I can't express the depth of my gratitude to the LA Times for the revelation that I'm not gross and sad! Who knew? And there's ANOTHER way to think about aging?? What would I have done without that puppy chow reporter to illumine my foggy old noggin?
I would be a lot more enthusiastic about younger reporters if so much of their material about high--achieving people our age wasn't so precious, focusing on how terribly surprised they were, how CUUUUUTE we are to be doing Everest or whatever feat it is they're reporting on. It's a bit cloying. There are a lot of competent reporters, but somehow when younger people interview older, all too often they become like mothers cooing over a puppy. What's unfortunate is that you can't hear it until it's aimed at you. Then it's personal.
I just felt the entire world shift with that eyebrow arch, Jan.
Being seen as cute is not just condescending, it diminishes an entire lifetime. I agree utterly. Which is why we need to write, if for no other reason than we get to strip the stigma from these amazing years.
And to you Jan. The people who get to talk about sticking the landing are those who have flopped it, missed it, failed miserably at it and finally stuck it. That is not given to the young. It's earned by those old enough to have history. As The Woman King's Nanisca says, "I've earned it. "
Yes. My mother grew up in a multi-generational household. I remember my great aunts sewing, reading, playing cards, and games with us like Statues and card games. Being around them socialized me, taught me to be a story teller, helped me grow into my young adulthood watching their example. And people in their 60s, 70s and 80s were treated respectfully, allowed to speak while others listened. Quite the MF to realize I'm going to have to fight for what was naturally given a short while ago. Great picture, by the way!
Loved this so much, thanks for always singing the anthem of those us who are getting older and BETTER every single day! Wiser, braver, sexier...just more wonderful in my opinion. And thanks for taking down that awful headline. Signed, Amy, 63, decidedly NOT sad and gross.
I was unaware that it is time for me to feel " gross and sad". I shall remind myself to do so as I gleefully trek the Serra da Estrella, the mountains near my home. And I should heartily endeavour to think gross, sad thoughts while I am naked and scrambling on boulders after splashing about in the Alvoco river. I'll set an alarm.
I'm not an Arnold apologist, but later in the article Arnold also said: "The bottom line is I'm 76 years old. I'm full of energy. I'm full of enthusiasm. I'm as enthusiastic and as excited as I was when I was 30 years old." It's not a lie to admit you're not what you used to be (especially if you were someone in prize-winning shape earlier in life). If you read his newsletter, he's out there every day encouraging people of any age or shape to work out and stay fit, and providing different workouts every week to do so. I had back trouble for 30 years and working out and changing habits has allowed me to get past it. I'm in better shape than ever, but that doesn't mean the wrinkles and sags aren't there. I ignore them and keep returning to the gym. 😀🐸
Agree, Lou. The problem is that the press- and he knows how to use the press- is going to pick up and make hay out of his worst words, and to your point, you've got to dig for the positive stuff. People leap on the obvious negativity, and discount what else he says. Like you I also have wrinkles and sags, I'm just so damned glad to be able to do what I do at this age. What irritated me about Arnold's comments was that they were better expressed out of earshot because the Hollywood press is going to go after what's controversial, and often negative. Good point, and as always, good for you.
I can't express the depth of my gratitude to the LA Times for the revelation that I'm not gross and sad! Who knew? And there's ANOTHER way to think about aging?? What would I have done without that puppy chow reporter to illumine my foggy old noggin?
"Puppy chow" left me on the floor chewing (gumming) my milk bone.
Haha! Puppy chow reporter!
I would be a lot more enthusiastic about younger reporters if so much of their material about high--achieving people our age wasn't so precious, focusing on how terribly surprised they were, how CUUUUUTE we are to be doing Everest or whatever feat it is they're reporting on. It's a bit cloying. There are a lot of competent reporters, but somehow when younger people interview older, all too often they become like mothers cooing over a puppy. What's unfortunate is that you can't hear it until it's aimed at you. Then it's personal.
I feel it is our solemn duty to point out that we are formidable. Not cute.
I just felt the entire world shift with that eyebrow arch, Jan.
Being seen as cute is not just condescending, it diminishes an entire lifetime. I agree utterly. Which is why we need to write, if for no other reason than we get to strip the stigma from these amazing years.
Which, when compared to most of human history — particularly women's history — is a heady opportunity. Hearts to you, Julia Hubbel.
And to you Jan. The people who get to talk about sticking the landing are those who have flopped it, missed it, failed miserably at it and finally stuck it. That is not given to the young. It's earned by those old enough to have history. As The Woman King's Nanisca says, "I've earned it. "
Yes. My mother grew up in a multi-generational household. I remember my great aunts sewing, reading, playing cards, and games with us like Statues and card games. Being around them socialized me, taught me to be a story teller, helped me grow into my young adulthood watching their example. And people in their 60s, 70s and 80s were treated respectfully, allowed to speak while others listened. Quite the MF to realize I'm going to have to fight for what was naturally given a short while ago. Great picture, by the way!
Loved this so much, thanks for always singing the anthem of those us who are getting older and BETTER every single day! Wiser, braver, sexier...just more wonderful in my opinion. And thanks for taking down that awful headline. Signed, Amy, 63, decidedly NOT sad and gross.
I love the idea of an anthem. We really are singing. I have finally started to listen to the bird in my chest.
I was unaware that it is time for me to feel " gross and sad". I shall remind myself to do so as I gleefully trek the Serra da Estrella, the mountains near my home. And I should heartily endeavour to think gross, sad thoughts while I am naked and scrambling on boulders after splashing about in the Alvoco river. I'll set an alarm.
Oh shit I think I wet myself. Thank you, I needed that, Wendy. I would love to quote you, with your permission, this is just so damned good.
OH MY GAWD YES🥴to be quoted by you?!?! A damn HONOR🌟I love everything you write. This one really raised my pistivity levels a bit.
Pistivity made my day, Wendy!
😆
I'm not an Arnold apologist, but later in the article Arnold also said: "The bottom line is I'm 76 years old. I'm full of energy. I'm full of enthusiasm. I'm as enthusiastic and as excited as I was when I was 30 years old." It's not a lie to admit you're not what you used to be (especially if you were someone in prize-winning shape earlier in life). If you read his newsletter, he's out there every day encouraging people of any age or shape to work out and stay fit, and providing different workouts every week to do so. I had back trouble for 30 years and working out and changing habits has allowed me to get past it. I'm in better shape than ever, but that doesn't mean the wrinkles and sags aren't there. I ignore them and keep returning to the gym. 😀🐸
Agree, Lou. The problem is that the press- and he knows how to use the press- is going to pick up and make hay out of his worst words, and to your point, you've got to dig for the positive stuff. People leap on the obvious negativity, and discount what else he says. Like you I also have wrinkles and sags, I'm just so damned glad to be able to do what I do at this age. What irritated me about Arnold's comments was that they were better expressed out of earshot because the Hollywood press is going to go after what's controversial, and often negative. Good point, and as always, good for you.