time together can also give you a renewed sense of purpose and motivate you to take better care of yourself.

The biggest surprise is that hugging or holding hands with your grandchildren can strengthen immunity and help you age better.

Memories You Share with Your Grandchildren Last a Lifetime

When I was 15 years old, my maternal grandfather passed away, and my grandmother came to live with us. Reflecting on that experience recently, both my sister and I expressed what an absolute gift that was for us. My favorite times were joining grandma in her room in the evening.

That’s when she would share her memories of my mom and her sister and brothers growing up. So many stories she had to share with us.

Those stories became part of who I am today; and to this day, I have a great understanding of who I am and where I came from because of those conversations. I often still “talk” to my grandmother when I have a problem to figure out. Imagine, here I am, 73 years old, and I still “talk” to grandma.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What is the age difference between you and your grandchildren? Could you imagine yourself become a grandma at your current age? What would that feel like for you? Please join the conversation below!

If you are a bit tired of “Let it snow, let it snow” or “Raindrops keep falling on your head,” it might be time to bring some virtual sunshine into your day. Join me with a steaming cup of coffee or stir a bit of honey into a cup of tea and let’s get started on some fun indoor adventures.

Each of these activities is free, you can do them any time, and they can be easily broken up into 10-minute, snack-sized adventures.

Virtual Library Educational Adventures

Explore all the benefits of your local library from home.

Learn Something New

This can be as simple and fun as learning a new game or as challenging as learning a new software program. If you have a library card many libraries now offer free resources for learning almost anything.

My favorite go at the library is LinkedIn Learning which offers video courses to develop “creative, technological and business skills.” Last count they offered 16,000 online courses, and they continue to add 30 to 70 news ones every week. Each course is done in short time segments of five or 10 minutes that make it easy to learn one concept at a time.

I’ve used these courses to brush up on desktop publishing, bookkeeping and simple photography skills.

The library also offers other educational resources for help in learning a second language, digging into Genealogy research and basic education skills for any age.

Plus, They Offer Digital Magazines

If you can’t afford all the magazine subscriptions you would like or want to lower your carbon footprint, this is a great resource.

And Digital Newspapers…

I have to say that for me the library is an amazing source to pursue an indoor adventure.

Book Adventures

Choose Something Different

Do you tend to read the same type of books over and over. Jump off the literary dock and try a book totally different. It’s a great way to stay sharp and expand your horizons.

You Could Also Join a Virtual Book Club

Libraries are one source to find clubs (virtual and in person) but also check out Senior Community Centers, local City Calendars, and organizations. Don’t forget bookstores as many of them have clubs to join virtually as well as in person. BookClubs.com lists many book clubs to join or guides you to start your own.

Virtual Trips

Today there are many ways to explore places and sites around the world without stepping out the door.

You can take time to enjoy a virtual tour to prepare for planned in-person trips or simply enjoy places you may never get to but want to know more about.

Start with some of the major ones listed below or search for hundreds of others by typing “virtual + museum” or another search term.

Museums: National Women’s History Museum, British Museum, Vatican
History: Smithsonian, American Revolution, House of European History
Nature: National Parks USA, Botanical Gardens, Nature Conservancy
Science: NASA, German Maritime Museum, Science History Institute
Art: Detroit Institute of Art, Georgia O’Keefe, Getty Museum, Louvre

Check out virtual tours in your own location; you will be surprised how many there will be.

Cooking Adventures

Try cooking a new recipe, a different type of vegetable, meat, or pasta. Go deep and try cooking a different ethnic recipe. You can find complete cooking instructions for all types of cooking from boiling a potato to traditional recipes from almost any country in the world. Some of the full educational offerings such as America’s Test Kitchen Cooking School come with a cost but often have free trial periods.

Exercise Adventure

Not my idea of indoor fun (moment of truth) but with the right mindset I am sure you could make even exercise a fun adventure. Sixty and Me makes the search for virtual exercises easy, offering everything from Yoga and Tai Chai to Simple Balance Exercises. Team up with a friend to help with motivation.

