Are You A Woman Over 55?

Hi Mariana, I'm not over 55. I'm only 54, so I hope you don't mind me joining in on this topic as it is something I'm very interested in right now too. At this time I'm facing a complete change in life as my youngest child will soon be 18 and out on his own. He is 16 now. I stayed home with my two youngest children. The older of the two, my daughter, graduated from high school last Thursday and on Friday left to visit friends in Washington. It feels strange to know she no longer lives in town.

Anyhow, after all these years of staying home to take care of my children, I want to work outside my home. For the past few years I've been a webdesigner and news editor working from my home; I now want to earn more and work for someone else... and in order to do that I'll probably have to move away from the tiny mountain community I live in. I expect to end up in a small city; we're considering Reno, Nevada. So my financial issues and moving are a priority in my life right now.

In ten years I'll probably be forced to retire and I'm training now to be an energy therapy practitioner, looking at it as something I could do for self employment later in my life.

Like Linda, I'm not quite there yet, but think you have a good idea for a discussion.

My biggest issue right now is to maintain my good health. I'm trying to improve my diet and exercise as much as possible.

In ten years, I'd still like to be able to work in the garden and take long hikes. Working helps keep me fit, so I'm not sure if I'll retire when eligible.

My second biggest issue is that I'm a part time caretaker for my mother who is slowly losing her physical independence. It's challenging, physicallly and spiritually for me to see her health decline.

I am not 55 yet

Strange that you should ask this question now. I am 61 and have been teaching for thirty-eight years. Until this winter I have not thought about "what happens next" since I love what I do. I can't imagine not sitting at circle time and listening to the hopes and dreams of little ones. I can't imagine not seeing the "ah-ha" expression grace the face of a child as he unlocks the code to reading. Nevertheless, a month ago I made an appointment with a financial advisior and together we sat down over two sessions and devised a plan for financial security in those retirement years. Now that I have the plan in place, I can relax and do want I like best...open young minds to the wonder of this world. And when I'm no longer effective at doing this...I can retire to my garden in peace.

Hi Mariana--I'm 51 and on my way to the Pennsylvania Governor's Conference on the Outdoors and a hike through Black Mashannon State Park. Never busier, never happier. More later when I get back!

Interesting thread. Yes, thank you, Mariana.

Our dearest Mariana~

Only four months away from the 55 and over club. I pinch myself daily for a number of reasons.

I am the gal who has the privilege of watching her only grandchild explore and discover life. Her mommy and daddy have demanding work schedules and I volunteered to share my daily rounds with this beautiful child.

I have been married for nearly 34 years to the same big old Papa Bear and I can't imagine going through this life without this gentle man. He is quite the inspiration to me.

We have landed at a beautiful little cottage that we have named Tindel Den Cottage. A commanding view of southern live oaks dripping with Spanish Moss overlooking Lake Pierce is our blessing for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This little cottage has never had full-time residents and we feel privileged to keep her windows on this little corner of the world sparkling.

My health is pretty darned good and I thank the Trinity daily for this awesome blessing.

My life here is pretty simple and that is probably my only challenge in keeping that lifestyle. The world comes a knocking on my door with gizmoes and gadgets; but I strive for simple abundance through the gardens and house "caring".

In ten years, I hope to be gardening more ground and perhaps doing a bit of travel "exploring" perhaps through CSA's or events sharing sustainable agriculture. As a wee one, I disliked gardening. As a young adult and into my now years, I can hardly wait most mornings until there is a bit of light to explore the gardens again! :)

Thank you, dear friend, for the chat and the opportunity to visit!

Love, light, and blessings~Mama T

Mariana, I am a male and under 55. But hey, I always love reading new material from you so I stopped by to read, sip some more coffee and say Salud!! Oh, and give you a ten for being my gather friend!!

Are you a woman over 55?

Nope, sorry to know what a man over 55 thinks isn't as important. Aging, seems rather universal to me, and I don't think there is anything gender based about it.

