Thank you for sharing your wonderful outlook. I’m 66, too. Once in a while, I wear a 2 piece bathing suit and make my family roll their eyes—because I can.
This is a great interview, so much on point about getting older.
If you'll forgive me, a personal note: This morning, at breakfast, my father says, "You know, four weeks from today is my birthday. [His 97th.] I don't think I'm going to make it."
"Why do you care?" I asked. "Is it a big deal to you?"
"Um, no, not really."
I was going to say, "So you're telling me this so that I don't buy you a birthday card until the last minute?" but decided against it.
Really, what is the big deal people make of living to a certain age? If my father wants, I'll put that he died at 97 in his New York Times death notice in case he dies in the next month. 96 and 11 months is good enough to be 97 in my opinion.
I can echo Susan's comment...wow. Just downloaded/saved/bookmarked this post and started counting back - not quite 61 days before my 61st birthday but I can make it work. An unexpected and unexpectedly wonderful job change last year led to the opportunity to work from home and be intentional about my days. I hadn't been able to name the feeling but Cynthia nailed it - the freedom of being 20 without the responsibilities (but with so much joy and experience in my back pocket).
Sari, your questionnaire has saved me from barreling blindly through this amazing time of life the way I barreled through my 20s, or 40s, and I am SO grateful. What a gift <3
Sharon, I agree about the questionnaires. I love reading about others' experiences. And happy 60 to 60 to you! I actually came up with the idea a little into my 60 days but was so proud I didn't let that stop me and just caught up quickly. I loved spending a whole day revisiting each year--it really made me feel how much life I'd lived, the power of it. Thanks so much for your comment.
I love this so, so much. These questionnaires are so good. I’m turning 58 in another month, and aging has been on my mind a lot lately, as it feels like the Covid years really cemented my notion of mortality. However, I seem to remain in denial about the numbers, as I seriously *feel* better than I did when I was 30, until I look in the mirror or think about how far from 30 I really am. It’s an ongoing mental and emotional adjustment, and yes, my mother also said right up until she passed away at age 80 that she didn’t feel her age either. I’m determined to remain able to hike 10+ miles in a day, or complete a century ride, and still run a mile in another ten years, if the fates allow.
This was a wonderful read. Both the questions and Cynthia's responses! I watched the 0-66 video with delight - as if you were a friend from my past, or a sister. Beautifully done...and so many truths revealed!
I totally agree with this perspective and like to think I'd probably feel this way myself (I'm 65) except that cancer came into my life through my daughter and now everything has changed. It was good to read it though...very inspirational. ♥️
John Cougar Mellencamp sang “Hold on to 16 as long as you can.”
For Cynthia Newberry Martin, I would change the number to 66. She seems to relish her current state of being, mentally, creatively, and, something that is more important to women than men, her physical attractiveness. I expect she will maintain her attitudes and aptitudes for many years.
I am slightly older than Joni Mitchell. I know that it is possible to fight back from major challenges, but I also know that we never quite get all the way back. We can win several battles, but the final outcomes is never in doubt.
If you would like to help me discuss what life is really like for those of us who are 15 to 20 years older than Ms. Martin, just click on the link above.
Thank you for this. Many beautiful, thought provoking moments in her story and the Joni Mitchell video was lovely. It was interesting to listen to the words and find they evoke different meanings at this stage in life.
You have absolutely positively zero idea how very fucking much I needed to read this precise questionnaire this morning.
This. Very. One.
I'm going to print it up and carry it with me so I can reread it anywhere, everywhere, all the time, anytime.
Thank you, Cynthia. Thank you, Sari. This was perfect. Truly. XO
So glad to hear this arrived right on time, Susan!
Favorite comment ever. I'm so glad, Susan! And thanks for letting me know.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful outlook. I’m 66, too. Once in a while, I wear a 2 piece bathing suit and make my family roll their eyes—because I can.
I love it. 👙
Hell yes!
I love feeling a part of a community of strong, older women. I never knew I needed this! Thank you Sari and Cynthia.
