OlderWiserWomen

When I was growing up, I never thought about the idea of middle age so much, and certainly, old age described my grandmother’s age. But then…getting older is not what it use to be!

Certainly as we’ve all gotten older, we have changed our definitions of what middle age and old age are - but for most of us, it’s still rather a vague number. While our average life expectancy in the US is around 76 years for women, it makes no sense to me that middle age would be 38. I certainly didn’t feel middle age at 38. May now at 51…but not at 38.

And “old age”? I’m not even sure when that’s suppose to begin. For me, it’s not really a number, but more of an attitude. In my practice, I see women in their 30’s and 40’s who are “old” - their health, their beliefs, their looks. At the same time, I see women in their 70’s and 80’s who cannot possibly be “old”.

How do you define middle age and old age?

Powerful Women. Not all of them Older, but I’d bet all of them are Wiser.

See who is on this years list of the most powerful business women:

50 Most Powerful Women in Business

Well it’s finally official…those of us who are single can be happy too! For years many women have been plagued by the notion that we “had” to be attached to someone in order to find happiness in life. I’m starting to see studies published that say “not so!”. Here is one article that addresses not only the issue of women being alone, but our financial future as well…..

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“Single women are doing OK, AARP survey finds”

Single women of a “certain age” used to be considered almost pathetic. Whether widowed, divorced, or never married, the older woman was perceived as being lonely and financially insecure.

Well, the stereotypes are wrong.

The AARP polled more than 2,500 women aged 45 and older for its AARP Foundation Women’s Leadership Circle Study. The results, says AARP author Sarah Mahoney, indicate that older women are in a much better place than thought.

For one thing, while having a “significant other” is still important to many single women, it is no longer key to their happiness. Eighty-one percent polled said they were comfortable with the prospect of being alone as they age.

You can read the entire article here.

Baby boomers, your adventures are only just beginning.

The Peace Corps believes that no single group has more to offer in terms of experience, maturity, and demonstrated ability. Because there’s no upper age limit to serve, it’s never too late. In fact, Volunteers who are well into their 80’s have served and continue to serve. Join us for an evening of pictures and stories about Peace Corps service for the plus-50 Volunteer. Neal and Judy Hansen will be our keynote speakers. They served as Peace Corps Volunteers in their 50’s. Judy was responsible for establishing a new creativity program. Neal worked with small business and helped establish export opportunities.

Thursday, Sept. 21
7 to 8 p.m.
University of Washington
Waterfront Activities Center (Behind Husky Stadium) Montlake Boulevard and Pacific Avenue NE
Seattle, WA

Prospective applicants and other interested members of the general public are invited to this upcoming event. Please feel free to bring additional guests.

Everyone is welcome. RSVP’s encouraged though not strictly required. RSVP with the total number of people in your party to seattle@peacecorps.gov, specifying “RSVP Retirement Redefined - Sept. 21 Event” in your subject line.
Or simply call 800.424.8580 and ask to speak to someone.

Website: www.peacecorps.gov

I recevied a commentary this morning regarding women’s natural aging vs not allowing oneself to age nautrally. I was unaware of the woman and her book who took aim at women with “waddle necks” and aging, who felt that we, as women should not let ourselves “go”.
Personally I very much enjoyed reading the commentary, it was like a breath of fresh air.

You’ll find the commentary at: Women’s eNews. Nora Ephron’s sour dislike of what she considers women’s bodily aging, one subject of her new bestseller, took up an hour on NPR last month. Margaret Morganroth Gullette responds from what she calls “the feminist country of later life.”

…according to Forbes Magazine. It’s time again for this annual list. I love it and learn something new every time. Lots of “Older Wiser Women” on this list. What can we learn from them?

Here are the top five women….

1. Angela Merkel
2. Condoleezza Rice
3. Wu Yi
4. Indra Nooyi
5. Anne Mulcahy

You’ll find the rest of the list at Forbes - The World’s Most Powerful Women

Just about everyone knows what happened last summer with a Hurricane named Katrina. And just about everyone knows that the recovery efforts have been painfully slow, or in some areas non-existent.

Though the news cameras have long since retreated, take a look at what women are doing to get there communities back on track.

Women Fund and Fight for Katrina Recovery

You may be wondering where I’ve been and why haven’t you received a newsletter yet this month. Rest assured, we are all fine…just exhausted.

For those of you that do not know…on August 1st, we opened Aberdeen Primary Care and the response has been fantastic. While I thought I had a good grasp on what was needed to open a clinic, there turned out to be a gazillion little details that can escape your radar until they suddenly become big ones. It’s been a huge learning experience. Someone asked me if I was nuts, and would I do this again….my answer is yes to both.

Now that I am getting spending more than 6 hours a day at home (that includes sleep), I’ll be getting a newsletter out to you soon. There is lots to share, and many of you have been sending in your contributions…I can’t wait to share theme.

A noteworthy project from one of our readers….

I am a woman,
poor but proud, invisible but invincible,
a natural resource with unlimited potential.
I am important. I am ready for change.
Given a choice, given a chance,
I will participate, strive, achieve.
I will improve my community and contribute to society.You can help.

With tools, with knowledge and opportunities,
I am someone - one of many,
working together to overcome prejudice,
fight poverty, wage peace,
for our children,
for our future.

I am a wife, mother, sister,
daughter, partner,
force, leader.

I am powerful.

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She has the power to change her world.
You have the power to help her do it.

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My group, The CARE MORE Web Women Giving Circle, is working alongside The CARE Organization and MORE Magazine as part of the effort to eradicate global poverty. Together, we are working in a challenge to raise $1M by December 31 of this year.

As a small part of this project, we have created a new blog, www.InspiringWoman.com, which is designed to honor inspiring women around the world.

We’d love to have your support. You can help us by “nominating” the women in your life who have inspired you and changed your life for the better. For the chance to thank these leading ladies, we ask for a $10 donation per nomination.

Getting involved is so easy. You can make a difference with one nomination, one small $10 donation, and five minutes of your time. Please help us to pass on the gift of inspiration to women of poverty. Visit www.InspiringWoman.com to make your nomination.

Then, if you want to help us even more, you can help us spread the word about this great project. Tell your friends, family, and colleagues to visit our blog and make their nominations.

One nomination at a time, we will make a difference.

Amber Riviere,
The CARE MORE Web Women Giving Circle

*This information was compiled from CARE’s “I Am Powerful Action Kit”

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), a component of the National Institutes of Health, now offers two free booklets designed to help people with limited literacy skills learn about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and memory loss. In these easy-to-read booklets, the medical and technical language has been replaced by plain language, stories, photographs, and other features to help readers understand the content. “Our goal was to produce strong, clear materials to make information about AD and memory loss accessible to everyone, including those with limited literacy skills,” says Richard J. Hodes, M.D., director of the NIA. “These booklets also are excellent starting points for anyone who needs basic information about AD and memory problems, regardless of reading capability.” They are valuable additions to the comprehensive collection of health education materials available from NIA’s Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center, adds Hodes. Read the rest of this entry »