Even though we probably don’t realize it, throughout our lives, we have been bombarded with images of the stereotypical “cute little old couple.” In the movies and on TV, growing old with someone else is portrayed as “normal.” Single older people are generally shown to be depressed, lonely, mean or anti-social.

Single Older Women Are Different in Real Life

Of course, being single over 60 isn’t anything like it is portrayed in the movies. I have been single for more than a decade and I can honestly say that I love my freedom. If anything, not having a husband has driven home the importance of working on my other friendships and family relationships.

To make an absolutely obvious point even clearer, I’m not saying that there is anything wrong with wanting to be in a couple at our age. I have so much respect for the many couples in our community who have reached their 30th, 40th, or even 50th wedding anniversaries. I also love hearing from the women in our community who have found love in their 60s or older.

It’s just that I think that single older women tend to be invisible to the rest of society. When people do see a single older woman on TV or in the movies, she fits the stereotype that I mentioned earlier.

Most of Us Are Not Afraid of Growing Old Alone

The truth is that the great majority of single women my age are not afraid of growing old alone. Over the years, we have learned how to be independent. We love our lives and don’t feel like we need someone to complete us.

This reminds me of something that Stevie Nicks, aged 68, said during an interview with Vulture. She said, “People say, ‘But you’re alone.’ But, I don’t feel alone. I feel very un-alone. I feel very sparkly and excited about everything. I know women who are going, like, ‘I don’t want to grow old alone.’ And I’m like, ‘See, that doesn’t scare me…’ My generation fought very hard for feminism. We fought very hard to not be labeled as you had to have a husband or you had to be in a relationship, or you were somehow not a cool chick.”

One of the best things about being a part of the Sixty and Me community is that we can share stories and fight back against age related stereotypes. If you are single, I’d love to hear your story. Let’s get a conversation started and share our passions, favorite people and aspirations for the future.

Do you enjoy being single? Or, are you a little worried about growing old alone? Why do you think you feel this way? What do you enjoy most about being single? Is it your independence? Freedom? Something else? Please join the conversation!

Photo credit: Stevie Nicks’ official website