38 Comments
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The Final Quarter's avatar

Sam you look and sound terrific. But 58 is not old. I’m 75 and not “old”. I just started my Substack, The Final Quarter. Because that’s how I see it. It can be the most exciting meaningful time. Life is a continuum. Age is a construct placed on us. Ageism is a real thing aimed pretty much over 50. Worse as you get older.

Dr Lucy Morley Williams's avatar

So true....every age is perfect there are no rules as to what is old! Because when they say old it ajudgement

Bonnie Garvin's avatar

YES! I'm 74 and started a Substack and a book on writing. Nobody is going to define or limit me.

Stephanie Geyer's avatar

58 is an unexpected fucking delight. Glad to read that is so for you too. I feel like my brain is finally decluttered. I can see what I want, love and need. I can ask for help and see where help is needed. And most days I can find my keys and glasses to get to my yoga class which preserves my ability to move my body.

Sara's avatar

The not dying your hair thing... Thank you both Sam and Sari, you make me feel less alone

Jolene Handy's avatar

Absolutely love Sam and was so happy to see her here. And the “over and out” at the end is exactly my sentiment.

W. R. Dunn's avatar

“Here, now. And I hope that will carry on, that I won’t need to answer this in a decade’s time and ask to go back to 58.”

This is the answer my Dad gave, when I asked him near the end of a long life what part was the best. (Actually, he just said, “Now.”)

It surprised me at the time. But it is the best answer, I think. Thank you for your view on it.

Amy Cuevas Schroeder's avatar

Great interview! We love your work, Sam! 🌈 Amy at The Midst

Ten Tiny Things's avatar

really loved this x

Sonia Bavistock's avatar

Every time I read one of these interviews, I feel even more excited for my years to come! ✧ Similar to Sam, I met my husband when I was 20 (I'm now 40), and his love has helped me have the confidence to blossom into the woman I am today - especially when it comes to my writing. ♡ But I've gotta say -"Advice is somebody else's opinion" has just viscerally shifted something within me... THANK YOU! x

Sari Botton's avatar

Wonderful! Glad you enjoy these, Sonia.

Dr Lucy Morley Williams's avatar

The best age is the one you are at,.......it is the only one you have got so enjoy. The greater my chronological the younger I feel. I had my son whilst at university so definitely out of step..nothing has changed now but we all can choose and that is the biggest gift

Teyani Whitman's avatar

Love this SO much Sam. I was once told that for spiritual folk, their hair is their antenna… calling out to Spirit “Here I am!”

I agree, never cut it. It’s glorious.

In every decade after my twenties I’ve thought.. oh! This is the best! Until I got about mid way thru the next one, then my perspective grew to now THIS is the best decade.

I began my 70’s a year and a half ago, and I’m loving my new growth.

Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Love this interview and love hearing women busting the myths of aging by telling how their life got better with the passing years. It feels radical, counter-cultural, and much needed ❤

Wendy Varley's avatar

Great! I really enjoy The Shift. I need to listen to more of the podcast back catalogue. I always find them inspiring.

Love Sam's comment about not lugging around other people's advice.

Thanks, Sam and Sari.

Elizabeth Grey's avatar

Sam is fantastic. And so supportive of other women which I greatly appreciate.

Irwin Epstein's avatar

Oh how fortunate you are to live in Edinburgh—especially coming from a New Yorker these days. What “lit me up”, tipped me off, and left me wondering in response to your delight-filled piece is how to avoid the “swings and roundabouts”?

Abby Alten Schwartz's avatar

Go, Sam! Love your perspective and excited to add your podcast to my rotation.

Deborah Underwood's avatar

Thank you Sam...you do look great. You are right about aging...I will tell you this: I am 75 and happier than I've ever been, so you can rest assured, with your positive attitude you will feel the same with every year you live. I now have time to paint, to read the many books that I own (and constantly order), to take long walks in nature. I have insatiable curiosity and am constantly researching whatever interests me. It's wonderful. I am grateful that over the years, since my 30's, I have always exercised so that helps and I've always kept my weight down...I'm still a size 8 and still look good in jeans. The most important thing is your attitude and you've got that!