It’s not just our joints that we need to keep flexible as we get older.

The trouble is, we find a steady way of doing things that works well for us. In fact, it’s always worked well for us, and there’s very little incentive to change. That is, until one day we discover that the world has moved on and we’ve been left behind!

Here’s a personal example. I needed to use my mobile phone the other day, and when I took it out, my companion laughed at it. I realised that my perfectly serviceable Apple iPhone is now about 10 years old.

Phones don’t even look like that anymore. So, do I buy a new phone just because mine looks a bit dated? Or do I save my money and risk being laughed at? I bet the last person to use a quill pen had the same thoughts about upgrading to a fountain one.

Never Say Never!

Fashion changes, obviously. And we change too, so what might have suited 20-year-old you or 30-year-old you might not work for 60-year-old you.

I’ve lived through miniskirts, hot pants, flares, peasant blouses, shoulder pads, afghan coats, kitten heels, leggings (twice), hoodies, desert boots, and platform soles. I think I could still rock the flares – but hot pants? Probably not…

Hemlines change. Trouser legs change. Heels change. Even the way to carry a handbag changes. That doesn’t mean we have to follow every whim of the fashion industry – but it doesn’t mean we have to automatically disregard it either.

We have to stay open minded and evaluate our choices. I’m a firm believer in never saying never!

Things Move On

The tech world changes quicker than anything. What do you use your mobile phone for? Of all the things you can do with a mobile phone, making an actual phone call isn’t even in the top 10 anymore.

As for landlines, only old people give their landline number when asked for contact information. In 2019 in the UK, 21% of households didn’t have a landline phone at all.

Fewer and fewer people wear watches, because their phone has the time on it.

Obviously, we have no choice but to try and keep up!

Old or New?

When someone suggests something new, something out of the ordinary, something different, what’s your default setting?

Do you immediately think, “Oh, no, that’s not for me,” or do you think, “Oo, that sounds interesting, let’s give it a go”? Do you actively seek out the latest trends, or do you enjoy the comfort of the familiar?

What’s your attitude to food – how willing are you to try new food combinations? Smashed avocado, dukkah spice, sriracha? Or do you prefer to stick to what you know?

How about visiting new places? Maybe you’re happier to vacation at the same place every year. Maybe you feel safer driving on roads that you’re familiar with. Or maybe you have a bucket list of places to see and you spend your holidays ticking them off.

As I’m newly single, I’m working toward discovering the joy of being able to go where I want, when I want. Here’s what I got up to on my Road Trip – some familiar places, some new ones.

And the same goes for TV programmes, films, music, books, the way we do our make-up, and a gazillion other things.

How Open-Minded Are You?

One of my colleagues asked me the other day if I would ever get a tattoo. The honest answer is probably not – but who knows? It’s perfectly possible.

If I did, I think it would be a beautiful butterfly on my right shoulder blade. I can’t say for sure that I would never have one done. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I think – why not?

Why Not?

That’s not to say we have to blow with the wind. Some things are not for changing, like our values and good manners. The important thing is to stay open to the possibilities.

Don’t automatically say no to something you haven’t tried before. Don’t avoid the new simply because it’s new. Don’t say no – say “Why not?”

What new thing did you try recently that you really liked? Are you up for experimenting with technology, food, and travel? What tattoo would you get if you ever decided you wanted one? Please share your thoughts with our community.