Today I am 66 and 39 weeks. I was keeping a diary, noting changes in my body, using myself as a study, but I haven’t been consistent.
So, 39 weeks of my state pension. Whilst I should have got it at 60 (In the UK my age cohort is known as the Waspi women), I’m still very pleased to now have it. I’m one of the lucky ones, still in good health, still able to be active and I still work although its not all paid work.
I can look back to turning 65. I decided to wild camp overnight in my wood, and woke to the sounds of nature. And slept to all sorts of sounds of the forest, including light scuttling – little mice probably, I was in a hammock. It was a time for reflection, and a time to review notes and cards people had sent me. and to journal, to consider where I want my life to go – to get clarity on my life direction.
It doesn’t have to be on a birthday, we can reflect at any time.
It can be helpful to think of what we have learned from the previous 24-48 hours. So, I’m going to share my thoughts and experience and to see if this nudges you to do similar. And if you do, I’d love you to share your insights.
I bought a new car
When I was married my husband drove the car almost all the time. He said he was helping – he would even drive me to the gym, sit outside and wait for me. It was only after our relationship ended that I could see the negative side to that. Having barely driven a car for years I wanted a small car and bought a Fiat 500. I’ve had it over 6 years and loved that car. BUT I wanted to do more camping and the more I looked at micro campers, the more I realised a Citroen Berlingo would suit me. It’s a heck of a lot bigger but also more like the size of an estate car I drove 30 years ago.
I collected it on Saturday, and driving it back from a garage in Wales with a ‘helpful’ partner, it was a bit stressful. I’ve now driven it alone and love it. Its high up, love the sliding doors and there is so much space.
This has reminded me that it is normal to be apprehensive about something new, but taking time, such as reversing into a tight space, makes it fine.
Learning: Yes, I can do new things. I was fine with the physical challenge of my time in Kenya but this seemed very different. I need to embrace new challenges as I know being curious is a good way of ageing well.
I love bushcraft
I went to The Bushcraft Show and bought some new kit, and saw some ways of using equipment and how I should get back into safe knife work. I had never done this when married, but as I got more into nature, I wanted to spend more time outdoors, so flint and steel, knife and rope/cord were essential.
Whilst I was at the show, I met up with some of my Maasai family, I wrote an article for Advantages of Age on my time in Kenya and you can read it here. The trip I did will take place again in 2026, next year I’m going back on the mixed sex group and to learn more about being a warrior.
Learning: It’s good to have a hobby/interest that is very different to my normal day. For me, time outdoors is getting more important as I age. I want to be with nature. I also need to have new experiences, to open my eyes and mind. to satisfy my curiosity.
Flexibility
I’ve realised just how important this is – to be able to get up from the floor, to maintain flexibility of hips and knees. I’m doing regular exercises that I fit into my day and want to increase the range of activity.
Learning: How I wish I’d gone to yoga classes when I was younger. But in 5 years I’ll be wishing I started today. So, I’m going to look up some online videos and make a start that way.
Getting tired
I used to see myself as someone with boundless energy, but this past week my energy level has dropped and I’m not sure why. It’s certainly changed fast. I have been putting in a lot of my time into looking into differences of cars, travelling long distances to view and seeing how to do a temporary conversion for when I want the car as a camper. Is that the reason I’m tired. This is something I need to monitor.
Learning: People are always telling me that they are more tired than when younger and I always thought – not me … but I’m not invincible and need to listen to my body.
I love music
I was feeling tired so wasn’t going to go out, but my favourite venue had a bank holiday day fest so we went along in the evening. I’d not heard of any of the bands and really enjoyed one of them in particular – Creeping Jean. I’ve never wanted to be one of those people who only listen to music they know. I love to expand my musical interests.
Learning: Even when tired and think a night in front of the TV sounds good, for me, getting out to live music makes me feel alive. But don’t stay till the very end, I was back home before 11.
This wasn’t the article I’d planned to write, but sometimes there is a need to write from the heart and I hope this resonates with you in some way.
Having started with no clear plan, and 2 articles a week, I’m now settling into one a week, every Tuesday. With summer approaching I’ll be spending at least 2 nights a week wild camping.
If you want to improve your driving skills check out the Institute of Advanced Motorists. My mum was like you in terms of her restricted access to a car after she got married. When she finally got her own car she felt her lack of confidence so she took the advanced driving test to help her drive better.