I grew up listening to The Beatles. I was 10 when Sgt Pepper was released, so I’ve been aware of When I’m Sixty-Four for a long time. This evergreen song has informed some of my beliefs about ageing, and what age is considered to be “old”. So I accept the inevitability of someone quoting the lyrics at me when I actually reach the age of 64 in the next few days. Part of me is horrified, part of … [Read more...] about Will you still read me when I’m 64?
ageing
Forget reality TV, this is real life in all its glory
Last month I wrote a post about the return of the Up Series - the pioneering documentary strand that began in 1964 and followed the lives of 14 Brits from the age of seven, revisiting them every seven years. The first part of the latest instalment, 56 Up, was screened this week. I was struck by the fact that there had been less drama in the lives of the participants since they appeared in 49 Up … [Read more...] about Forget reality TV, this is real life in all its glory
Jane Fonda and the Third Act
Yesterday I talked about writing to heal and how cathartic it can be to put down on paper the life experiences which have affected you the most. This is particularly important for those of us approaching what Jane Fonda calls the Third Act - life beyond 60. In an inspiring TED talk posted this month, the well-preserved actress says: “I have come to find that an appropriate metaphor for … [Read more...] about Jane Fonda and the Third Act
You wouldn’t catch the Queen having Botox
In exactly one month, I will be 55. So there’s no escaping the fact that I am in my mid-50s. I don’t know how this has happened, because sometimes I feel 16, sometimes I feel 33, sometimes I feel 4, but I never feel 55, whatever that is. I’m fortunate enough that good genes and a lack of sunbathing have left me with few wrinkles but I can see my neck going a bit crepey. I’m also lucky in … [Read more...] about You wouldn’t catch the Queen having Botox