I’m not keen on having my choices restricted. Aging is slowly but surely restricting my options with every passing year and I don’t care for it one bit.
Diminishing Options As I Age
Drinking
A few years ago I could enjoy an ice cold martini once or twice a week, you know, to take the edge off and smooth out those rough spots. I also enjoyed a good glass of wine with a meal. Or wine without food. I wasn’t fancy about the necessity of food when it came to wine. My chronic acute sinusitis makes drinking impossible. I get physically ill and often develop full blown sinus infections almost immediately upon imbibing in even the tiniest drop of alcohol. No drinking, no more taking the edge off. Rubbing my pugs belly is my alternate. It’s okay but it doesn’t have the same panache. Also, I can’t order up a pug for petting at a posh restaurant or say, “I’ll have a round of pugs for everyone!” (loud applause and screams of joy.)
Exercise
I used to run and although I didn’t enjoy it as much as a good martini it made me feel good about myself and helped keep the pudge belly monster at bay. Now my back and neck rail against the jarring compressing effects of running. I’m forced to speed walk. I don’t mind walking but I don’t feel the euphoria I used to get after a run and it has done little to ward off the food baby which seems to have taken up permanent residence snuggled up and sleeping soundly around my waist.
Sex
Let’s talk about vaginismus or dyspareunia. It sounds a lot like Christmas for the vagina but I can tell you it most certainly is not. I’ll let you do your own reading up on that here. Needless to say it’s no party and it truly feels like my body is turning against me, ruining every enjoyment I blissfully took for granted when I was young. Oh sure there are “work arounds” …of course, but I dislike the fact that a basic bodily function that is pleasure based is now impossible. Also, gynaecologists seem to poorly trained or ignorant about this issue. The funniest representation about vaginismus was in an episode Lady Dynamite called Vaginismus A Christmas Miracle.
Food
What about other pleasures?
Like oh I don’t know…eating? Yep…that’s changing too.
No more dairy products, especially cheese which in my younger days, like Wallace I essentially survived on. I can still do limited amounts of goat’s cheese. Hallelujah!
Bread which was previously one of my most delicious and highly coveted sins now makes my stomach blow up like the Pillsbury Dough Boy. The main exception being that when someone pokes my belly I’m not giggling, I’m clenched over in pain wailing, “Why me Dough Boy? Why me?”
Fashion
The choices in my closet have been reduced. Suddenly none of my jeans fit properly. Where did this “muffin monster” come from? It is hard to find a pair of pants in my closet that don’t make me look like a plumber and not in that good hot porno, “I’m a plumber and I’ve come to clean your pipes” way. Nope. I’m talking the low riders that allow the muffin monster free reign on the top while exposing a smiling butt crack from behind. Now my only choice is high waisted jeans AKA girdle/Mom jeans. Sure they help smooth out the front and sides but now my butt looks two feet tall. Maybe tall butts are in.
What about my love of high heel shoes?
As we age the cushioning on the balls of our feet heads for the hills just like the collagen in our faces. The hills are nice and plump but our faces and feet are flat and hollow. (The hills are code for food baby.) Now anything with a heel height above 2.5″ worn for more than 15-30 minutes is threatening to induce a migraine and let out the Bitch Queen of Pain which makes Cersei look like a well behaved Girl Guide by comparison.
Skin
How about getting outside for a nice walk? I used to be able to walk the pug any time, even in the middle of winter if I chose. Now, I’m relegated to walking outdoors only when it is above ten celsius. I suffer from rosacea and it has worsened with age. My skin can’t cope with low temperatures anymore. In cold and wind large red welts appear and take days to leave. People in my neighbourhood do a double take as I pass them by wearing a bank robber’s balaclava to walk the pug.
There will be no photos of that appearing on the blog or Instagram anytime soon. #toorealfortheblog
Makeup
The older I get the less my face likes makeup and the more it needs makeup. What a cruel joke! I fondly remember when I could go out and buy any makeup from the Drugstore and make it work. Those days are over.
I’m no longer able to wear mascara (partially due to my rosacea) which is why I get eyelash extensions. The extensions help but my blond lashes make it look like I have no lower lashes.
Brown spots and veins are turning my face into a coffee stained roadmap. All the coverup I’ve tried either looks caked, flakes off, or lasts fifteen minutes before it magically disappears.
My lips are the one area that I like to wear makeup regularly. Even they are rebelling by constantly peeling despite being addictively slathered in lip balm daily.
