The focus of this group - as well as the other WOW groups I've facilitated (see Why Wild Old Women link -->) - is to build strong communities of women age fifty and over.
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.
On the other hand, loneliness has become so prevalent among older folks that it's now being referred to as an epidemic, rivaling smoking and alcoholism as a health risk and surpassing obesity. Meeting up with friends, forming communities, learning new things and staying active are proven methods of defying loneliness no matter your age.
Take a look at the resources here, sign up for workshops, and post comments below or contact me with ideas you have for community building. In the meantime, enjoy these quotes from famous wild old women!!
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
Contact: Laura Davis
storynetwork @ gmail.com
