From going grey to a changing body, how I learnt not to sweat the small stuff
Have you had one of those moments where it suddenly dawns on you that you’re not as young as you used to be? Fear not, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. While getting older inevitably brings changes – our hair greys, our bodies change and some things require a little more thought – ageing also brings with it incredible gifts such as wisdom, experience, and strength. Albeit, reaching this attitude is no easy feat. In fact, at times it’s bloody challenging, even gut-wrenching. Take solace in the fact that you are not alone. Everyone has obstacles to overcome. The fact remains, however, that in all its shapes and sizes, life is a blessing. Your 60s and beyond are more enjoyable when embraced and enjoyed. Now more than ever you know yourself, you know what’s important and you have strength in ways you can’t even imagine.
Just remember, if life is getting you down just look around you – there is strength to be found in shared experiences. After all, we are all in this together. In this spirit, here five Over60 community members wanted to share with you their experiences that have enabled them to learn not to sweat the small stuff. From learning to embrace going grey to keeping a sunny attitude when your body begins to change, these stories will inspire you to love your life, love your age and love yourself.
Going grey – Maureen Newman, 68
“For many years, I coloured my hair every colour under the sun from reddish brown with a blonde fringe to purple. My friends always said they loved it, as they never knew what colour I was going to go next! Then last year I thought it was time to see my natural colour. My mum had gorgeous white hair and I hoped my hair would be the same. Mine turned out be a silver colour. I love it, though, and I told my husband that for my next hair change I would have a design shaved into the back of my hair. He just smiled. He did say that he had noticed my hair shining silver hair in the sun, though, and that it looked very nice. Wow, a compliment from my man who finds that kind of thing very difficult! So ladies, why not try grey? I embraced my newfound silver hair and feel free at last.”
Having a “senior moment” – Gael MacKenzie, 63
“I remember once I drove to the garage to put petrol in the car. After completing that task and paying the attendant, I went back to the car, got in the passenger side and sat there for about 10 minutes before I realised my husband wasn't with me – I was the driver! I find the main thing is to laugh at these ‘senior moments’ and not get upset by these thing that happen naturally with age. My motto all my adult life is: ‘Good humour makes all things possible’. I have since discovered that now is the time I really need to continue on with that philosophy as getting older is a very challenging time. The ‘senior moments’ have sometimes been hilarious and other times a bit awkward, but I just find it’s better if you don't take these things too seriously. This is all normal and part of the journey and the only way is to move forward happily.”
Adjusting to an empty nest – Marie Magriplis, 64
“When the kids first moved out (and that included a soon to be son-in-law who had lived with us since he was 17), I was expecting to feel relief and joy for the quiet house I would inherit. Instead I felt that the house was way too quiet and that I had too much time on my hands. Despite working full-time when the children left home, I was at a loss and felt a part of me had been ripped away. Now I understand that I was grieving for their loss. It took me two years to find a life without children. I took up art again – something I had not done since I had my first baby. I also developed closer bonds with my girlfriends and work mates and found the joy of gardening and babysitting grandchildren. These days I enjoy my empty nest, which gives me the freedom to go on holidays when I feel like it and no need to have time-schedule. I work hard at keeping fit and go dancing once a week so that I can continue to enjoy life.”
Changing bodies – Valerie Carey, 62
“I had bowel cancer surgery that left me incontinent. It was really hard to deal with at the beginning – a big shock to the system. For people who suffer bladder or bowel incontinence it is very personal and embarrassing, it’s not talked about much. You just have to stay positive and rely on products and specialists. For me, I just try to stay as positive as possible, even though it can be difficult at times, and look for some humour in the bad moments. Like when you’re in Coles and you’ve lost it and there’s no toilet available. That is embarrassing. But I’m a very determined person so I keep trying to live my life. Sometimes life throws you stones and you have to turn those stones into stepping-stones. I know I still have a lot of life to go. I know it’s a topic that is hard to talk about and most people don’t want to know about it. But it’s a life-changing issue and we need to talk about it. Support and understanding in issues like this is so important.”
If you, or someone you know, suffer from incontinence, you are not alone. Depend® make a range of incontinence products specially tailored for men and women, designed to be highly absorbent, underwear-like yet comfortable and discreet. Click here to read more about the condition and other Depend products. Their website also has some great advice and tips for managing incontinence. Click here to visit the website and get a free sample.
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Wearing age as a badge of honour – Sue McGrath, 72
“I don’t really know when I became aware that I’m now classed as ‘old’. It’s just something that crept up on me. On the outside I’m now a ‘senior citizen’, but on the inside I’m still young. I love turning my rock ‘n’ roll music up loud, I am frequently caught dancing around the kitchen and I try to keep my mind active with improving my computer skills, reading a lot and being aware of what’s happening out there in the world. The lines on my face are from smiling and laughing – nothing to do with age. But there are things that happen when you get older that are hard. My husband of 42 years passed away a few years ago, I have been on my own – and that takes some getting used to. I miss him. But I move forward, towards I know not what, but with a positive attitude that whatever happens, happens. I just have to embrace it. That’s life. Live. Love. Laugh and keep smiling.”
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