I'm over 55 and not any where I thought I'd be at this age. I had a career, children and independence which was taken away at the age of 48. I can no longer drive or work so I am at the mercy of family and friends. Time I have plenty of but when you can't get out of the house on your own it is a deterrent from what you want in life. I thought I'd still be working, saving for that dream place in the country to live, and traveling around enjoying all the things I sacrificed when I was younger.
Friends and family don't have time to spare or share. They are tied up with work and their own responsibilities. I suppose in ten years time I will still be thinking of what might have been if my health had of held out. After 40 years of taking care of others, I am disappointed to say the least. I'd love to be out volunteering at schools or working with old people, gardening, and helping those less fortunate.
I am fortunate that I can still travel on my yearly vacation, enjoy my mountain house, read and sew and watch my grandchildren but I don't have the feeling of self worth that I felt when I was in the working world contributing and learning.

I am not there yet either Mariana...although at times I feel like I'm 60!!! So I really cannot comment honestly!!! I just hope I am fortunate enough to be here then and be thankful for the time I have:)

I'm exactly 55, good age. Would I want to live my life over again? No way, no how. I like where I'm at and am CONTENT, which to me is the most important thing.

Hi Mariana: Great topic! I am 57 and busier than ever. While I'm no longer working full time as a journalist, I have tons of things I enjoy so much. They include writing articles and books of course! Reading, editing, playing with my grandchildren who are 10 (almost 11) and 12. My granddaughter and I spend the most time together and she is such a joy. I also visit friends and have them over as well, spend quality time with my daughters when they are not too busy with their own lives, and play with my dog and two cats. I say that I'm retired, but really, it doesn't feel like it. I am held back a bit by my health problems, but I try to ignore them for the most part so I can still enjoy life to the fullest.

Good Morning Ladies (and Gents): I asked the question of women only because I am a woman over 55. Since I try to write about what I know about, I figured it would be good to focus on only women. I am just now getting to the computer this morning and will come back and comment on each comment. I am truly delighted to see so many folks want to join in this discussion. I think sometimes it's important to see how others live their lives. It's also important to see how positive some folks are. I think that 55 is a great age - I'm almost 58 but to me (and I sometimes create my own beliefs) to me 55, 65, 75, 85, 95, 105 are all milestones we can truly celebrate. Yes, we should celebrate each moment and we do but sometimes those numbers stand there like metal fence posts waiting on the fencing material. I'll see yall in a few! Salud.

Mariana, I am 55. I have several health problems that hamper alot of what I would like to be doing. Plus I live next door to my elderly parents and do what I can to help them and vise-versa.
Many of my medical maladies are auto-immune and the doctors dont seem to be able to treat them very well(I have alot of allergies and bad reactions to meds).
I have other medical conditions as well. For years I was angry, depressed, stressed and had a very negative attitude.
I decided that was very harmful and just worsening my health. It has taken some time, but I have let go of the past, and learned to have a positive attitude. (practice makes perfect, and I am still practicing!)
I enjoy life, my family, my pets and have many hobbies I look foward to.
I am now trying to learn Quantum-touch healing.
Life is good!

This is a hard question for me to answer. I am pretty busy now; I work part time and care for my grand kids pretty much full time. I struggle with depression, especially in the winter months. I would like to retire from nursing, yet that has been one of my major "identities" for over 30 yrs. I worry about not being able to support myself and using up my retirement funds.

I have been able to spend nearly 5 days a week for the last 4 yrs with one of my grandsons. He keeps me laughing all the time. Since his older 2 siblings go to school, he says he is coming to "his school" at my house. We work on alphabet, numbers, reading, etc and I truly enjoy that.

I used to be able to travel a lot; made many trips to Europe, Florida, Hawaii and I greatly miss that freedom now that I babysit full time.

I am baby sitting even longer hours starting this month as my son in law finally got a full time job. (It's turned into even more than full time to begin as he has been working Saturdays all month, too). I get pretty worn out working til midnight as a nurse, taking a couple hours to unwind before going to sleep and then getting up at 6 AM to take care of my grand kids.

