The Enjoyment of Later Life

What will people think if they know my age? Am I really elderly? Am I really more vulnerable than a 50 year old?

I am fortunately fit, healthy and my mind is very active. As a psychotherapist I volunteer my support to The Princes Trust as a mentee. The meetings are very rewarding and the results for young people, who have experienced a challenging upbringing can impact positively on both their mental health and plans for their future.

I specifically help clients with later life transitions. These might include divorce, preparing for retirement or that you just feel stuck without a plan.

I have talked about being fabulous at 50 and sensational at 60, so I thought I would share some of my deep, dark thoughts about being secure in the 70’s – along with some of the positive thoughts.

1. Chronologically, 70 is pretty “old” Seventy doesn’t look like 40 or even 50, but it’s NOT elderly!
2. We live in a much younger world. People who have the type of work we want are vibrant and decades behind us.
3. We are often not respected for our wisdom or knowledge … but we are offered a chair or a seat or have doors held open for us. That’s cool!
4. We haven’t kept up with the technology that comes so easily to the next generations. And, wow, are the young ones sometimes impatient of our lack of knowledge, but I am learning – slowly
5. Our bodies don’t function quite as efficiently, and our skin is saggy though we try to keep fit and eat well.
6. We are told we are more prone to health challenges though there are many free advantages available from the NHS.
7. Many of us live alone (due to divorce or loss of spouse)

But, as with most things, there is a silver lining.

1. We are old enough to remember movies on the Classic Movie Channel and love seeing them again.
   2. Some of us, but not me are pros at dancing to Rock and Roll music — we invented it.
   3. We do get the good seats and the doors opened for us.
   4. We can say nearly anything we want to say because we don’t care what others think.
   5. Some people have more time because their children are raised … so we can work-out, walk, travel, but also work professionally or voluntarily
   6. We can make fun of how our bodies are AND accept them. (I for one, have not had any plastic surgery, etc. … I’m pretty proud to be who I am and how I look.)
   7. We are WISE… all you have to do is ask us and we probably know more about things that our young counterparts are clueless about. Our knowledge and wisdom are amazing.

I’m GRATEFUL for so very much.

I feel that we have raised amazing, talented, kind, and generous children who we are very proud of, and have a great relationship with.

1. Our 8 Grandchildren have brilliant parents, and we enjoy Grandparenting.
2. I look ok given the age.
3. I continue to work (self-employed) and am always filled with ideas for what is next.
4. I never give up … I always keep trying.
5. I continue to grow and learn as much as I can. Age is not a barrier to learning.
6. I have wonderful, long-term friends around the globe and lots of support when I need it.
7. I’m respected for who I am and the work I do.
8. I’m already beginning to invent my next new business … my mind works well.
9. I am THRIVING and not just surviving.
10. I play over 70’s County tennis.
11. I have been recognised as one of the top 20 resilience coaches world- wide by the Sai Blackbyrn Foundation.

Now, I hope you might take a few moments to assess where you are in your life even in these challenging times — the pros and cons and then finish up by journaling or saying out loud the things you are grateful for.

Feel free to contact me for a free chemistry call.

Gill Mathias. www.gillmathias.com Info@gillmathias.com 01530 589216