I’ve always had heavy eyelids. This isn’t new. The fact that eye make up only lasts about an hour is new. I’ve just ordered a new eyelid prep cream to hopefully deal with this issue. We’ll see…to be honest I don’t have much faith in makeup as 90% of it doesn’t work for me and my aging super sensitive skin.
Sense of Humour
One thing that hasn’t diminished as I age is my sense of humour. If anything it has grown and become my most valued coping mechanism. A person’s experience in life is directly related to how they choose to view their situation. You cannot control everything that happens to you, you can only control your response. Laughing is one of the best responses I know.
That is my list of diminishing options as I age.
Do you have any? How do you cope with the changes in your life due to aging?
Addendum
I feel the necessity to state the reasons why I wrote this post as so many people have misconstrued the meaning behind it. It was not meant as pity party. I was not looking for sympathy. It was written in the spirit of sharing facts with others so that they might not think they are alone or feel guilty that these same issues or others were their fault. Thanks for understanding.
Linking up with Fancy Friday.
I recently met an 80-year-old woman whom I had guessed to be mid-late fifties or maybe even younger given how youthfully she moves, and how on-trend her fashion sense is (complete with super-fashionable block heels that were high not low). She said she hasn’t had any work done, she is just lucky with the genes, and that every day of her life she gets up at 5:30am and does an hour of meditation and an hour of exercise. Then for the rest of the day, she LIVES LIVES LIVES. (She also credited Landmark in addition to the good genes, exercise & meditation.) Her aliveness seemed more like a woman in her 20s or 30s than older. She put me to shame! I am so inspired by her example, I’m determined to get into exercising daily again, and never to complain about my age. I want to be as fully of life and sparkle and delight and aliveness as that beautiful woman who lives so passionately and so fully every day of her life.
That woman sounds like the poster woman for positive ageing. What wonderful inspiration!
I forgot to say, Suzanne, how incredibly inspiring I find YOU too — which is why I read your blog. You look amazing, and you have such a youthful, fun spirit.
You are too kind Wendy! : )
Oh, dear. I’m sorry, pal. These are real and serious changes. Of course they weaken your morale. My only advice is to try to focus on what remains, how you can enjoy life with what you have. I have my own list but try to follow this advice to avoid getting depressed. Fortunately, you have an active mind, sharp wit and kind heart, all of which will help you persevere. Best of luck.
I didn’t want to come off as complaining which I now fear I might have. (I know I have it very good compared to others), rather just putting it out there, being honest and sharing so that other women know they are not alone and that these issues are quite common. I feel sometimes that people need a handbook on what to expect as they age so they are prepared.
No, no you did not come off as complaining, I am grateful that you posted this. It is not always sunshine and unicorns …
Right?
I swear to God girl, sometimes I’m certain that you and I were separated at birth. Yes to every single thing you wrote. I abhor when people whine about things not being “fair”, but seriously, how in the hell is it fair that every single thing I (we) love are the very things that we have to struggle with when we age? The alcohol (I haven’t drank since my 50th birthday party), the food, the shoes and clothes, the skin, and worst of all…the vajayjay. That ain’t even right. What was once my most favorite pastime now requires a Herculean effort by all parties involved. Again, you’re right…it’s a good thing I have a wicked bad sense of humor!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
It is good to know you’re not alone right? For years I wondered what was wrong with me. My gynaecologist wasn’t any help at all. She put the blame on my shoulders. I felt so guilty and alone. Thankfully I finally looked online and found that so many other people have the same issues through no fault of their own.
Great post!!. I just say the hell with it and continue to comb the little hair I have left. The need to diet and exercise is real, but lazy just won’t leave me alone.
http://www.madamtoomuch.com
I agree, saying to hell with it and moving forward is the only solution. Thanks for popping by Neti!
Your post made me nod and smile in so many ways! Creaky joints and peeling lips aside, I have learned to put up with the diminished things aging brings. If anything, I’m feeling better in my skin than I did before. But there is the food baby, and as I’m not good at exercising, I guess it’s here to stay. At least, we can laugh about it: a sense of humour is the best accessory! xxx
That is a great comment…laughter is the best accessory! So true.
most of them!
thank you for that honest post! aging need a lot of bravery but there is hope!