In 10 years from now, I KNOW I will be retired and my grand kids will be pretty independent. Perhaps I will be able to go back to travelling, which is one of my great loves. I greatly enjoy wandering streets in new towns, looking at interesting stores and people watching.

Every 6 wks, I go to visit my son and his daughter on the coast. In April, I will be taking my 3 grand kids on a visit there and we will go to the Tulip Festival and maybe to Pike Place Market in Seattle. That gives me something to look forward to, right now.

Thanks for interesting questions, Mariana. BTW, I am 61.

Linda, I sense that you are ready for a change and I don't blame you! At 55, most of us are going through a major change in our lives and feel like we want to run around and be free. Now that I'm 57, I'm loving life more than ever. I don't have children so I've always been like a child in many ways myself. The difficult thing for me was losing my mama last year. I lost my only aunt the year before and one of my best friends the year before that. She was 55 and died from lung cancer. Life was only beginning for her. Linda, I love the fact that you're ready to move on and there are areas around Reno that you'll probably love. I also like the idea of you doing energy therapy. I'm geared in that direction myself and want to work with older women. Someday I hope to build my art studio and have a yearly deal where 15 women meet once a year for a week and we do art, therapy, healing, the whole nine yards. This would be up at my place in Eureka, Nevada. I'll probably be bugging you in a few years to participate. Thanks Linda for your input and I wish you all the very best. I think enthusiasm is the wind beneath our wings and you sound as if you have plenty of that! Salud.

Miz barb. I think around this time of our lives, we are going through the change, taking care of our elderly parents and our kids are leaving the house. It's a major time in our lives and one thing we have to remember to balance - our healths. I know that I took care of my mama and I loved every minute of it as mama was a young spirit and while in the hospital, we'd pretend we were in a high class Las Vegas hotel waiting on room service...I had my poor mama laughing. Bless her heart...she's gone now and what I wouldn't give for another minute with her - but she's always around me in a beautiful spirit...I have to say that I feel her presence. Miz Barb, I fight my weight continuously because I'm short and two pounds makes a difference - also, if I don't keep it down, the blood pressure goes up so I have to walk. In the hospital or when I was sitting with mama I'd stretch and walk in place. I think I'd recommend you drink lots of water, maybe with lemon squeezed in and try to eat a salad every day. Also, drink green tea. Good health begins with a clean body. I wish you all the best Miz Barb and I think you very much for commenting! Salud.

Wrick, can you cut and paste your wonderful comment and send it over to my article addressed towards men? I sure would appreciate it! Salud.

Miz elizabeth or as I call you and hope it's ok - Bob. You always impress me. I didn't know you were already in your 60's. You're so young in spirit. That's wonderful that you teach little ones. I am sure many will be coming back to look you up when you're in your 80's. By then, you'll have a book or two under your belt. With all your travels, wisdom and experience, if anyone should put that stuff down between two covers,you should. I know I'll be at your book signing. I am telling you sometimes our guardian angels or the universal guides and God put things in our minds for a reason. I have never thought past tomorrow regarding my life but when I asked the question, I thought a bit about it. I'm glad that you talked with a financial planner and are secure in where you will be. I am sure it's only going to be another beginning to many more adventures with your friends and quite a bit more travelling and especially time spent in your garden...how relaxing! Thank you for commenting on this thread, Bob. I hope some of your enthusiasm for life helps and inspires others. Salud.

Miz Lisa, thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. You surely sound busy and I enjoyed reading your last culinary article about the Maple Syrup. Really good and as I said, makes me hungry for pancakes and syrup. Keep up the good work on your health and your writings! Enjoyed. Salud.

