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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.

Aka Fri 14-Feb-14 23:03:03

But getting old means we don't have to abide by petty rules and conventions unless we choose to.

Ana Fri 14-Feb-14 23:05:16

They're not 'petty rules' if they're in the remit, Aka. Perhaps some posters just want to express their views without actually being eligible for the competition, which is fair enough.

POGS Fri 14-Feb-14 23:10:43

Ana

No, I just didn't see the 'remit'.

POGS Fri 14-Feb-14 23:12:50

Ant way couldn't I just take out the full stops and make it one sentence. grin

Ana Fri 14-Feb-14 23:14:51

Of course you could, POGS grin

besottedgran Sat 15-Feb-14 00:02:02

Getting older brings freedom from a formal working life - allowing more time to spend with grandchildren making memories for them and for us. Such joy.

hiddenmichelle Sat 15-Feb-14 07:00:45

I really don't mind - if anything getting older makes me enjoy life more - I always want to try new things before its too late!

alabaster Sat 15-Feb-14 07:08:06

Knowing there are fewer days left than I have lived makes me appreciate little things so much more - the beauty of a sunrise, the delicacy of a flower, the splendour of a winter storm and, most of all, the love of those around me.

janie123 Sat 15-Feb-14 07:50:37

The best thing about getting older is being a grandmother! I didn't think that I could love my two grandchildren as much as I do, I love them as much as if I had given birth to them!! They are wonderful and although it is tiring looking after them at time as they the eldest one is only three years old and his sister is eighteen months younger, I love it. My daughter often rings me, and I answer the phone and my little grandson shouts "hello grandma" and starts chatting away. Being a grandmother is the best thing about getting older!!

natty1619 Sat 15-Feb-14 08:18:39

I know there is nothing I can do about getting older and am usually ok with the fact but some days I find myself feeling a bit jealous of the younger women I see. I miss my youthful wrinkle free skin and would love to get rid of the bags under my eyes.

grandee2 Sat 15-Feb-14 08:56:41

I have mixed feelings about getting older; firstly I feel so much happier and confident in who I am and less worried about what others think; I like the aging process and not having to keep up with the latest things unless I want to. I am enjoying retirement and having time to spend with my grandchildren. However unexpected things ache, I find myself only doing one thing at a time and I sit down a lot in between!

Icolly1 Sat 15-Feb-14 09:00:00

I takes the positives in every decade I reach. Its only my exterior that's changed and working in a hospice makes me grateful for each new decade I reach. I enjoy life and keep working on my bucket list!

janeyf Sat 15-Feb-14 09:05:23

I don't feel as bad about getting older as I thought I would. Admittedly getting up early during the working week seems harder and my circulation is not so efficient to cope with the winter weather, plus my looks are not so good but fortunately my maturing outlook makes me care a lot less!

Runnerduck22 Sat 15-Feb-14 09:40:28

I love it, my sons are plumbers and carpenters, so after years of them wrecking my house as kids, i only have to suggest a new kitchen and its done!

lizd31 Sat 15-Feb-14 10:17:25

My family call me the oldest swinger (not in a kinky way I hasten to add) but I believe you're as young as you feel & in my mind I'm still in my twenties

susiebaby Sat 15-Feb-14 10:25:34

Now I'm older I love the fact that I no longer worry about what anyone thinks of me. The downside is not having the energy I used to have.

rachbooboo Sat 15-Feb-14 10:33:49

I don't think about being older, age is just a number and I try to enjoy every day.

Kizzie Sat 15-Feb-14 10:45:40

Much prefer being older, I don't have to worry as much about what other people think, and I've managed to stay fit & healthy which is a blessing.

bonners Sat 15-Feb-14 11:03:19

Actually more happy in myself the older i get, more confident and able to deal with all life's problems in a more measured way smile

chloe1984 Sat 15-Feb-14 11:26:29

The only problem I have with getting older is I am unable to share my more adult thoughts and nature with my parents. However I feel I can now be the person I always wished I had the time to be when I was working and bringing up a family , time to think,talk and pass the day sometimes doing very little.

peterhall Sat 15-Feb-14 11:29:11

The older I get, the more I tend to look like my own father; and now, more often than not, I see him looking back at me when I look into a mirror.

worriedmum Sat 15-Feb-14 12:23:06

Having had cancer 12 years ago. I am glad to be getting older I realise it's a privilege not offered to everyone. Life is a gift. Enjoy it

Ikea1234 Sat 15-Feb-14 12:26:08

In my head I'm still in my twenties...it's just a shame my body and birth certificate tell me otherwise!

happysouls Sat 15-Feb-14 12:32:01

I accept aging with a certain amount of curiousity and I don't fight against it. I'm happier now than at any other point in my life as I think I'm getting more focused on the important things in life!

pennwood Sat 15-Feb-14 12:38:42

Remember, age is an attitude not a number, but what is my attitude to the hairs that dare to be suddenly sprouting on my chin?