since i´m 40 i dumped all jeans and most trousers, full or straight skirts and dresses are my friends. i got diagnosed with rosacea in my mid 30s, like yours it went havoc with age – BUT! – since 3 years i only use coconut oil for my face – no rosacea at all, even when i go skiing (for that the coconut oil is perfekt because its no water in it!). for makeup i let it sink in, then use a light powder only – and the cheapest drugstore primer for eye makeup, this stuff is miraculous (let it set for 5min before coloring).
sports? talking knees with wrecked meniscus….. walking, wandering, moderate bike riding (have a ladylike dutch bike which is very good for my neck) and crosscountry skiing instead of alpine.
thank gods i still can drink (moderately) :-DDD
love that blouse!! xxxxx
Does the coconut oil act like a barrier against the wind and cold? I might have to give that a try.
yes – better barrier then everything else i tried all the years before. and it breathes and feels not cake-y like other winter products. and LSF 7-8… enough for normal weather.
xxxx
Thanks!
Ha ha! Thanks for your post. Agreed there are several adjustments needed!
My bestie and I were just talking about this—-and we decided that it’s evolution. Just like when we went through puberty, but we didn’t really know any different, and were totally excited about those changes!!
But I’m trying extremely hard to be positive about everything!! It’s not easy, but it’s better than being in the grave!!!
Have a fabulous weekend, Suzanne!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Is it an evolution or rather a devolution? ; )
You are of course right that we simply need to learn to adjust to our new realities.
I can deal with most everything but the issues in the bedroom bother me the most. I feel like part of my femininity is being slowly torn away from me.
true and true! the clothing fits different now and that’s a bummer for me too. not sure how one can keep one’s character and also dress “mature.” anyhoo, your sense of humor will save you, and your wisdom is keen. good read.
I think you’ve done very well keeping your character in tact. Besides, no one needs to dress according to others expectations. Imagine how boring life would be if we all did that.
Oh no, that’s not what I want to hear five days away from my 51st birthday.
I am sorry about all your issues. They sound dreadful. At least you’ve still got your sense of humour and you look fabulous.
I was added to a menopausal group on Facebook recently which, not having any female relatives and therefore not having a clue what to expect, thought might be useful. I had to leave after one day. I was beginning to feel like an alien. I honestly don’t have a single symptom. Apart from having wrinkles but, thanks to my terrible eyesight, I can’t see anyway I feel the same as I’ve always done.
Maybe I’ll wake up one morning and it’s all gone to hell in a handcart or maybe I just won’t get anything…I live in hope! xxx
You are a lucky duck Vix!
I really thought I was going to escape all or at least some of these issues but it seems like my botched surgery a few years ago threw everything off in my body and it all started going sideways a bit from that time on.
I’m kind of on the other side of the changes, plus I just got a new knee on Monday (passed your old schoolyard twice).
I have to say I’m regretfully reconciled to the changes. I can’t turn back time so I’m looking ahead.
Sorry about the mourning period tho..
Congrats on your new knee! I know that isn’t easy. My Mom has had both knees replaced and they wanted to do both shoulders and elbows as well. I’m so lucky that my autoimmune disease isn’t as advanced as hers was at my age.
Of course you are right, we have to reconcile ourselves with our new realities and move forward. There is no other choice. Wallowing in our sorrow helps no one.
I have accepted all of these issues though that doesn’t mean I’m happy about them.
It took me well over a year to decide to even write this post for fear of being misunderstood or simply thought of as a freak.
It was done with the sole intention that others might not have to listen to a Dr. tell them it was their fault or wonder what was happening to them.
Hi Suzanne,
I follow your blog but haven’t commented until now.
I also have bad sinusitis. My doctor told me to get off ALL dairy products and eliminate wheat and rye from my diet. That means only gluten-free bread or spelt bread, ditto pasta. It’s relatively easy to do as long as I eat at home. Eating out is not so easy. But the dietary changes make an ENORMOUS difference.
Go ahead, it’s worth trying. A little acupunture can also help lessen the symptoms.
I do better with white wine than red wine, but I have no probleme with histimines. Sounds like you might.
Thanks for the great blog,
Mary
Thanks for commenting and your suggestions Mary!
I’ve thought about acupuncture in the past when I had a pinched nerve in my neck for four months. I was desperate at that time.
I already eat hardly any dairy or gluten at all. I don’t eat pasta or bread. The only dairy I eat is two tablespoons of lactose free yogurt in the morning on my oatmeal. I eat goat’s cheese once every 3 months on a salad. I might try switching out that yogurt for a totally dairy free one. I do eat eggs…since I’m vegetarian. It’d be hard to give those up because I get protein from them.
