18 Comments
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Julie Bancroft's avatar

I loved the reminder on Jonathan Field’s Good Life Project recently that we’re not ‘ageing’ but ‘growing’, it’s only as we get older it’s referred to as the former. Lovely post.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Growing, for sure. Thanks.

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Paula Middendorp's avatar

I loved your post about aging. Thank you

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thank you, Paula.

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Margaret Abramshe's avatar

I feel like I entered life once again. A new era with new goals. New ways of being and have the wisdom to know I’m not doing that again! Thanks for the recommendations. Love Vera. Surprised about Pamela writing.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

New era, new goals - same here.

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PJT's avatar

Thank you for this post. I can certainly relate to it. I work at a high school in my mid 60's and run up and down the stairs, passing kids and teachers who could be my grandchildren. I don't think I act my age but I am still invisible to most people. I read an article on Pam Anderson in Vogue and was pleasantly surprised to hear her thoughts on aging and life. Iris' book you can find at our local library and it's full of life lessons.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

I can see you running up and down the stairs. It reminds me of me at the grocery store. I drive that cart faster than anyone else there. I use a list, which helps me get the job done faster.

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Lorraine's avatar

Great letter! In answer to your question about British and US TV, at least part of the difference, if not most of it, is the US culture’s on-going obsession with youth. After a certain age (like in their 40s) Hollywood relegates women to certain very limited roles. There are a number of US actresses who have pushed back but it’s slow going. The role of women, including older women, has actually become part of the current presidential campaign- I can’t believe we’re still having this discussion in 2024. There is a certain element in the US who seem to see women only in their roles as wife, mother, grandmother and the push back from women of all ages has been fierce and, at times, very funny.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Obsessed with youth and make-up, for sure. Thank you for your astute observations.

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CeCe Sullivan's avatar

And that video of Joni brought me to tears. My favorite of all time.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Me, too! Every time.

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CeCe Sullivan's avatar

Absolutely love the three women you choose as examples of Age Warriors. Such inspiring stories. Thanks Leslie.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Thanks, CeCe. I hope you continue to heal well.

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Terry Rowe's avatar

Age Warriors! I’m ready.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

Let's go, girl!

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Kathleen Dolan's avatar

Loved reading your letter this morning- it truly resonates with me.

I am still trying to grow and learn, I hope I will be for the rest of my life.

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Lesley Riley's avatar

I know you will. It's a beautiful time of growth and life.

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