Language Adventure

This is a brain booster for sure, but once you start a new language (even with just a few words) a new world opens for exploring different cultures, customs, literary contributions, art, dance, and music.

You can find courses online free or paid. One free app is Duolingo, which offers variety of language learning opportunities. You can also use your friend Google; just type “online [language] course or “learn [language]”.

A great tip to boost your language learning skills is to find radio and video programs in other languages and idly listen while doing crafting, cooking, or a puzzle. Listening and observing is the way a child learns and the best method for learning at any age.

How About a Friend Adventure?

Connect with long lost friends through Facebook or find a new contact with some of the ways listed below. Socialization is not only a heart healthy and spiritual pick me up, but it also turns even the dullest day into a happier one.

Here are some safe and friendly ideas to find like-minded folks that need a friend without leaving your home.

Old Fashioned Letter Writing

Reconnect with family and friends who would love getting something in the mailbox besides bills and advertisements.

Take it a step further and check out some of these organizations that want volunteers to send letters to those in need.

Check out The Letter Project or The Gladys Love Project or Letters Against Isolation.

Craft Adventure

Have you always admired a type of craft that you told yourself was beyond your talent?

Well, why not do it anyway? Once we hit the 60 mark and counting, the need to impress lessens and it’s time to do it for the fun of doing it.

You can learn to draw, paint, sew, weave – almost every craft has simple starting points. Start your adventure with a simple craft by accessing free tutorials online.

Writing Adventure

I think that every one of us in the “over 60 group” could write an amazing memoir that would challenge any fictional narration on the planet.

The things that we have done, the places we never thought we would go, the people we never imagined meeting, all of these are waiting to be shared if for no one else, friends and members of our family.

Perhaps you made up stories for your children or your grandchildren that could be typed and made into a homemade book to share with family. One friend I know saved every story that her mother sent for her grandchildren and many years later found an illustrator and put them into a book. It’s called, Adventures of Henry the Field Mouse.

I once read a 30-page, type-written, unpublished memoir of a friend’s uncle which was so interesting. He never planned to get it published and it probably never had a huge impact in the literal world, but I remember some of the stories this man told many years after reading it.

Create a cookbook of your favorite recipes, including a paragraph or two of how you found the recipe. Share any adaptions you’ve made and the family events, bake sale or church supper that you made them for.

In summary, sometimes all it takes to put a new zest in the long, gray days of winter is to do something new. It doesn’t have to be a major endeavor. Fun and simple indoor adventures can add sparkle and zest to the dullest day.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What fun activities do you enjoy indoors? Is it difficult to start an indoor activity and keep at it? What results have you seen that make you proud of your newly acquired skills?

1st Photo: @kylerichards18

Originally posted at: Crystal Kung Minkoff’s Red Cutout Gown

If you’re in search of thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts for the wonderful women in your life who are over 50, you’ve landed on the right page. We’ve put together a tailored list catering to these remarkable ladies who have crossed the 50-year mark. The gifts suggested are carefully chosen to be not only unique but also timeless, reflecting the depth of character and experience these women bring to the table.

Here are our top Valentine’s Day gift suggestions for Women over 50:

