Their favorite decade? Hands down, without exception, their 60s.
I’ve interviewed dozens of women who are more than 75 years young. I’ve spoken to interesting, active, engaged, and curious souls to determine their secret sauce. What are their thoughts on successful aging?
This Is Our Best Decade
Their responses surprised me. Interviewees consistently reported their 60s as the most enjoyable times of their lives. They felt good and enjoyed decent health. With kids grown and living independently, they had more money at their disposal. They enjoyed grandchildren, travel, and friends. They had the time and energy to pick up a new hobby. They finally put themselves first.
And now, halfway through my 60s, I get it.
So! When a friend texted Any interest? to a few of us, I didn’t hesitate. I’m in! I typed back.
The Fashion Show I Never Thought I’d Attend
I’d never attended the Nashville Symphony Fashion Show. I’d admired the after-photos of the fancy people in fancy clothing who did attend. I gazed at the gorgeous flowers and lavish decor and jaw-dropping runway dresses I could never afford.
The swanky annual event raises funds to support the Symphony’s diverse, low-cost educational and community programs.
Five of us chimed in – Let’s go!
And then came the hard part.
Not So Easy to Choose the Perfect Outfit
For the next few weeks, a flurry of texts fluttered back and forth between our group. All well past 60, we fretted and agonized about the level of dressiness and the weather forecast and what in the world would we wear?
Do you think this dress will work? Maybe with Spanx?
Too casual?
Do you think it will be too cold for sandals?
Finding cocktail clothes that met our parameters proved more challenging than it used to be. We wanted longer dresses – with sleeves! – that hid our crepey legs and bat-wing arms and jiggly spots that no amount of crunches will tame. Those sky-high heels we once wore? A hard no.
Before heading to the downtown soiree, the five of us met at our organizer’s home for a splash of champagne to celebrate. We are doing this! Cheers to embracing something new, life north of 60, and our assortment of finery.
Our Uber wound its way through the city, past the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Johnny Cash Museum. On this picture perfect evening, tourists swarmed the streets and the Broadway honky tonks.
They were not dressed like us.
It Was a Glamorous Entrance
We pulled up to the curb at one of my favorite buildings in Nashville. Smack dab in the middle of all the mayhem that is Music City sits the marble and granite Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
One at a time, we piled out of the SUV, our gracious driver assisting the five Cinderellas alighting from our golden coach. Like an old-timey clown car, we nervously emerged from the vehicle and set chunky heels on the sidewalk.
And we heard …
Cheering.
Clapping.
Shouts.
I looked over my shoulder to see what all the fuss was about.
And the fuss, it turned out, was us.
Still applauding, a group of 30-something women – eight or nine of them – approached us with big smiles.
You look so pretty!
I want to be like you when I grow up!
I’d love for my mom to be friends with you!
And, just like that, we were stars.
We floated our way into that building and through the magical event. Sipping more champagne, we clinked glasses to celebrate life, friendships, and what lies ahead. We saluted our Sex and the City moment.
A local news anchor emceed the beautiful evening. Pamella Roland’s stunning designs graced the runway. Vince Gill performed a few songs.
Much More to Come – and I Will Embrace It
It was a special night, and I want to get all dolled up and do it again. Of course, it won’t be as special the second time. It never is. Because we have expectations. And there aren’t as many surprises. And I doubt we’d have another cheering section.
We still giggle about our Carrie Bradshaw moment. The applause, comments, appreciation, and approval motivate us to go after more of that giddy feeling. Sure, our 60s come with thinning hair and veiny legs. We forget names and turn the TV volume higher and higher.
But this can also be a time of adventures, accomplishment, and reinvention. If we let them.
What else can I say yes to in my 60s? I’ve got five more years to attack this decade and make it the best yet. And then – perhaps – my 70s will be even better.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
When was the last time you tried something new? Do you have an item on your *someday* list you’ve always wanted to do? Or an event you’ve wanted to attend?