Miz Wilhelmine, you have always been an inspiration to me since I first saw you in Old Hippies Corner. (where's the Colonel been lately) lol...Anyway, you are the epitome of the woman I want to become. You and your attitude are where I want to be in ten years (I'm now 57). I think that so many difficulties can be made easier by enthusiasm and a good attitude. I think good health depends on how one looks at life. You certainly look at it as half full. I'm sure your parents did as well - they lived long lives - you were so lucky. I'm glad you said that your life got really good after 50. That's a beautiful thing. I think that the fact that you spent so many years working and travelling about helped you to transition into your 50's. I'm so very sorry about your brother's passing. I'm sure that was extremely difficult as it is always sad to lose someone so close to you. He must have been a wonderful person and just think, he'll always be there to look out for you. I hope someday that you can go to Ireland. I've been and it is filled with folks who sing and full of a green bucolic countryside. I loved it. We only were there about a week and stayed in a particular area but I loved it all. I'm glad you said what you did about learning to forgive. Right now, it's a big challenge I'm facing. I have a great deal of resentment for family members due to the way they treated my mother. I know I need to forgive or my health will be affected. I surely don't want to become bitter. I want to be like you and wake up every morning - saying "Hello World, Ready or Not, here I come!" Salud.

Thanks Miz Barb for dropping in.

Miz Theresa...my sweet friend. I am glad that you are living in such a beautiful and unique place and that you've fallen in love with gardening. Chuckles sounds as if he shares your love for Tindel Cottage - I love reading about your daily life there. Thanks for stopping by, Mama T. and please come back again if you think of something else. It's always nice to see you and hear about your garden. Salud.

Charles, thanks as always. Jack, I published one about men so go comment on that. More later friend. Salud.

Mariana!

What a great concept! I must now go to your "over 55" article for men.

Cheers,

Colonel Possum

I've never really thought about it. I'd just lie and that puts everything in perspective.

dear Nana - I"m sorry that things have not worked out as you've planned. I hope that things get better for you. You're very lucky to have a mountain house to travel to and children and grandchildren. Those are certainly blessings in anyone's life. I wish you well. thanks for stopping by.

Miz Debbie, age is truly a state of mind - I'll always be young in my heart. Life excites me.

Miz Lynn, you have a beautiful attitude - double nickles - the speed limit - girl,you are where it's at! Enjoy every minute - the clock never stops ticking! Salud.

M. Jette, you lead a beautiful life and are staying busy. I hope things get better with your health but glad you're putting those things on the backburner. What we focus on expands and sounds as if you're in a good positive space!
I'll be back later to catch the rest of you. Salud.

I think that to be the age I am 64 is both wonderful but also dreadful? Wonderful in the respect that here I am happy and content feel pretty good, I am married to a great guy and our children 8 and grandchildren 9 keep us busy. Dreadful in that life is whisking by at a very quick pace and I must admit I fear aging and all it implies. When I retired from a counseling, educatior career in 2005 it was great for the first year or so. However, I soon realized that I did not have a set place to go everyday and that disoriented me for awhile until I took up a second career and opened a free lance writing business, I do not make much money last year it was nil but I am having a great time I have a cause. We love to travel but my mom is 86 and I worry when we go away so we have not gone as much. My children are good about taking care of her needs when we do travel. I see a pattern as I am slowly becoming her care giver I am doing some of the things for her that she did for me as a child I guess it is true what goes around comes around. Life is truly what you make it that philosophy fell on deaf ears for years until I decided "to grow up," although I am still in the process they say it takes a lifrtime?????

Talk to me on May 7th , Mariana, I'll be 55 then.

I'm not really a woman OVER 55, but just at that juncture. In a few months, I'll tip the scale to 55 and one half. I guess I qualify.

Writing is one thing that makes me tick.

Health and exercise are two others.

Family.

Reflection upon all things great and small, wise and wonderful, spiritual and healing.

Miz Kathleen, you have eight children, 9 grandchildren, a mother and a career...and a husband...oh my dear, you are truly an inspiration and I can see how time would fly by for you. You're so busy. I know what you mean about your mother. Bless her heart and yours too for all you've done. Miz Kathleen - I love your positive attitude. Yes, I think that we just keep on learning every day of our lives! Isn't that exciting...you'll always be young because you constantly are challenged by life and enjoy all of it to the fullest. I admire that quality in a person. Thanks so much for dropping by. You surely do have a young font! Salud.

