DO YOU LIE ABOUT YOUR AGE?

I recently turned 70 and for three months told everyone I was 68. In conversations I’d share, I’m 68 and know how important it is to keep active and watch my weight. Strangely, I was also deep in the process of writing DON’T FORGET YOUR SWEATER, GIRL: Sister to Sister Secrets for Aging with Purpose and Humor a book on the positive aspects of aging.

Research suggests 1 in 4 women will lie about their age. So why now, an up and coming quasi-expert on aging would I hide behind fake news? I confess, entering this uncharted 70s decade was just plain frightening. I couldn’t believe I was 70. My mind felt like I was 40, planning and scheming my next project in life. My body, however was another story. I had to stop running, which was like losing a part of my life. 

Running was the only way I knew how to get my mojo going each day. For 30 years, every weekday morning I would run a full mile, nothing more, nothing less. A full mile. Marathons did not interest me, the mile worked just fine. 

Then one day my feet gave out half way through my mile. I’ll push through I thought. The pain was excruciating. I pulled over, sat down on some nearby steps and contemplated this latest side effect of aging. I’ll try again tomorrow, I thought. Same thing; unbearable pain. So I walked. And I walked fast and nothing hurt. The next day I walked again but extended the distance. I wanted to keep this daily ritual going so I compromised and began walking instead of running. I secretly referred to this new version of exercise as “My Power Shuffle”.  Then it dawned on me. That’s what aging is all about. Loss… loss of muscle mass, loss of hair, skin resiliency, bone mass, and ugh… memory! And I better get used to it! Denying these losses, I sensed would not only be psychologically damaging but clearly would distance me from my future self that I needed to embrace. Then it hit me like a lightning bolt.  I’m 70 so get on with it. Accept the losses, count my blessings and be gracious for crossing into the next decade. Be smart and get on with life!

So many women interviewed for our had no difficulty sharing their age. I’m 92 and proud that I can still drive, boasted Shelia, When June age 88 was asked to describe a recent time in her life that made her feel beautiful and young she responded with a cute story.

I took my dog to the 99-cent store the other day. While I was in the store a man came up to my cart. The man was maybe 65 years old. He admired my dog. "Oh, what a beautiful dog," he said. Then he looked up at me. I had a hat on, and he said, "And a beautiful Mama."  I'm 88 years old. I don't care if I could smell alcohol on him… anybody that really tells me I am a nice pretty Mama, makes me happy.

Ah ha, now I power shuffle, have a smile on my face and am proud in my heart and soul to report I'm turning 71 in a few months. Note to women: Embrace who you are, you will love the journey. Trite but true... like a fine wine we only get better with age!

Dr. Marilou Ryder | Author of Don't Forget Your Sweater, Girl: Sister to Sister Secrets for Aging with Purpose and Humor | Delmar Publishing, 2019

Coming April 2020: Don't Forget Your Lipstick, Girl: Sister to Sister Secrets for Gaining Confidence, Courage and Power

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