Embracing Old Age

worlie, I know I'm playing an old tune and forgive me if you've heard it before, but it's worth trying the U3A which has a multitude of activities. I am a member of our creative writing group and a hilarious French conversation group (should perhaps be renamed 'Franglais'); and enjoy visits to the theatre in Manchester. Click here for information about U3A s in your area.

CBA, Jane, that's all....

www.gransnet.com/forums/chat/a1200836-Fabulous-Fashionistas

You're so lazy Ana

There was a thread about it on here, cazthebookworm. Perhaps someone will post a link.

To recap, didn't anybody see the "Fabulous Fashionistas?" on Channel 4 two weeks ago? It was so uplifting I can't stop raving about it!!

..missed out th 'n'....

I my 'gloomy place' I'm always really positive about how fed up I am. I wallow in it, like a hippopotamus in mud .

And to be fair, most of the posts on this thread were sympathising with gracesmum and taking the opportunity to air their own views on some of the disadvantages of ageing. It wasn't really meant to be an upbeat, 'look on the bright side come what may' thread.

If this is the only thread you read before you posted, redamanthus, you could be forgiven for your opinion of us, but as has been pointed out, there are many other threads which are extremely positive!

Actually gracesmum is one of the least negative people I have ever known; it's just that last Monday she was having a bad day .

Greatnan
I actually did not read all the threads either, but am very impressed with all the things you are able to do and that you are one of the "positives"
Long may you continue to be so!!

On a positive note - we live in a relatively affluent country, mostly we keep warm, dry, well-fed - there is no war raging making us homeless and robbing us of our loved ones. I tell myself in comparison to others in this world we are so very lucky.

Redamanthus - you clearly have not read the right threads! I have a wonderful life, spending all my days exploring the beautiful Alps and taking very long walks up very steep mountain paths. Obviously, I enjoy excellent health in order to be able to do this at 73. Every Winter I spend six or seven weeks with my daughter and her family in New Zealand. I also take at least two weeks a year to go snorkelling on coral in tropical waters. This year, I have enjoyed visits from Anno and WhenIm64 and had the pleasure of showing them this wonderful part of France. I also took my sister on a cruise on the River Moselle in Germany.
My problem is fitting in all the lovely things I want to do in a day - I am usually out walking from 9 a.m. to 1 pm. then I read/watch UK TV/listen to music or Radio 4/send and receive messages from my very large family/make myself delicious meals.
Negative - are you kidding?

Hi Worlie,
Check out the local activities at you local library, ours has a huge book with flyers and posters covering just about everything that is going on in our area, plus the library staff are usually pretty knowledgeable about local events. Check the notice boards in churches and supermarkets as well. Have you considered volunteering; either in a charity shop, local schools or check on the internet for voluntary work. There is a web site called. www.do-it.org.uk where you just put in your post code to search for any thing in your area.
I was new to this area 4 years ago and only knew one person, now I am involved in numerous activities and haven't looked back, book group, creative writing group, walking, charity shop, excercise group and gransnet, what more do I need.

Im finding it a bit boring, been trying to find things to do such as local clubs for friendship, exercise classes, just anything to fill the time and yes I have heard of bingo but anything else please, especially if they are in Bridgwater, not really expecting to get any replies but you never know do you?

Yes,
I fully support Redamanthas, well said, I feel exactly the same. Did any of you see the Channel 4 Cutting Edge documentary 2 weeks ago called "Fantastic Fashionistas"? It was about six women with an average age of 80 yrs, and how amazing were they? They had style and verve.
I went to see one of them who works in a boutique near me, to tell her how uplifting she made me feel. Apparently she was in London for the day having afternoon tea with the other ladies including Baroness Trumpington, as a treat from the Baroness' son.
I bet she never thought she would be doing that a few years ago when she lost her husband and thought her life was over. She got out there and grabbed life by both hands, good for her.
I thoroughly recommend you negative people watch it and I defy you not to be inspired.

Great name, btw.

redamanthas

Well said, redmanthas

redamanthas I was going to respond by saying that I think I am extremely lucky in not having to take any regular medication, barely ever needing to wear my specs, still having good skin and still wearing size 8 jeans, living in a new and beautiful place just 15 minutes' drive from my lovely daughter and fabulous, if loud, grandchildren who I see all the time and so on, but I was afraid it would seem a bit smug rather than positive, especially in the light of some of the misfortunes experienced by other gransnetters. I do have slightly crunchy knees but not really enough to complain about.

redam Enjoyed your positive rant.

redmanthas - I needed that !

I've just sent off a donation to sponsor a walk on Saturday. The people who are walking are friends/ colleagues and their family. Their young daughter (23)died unexpectedly a short while ago. At least when I am sad my daughter doesn't call I know she could. Other people's losses near at home affect me. I don't feel I can do much if anything for those further afield apart from money or signing petitions.

I can't believe there are no positive comments out there! Ah wait those people must be out enjoying themselves. I LOVE being 65 and hope to get a lot older. I recently lost weight, take a pride in how I look. Love to shop wearing style not fashion. Had an accident ten years ago so I ache each day too and have to take a multitude of tabs each day but I love doing fun things with grand kids. Having the time to lunch with good friends. Enjoy am dram theatre shows or cheaper matinee Theatres. Bus pass is great for getting into town. And I'd love to have a deaf husband. Mine died at age 54 TV's good. Driving takes you all over the place. Cheer up you miserable lot. There's a whole world out there go and see some if it and think how much worse off your life could be. Right. My rant's over too!!!

I quite agree, girlracer - since I lost weight I look a lot older, but as I have no interest in my appearance and a great deal of interest in my health, it doesn't worry me.