When I was younger I kind of liked the idea of being a little old lady. Sitting by the fireside knitting with my cat snuggled on my lap, wearing my purple hat when out shopping with my rickety old-lady trolley. Having family pop round offering to do little chores or tasks. It all seemed quite blissful.
Only…
It wasn’t like that at all! Firstly, however hard I have tried, I can’t knit. Well, maybe in a straight line, but how many six foot scarves can you have? Secondly, as a person who loves to travel, I had to get my head around QR codes and digital passports.
Also, though I very much enjoyed popping in to my local bank to check my balance, it seems many of them are closing, so I have had to get to grips with online digital banking.
Starting with Something Small
The car I have owned for 10 years always has the wrong time when the clocks change. The thought of changing it made my brain hurt. Push this button, hold for 3 seconds, push the up/down button, hold for 3 seconds…
So for six months of the year I was on the wrong time.
But last week I said, “No more!” While waiting in a car park, I googled ‘how to change the time’. I followed the instructions, wrote them down for future reference, and changed the clock in seconds. I was jubilant!!
Paris
I recently heard that shopping trollies in Paris were the ‘must have’ accessories for everyone. Parisians love bottled water and, of course, wine, and it has become very chic to roll your trolley into a shop, fill it with bottles and trundle off. No heavy lifting, just a confident stroll through the Champs Elysees. 🙂
Well, if it’s good enough for 30-somethings in Paris, it’s good enough for me. So, I purchased a beautiful rose gold shopping trolley, and I love it! Cool, sophisticated, stylish (the trolley, not me!) and does the job perfectly. 🙂
Style
Of course, you should dress how you want at any age, but I definitely consider comfort more now that I am older. No more high heels killing my feet, or insufficient clothes that left me shivering. However, you don’t go to bed one night and wake up old, so why have an old lady wardrobe?
My clothes nowadays tend to be a mix of thrift shop, supermarket, high street, and the occasional splurge on something gorgeous! As I have saved money with reducing my overall clothing budget, I don’t feel guilty so just enjoy whatever I buy.
Comfort, ease of wearing, and texture, are highest on my list, so I tend to opt for natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk, and the occasional cashmere. My wardroom is quite basic and minimalistic, meaning anything I don’t wear is recycled at the local charity shop, allowing me more space for a little shopping. 🙂
Stay Curious
I love to stay curious. I find learning new things, or going to new places, so exciting. YouTube has become the replacement to my TV, and everyday, I am watching people trek around the world, restore chateaus, live on canal boats, safari in Africa, learn new skills…
The other evening, I popped into my local pub for a bite to eat on the way home. I was sitting on a sofa in front of the log fire, when a group of ladies came in and asked if I would mind them sharing the sofa. We sat there chatting for over an hour and these incredible women, all 70-plus, told me about their global travels, caravanning around Europe, their businesses, blogs, life stories… It was so inspiring! 🙂
Just Be Whoever You Want to Be
I think what I love most about being 60-plus is that it’s full of surprises. I can be whoever I want to be, reinvent myself, travel, study, become an entrepreneur, write a book. I can dress in any style I like – or change it every day.
My hair can be purple if I want, but I love the mix of grey and blonde I have. I eat what I want, when I want, and drink red wine with meals. I do get a little tired sometimes, but either see a show or have a meal in the afternoon, or have a little siesta before going out in the evening. Very European. 🙂
Pioneers
Us Baby Boomers were pioneers back in the 60s’ and 70s’, and we are still pioneers now. Leading the way for the next generation to explore boundaries, take risks, learn, grow, and make their life anything they want it to be!
An old lady? At 60 we are just getting started!
Join the Conversation:
What has surprised you about being over 60? Have you changed how you live? Are you still as curious?
