Older women are as varied and individual as we have ever been | Letters
Thank you, Jo Brand, for not offering us a formula for growing older, writes Dr Denise Taylor . Plus a letter from Louise Mothersole I found Jo Brand’s reflections on approaching 70 wonderfully refreshing ( ‘It’s far too late for me to go to the gym every 10 minutes’: Jo Brand on ageing, raging, fitness and grief, 2 November ). Here is a woman who doesn’t feel obliged to turn ageing into another…
Dr Denise Taylor commends Jo Brand for not providing a formula for aging, praising Brand's refreshing reflections on the topic. Taylor argues that the focus on aging well and positively can make growing older seem like another job, and questions the idea of aging as a competition. Taylor emphasizes that older women are as varied and individual as ever, with some wanting adventure, others seeking a quieter life, and some continuing to work while others enjoy retiring.
Taylor particularly appreciates Brand's ability to acknowledge the difficulties of aging while remaining humorous and honest in her description of the experience. Taylor encourages more of such interviews, suggesting that it's time for a change from instructing people on how to age successfully to providing freedom to grow older in their own way.
Taylor reassures Brand that 70 is not too old to start getting fitter and healthier, sharing a personal anecdote about her and her partner's journey into running after years of being couch potatoes.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
