Is 70 the new 40?
Birthday. What a lovely word. Always happy, aren’t they? And usually involve yummy cake, loads of bubbly and gorgeous gifts. OK, stop right there! Because once you get past a certain age that cake is just calories, the wine gives you a headache, the prezzies are practical.
Plus, plus, plus YOU’RE ANOTHER YEAR BLOODY OLDER!
So full disclaimer. It’s my birthday next week. And while my brain is still registering somewhere around 30, my body is doubling it. Even my toes are starting to look old. What’s that about?
Then I came across a photo of Goldie Hawn. Luscious blonde locks, curvy and real cleavage, toned arms, dressed to impress and oozing glamour. Total babe. Only she’s 73 and she’s not giving a damn. Which got me thinking. Life used to begin at 40, but is it now really 70?
We’re all living longer, healthcare is better and, for the baby boomer generation, finances are often not too shabby. Prince Charles hit the big seven-o this year, but did you realise Olivia Newton-john, Stevie Nicks and Grace Jones joined him?
Every single one still hip rather than hip replacement. Of course things do start to wear out but, blimey, what a positive message.
There is no reason why we should hand over the fun to the younger generation. I want to make like Goldie and not give a damn about the year I happened to have been born in. And if the Snowflakes snigger at my granny grooving, they can go and melt. Because we’ve forgotten more about partying than they’ll ever know. Take 70-year-old Lulu. This was a woman who gave it large with the Beatles and the
Rolling Stones! And she still looks better than pop stars less than half her age.
So if you don’t mind I’m going to shout about my birthday and be proud to be in my nifty 50s. Don’t dare tell me I’m too old to do the stuff I’ve always enjoyed. Sexy 60? Sizzling 70? Exotic 80? Let the party begin!
‘I want to make like Goldie and not give a damn about the year I happened to be born’