1. Victoria’s Secret Gift Card – A Victoria’s Secret gift card is a thoughtful and flexible way for her to choose items that celebrate her unique style and beauty. It’s a personalized invitation to curate her wardrobe with comfort and confidence.
2. MasterClass Subscription – A MasterClass subscription provides access to a diverse range of expert-taught classes, allowing her to learn at her own pace from home, making it a valuable and enriching gift for continuous learning.
3. Sterling Silver Rose Heart Initial Letter Pendant – The elegant chain and pendant, featuring a sophisticated initial letter embellished with high-quality 5A Cubic Zirconia, exude timeless elegance.
4. Songfinch – Songfinch turns personal details about your special someone into a unique and heartfelt song crafted by professional musicians and songwriters, offering a creative way to express emotions through a personalized musical gift.
5. Ballerina Herbal Warming Slippers – Designed for relaxation, not walking, these incredibly comfortable slippers have lavender-filled insoles. Warm them in the winter for a soothing lavender aroma, or chill them in the summer for a refreshing, cool treat for the feet.
6. Le Creuset Cast Iron Heart Shaped Casserole – Made with love, this heart-shaped cast iron piece is an ideal Valentine’s Day gift, standing out in both charm and functionality. Constructed for even heating and prolonged warmth, it’s perfect for various dishes, featuring a lovely heat-resistant heart-shaped knob as the finishing touch.
7. You’re Awesome Ring Dish – A practical and space-saving trinket dish, perfect for safeguarding rings, earrings, bracelets, and cherished items, eliminating the worry of misplacing her favorite jewelry. Every glance at it serves as a reminder of your love and admiration for her.
8. Inspirational Morse Code Bracelets – This Morse Code bracelet keeps its message secret. The 7-inch bracelet, extendable to 8.5 inches, made of durable 316L stainless steel, is comfortable and won’t fade, tarnish, or cause skin reactions.
9. Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet – This stylish aromatherapy set in a flower-painted gift box is perfect for women over 50 who enjoy aromatherapy. It includes a beautifully crafted diffuser bracelet with a retro look. The set features four 10ml essential oil bottles (Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Orange, and Peppermint).
10. Anne Klein Bangle Watch and Bracelet Set – Circular watch with a sleek black glossy dial, gold-tone hands, and stick markers. The set includes a chain bracelet, an enamel inlay bangle, and a bangle with 36 premium crystals.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s go beyond the ordinary and make it truly unforgettable for these remarkable women who have added so much value to our lives. Let’s go beyond chocolates and flowers!

History of Valentine’s Day

The history of Valentine’s Day is shrouded in legend and has evolved over centuries. The most widely accepted origin is associated with a Christian martyr named St. Valentine, but there is some uncertainty about which St. Valentine the day is named after.

One popular legend suggests that during the Roman Empire, Emperor Claudius II prohibited young men from marrying, believing that single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine, a priest, defied this decree and continued to perform marriages for young couples in secret. When his actions were discovered, he was imprisoned and, according to some accounts, executed on February 14th.

Another version of the story suggests that St. Valentine might have been a sympathetic figure who helped Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. Some legends propose that he sent the first “valentine” greeting himself when he fell in love with a young girl, possibly the jailer’s daughter, and signed his note “From your Valentine.”

While the details of St. Valentine’s are unclear, the association of February 14th with love and romance gained traction in the Middle Ages. By the 18th century, exchanging handwritten notes and tokens of affection on Valentine’s Day had become a common tradition in England. The practice spread to the United States in the 19th century, and the commercialization of the holiday grew over time, evolving into the celebration of love and affection we recognize today.

How to Choose a Valentine’s Day Gift for Women Over 50

Selecting a Valentine’s Day gift for a woman over 50 involves considering her preferences, interests, and lifestyle. Here are some thoughtful tips to guide you:

Personalized Touch

Opt for personalized gifts that reflect her individuality. This could include custom jewelry, monogrammed items, or something tailored to her hobbies and passions.

Experiences

Consider gifting experiences rather than physical items. This could be a spa day, a weekend getaway, tickets to a show, or a cooking class. Experiences create lasting memories and can be particularly meaningful.

Fine Jewelry

Elegant and timeless jewelry pieces, such as a classic necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings, can make for a sophisticated gift. Choose pieces that align with her style and preferences.

Subscription Services

Subscribe her to a service that caters to her interests, whether it’s a monthly book club, a gourmet food box, or a streaming service for her favorite shows and movies.

