What You Said About Being Elderly

Last week’s blog struck a chord, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible responses it inspired. So many of you shared your own stories—funny, poignant, and all too relatable—about what it feels like to navigate the world as an *elderly* woman. Your words made me laugh, nod in agreement, and even tear up at times. What struck me most was the common thread running through all of them: a shared resilience, a sharp wit, and a collective determination to be seen and heard. This week, I want to highlight some of those stories, because together, they paint a powerful picture of who we are—and they remind us that we’re not alone on this journey.

Helene, this is spot on! I too have been feeling this change in how people who don't know me now see me.Thank you for speaking on this matter. Keep up the posting - I am a faithful follower! 
~Cindy 

 I freaking love this! Had dinner this weekend with some 60ish friends and they were apologetic that we weren't going to eat until about 730pm.  Bery and I had such a good laugh and took every occasion all evening to emphasize how old we were (In a fun way of course.)  They are really good friends and got the message. Great article Helene.  
~Shelley 

While walking my dog, I spotted a bunch of business cards scattered on the ground—and among them, a driver’s license. The address was just down the street, so I backtracked, rang the doorbell, and was greeted by both a voice over the speaker and a man at the door. I handed over his license, he thanked me, and I went on my way, feeling like a good Samaritan (with a curious dog in tow). Later that day, while scrolling through social media, I popped into the Nextdoor app and stumbled across a post: "Reminder to lock your car—my husband’s wallet was stolen, but some OLD lady brought his driver’s license back." 

Old lady?! 

So yes, Helene - discounted and invisible are some of the feelings I had that day, but I’ve concluded that this does not diminish who I am or what I do to continue to make a difference in my world. Instead, I’ll reframe my experience and call myself the neighborhood’s senior superhero! 
~Mary Lynn

WOW!!!  I always enjoy your newsletters, and this one is SO POWERFUL! (I just forwarded it to my sister-in-law.) 
~Vikki 

 I just love this, Helene!  It’s so true!  I was offered a seat on the bus the other day and I assumed they were speaking to someone behind me, but they weren’t….. I always love reading your musings. 
~Lisa 

LOVE it, you are so right. You still feel young, even though your body sometimes reminds you that you are getting older. Lol. And I love the new Matlock. She is awesome. 
~Liz 

 This life stage isn’t just a series of symptoms and suppositions —it can be a period of change, challenge, and growth, and women's voices deserve to be listened to and shared. Thank you for sharing yours with us. (I'm pretty sure inside every *elderly* woman is a young woman who wondered what happened.)

If you didn’t read last week’s blog post Elderly Stereotypes, Hollywood Stories, and Real Women's Lives CLICK HERE.