Alcohol was the worst for me. It set all of my allergies on fire. It has been over three years since I last drank so I don’t really miss it so much anymore.
I currently take a nose spray and it has held off the need for the sinus surgery that I backed out of two years ago due to fear. Given my experience in the past with surgeries they don’t usually go so well for me. Also I was told the chances of success were only one in three.
If my headaches come back full time I’m going to try to find a good acupuncturist. Thanks!
Oh boy, is this post of yours chock full of the big and small adjustments we have to make as we age. As a person nearing her 60s, I have much to contribute on this one.
Drinking – that pastime I mainly gave up long ago. A glass of wine here and there or some light beer I can still enjoy.
Exercise – That I will continue to do as long as I am able, it involves walking, lots and lots of walking.
Sex – there is a great quote by Joann Rivers I like to repeat “that hotel closed down a long time ago” or something along those lines. While I still may be capable, the Mr. is not.
Food-Mines a lot of “Nos” No fried, no fat, no beef, no sauces … I could go on.
Fashion -Thankfully, there is still fashion and I have quite the wardrobe. Pieces that make me feel like a million bucks, other items just to be cozy comfy and the articles of clothing that I may never wear but the thought of wearing them somewhere exotic reassures me.
High heel-had to give them up long ago. Aging feet just will not tolerate them. I have a pair of 4″ high nude heels I only pose for the rare outfit post.
Skin-I keep my face moisturized and have done that all my life. Personal summers keep me more than warm enough all – the – time.
Makeup-I wear less and less as I age. Love mascara but it doesn’t love me so I can only wear it for short periods of time.
Sense of humor-mine may be a little twisted and I can still laugh at myself.
Have you watched Lady Dynamite on Netflix Tami? I think you’d love it. She also has a very twisted sense of humour.
The weight gain is a constant struggle and high heels make me suffer!!
But we still try to do the high heels because vanity doesn’t leave when old age comes around!
BTW…I can no longer comment on your blog : (.
Unless people’s blogs have the ability for anonymous comments or people adding their name and commenting my Google+ profile will no longer allow me to comment on blogger based blogs.
Oh my goodness, just what the doctor ordered! An insight into what is going on with me!! I was perfectly fine until I turned 60 – 4 years ago – and then everything went south. Was like the flick of a switch!! Don’t think anybody is prepared for what awaits in later years. Maybe some education earlier on would soften the blow of all these little devils, trying to take over our lives. 30kg gained in 4 years – no joke for anyone who was always skinny! Okay, so we just accept and move on to better things – the things we can still do! Thanks for this well written post!!
It is such a relief to have someone else write that this was a beneficial post for them and not just me complaining.
I agree 100% that we need to focus on the positive and move forward.
Thanks for sharing Helen! It made me feel better about my choice to write this post which I was seriously doubting.
What a great post – honest and realistic about many of the changes we go through. To me, you look young, fresh and vibrant, with tons of energy and YES to that sense of humor. I am trying the coping mechanism of “floating above” – that is, mildly detached from the pains of aging as if they’re happening to some other 62 year-old woman (with new arthritis). This is likely not mentally healthy, but it’s working for the moment. And gosh, I love my glass of wine in the evening – so sorry you can’t join me in that.
Huge hugs! Come down to NYC soon and I will dash up there to meet with you, xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Oooh! I’m excited if we have a chance to meet up more often : )
That arthritis is a tricky bastard. I’m sure the wine helps with floating above it all.
I hear ya, gal, I hear ya. Most points on your list apply to me as well. Add loose skin under arms, craquelee cleavage and some other sad ageing effects and the list is complete.Thanks god for our sense of humor, our intelligents, our golden hearts and our fabulously interesting personalities, hahaha…
Hahahaha! Yep, Thank God we are both just so damn great everywhere else : )
Firstly, I think you have a great sense of humour, and that’s something I admire and love in anybody!, particularly in you!
Goat cheese, mwahaha, that’s the one I could eat without having a pill (lactasa pills have been like a miracle!). I still drink a glass of wine sometimes, but no spirits, because they make me feel sick inmediately (a round of pugs for everyone!!). I have to struggle to mantain my weight, and that means no fat, no sugar, no red meat, no bread (this is really difficult). This is only to not put on weight!.