Miz Cecile, I'll be turning 58 on May 9th! We'll have to do a May celebration on Gather! Salud.

Miz Kathryn. thank you for your always lovely comments. I'm past 55 but it seems that it was one of those milestones! SAlud.

Robb, I don't want to forget about you - thanks for dropping by!

Colonel, thanks bunches for showing up here - it's always a treat to have your wisdom! Salud.

**** Tomi ***** You are on an upward spiral - keep it going - be happy - be healthy - make up your mind to be both. I have a feeling that things are going to work out for you Miz Tomi, please keep us posted! Salud.
Miz Wilma - what a life you lead and an extremely busy one at that. I'm amazed at how much folks get done. Nursing can take lots of energy and you take care of your grandkids as well. I'm amazed at how much you do and so happy you have a grandson with a great sense of humor. You must be his hero. I hope that someday you'll be able to retire and travel and do the things you want to do Miz Wilma. You have a beautiful attitude. Thank you so much for commenting today. Salud..

I'm 60, retired, and right where I want to be. I have arthritis so I don't enjoy physical stuff much any more, but I love to sit and read and write. I always had jobs where I was forced to stand all day, and I can't get over the luxury of no one making me do that any more. I feel like I went to heaven.

I'm not yet old enough to fully participate in this discussion, but it is interesting to read what everyone is sharing. Gives me some insight in advance. Thanks all!
Mariana, That photo of you is just lovely.

Miz Olga - bless your heart - that's a great place to be!!! I'm sorry about your arthritis..you may want to try cod liver capsules. They'll help those joints heal. Eat bananas too and drink loads of water. Also, alfalfa tabs help as well. Keep warm in the winter. You may want to sleep in a sleeping bag ontop of your bed. I'm glad you've got the luxury of sitting down and reading and writing. I wish you all the very best! Stay in touch. Salud.

Mariana, I am over 55, 25 years older than 55. If I were 55 again I would be at the top of my game, having a wonderful career, enjoying being a wife, a mother, a grandmonther of about eight or nine by then, and loving every minute of it. I never had a sick day in my life (sore throat now and then) but until I was 62 and got breast cancer, never thought of retiring. I worked until I was 63 just because I had the other breast removed to be sure what was there was not also cancerous,it was not, but the year seemed to be like waiting for another shoe to drop and you know you can't know what is going to happen so thought it would be okay to stay home with my wonderful husband who had retired two years before me when he was 62. The years from then until this one when he passed away were wonderful except for losing our only daughter four years ago. But I am blessed in having three sons that are wonderful, all over 52 years of age now, and all keeping tabs on me. One shovels my snow, helps me move furniture and cleans when I can't do somethings, one helps me just a bit financially, insists but I don't want him to, and one who is 56, my oldest, and more ill than I am, having had a kidney transplant and heart attack and now needing angioplasty, is an emotional companion to me. We can relate on so many issues. Life does go on, I am writing on here as you know and surviving by my wits. Fiftyfive is still in your youth people. You just don't know it yet. Enjoy yourself, more good stuff to come.

Oh Miz Elsie, how precious you are and what a life you have lead. I'm sorry your son is ill but I'm glad you two have each other for support and I'm glad your sons help you out. YOu have my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your beloved and only daughter. I'm also sorry your husband has passed away. Just know you have just met another family member here on Gather. After mama died, my family sort of all turned on me. I have been lucky though - I did take care of my mama and she still is with me. I look for signals. I also have a wonderful husband who is loving and caring...Oh I know I'm still in my youth. I had older parents - my dad was 58 when I was born so my first cousin is 85 and just remarried for 5th time. Her new husband is 90. I love her - she's still taking piano lessons and going dancing. That's where she met her new husband!!! Anyway, thanks Miz Elsie for dropping by. I'll come by and see you sometimes soon! Salud.

