The Old Women's Project


THE SECRET LIVES OF OLD WOMEN

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We have been taught to approach age with such dread and loathing (“Well, it’s better than the alternative!”) that many of us are surprised to discover that this time of life can be rich and exciting for us, and that we wouldn’t be 30 again for anything. We’re more likely to make this discovery if we can discount or actively confront the ageism of others and our own internalized ageism.

 

I like growing old. I say it to myself with surprise.
— Barbara Macdonald, author, activist, 65
 
It’s taken 63 years, but now I know who I am.
— Madeline Albright, former Secretary of State, 63
 
I am more myself than I have ever been.
— May Sarton, poet, novelist, 75
 
It has taken all the time I’ve had to become myself.
—Florida Scott-Maxwell, psychotherapist, author, 80
 
I feel there have been all these roots underground
and they only came up at 60.
— Jane Fonda, film actress
 
It’s wonderful to be 60. You see how everything is related.
And now you can take the risk.
— Isabel Allende, novelist, 61
 
After all, I’m 81 — I’m experiencing an increased indifference
to people’s opinions — I’m not so scared anymore.
— Olga Bloom, musical director of Bargemusic, NYC, 81
 
It’s a terrible thing in women’s culture that you’re supposed
to be dead after menopause in our culture. You’re not
beautiful any more, nothing. Since I was 60, I’ve written
more and had better energy than I ever had in my life.
— Meridel Le Sueur, poet, social activist, 86
 
This is the best time of my life.
— Raquel Welch, film actress, 60

The Old Women's Project
San Diego, California

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