87 Comments
User's avatar
Abby's avatar

I’ll be 70 in May and have never been happier. Why doesn’t anyone talk about the joys of menopause and retirement? The freedom! The confidence!

Healing me softly w/ my words's avatar

I am 55. I look like Babar.

I am currently writing an ode to my body. The one and only that has carried me all the way through healing.

Definitely, the King of my Life.

Adrienne Hand's avatar

Love Babar!

Healing me softly w/ my words's avatar

Likewise. Calm, safety and slow motion.

Kate's avatar

I’m 61 and fine with it, though occasionally veer into mathematical calculations about “ time remaining,” then remind myself that’s stupid, and move on.

Thomas Boyd's avatar

I am in the spring of my 84th year. What I like is every day above ground is a good day, also I have a playlist that features Pete Seeger and Bruno Mars.

Thomas Boyd's avatar

You've inspired me to refresh my own Substack and get back to writing. Thanks!

Andrea Nguyen's avatar

I just turned 57 and feel better than I did at 50 or 45. I write cookbooks and about food culture. Strangely, in my field, people shy from discussing aging. I cook better now than I did when I was younger. There is something about becoming well seasoned that people do not want to loudly celebrate in the world of food. That’s why what you do here is refreshing. Thanks @Jolene Handy for pointing me to this Substack.

Jolene Handy's avatar

“Well Seasoned.” I love this, Andrea. ❤️

nancy alfaro's avatar

I’m careening towards my 73rd birthday, and I care more about doing what’s right for me, rather than turning myself into a pretzel to please others. This is freedom!

Beth E's avatar

I am 75 and appreciate having the time to do what I want when I want looking like I want.

DeAnn Hilmoe's avatar

I am 72, and the ability to deal with anxiety is probably my favorite thing about it.

stacy abramson's avatar

Sari, it was a great show and you singing the song from free to be you and me made me feel a bit weepy as I think I told you afterwards in the library when we met and I regaled you and Mike (and Elizabeth?) with stories of the nerve date-turned -husband and the whole related nazi party reveal ).

I’ve been enjoying oldster for a few years now —but as my own private thing— it was cool to experience it as part of a community. It reminded me of the early days of the Moth.

Sari Botton's avatar

Stacy, it was so lovely to meet you! I'm so happy to know you enjoy Oldster. And that last night reminded you of the early days of The Moth. I'm so touched. <3

Judith Frizlen's avatar

I am 69 until August when I cross the bridge into my seventies - so I am young-old. It's a great phase; I call it the harvest time. It's like the 20's but with wisdom and other resources. The best part of it for me (although I am introverted) is the social aspect. People of this age have more free time, shared interests, and desire to get together. No time to waste!

Irwin Epstein's avatar

Brava! Your singing was 👌and you brought new meaning to “Honeysuckle Rose”. Where have I been?😳

💐🙏🏻💐🙏🏻💐🙏🏻

Sari Botton's avatar

Irwin! It was so nice to see you there and meet you. Thank you so much for coming! And for these kind words. And glad you are now hip to what Fats Waller and Andy Razaf were thinking about when they wrote that song.

Irwin Epstein's avatar

Good men are hard to find—but they exist. ❣️

Ande Lyons's avatar

BRAVA Sari - what a delicious and empowering experience for you ... and for us! So happy the meds did their job and you're now basking in the glow of a magnificent milestone moment. ♥

Sari Botton's avatar

Thank you, Ande!

Anna Booraem's avatar

I’m 52 and I like it. I feel like I’m a better and better version of myself with each decade that goes by. Less insecure and chaotic, more grounded and strong. Yay aging! And thanks for doing Oldster! It’s awesome.

Sari Botton's avatar

Glad you’re enjoying Oldster!

Sara Lavan's avatar

I am 54. I have never been bothered by getting older, which annoys some. This is not to say I don't notice changes, and have age-related disappointments, grieving, difficulty navigating body changes at times, but feel so full of the life I have lived and the stories I hold. Now that both kids are off to college- and I have had a giant career change (not a positive one on the surface)- there is a freedom that makes this age feel so alive! Also, what a great show! So happy to have been able to tune in virtually!

Pamela Ronald's avatar

I am 65 and love that I feel I have the expertise to advise and help my mentees. Mostly I try to help them not to worry; that whatever the problem is ; they will get through it and soon it will be just distant memory in their long and successful careers

laurie eastwood's avatar

I'm 77 and feel the most alive and joyful I have ever been.

I'm an artist. Something that took me a long time to claim.

I just sold my first two large pieces and have requests for more. I live in the mountains of Utah with my dog and husband of 57 years and we hike every day.

I teach a Wednesday art class called WONDER-FULL WILD WEDNESDAYS where I get to connect with the most amazing community and I do art/meditation retreats with my daughter.

I pinch myself every day for the amazing life I get to live!