Sexygenarians

Age does not define me -- period! 
(... ok, exclamation point...)

Angie Dickinson at age 78

Whenever anyone asks how old I am I reply, "Oh, I don't do age actually.  I would have to do the math to figure it out."
The uniform response is a snicker followed by a comment along the lines of "Forever 21, huh?"

I then explain, to the listener's bewilderment, that nope, I have no desire to be 21 again. In fact, the day I turned 21 was the very day I stopped telling my age.  Having grown up with constant age discrimination based on my youth, I vowed while in my single digit years to stop being labeled by age the moment I was totally legal... ie 21.

Also, I have never understood society's current obsession with youth.  I have no desire to be younger, just to be me!  As a child I so admired the reverence given the 'elders' of Native American tribes.  That made sense to me -- to respect and look up to those who have experienced life... oh, the stories they could tell.  To me, wrinkles and scars were badges of honor and victory.  I thought of fresh, young unlined skin as a sign of inexperience.  It looked pleasant, but was not nearly as interesting to me as crows feet and laugh lines.

Raquel Welch at age 71

As I mature, and yes, I have thankfully matured, I am feeling more and more attractive as a human being, which is certainly not because of improved physicality -- far from it.  Over the course of the last 3 years I have given up almost all physical activity goals and plans in favor of helping others.  It won't always be this way, but for now, I am grateful to be of service.  So how has this affected me physically?  How do I look?  Well, I have never felt better in my life, in part because I have been nourishing my soul. As for my physique -- meh, I've gained 45 pounds, lost muscle, and am flabby.  But you know what?  I couldn't care less!  I have been enriched beyond measure, and have planned my do-gooder activities so that I can start getting out in the picture postcard perfect Spring weather following Mothers Day.  From there I will have a whole Summer to cycle and swim, run and dance... and best of all... sleeeeeeep.

The women shown in this post are seasoned livers of life... ugh that sounded wrong... but you get what I mean.  They have lived and aged, with panache!

Mimi Kirk at age 71

 Now, yes, there may have been cosmetic surgeons involved for at least one of them, and yes, these photos may show them in their best light, but as far as I am concerned, they are gorgeous because of the confidence and poise they express.

Sofia Loren at age 72

And guess what, they are ALL over 70!  Between their example and the increased vibrance I feel with each passing year, I look forward to my advancing years, and see them as golden indeed.

Bonus confidence-booster video for any age, showing the reality behind the airbrushing

... I mean, Photoshopping

[Note: I did my best to find photos with verified ages.  If you have a different age or date for the photos, by all means, chime in]