<3
I'm so happy to be a part of this community too, Susan. Thanks for reading.
This is a great interview, so much on point about getting older.
If you'll forgive me, a personal note: This morning, at breakfast, my father says, "You know, four weeks from today is my birthday. [His 97th.] I don't think I'm going to make it."
"Why do you care?" I asked. "Is it a big deal to you?"
"Um, no, not really."
I was going to say, "So you're telling me this so that I don't buy you a birthday card until the last minute?" but decided against it.
Really, what is the big deal people make of living to a certain age? If my father wants, I'll put that he died at 97 in his New York Times death notice in case he dies in the next month. 96 and 11 months is good enough to be 97 in my opinion.
Amen.
Agree. Thanks for reading.
I can echo Susan's comment...wow. Just downloaded/saved/bookmarked this post and started counting back - not quite 61 days before my 61st birthday but I can make it work. An unexpected and unexpectedly wonderful job change last year led to the opportunity to work from home and be intentional about my days. I hadn't been able to name the feeling but Cynthia nailed it - the freedom of being 20 without the responsibilities (but with so much joy and experience in my back pocket).
Sari, your questionnaire has saved me from barreling blindly through this amazing time of life the way I barreled through my 20s, or 40s, and I am SO grateful. What a gift <3
Sharon, thank you so much for these kind words! I'm so glad you enjoy the questionnaire! <3
Sharon, I agree about the questionnaires. I love reading about others' experiences. And happy 60 to 60 to you! I actually came up with the idea a little into my 60 days but was so proud I didn't let that stop me and just caught up quickly. I loved spending a whole day revisiting each year--it really made me feel how much life I'd lived, the power of it. Thanks so much for your comment.
I love this so, so much. These questionnaires are so good. I’m turning 58 in another month, and aging has been on my mind a lot lately, as it feels like the Covid years really cemented my notion of mortality. However, I seem to remain in denial about the numbers, as I seriously *feel* better than I did when I was 30, until I look in the mirror or think about how far from 30 I really am. It’s an ongoing mental and emotional adjustment, and yes, my mother also said right up until she passed away at age 80 that she didn’t feel her age either. I’m determined to remain able to hike 10+ miles in a day, or complete a century ride, and still run a mile in another ten years, if the fates allow.
Thank you, Janet!
This was a wonderful read. Both the questions and Cynthia's responses! I watched the 0-66 video with delight - as if you were a friend from my past, or a sister. Beautifully done...and so many truths revealed!
❤️ Thank you, Susan. I appreciate your kind words.
Wonderful interview to wake up to! Thanks
Thanks, Ann!
I totally agree with this perspective and like to think I'd probably feel this way myself (I'm 65) except that cancer came into my life through my daughter and now everything has changed. It was good to read it though...very inspirational. ♥️
Thanks for reading, Cindy.
Wonderful to read!!! Thx Cindy!! Bravo
Thanks, Chris!
You are a great motivation to keep going, stay strong, try something new.
Thanks, Meri! And thanks for reading. ❤️
It was so moving. I loved it.
So nice to have someone my age 66 express themselves in just the way I would if asked. Loved it
John Cougar Mellencamp sang “Hold on to 16 as long as you can.”
For Cynthia Newberry Martin, I would change the number to 66. She seems to relish her current state of being, mentally, creatively, and, something that is more important to women than men, her physical attractiveness. I expect she will maintain her attitudes and aptitudes for many years.
I am slightly older than Joni Mitchell. I know that it is possible to fight back from major challenges, but I also know that we never quite get all the way back. We can win several battles, but the final outcomes is never in doubt.
If you would like to help me discuss what life is really like for those of us who are 15 to 20 years older than Ms. Martin, just click on the link above.
Thanks for reading.
I enjoyed this and thank you for including the video. It was such an honor to go on your journey!
❤️ Thanks so much, Kimberly.
Thank you for this. Many beautiful, thought provoking moments in her story and the Joni Mitchell video was lovely. It was interesting to listen to the words and find they evoke different meanings at this stage in life.
Thank you, Patricia.