Sexy and Sixty

There are definitely some advantages to being a 60-year-old woman. Only recently have I finally declared an end to my “I’m as old as dirt” pity party and have embraced my years of experience, my mistakes and my successes, and am now enjoying the best time of my life! I have found the love of my life, I’m in reasonably good health, I’m at the end of a satisfying career, and I must say that I’m living the life I always dreamed about. And it feels good to finally have the freedom to be who I am and not really care if everyone approves.

If you had asked me when I was in my 20's what my life would look like as a 60-year-old woman, I’m sure I would have envisioned a gray haired grandma crocheting an afghan in a rocking chair. Needless to say, that is not me! I am a grandmother but I don’t feel like one (thanks to my hairdresser and Spanx) and I never was very good at crocheting. I much prefer a glass of wine over a dose of Metamucil and, given a choice, I listen to Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffett, and The Black Eyed Peas. I ride a pink bicycle, make killer martinis (shaken, not stirred), and love to wear lots of eye makeup.

James and I are having so much fun. Oh, we have obligations and we occasionally have to make adult decisions but, most of the time, we just have fun. We play, we talk a lot, we laugh, sometimes we argue but the make-up sex is great, and we really like each other’s company. There are no inhibitions, no “right or wrong” ways – as long as we both agree – and lots of sexting, touching, hugging, kissing, and well...you know. And really, who cares if there is a little flab in the way or a few more wrinkles around the eyes, we both think the other is sexy and we are in love.

And at 60 years old, I can actually write this and not feel guilty or ashamed for thinking it or saying it. There is freedom in having a few decades in the rearview mirror. I’m actually learning to embrace the past, not to dwell on it, but just accept it and know that it is what made me into the woman I am today.

I often think of the last words my mother spoke to my daddy as he was on his death bed. She leaned over him and whispered, “We sure had us some fun, didn’t we?” Isn’t that what life should be? A happy life, filled with good times, fun, love, and laughter. And if we’re lucky, some really good sex – even at sixty!