I started my 65th birthday celebrations recently with a glorious 2 hour immersion in warm spa water over 10,000 years old, naturally heated by the Earth.  We want to the Spa in beautiful Bath. And no, I wasn’t the one with hair done, full make-up on and earrings still above water. I was the really wet one, hair smeared over her face, trying hard not to disrupt the serenity, whilst fighting the water jets.

And I finally decided what I want to be when I grow up.

An elderly badass.

Someone who celebrates every birthday with “Why the bloody hell not?”

Dolly Parton was still working at 80. Her manager said after her death that she had worked virtually until the end. Seven decades into her career, she was still creating, performing, planning.  And doing a lot of good too.

Iris Apfel became a bona fide fashion superstar in her 80s and 90s. Iconic, with giant glasses, huuge necklaces and absolutely no intention of becoming beige.

At 96, Iris said:

“I think that you should give thanks for every extra year you get.”

Betty White, American actor and comedian, was still working well into her 90s. At 89 she wrote something I LOVE:

“You don’t feel old, you just feel like yourself.”

And Jane Fonda returned to acting at 65, having quit for 15 years, and found herself with a hit TV show at 80.

Her take?

“Older women have always tended to be the bravest.”

YES!!

There should come a point when you finally stop worrying quite so much about what everyone else thinks.

You don’t have to take to the stage, wear Elton John specs or get your own TV show.

Your knees might creak.

You might need your glasses to find your glasses.

You may make a small involuntary noise from some orifice or other every time you get off the sofa.

But you’re still YOU.

Still curious.
Still useful.
Still learning.
Still allowed to change your mind.
Still allowed to start something.
Still allowed to wear the ridiculous dress.

So no, I don’t particularly want to age gracefully.

I want to age disgracefully, enthusiastically … laughing plenty …  and with really good posture.

My ambition?

Elderly badass.

Who’s with me?

Lotsa love

Noelle x