I always find it weird to realise I’m in my 50s. My mum was gone by this point, so I didn’t really have a point of reference for what that would ‘look’ like when I was younger and the other women I knew growing up were very different creatures to today’s mid-lifers. Apart from the occasional creak of a bone when stretching, I often must remind myself I am not 24 anymore. Then I’ll come across an old photo and compare it today and realise that I certainly am older. But I’m not old and there’s good reason for that. I refuse to be.
Ageing is a privilege, but getting old is a choice, and not one I intend to make. So how do we keep ourselves young at heart? I believe it’s all down to how we engage with the world.
First up, make time for the young. I hear lots on the news about ‘snowflakes’ and how this generation of young people are a host of negative stereotypes. I think they’re fabulous. I love that they challenge outdated ideas of gender, humour and sexuality. And given that they’re almost certainly not able to buy houses, have been through covid and face economic challenges, I don’t think they’re weak either.
Spending time with different generations is critical to keeping your mind alert to new possibilities and challenge your perceptions of ‘right’. They’re also packed with energy and fun. From the babies in my family, to my adult sons, young people at work and friend’s kids, I love the lift I get from them.
You’ll only experience it though if you’re open-minded enough to enjoy it. These kids aren’t shy in telling us why we’re wrong and you need to be able to handle that. We bring them value too – with patience, kindness, and some support for the anxieties a lot of them experience. We learn as we age that what seems critical right now, is often not.
And that what feels unliveable usually passes. It’s helpful to share that knowledge, without judgement.
Secondly, never stop learning. It doesn’t have to be a degree or a course, simply popping on a podcast about something you know nothing about can inspire your brain to spark new connections.
I currently love Sentimental Garbage and Katherine Ryan: Telling Everybody Everything. They’re funny and a bit challenging and stop me getting stuck in my ways. Because of work, I often get opportunities to learn new skills – you can do the same and it doesn’t need to cost the earth.
Thirdly, make space for the new. Habit and routine are comforting and necessary, especially after such challenging years. But they’re also a shortcut to ‘old’.
Make space in your life to try new foods, go to a gallery, visit a place you’ve never been. Don’t go to the same old shop every week.
If you’re sitting at home watching the same shows night after night, shake it up a bit. Go for a walk. Hit Netflix and pick a documentary you’d never usually enjoy. I watched Climbing the Dawn Wall recently. Not my usual choice at all, but brilliant and so inspiring.
Keep yourself well, indulge in what you enjoy from time-to-time and remember you’d have to live a lot longer than the average human does to see all the world has to offer. There’s still tons for you to do, so have at it!
Patsy Kensit Her beauty range, Preciously Perfect, is available from Ideal World. Search idealworld.tv to discover the full collection.
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