Having to deal with some new health issues seems like the usual path as we age, but there are also some people who live free of worries!. Genetics, luck, whatever. I miss going for a walk without avoiding cobblestone streets (my ankles!) or having a meal in a restaurant without worrying about what I could order!. I’m glad that my little issues are not so bad, and I would keep on going out and having fun until total decrepitude or even beyond!
besos
Your positivity despite the challenges of aging is as infectious as your bold fun choices in dressing. They just bring a smile to my face.
Hello Suzanne,
You look fabulous, but I hear you and understand.
Sounds like your whole body is not liking something …that is just not fun.
No alcohol is awful, I also can’t imbibe as it is contraindicated with a cancer med I take for my autoimmune disease . There are some fake beers that are not too bad though… I don’t know why there are not more artisanal one’s without alcohol. Business idea ..for someone. Hello shark tank?
Life without champagne…yuck.
A friend of mine has a bread machine and bakes good bread without gluten… maybe you could try that.
Life without freshly baked baguettes… also crummy.
I have a great steam inhaler that helps me with upper respiratory infections. Made by Mabis, on amazon. You should look into it, no drugs, just steam , which kills all kinds of nasties. Sometimes I add tee tree oil and orange essential oils.
I can’t run either, but I love a 45 minute brisk walk on my treadmill while listening to a great audiobook.
But you are blessed with fabulous creativity, hoping those creative endeavors help you . Mine do. Maybe you should write a book. You are a gifted writer .
But I am problem solving when you probably just want to be heard. I am sorry. Truly, for all the things that you described here.
It is not always easy as we age. We do have to come to terms with all of the should nots, can nots, better not or i’ll be in real trouble…land. It can be lousy… but we are alive, safe, sort of, and capable. You are talented, Still very beautiful, and I hope you can get gratification from that.
And you have Zoé ! Give her a big hug for me.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
I might try out a steam inhaler! I’m very keen on holistic solutions.
Of course these issues were brought up in the spirit of sharing with others so that they might know they are not alone. These things annoy me but I don’t let them rule my life.
It’s been so long now since I drank I don’t really miss it much. Especially since it made me so sick.
We learn to adjust and then move forward.
Thanks for the great response Elle!
Well, despite all those issues you look fabulous, have a wicked sense of humour and are extremely stylish!
Your ‘mom’ jeans look great on you
The muffin top is a pain, I wish I could find more high waisted trousers in the charity shops. All I seem to find are skin tight skinnies that sit under my belly button. I can’t wear high heels so I don’t bother with them. I’m ok with the alcohol I’m just not a person who drinks very much alcohol at all. I have to say though, how much I’d love to order a ’round of pugs’!
I hear you!
I have embraced a FODMAP diet and have more body comfort but less ease of eating and cooking.
I never have liked alcohol so that is easy for me.
My sister and I are finding the weight gain suddenly has started after a lifetime of skinnyness. We are focussing on exercise now!
My saggy skin has also begun.
I have had vagina, bladder, bowel issues for years. Now using a jade egg for exercises is starting to help, slightly.
Knitting is helping my finger arthritis.
These issues are not talked about and I admire your courage in doing so and airing this discussion.
I hope you find some relief soon!
Hugs!
Jazzy Jack
Vaginismus – I thought that was a joke word. Hahaha! The joke’s on me. I like the symptom list in the: no breathing during intercourse – let’s hurry it up there, buddy. Good one. And also menopause as a symptom, just slyly tucked in there. WTF?!!!
I’ve heard this called geriatric vagina and heard that this was a real medical term. ???!!! I notice there is no geriatric dick listed. Again, WTF? (So I drew that cartoon on my blog before.) GAaa.
This is the best post ever – it should go viral in commiseration. We all need some Suzanne to help us through these Wisecracking-and-beyond years. Good one.
I hear ya on most of these aging issues. Some things won’t get better, like my feet, the sex thing, age spots…. but I think if we exercise that our outlook stays positive and that’s what makes a woman pretty. Love this post!
Hi Suzanne
Brilliant post – yeah – we all need to talk – knowledge is POWAH!
I’m heading off into my 60s and have decided in order to keep sane – not to keep looking back on what I’m used to – but look forward to what I need now and bloody-well have it. I know for sure I don’t need to be filled with melancholy over my thick waist and occasional wonky, spotty breakouts – I need to equip myself (mentally and physically) for those bits and LIVE my life.
You are obviously already doing it your way and figuring it out. Like Vix, I too looked at Meno Groups – and holy shitbags – I have never moved so fast away from something in my life (exercise) lol.
