7 of 35

Write now Article Tools

Is there life after fifty for women? So goes the age-old question that we like to pretend has been answered and addressed by the trendy idea that "forty is the new thirty" and "fifty is the new forty". That may be so: the introduction of healthier lifestyles, better healthcare, and the fact that the baby boomers are living it up like there's no tomorrow could account for that. Besides, who would have ever thought women would be having babies at forty-five and beyond...on purpose? Life after fifty for women is unlike anything we could have imagined that long ago.

Having become wise in the way of the fifty-something's since my birthday was two days ago, I feel completely qualified to comment on the phenomenon. I was perfectly willing to let my special day go unnoticed this time around, except for the fact the my AARP card arrived in the mail weeks ago and afforded me a bitter opportunity to warm up to the idea. (Courtesy of my kids and my loving husband who never let me take myself too seriously.)

How could I possibly be fifty? In my estimation, life after fifty was a limbo-like period of life, when you're no longer a babe but you're still too young to sprout the blue-haired granny persona. A non-time, if you will. A period of physical and social invisibility that could only lead to one thing: old age. Will I never again wear tank tops without obsessively fearing grandma-wave-goodbye arms? Will I have to start storing my multivitamins and ginkoba in pill boxes marked with the day of the week?

I'm delighted to report that this is an old wives tale probably created by some grumpy middle aged man whose wife was hotter than he was. There are notable consequences to this stage of life, of course, menopause being one glaring item too oppressive to ignore! Yet at the same time, life is richer and fuller and more satisfying in so very many ways. My life is my own. I earned my bachelor's degree one month before my fiftieth birthday and began a brand new career less than six months ago. I can't wait to get up in the morning and start my day.

My half-century birthday gift from my husband was an awesome hot-air balloon ride in the Adirondacks. Although time will certainly make its mark, I think it will do so gently...I don't have time for anything else! Besides, my arms don't look much different than they did last week, and I never remember to take my vitamins anyway.

Learn more about this author, Pam Sissons.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Life: Is there life after 40, 50, 60??
We want to hear your view. Write now!