Today is my 65th birthday. What does it mean? Well I’m officially old. But according to the Japanese I’m “young old” and will remain so for the next 10 years.

But how did it happen? It seems just the other day that I was celebrating my 40th birthday with a child balanced on my hip. He’ll be celebrating his 26th birthday in a few months. 

I feel exactly the same today as I did then. But maybe not so tired. It is the mirror that reminds me otherwise. Plus the pills I have to take at bedtime. 

But, although I can’t quite believe that I’m 65 years old I am grateful for getting here. As my dad used to say to say ‘there is one thing worse than getting old, not getting old”. It would have been wonderful to be celebrating this birthday with my best friend but sadly she died nearly eight years ago.

Since I celebrated my 60th birthday life has been fairly tumultuous. Lockdown, retirement, ill health. All have required a significant amount of navigating but it now feels as if I’m in calmer waters. I’m finally in a place where I can enjoy this stage of my life.

What do I love (the ups) being 65:

Time – When I look back to other stages of my life time was a commodity that was often scarce. I can look back now with awe at my younger self. Work, family, running a home, studying, keeping myself fit. I still have the same commitments but now on my terms.

A Balanced Life – Having time has resulted in a more balanced life. When I was preparing for retirement I was fortunate to go on a two day preparing for retirement workshop paid for by my employer. A phrase that stuck with me on what retirement could look like was ‘2 days earning, 2 days learning, 2 days having fun’. And this is what I’ve strived for. I have a few coaching clients, I host a coaching website with a friend, I’m contributing to a book, I’m studying for a Masters in Coaching, I volunteer and I’m having fun.

Afternoon Matinees – I love going to the theatre. Either with friends or alone. Since I’ve retired and lockdown restrictions were lifted I’ve been to numerous afternoon matinees. 

Lunch with friends – I wouldn’t describe myself as a ‘lady that lunches’ but I do enjoy a leisurely catch up with friends knowing that getting home won’t be an issue.

Time for hobbies – crocheting, reading, blogging, hiking, weightlifting and all of the above.

Trying new things– having time opens up opportunities to do new things. A few months ago I saw an advert for a beginners art workshop. I hadn’t put paint to paper apart from walls and woodwork for nearly 50 years after being told at school that I was useless. I’m loving it.

Travel – I don’t have holidays anymore. Holidays are for people that need time out from their busy lives. But I do enjoy experiencing new places and escaping to the sun when the British weather is getting a bit boring. And the best part. I can be spontaneous. No more fitting into an annual leave allowance. On the bucket list is Antarctica, Japan and Jordan. And closer to home, Burgh Island.

What are the downs to being 65:

Fitness age discrimination – I’m now officially old and as a consequence I’ve been thrown into a homologous group that includes those in their 80’s and beyond. I’m now, allegedly, destined for a life of ‘gentle’ exercise which includes chair yoga and carpet bowls. So I’ll be doing everything in my power to challenge this dangerous stereotype of a 65 year old. Hopefully, if disease or injury don’t intervene (which can occur at any age), I’ll continue running, hiking and lifting heavy weights for the next decade and beyond.

The mirror – I don’t recognise myself. I’m now looking into the face of my mother. Is it just the normal process of aging? Does it speed up once you hit 60? Or is it the consequence of the brutal attack on my body by an overactive thyroid a couple of years ago? Who knows. I can only do what I can to slow the process down or at least soften the effects.

I’m doing a pretty good job in retaining my bone density and muscle strength where my body is concerned but retaining bone density in my face is a little more challenging. I recently noticed that my teeth in my lower jaw, which use to be straight, have now started to overlap slightly. Great.

Being 65 has a lot going for it. But it is also a reminder that time is not on my side. There is still a lot I want to achieve, see and do before my body says ‘no more’. In the meantime my body is encouraging me to complete my birthday burpees. All 65 of the little demons.