We all need to do this ageing thing in our own way – and recognise when things are just hormonal (and will pass) – and not some kind of personal defect. Having ignored the cult of perfection that is trotted out in popular media – I’m not going to start now.
Thank you xx
Hi Suzanne,
Try cutting out the lactose-free yoghurt. One doctor told me “if it comes out of a cow’s udder, don’t eat it.” Apparently, even lactose-free is not an option.
I go to a regular MD (female), who does TCM and acupuncture. I’m very pleased with her approach to my medical problems. She changes my food around, but doesn’t prescribe any medication.
Try leaving out all COW dairy products. If that’s not enough, then try leaving off the sheep and goat, too. It sounds like you don’t get too much sheep or goat, so that shouldn’t be a problem.
Once you leave out the right combination of foods, your sinuses should clear up in about three days. That’s how you know you’ve got the right combination !!
Me too, I’m really glad I can still have eggs. I’m not vegetarian, but I sure love scrambled eggs.
I hope things improve for you soon !
Big hug,
Mary
Dear Suzanne, l totally admire your cool honesty.Go girl! The hormonal drop is a huge adjustment l agree.One has to become very philosophical.But my practical advice is ,rosehip oil for the skin at night,organic is best, and look into doing a liver cleanse.Theres an Australian doctor called Sandra Cabot who wrote an eight week diet,basically no alcohol, meats or hard fats, it resets your liver which affects a host of other things.l love all holistic,diy fixes.Also look into oil pulling,done with a tbsp of coconut oil swilled around your mouth for 20 mins ,meant to reduce the bacteria load in your body ,thereby reducing the strain on your immune system.All cheap,affordable and puts you back in the driver’s seat.Good luck sister!
Bang! Bang! Bang! Suzannes silver hammer came down upon some inconvenient truths. The sounds of your brilliant, intuitive, empathy, falling heavily into this post. Thank you dear Suzanne, for hammering the myths of aging gracefully on the head.
Every day I try to remind myself that these new normals are in fact part of what normal aging is about. There’s pain in the neck, the vagina, the joints. and the challenge of gut health but there’s also trying to maintain some passable amount of “pretty” as well. Where the hell do we get the energy to keep it all up?
Thank you beautiful, funny, wise and comforting Suzanne.
My grandmother used to say, ” wouldn’t it be really AWFUL if it only happened to SOME of us?”
OMG I love your Grandma.
Words from the wise that we only truly appreciate when we are rounding the same bend in life.
It is a shame we often don’t realize till after they are gone and we can no longer tell them just how right they were.
Ah, yes these things happen. For some more than for others. Good genes are the best help and the one thing we havenothing to say about. I try to look at it as a challenge. What can I do to deal with what life throws at me in the best possible way. And acceptance was another hard one to crack. I have now come to terms with dark spots and wrinkly skin. I am now challenging posture. I always had a small slouch and tried at least 20 times to correct my posture. Always failed. Now I have been able to remind myself of sitting and standing up straight many many times a day for six weeks. I am full of hope, keeping my belly button in (and my belly follows) and my shoulds back and low. Makes a huge difference and instant reward.
I will say that you manage quite well in looking bloody good Suzanne. Probably because it is your passion, you don’t mind investing time in it, you are creative and have taste. You will manage, no doubt.
As for the physical problems…. they are a bitch. Cannot be very positive about that.
Greetje
I just came across your blog, and totally enjoyed your “aging post.” Dealing with all the maturing opportunities is certainly better than being “six feet under.” Exercise is key to feeling self-confident and thus projecting a positive image. Try “dance cardio”, some call it zumba and Total Body Fitness Conditioning is great for strengh building and posture. Also, playing sports is a great way of keeping active. Two years ago I took up Table Tennis (Ping Pong); it is a great activity filled with challenges every 30 seconds. People who play believe in active participation and fun. And, this activity is very inexpensive. Try it, you may become addicted like me.
No heels higher than two inches for me. Ugh!
I can commiserate with you on a number of these changes – my feet are so effin’ fussy now that finding shoes that fit is a challenge, the hips are creaky, gums receding, and I have a tummy now (WHERE THE HELL DID THAT COME FROM). It’s hard to take it all in stride and maintain a positive attitude when some days it does feel that it’s all (physically) downhill from here. I do appreciate the fact that my emotional stability, confidence, and not giving a fuck about what other people think have improved and this helps balance out the physical challenges. Also, the friends I’ve made from blogging who are my age are wonderfully supportive, and have a great sense of humour, which as you’ve pointed out, is essential!!