

Thinking about my parents as they aged versus how we age in this generation, I believe that the biggest difference is due to information. They didn't know that smoking was killing their lungs, that fat was clogging their arteries or that it was o.k. to have fun after 40. They didn't know about mental health - no one talked about being depressed - that was hush-hush.
My father died of lung cancer at 59. At that time my mother was 52. She already had her burial dress picked out - - because she said she was old and wouldn't live much longer. She did live another 22 years - but not happily ever after.
This is a wonderful time of my life and yes, it is the happiest.



I am definitely enjoying life at 54 - certainly there are some financial concerns for the future, but now it is just hubby and me (& the cat) that we worry about. My kids are grown and self-sufficient.
I am able to pursue my writing career and it seems to finally be taking off, maybe because I don't have the old number of "mom" interruptions and responsibilities.
Our kids have become very much like friends and we have a lot of fun together. Both hubby and I are still very active in the community. Also life is back to the spontaneous and while a "date" may be a DVD and take-out, we also enjoy going to the movies, restaurants and more.
Being in my 50's is definitly a great time.