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(489 Posts)
CariGransnet (GNHQ) Fri 14-Feb-14 16:51:26

How do you feel about getting older? Whether it's a pet peeve or, equally, something you like, let us know (in no more than two sentences) and you could appear in a brand new novel.

Pan Macmillan publishers want to get a snapshot of real women’s feelings about ageing. A selection of these will be included in the new book The Time of our Lives by Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller Maeve Haran.

You might remember Maeve as the author of 90’s smash hit Having It All, a novel that sparked huge debate about whether women could work and have a family, and much more besides. As well as being a brilliant read, her new book is about four friends in their early sixties, and the new issues they face, twenty years older than the protagonists of Having it All.

Everyone who posts a comment will be entered into a draw to win one of 20 exclusive early reading copies of The Time of Their Lives, and everyone whose comments are used will be entered into a draw to win a luxury forest cabin break for four people – details HERE.

We also have an exclusive extract from the book which you can read here.

26jibby Sun 16-Feb-14 14:12:55

I like getting older as it is than the alternative. Most of my family have died young so I want to get alot older than they did.

JoJoB Sun 16-Feb-14 12:13:08

I feel much more relaxed about life in general, getting older definitely helps with getting a bigger perspective on things. Conversely I do feel more anxious about every little ache or pain and am convinced that a major illness is right around the corner every year!
I've had a lovely life and feel truly blessed, even by all the difficult times as they have helped me grow as a person.

cheryl100 Sun 16-Feb-14 10:46:58

I feel much more experienced and deal with situations much better but dont like the wrinkles that are appearing!

MrsSB Sun 16-Feb-14 09:54:52

I'm generally ok about getting old, I think it probably beats the alternative. And I always said that age is irrelevant anyway, it's how you feel that's important, not the numbers on your birth certificate.

Versavisa Sun 16-Feb-14 09:18:10

It is wonderful and inspiring to have learnt so much, seen so much and experienced so much. Now I'm just trying to put it all to good use before it's too late.

besottedgran Sat 15-Feb-14 23:15:54

Now that I'm older I feel able to admit that when I was juggling a full-time working career and attempting to be "perfect" wife and daughter I was very often an impatient and distracted mother.

It is with great relief that I note that my children appear to have either overlooked or forgiven my short-comings and now I am trying to be a better granny than I was a mother !

ItsGreatBeingAGran Sat 15-Feb-14 22:50:46

Although a gran I'm not that old (50s) - I love the fact that I'm a gran and having parenthood a second time (I didn't appreciate it as much the first time round) but sometimes I look in the mirror and have one too many lines on my face for my liking.

Aka Sat 15-Feb-14 22:33:37

There's a world of difference between 'getting older' and 'getting old'. I'm happy to get older, but not sure about getting old.

tiddles12 Sat 15-Feb-14 22:17:45

I feel the same inside, but my energy and body betray me. I love my husband more than ever, and appreciate life a lot more. I have a slight fear of poor health, but we have a new freedom without the kids.

henetha Sat 15-Feb-14 21:47:26

I thought getting old would make me wiser, but I have failed dismally.
Nevertheless, I am pleased to still be here, glorying in the complexities of life.

(2 sentences)

Clairemike Sat 15-Feb-14 21:39:28

I'm looking forward to getting old and doing it disgracefully !

kathcake Sat 15-Feb-14 19:13:42

Despite the years that pass your mind is still young and it feels strange to look at a face that has aged

madeindevon1 Sat 15-Feb-14 18:37:31

I don't feel too bad about getting older, I am not in denial, I am 46 and a Nana of three beautiful little ones, I don't feel any different really to the way I felt twenty years ago, apart from the fact that these days I know my limitations and am more inclined to stick to them! I need reading glasses, I can't sprint up the street and I don't like driving at night - other than that I am determined to accept who and what I am.. but make sure I get plenty of sleep!

apricot Sat 15-Feb-14 18:35:13

Spring is coming and I wake early, fizzing with excitement at another year and asking, please, for thirty more. Never mind the failing senses and aching joints, there's so much to remember and so much to look forward to.

glassortwo Sat 15-Feb-14 18:33:44

I love being this age, I can say things now that I used to just think 20 years ago grin

jujones65 Sat 15-Feb-14 18:19:25

Inside I feel the same as I did when I was 19, however when I look in the mirror, which I try not to do, I see the eye bags and I sigh. Then one of my beautiful daughters tells how much they love me and, at that moment, I know my life has been worthwhile.

ykellock Sat 15-Feb-14 17:46:08

I love being the age I am and can't wait till I'm 50. The only drawback is the grey hair but hey that's what hair dye is for smile

Hughmcl Sat 15-Feb-14 17:32:06

It a mind thing if i do not think about it I forget what age I am. I dounderstand that i need to keep active and fit to enjoy the rest of my life.

annodomini Sat 15-Feb-14 17:15:55

Getting older can be a pain but the alternative is a million times worse. smile

Soutra Sat 15-Feb-14 17:10:27

Little children can't wait for their next birthday - they have no fear of growing older and call it "growing up". Do they know something we have forgotten?

cherylann2461 Sat 15-Feb-14 16:55:08

Its odd that inside I still feel young but the body is getting older and failing. I must admit it does scare me!

Humph Sat 15-Feb-14 16:33:17

Age brings wisdom. More importantly, I can act as though I'm a teenager - no cares, responsibilities and no job to hold down - Hurray

feefeegabor Sat 15-Feb-14 16:32:05

I like being older in that I don't worry about things I cannot change. I dislike the fact that I can no longer sleep through a whole night and the backache that won't let up!

isis53 Sat 15-Feb-14 16:09:37

worried about keeping healthy dont want to be a burden

missbluebell Sat 15-Feb-14 16:02:59

With age comes contentment, experience and wisdom.