AGE: 80

PROFESSION: R.N. - Retired

What is the best thing about being your age?

Self Confidence.

Laughter.

No hair dye.

Acceptance that each day is a gift.

The ability to be of service to others.

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What hardships have you endured that you feel have made you stronger?

The recent death of my dear friend Alisa.

A serious illness that has been with me for many years. A very strong resolve to do everything I can to stay alive. This mindset has given me strength and the ability to help others.

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What is a trait you are most proud of?

Kindness.

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If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Believe that I am esteemable.

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What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Personal serenity.

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What is your most treasured possession?

My Family.

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What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Having children that still talk to me and still love me.

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What is your greatest extravagance?

My garden.

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What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self that I am worthy. I am a beautiful human being.

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What is your motto or favorite quote?

RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW.

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Words of wisdom to younger women…

You can do anything you want to do in life. The opportunities are boundless. You carry your own special beauty, intellect, dreams and hopes and that is fine. There are three sections of living that need to be developed and nurtured…… physical health, mental health , and spiritual health.

Women have been fighting for so long for equality in all things and that fight must continue with the next generation. You are our future!

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Additional Thoughts…

Aging is a continuum. Really it starts with that first infant breath. Each day we move through life getting a bit older. I know, for me, that I never really considered that process as aging, but it is!

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Personally at my age….80, I am suddenly faced with the reality that this is a huge number. Am I old? I don’t feel different. Well maybe a bit. I still work out, but wait… My feet hurt a lot. I pee every hour… that is different. I don’t hear well – Oh yes, I wear hearing aids. I take a handful of drugs every day… so what? I can’t see that well especially for reading – oh yes, I wear glasses.

 

Does all this mean that I am old? I laugh a lot and occasionally have sex. Oh no, not that! Is sex over because I am 80? I think not! And oh yes… I can use my I phone and believe it or not my computer. Oh yes. I garden every day and crank up my Alexa. I love music and dance non stop. So what If I am 80… I stay in the right here and right now and that keeps me ageless!

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