Wellness and Relaxation

Gifts that promote relaxation and well-being are often appreciated. This could include a spa set, a massage gift certificate, or items like scented candles, essential oils, or a cozy blanket.

Fashion Accessories

Elegant accessories like a stylish handbag, a high-quality scarf, or a pair of sunglasses can add a touch of sophistication to her wardrobe.

Memory Lane

Create a nostalgic gift by compiling photos and memories in a scrapbook or photo album. This personalized touch can be a heartwarming and sentimental present.

Fine Dining

Treat her to a gourmet dinner at a high-end restaurant or organize a special home-cooked meal with her favorite dishes.

Remember, the most meaningful gifts are those that show thoughtfulness and consideration for her personality and interests. Tailor your gift to reflect her uniqueness and celebrate your connection.

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Women Over 50

Victoria’s Secret Gift Card

A Victoria’s Secret gift card is a thoughtful and flexible way to empower her to choose items that celebrate her unique style and beauty. From delicate lace to vibrant colors, this gift allows her the freedom to pick pieces that bring both comfort and confidence. It’s a personalized invitation for her to curate her wardrobe with items that resonate with her individuality.

MasterClass Subscription

A MasterClass subscription is like having a key to a treasure trove of learning and inspiration. It’s an online platform that grants you access to classes taught by experts in various fields, ranging from writing and cooking to photography and music.

With a MasterClass subscription, she can learn at her own pace from the comfort of her home, gaining insights and knowledge directly from accomplished professionals. It’s an excellent way to expand her skills and knowledge in areas she’s passionate about, making it a valuable and enriching gift for those eager to pursue continuous learning.

Sterling Silver Rose Heart Initial Letter Pendant

This distinctive heart-shaped rose design is a timeless symbol of eternal love. Whenever she wears this necklace, it serves as a beautiful reminder of your love and shared moments of joy.

Crafted from 925 Sterling Silver and plated with white gold, both the chain and pendant exude elegance. The pendant features an initial letter adorned with high-quality 5A Cubic Zirconia, adding a touch of sophistication.

Songfinch

Songfinch lets you share personal details about your special someone, and then their team of professional musicians and songwriters creates a unique and personalized song based on those details. Whether it’s a love story or a celebration, the resulting song captures the essence of the person, turning it into a heartfelt and memorable musical gift. It’s a simple and creative way to express emotions through a personalized song.

Ballerina Herbal Warming Slippers

Designed for relaxation, not for strolling, these are not just incredibly soft and comfortable; their removable insoles are filled with fragrant lavender buds and thermally conductive flax seeds. In the winter, warm up the insoles in the microwave, enjoy the soothing warmth on your toes, and breathe in the enhanced lavender aroma. In the summer, chill them in the freezer for a refreshing and relieving cool treat for your feet.

Le Creuset Cast Iron Heart Shaped Casserole

Made with love, this iconic piece makes an ideal Valentine’s Day gift. Its charming heart shape sets it apart from the rest of the cast iron collection, yet it maintains the same level of functionality.

Constructed from cast iron, it ensures even heating for delicious flavors and keeps your food warmer for an extended time when presented at the table. Perfect for preparing stews, roasts, soups, casseroles, and baking heart-shaped cakes. Adding the final touch is a lovely heat-resistant heart-shaped knob.

Past Present Future Necklace

Beth Lawrence, a skilled jewelry artist, beautifully encapsulates the journey of time in her exquisite necklace. Featuring three interlocking circles, the piece tells a story: an oxidized ring, subdued and weathered, signifies the past; a sterling silver ring, adorned with a band of silver wire, captures the essence of the present; and a gleaming gold-filled ring symbolizes the future.

Secured by a subtle 18-inch silver chain, this necklace is more than a stylish accessory; it serves as a gentle reminder to cherish each moment. The package includes a card that eloquently explains the symbolic significance of the necklace.

