Is There Sex After 60? (Navigating Single Life After 60)

 Yesterday I went to my hair salon.  My hair was very long.  I could put it into a long ponytail or a long braid.  I always wore it back in side clips.  I only wore it long and straight in my own apartment in the morning with my coffee and cookie.  As soon as I get dressed, I put it in a braid or ponytail or clips.  Lately looking in the mirror I got that definite sort of witchy feeling.  Therefore, my fragile ego needed a male point of view.  While sipping my morning coffee I asked my son, “Should I cut my hair?  Am I looking slightly witchy? “

“Yes, he answered all to quickly for my now delicate pride.  He continued, Remember, that old lady you talked about in that old movie?  She had long hair and you said that she looked like a witch.”

That did it.  Later that day I called my hair salon and made an appointment.  Today my hair length just touches my shoulders.  The cut is nice and my hair looks good however, I am surprised every time I pass the mirror.  Who is that old lady with the nice hairstyle I think to myself?  Oh God, that’s me.  The trouble is, I need a new face and a new body to go with my hair.  I guess that I was thinking that with a new style there would be a new face.  No, that didn’t happen. 

Lately I have been thinking if and when being old is too old to look a certain way or to do certain things.  One thing that has ALWAYS bothered me is how often strangers and actually family members can talk down to you.  Just because I am over 60 doesn’t mean I am stupid.  Do you realize what someone over 60 has done to live to be this old?  We have lived through wars, and riots, assassinations and tempted assassination of our leaders and public figures.  We have worked and played maybe a lot harder that anyone under 40 could imagine.  We are well educated …. Many of us in colleges and universities and in the very HARD SCHOOL OF LIFE!  So don’t, I repeat, just don’t treat me or any of my friends my age and older, like children.

 I don’t have a rocker, mainly because I have two cats and for sure they will get caught under it.   So far, I don’t have any grandchildren, which means, DON’T EVER CALL ME GRANNY!  Don’t say I’m cute unless I am someone you would want to date.  Don’t say I am nice looking for my age.  How about just attractive? 

Sometimes I really shouldn’t look at human interest stories about seniors.  I saw where a bride wanted to have her grandmother in her wedding.  Therefore, she made her grandmother, (who is in a wheelchair) her flower girl.  People thought that was a darling idea.  I am telling you right now grandchild, (if you ever exist in the future) DON’T EVEN THINK OF MAKING ME YOUR FLOWER GIRL or you just might regret it. What would I throw walking down the aisle?  Don’t ask. 

When is old too old?  I think we can admit it might be uncomfortable starting a ballet career in your late 60’s.  Sure, take classes if you are in great shape, just don’t expect to be starring at the Bolshoi Ballet any time soon.   Now, is 60 too old to have children?  A lot of men are doing that and even older than 60 but chances are they might have a difficult time tossing that football around with their kids in their 80’s? 

Now, as far as love and romance is concerned.  Lots of people are still interested.  Both men and women are getting in trouble with their doctors.  Remember, it is still a good idea to consider protection.  I have men friends and women friends who have recently found love and dare I say it?  Good sex after 60 and 70.  I applaud you all.  I think it is great living life and starting again or all over again.   

It might just be me.  I am a hopeless romantic most of the time but I confess lately I look in the mirror and or my back aches or I just want to stay in bed and read when I think to myself, “Is it over? When is old too old?”

One thing I know for sure.  I DON’T WANT TO BE ANYONE’S FLOWER GIRL!

Until Next time …