6 Reasons You Really Are Awesome in Your 60s

We are awesome! I have been thinking back through the events of my own life-time and checking out with others just what we 60-somethings have been through in our lives. I can honestly say that we are truly amazing!

It is very humbling to see just what we have suffered, endured and put up with during the past 60+ years. What I discovered is that we are a generation that gives testament to the strength of the human spirit.

My post on anxiety certainly resonated with some of you. Reading your stories, and relating them to myself and my circle of friends, associates and acquaintances, it is obvious that we have deep reserves of strength and resilience.

And, yes, sometimes we fall down, but we nearly always get up again.

The Bad Times

In more than 60 years, we have just about seen it all – and I mean that. I have learned some shocking stories of hardship, abuse, poverty, and also some truly heart-warming outcomes from some of these dreadful tales.

But being positive, we, post-war children, have probably lived during one of the best and most peaceful times in history.

There are horrific problems in the world right now. Things like wars, genocide, terrorism, FGM, rape, poverty, lack of basic facilities, oppression and living conditions which we find abhorrent. I know from my own circle that we have come through some truly awful and almost soul-destroying times.

They include being orphaned at a young age, depression, mental health problems, miscarriage, life-threatening illnesses, bullying, death of a spouse, loneliness, extra-marital affairs, divorce, caring for older parents with all the attendant problems, and dare I say it – even suicide.

Of course, that all takes its toll on a person’s well-being. I’m not pretending it has all been easy for anyone who has gone through one or more of these hardships. But, we are almost all still here, coping, thriving and living relatively healthy, happy lives.

The Good Times

There have been wonderful times along the way too, and that’s what keeps us going. Families, childbirth, our wonderful kids, grandchildren – if you’re lucky enough to have them – supportive friends and great colleagues.

There are pets, good times, holidays, faith, weddings, christenings, anniversaries, music, getting to another birthday, Christmas and a walk in the country.

Also sitting by a cosy log fire, reading a great book, delicious meals, exercise, a fulfilling hobby, new clothes, a lovely home, a racy car – whatever it is that makes you feel content. I don’t mean to trivialise, and the things that keep us content are not just possessions.

Our generation has paved the way for the youngsters of today, who never knew the extreme hardships of the post-war years. We lived through the ‘sexual revolution,’ the ‘Ban the Bomb’ era, the ‘burn your bra’ era.

We have brought up our children and demanded equal pay at work – though that is still not resolved by a long chalk. We championed equality and diversity, and ran a home and a job seamlessly.

We in the west are lucky compared to people who live in some parts of the world. I truly don’t seek to gloss over those who are less fortunate than we are, I am merely looking at those of us who are typical Western Sixty and Me readers.

If you are still suffering illness, depression or loss of a loved one, please accept my condolences, I know it isn’t easy. I’ve been there. But I know that for most of us, things will probably get better.

We have to go through the process of grieving, but know that you have to start living again. And you are stronger than you think, even though it doesn’t always seem so.

Six Reasons Why You Are Awesome:

• You survived hardships and food shortages in the post-war years.
• You were guinea pigs for The Pill and new ways of contraception.
• You marched for what you believed in.
• You ditched the traditional housewife role and went out to earn your own money.
• You became train drivers, astronauts, engineers, scientists, entered Parliament/Congress/the Senate – whatever you wanted to be.
• You believed in yourself.

Don’t forget – you’re absolutely awesome!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What hardships have you dealt with in your life? What was one cause that you fought very hard for as a young woman? Please share your memories, the good and the bad, below.