Invisible. The invisible decade |
20 years older than my age! |
| 30 is old to the 9 year old |
| Old isn’t a perjorative even though many people use it that way. It’s just a descriptor just like young or fat or tall….. There’s nothing more silly than an old person saying they aren’t old when they mean they aren’t the things people associate with old. |
I love it! I’m 55, kids are college aged, I’m comfortable in my own skin and don’t feel the need to impress anyone. Although I do miss my parents, they are both gone now and the tough caregiving phase is over. I can focus on myself and DH and it’s wonderful. |
I want to pull my hair out when I hear this stupid 'invisible decade' crap. I'm 55 and certainly do not feel invisible. I am top in my career. Christ- I even am top in the gym competitions against 30-somethings and beat all of the 40-50-60 year old men on Peloton
I don't walk around feeling invisible. People talk and chat and say 'hello'. I don't get brushed off. |
+1 I have my mojo back. I feel more energetic than I did years ago. |
Cool, you're the exception rather than the rule. Many women struggle finding themselves after decades of caregiving and feel lost & unseen. It's great that you do not relate, but that doesn't make it true. |
Don’t listen to the lies. Most 50-something women I know are loving life. I don’t know anyone who feels lost or unseen. You must be young. |
You’re both taking your anecdatal experience and attempting to make it universal. |
Does it actually matter? 2 years is close enough; we’re not in elementary school. |
DP. It seems to me that no one who feels that way would actually confide in you. |
No I had a blast in my 50s (lived in new country, learned new language, acquired advanced degree, made many new friends, and did tons of volunteer work). Even my early 60s are not that bad so far. I think a lot depends on lifestyle and access to good quality medical care - have great medical team/ eat well/ exercise regularly and have strong social relationships (stable partnership, good friends, faith community or some other sense of belonging to a group and creating a sense of meaning in your life). That said I am slowing down and pace myself. Current events are terrifying but so grateful to have family and good friends and faith community to accompany me on the wild ride. |
Maybe the ones that never worked |
| I think 40-45 as the start of middle age. And 65 as the start of “old”. 80 as the start of “elderly” which to me seems more old. |