You’re Awesome Ring Dish

A practical and space-saving trinket dish, perfect for keeping rings, earrings, bracelets, or other cherished items safe and easily accessible. No more worrying about misplacing her favorite jewelry.

Every time she will look at it she will be reminded of your love and admiration for her.

Inspirational Morse Code Bracelets

This special bracelet is designed in Morse Code, keeping its message a secret unless you share it or someone understands military code. It’s discreet, stylish, and suitable for everyone. Each bracelet is unique to the person wearing it.

The Morse code chain bracelet is 7 inches long with a 1.5-inch chain extender, fitting most wrists (around 7”-8.5”). Made of durable 316L stainless steel, the bracelet is comfortable and won’t fade, tarnish, or cause skin reactions.

My Life Story – So Far

Capture the essence of her life’s journey with the Life Story Book. Filled with inspiring prompts, it transforms the task of sharing memories, friendships, and gained wisdom into a joyful experience.

The sewn, clothbound journal isn’t just a place to record her story; it becomes an instant family treasure, a tangible testament to the richness of your experiences. As you fill its pages, you contribute to a legacy that ties family members together through shared stories and cherished moments.

Sterling Silver Necklace

Express your eternal love with this romantically engraved necklace. Ideal for wives, girlfriends, moms, grandmas, daughters, and more, this necklace is a perfect gift that symbolizes selfless and enduring love. Order it with her birthstone gem for a personalized Valentine’s gift.

Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet

This set, presented in a stylish flower-painted gift box, is a perfect gift for women Over 50 who enjoy aromatherapy. It includes a beautifully crafted diffuser bracelet and pure natural essential oils.

The aromatherapy bracelet is designed to loop twice around her wrist, and its dial features circular carvings for a retro and elegant look. She simply has to add a few drops of oil to enjoy a charming scent in her daily life.

The set includes four bottles of 10ml essential oils (Tea Tree, Lemongrass, Orange, and Peppermint), a black diffuser bracelet, and eight felt pads.

Anne Klein Bangle Watch and Bracelet Set

Circular watch showcasing a sleek black glossy dial with gold-tone hands and stick markers. The set comprises a chain bracelet, an enamel inlay bangle, and a bangle adorned with 36 premium crystals. The 32mm alloy case houses a mineral dial window, powered by Japanese quartz movement for analog display.

Aromatherapy Shower Steamers

The Aromatherapy Shower Steamers, infused with Natural Lavender, Eucalyptus, Citrus, and Peppermint Essential Oils, offer a perfect start or end to her day.

Lavender creates a serene atmosphere, washing away stress; Eucalyptus and Peppermint blend for refreshing relief; Citrus options lift mood and reduce stress, filling her space with a fresh, invigorating aroma.

Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places

Take her on a visual journey with NatGeo as they guide her through the world’s most breathtaking destinations, sparking ideas for her next adventure. She will explore hundreds of awe-inspiring locales, both natural and man-made, captured by the lens of NatGeo’s renowned photographers.

Destinations of a Lifetime not only provides stunning visuals but also offers practical information like the best time to visit, dining options, accommodations, and must-do activities for an enriching and authentic travel experience.

Sephora Gift Card

Perfect gift for the makeup lover! Sephora offers a wide and varied array of high-end beauty products, available both online and across the 250 nationwide stores. Whether she’s a fan of classic brands such as Clinique, Bare Essentials, Dior, and Philosophy, or she’s seeking elusive brands like MAKE UP FOR EVER and Fresh, this gift card offers her convenient access to over 13,000 products from more than 200 brands.

Find more Valentine’s Day gift ideas from QVC here.

Hint hint… forward this article to your significant other and mention your favorites from the list.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Do you like giving or receiving Valentine’s Day gifts? What are your favorite items to receive? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Click Here to Shop Her Dress in the Pink Version

1st Photo: @crystalkungminkoff / 2nd Photo: @kylerichards18

Originally posted at: Kyle Richards’ Floral Scalloped Dress