What do you like about being older?

Ah Anagram, Ha Ha caught him out. I know what he would say.

"Oh no, me grannie wasn't that welsh. Not the Wales that's attached to England. She was born in a different Wales that not many people know about."

Then there would follow a great long explanation about how it came about that there were two countries called Wales. And then some weeks later I would show myself up my quoting his nonsense to someone else.

There's no z in the Welsh language, mgwnzy, so even your name was meant to be Welsh, it isn't now!

I am told it is welsh, but if you look at my post to Nelliedeane, you can judge for yourself. Most likely, when my dad went to register the birth he thought he would have a laugh with the registrar and she took it seriously,

I have spent my whole life explaining my name, I love it.

A very Happy Birthday nightowl enjoy your special day

nanahrissy I have just a similar question in reply to mgwnzy asking how I am.

mgwnzy..so glad you are feeling part of the group,and that you arent feeling so lonely,you sound very caring

Mgwnzy does your unusual name have any meaning or significance?

Thank you everyone for the responses. This is the first time that I have felt part of group.

Gransnet, what a wonderful cure for my loneliness

What a welcome response mgwnzy! I look forward to your reply to us all.

Lovely post mgwnzy And lots of lovely replies, just given me the 'inspiration' to get on with today.... lots to do!
Best things about growing older already listed above, apart from the 'poo kit'.

Butternut How do you embrace your fat arms? Are you a contortionist?

Hi mgwnzy I agree with most of the things that have already been said, such as being comfortable in one's own skin, but would add, the wealth of memories of things and people past and still having plans for the future.

For the record, poo kits (NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme) are sent to everyone aged 60–69 registered with a GP in England. I don't know about Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. The scheme is currently being extended to people up to the age of 74.

Getting older has so many advantages - most of which have already been so eloquently mentioned.
Its a thrill for me to be good friends with my children and their partners. You have to wait a few years for the shared experiences for this to kick in.
Yes..........being able to say NO.

Lovely thread mgwnzy Thanks.
What I like is taking time on the mornings. Sitting in my dressing gown, sometimes I even go back to bed! I'm awake at nights and then nobody cares if I read till the early hours and I don't have to get up in the morning.

At night and sometimes in the the early hours I play Bridge online with people from China and S. America or anyone in the world who has time.
Then I take a nap after lunch and listen to Radio4 till I drop off.- to sleep that is not off the sofa.

In beween I cook and shop for DH and myself and ancient Tomcat, and look forward to meeting up with the GCs. I don't see them weekly but often enough. DD1 lives 12 miles away but she is busy and GS plays football in his spare time.

I can't give up caring how I look, and so I wear make up and keep my hair washed and groomed.
Then of course GN......

I really had to psych myself up to do the poo kit - it's a bit gross isn't it? However, DD said surely it was worth being grossed out for peace of mind or an early diagnosis - sensible as ever and I did it. I was so happy a few weeks later to get a negative result. I have a friend, same age as me, who refuses to do any screening whatsoever. It's up to her but how silly. As for what I like as I'm older [not middle aged and not elderly but m'elderly as my DD says] there are quite a few things. Mainly being able to do daft things with my DGD like splashing in puddles with her and not care what other people think. In fact that is one of the best things not caring what other people think. I haven't gone beige, never will, I'm known for my colourful socks, I still colour my hair, I still enjoy fashion but can't afford and wouldn't be a slave to it. Having time to do things is a huge plus. I work 2 days a week and the rest is mine - being near to the beaches and the New Forest means loads of lovely walks. No dogs now - after my last Lab died at 14 years old about 6 years ago I cannot go through that grief again. Also now I have GC haven't the time.

I love getting some wear out of my dressing gown in the mornings - none of this up, washed/ showered dressedetc etc and out the door - most mornings up for coffee and a leisurely think about what I will be doing in the day.

Does anyone else go posting stuff without fully reading first about how to do it properly! Sorry about the errors in the above.

bold:"Nightowl"
My first poo kit actually arrived along with my 60th birthday cards. That was quite a put off. I have had better greetings. But thanks to the NHS all teh same.

What a lovely read on the perfect May morning - another treat to being 'old' getting up when I like, and actually having the time to savour the beauty of the morning (except when it's pouring with rain of course). It is indeed a privilege to have lived so long and enjoyed so many of the simple pleasures at leisure.
I manage to mix with men and women of all ages, and must admit to quite enjoying the younger men paying me the occasional compliment and having a rapport with them - I don't mind that they might think me a bit odd, it all adds to the enjoyment, and whilst when I was younger I may well have taken offence, that no longer happens. Another plus for getting old.

1 Being retired and not having to go to work.
2 Impossible to get pregnant.
3 No more periods.
4 Time to do stuff I like
5 Not having to do scary stuff like going down a water slide, cycling in traffic etc
6 Eating whatever I want without worrying about getting into my office clothes.
7 Not driving and not being looked at as if I'm a bit peculiar.
8 Pottering in the garden and planting stuff - never had time before.
9 Owning a dog, because someone is home most of the time.

I'm very lucky 'cos I don't have arthritis or piles or the other horrid stuff that other friends in their late 60s have. I can even last a few hours without a pee.

Welcome mgwnzy I hope we don't have you running for the hills after reading this thread.
merlotgran I can feel a book coming on 1001 uses for a husband

Unfortunately poo kit due in a couple of days! But I always remember quote Never moan about getting old many are denied the previlege.

merlotgran stop it! What a mental image! You could hire him out he sounds a lot more use than most of the men I know

Oh heavens! I am 53, recently redundant and job hunting, must admit at the moment most of the "positives" listed don't apply!

He has his uses, nightowl. Fortunately he can still manage the ride on mower even if he does overcook the corners occasionally and I did once have to tow him out of a large rabbit hole.

Sorry about the poo kit. I wonder what those poor souls on the conveyer belt at the recycling centre made of it?

Hi and welcome mgwnzy looking forward to chatting love the thread...how old will I have to be to get a poo kit,goal post has been moved for bus pass,winter fuel payment and pension I will have to wait until I am 63 and 9months...

Now things that are good about geting old....I will let you know when I get there....
Having a toy boy