Audrey, it's always nice to know ahead of time what others are thinking about...time marches on. thanks for your input. Salud.

That joy is mine, Mariana. And I am lucky to feel content with my lot. What makes me tick? My child, my books, my animals, family and friends, long walks, antiques shopping, writing and sometimes even my work (film/video.) I am also grateful to be physically agile (genetics and exercise no doubt) mentally aware, and not so passionate about politics as I used to be. (calm is better and more constructive) This is a good age for me , perhaps the best yet.

I'm over 55 and have a good life for the most part even if I've had some health issues this year and two surgeries...hopefully they have been successful and the pain I had will be gone...I have a loving husband, two wonderful grown daughters and 4 adorable grandsons, though I don't get to see them as often as I would like...My biggest concern in these older years are financial but I have to be positive and hope everything will work out when the time comes...if not for that I would be content... without those concerns I would be traveling as much as I used to andt and that would make me the happiest person...

Dear Miz Marianne K. I loved your article. It is honest and revealing. It is you and it's wonderful that each of us is unique and can spread our uniqueness through words - and now Gather. It's a wonderful way to communicate and through your words, others will learn and you in turn will be inspired by reading what others say. Thank you for commenting here. Let it be your forum. I love to write short, easy to read articles. It's what I like to read as well! Stay in touch. Salud.

Miz Krista, I love your happy, connected to the Universe spirit. I'm glad that child of yours introduced us. My children haven't learned to type yet but they do love to sit on the keyboards and swish their tails about. I think that being grateful for what we do have is the key to happiness. If we're grateful for what we do have, then we are wealthy in so many ways. I understand about the political thing. I like the calm approach myself. I like this age too and it's great meeting so many interesting women (and men) on here!! Salud.

Hi Miz Barbara F. I just commented on one of your images! I hope that things work out for you healthwise. It doesn't sound as if it's stopping you from enjoying life...oh we'll always have some sort of financial things not because we can't do without less but because the way society is, we don't ever want to appear needy - fear not, you'll do fine. Happiness is a grateful attitude...and I think you have one - I hope you get to travel a bit more also. Thanks for commenting Miz Barbara F. Salud.

Mariana - I am still a ways from that 55 mark, but this has been a great thread to read.

I see from your comments that we were born in the same year ( and I thought you were a mere child!)... and I have his to say....Hooray for us!

Thanks Miz Tonia, I think so myself and I actually heard from a few men in the over 55 thread as well! Hi Miz Krista - I was born in 1949 - oh I am a mere child - aren't you - lol...Salud...(heck yea Hurray for us)!

I'm 61 and nowhere close to where I want to be or expected to be. Five years ago I quit working full time to be able to visit the doctors with my terminally ill father. I worked a series of part-time jobs for the 3 years he lived. My health became an issue and I continued to work part-time. When I was able to go back to work, my resume was so chopped up that finding a decent paying job was fruitless. I have to much education and the wrong kinds of jobs the last 5 years.

That said, I'm rather content with most of my life. My health issues will be solved when I go on Medicare next year. I have friend, family, a house with a mortgage that will be paid off in 2 months, an old, but dependable car.

In 10 years, I'll probably just be concerned with health issues, mine and my then 91 year old mother and stepfather. Hopefully, I'll have at least one grandchild by then.

Elizabeth, thank you so much and I hope that you get your health issues resolved soon...is it anything serious? Sometimes dietary changes can help immensely - in my case, it was a case of balancing my Ph - My body was way too acidic and it was causing a few problems - I just eat more alkaline foods and what a difference! It's admirable that you cared for your father - that's beautiful and I've been there and wouldn't trade it for the perfect resume! I wish you the best!! Salud

nope

YOu are great at digging up these nuggets - Doc...Salud

I wonder what people are doing now - I'm 59 now - have I been on Gather that long? Wow - four years? Oh I was about to turn 56 when I wrote this and about to turn 60 in May - how fast life goes by! Salud

This year I turn 55 and I am ecstatic that I've arrived alive!