This myth is a master of disguise. It pretends to be a compliment to your supposed wisdom and life experience, but really, it’s a trap. It piles on the pressure to have everything neatly tied up with a bow: career, relationships, health, finances, purpose. And when something inevitably feels out of place, the myth whispers, “You’re failing.”

This myth leans heavily on fear—the fear of being forgotten, sidelined, or disconnected as we age. It paints a picture of older women sitting alone in a dimly lit room, their social lives a distant memory. But let’s be real: loneliness isn’t an age problem; it’s a connection problem. And older women? They’ve got the skills, wisdom, and courage to foster some of the deepest, most fulfilling connections imaginable.

“Act your age” is code for: “Stay in your lane.” “Tone it down.” or “Don’t make us uncomfortable.” But who decides what’s “age-appropriate,” anyway? Spoiler alert: it’s usually someone who hasn’t lived as much life as you have. This myth isn’t just annoying; it’s creativity-crushing and individuality-stifling. The truth is, age isn’t a behavior. It’s just a number.

The myth that life peaks in youth and everything afterward is a slow, sad decline is so ingrained, it practically goes unchallenged. It’s the plotline of countless commercials and sitcoms: the older person as a relic, overshadowed by the vibrance of youth. But here’s the truth: while youth might come with energy and smooth skin, age brings something even more valuable—depth, clarity, and an unparalleled richness of perspective.

I’ve been thinking about the half-truths and falsehoods about aging we’ve ingested over our lifetimes. I had some extra brain space since I’ve been on a news diet. My restless mind chewed on these myths. The more I thought, the clearer the actions became that we can use as an antidote to these toxic tales. Over the next month or so, I’ll introduce some of these myths and some shifts. Let’s get started!

by Amanda Gorman

May this be the day
We come together.
Mourning, we come to mend,
Withered, we come to weather,
Torn, we come to tend,
Battered, we come to better.

What brought the kind of joy that makes your wrinkles show up in all the right ways? Let's pack more of that into the coming year(s). Is it more time with people who light you up? Moments of stillness that feed your soul? Adventures that make your heart race? Think of it as curating a playlist for your coming year. Let’s embrace what truly matters.

Amid the flicker of festive lights, the singing of the faithful recreating Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn (called the Posada), and the joyful booms of endless fireworks, my favorite day isn’t marked by a party or presents. It’s Solstice—the longest night of the year, offering the quiet promise that each day will grow a little brighter for the next six months.

2024! A year of surprises—big and small, welcomed and not. Like when I sent out an audience survey, only to discover that most women dislike the term “Crone”! (True story.) Oh, the journey is never smooth—but always worth it.

Ah, Thanksgiving—the holiday that gives us turkey, pie, and a side dish of tension. Is there any other celebration so fraught with potential for family drama, political landmines, and the kind of over-sharing that makes you regret inviting Uncle Frank? This year, tensions could be even higher, thanks to our current climate of polarization. But here’s the thing: we don’t have to let the stuffing hit the fan.

What are you doing to adjust to the new reality? I don’t know about you, but I’ve turned off my beloved NPR and all news sources and have crawled into music for solace.

Anyone else having a hard time staying focused, careening between rage and emptiness? Trying to cling to each NOW because it’s the only safe place we have?

I’ve been looking for guides to help me through today, tomorrow, and whatever comes next.

I don’t know about you, but I’m struggling right now. I’m reminded of that hilarious Seinfeld episode Serenity Now!

When we’re stressed it’s difficult to be clinical about how we’ll take care of our situation. Rage seems like an option, but it really isn’t. Me? I’m collecting dozens of comfort food recipes!

Experts identify several levels of self-care, including emotional, practical, physical, mental, social, and spiritual.

The truth is, if the answers you learned in school don’t serve your reality or your future (and really, did they ever?). Questions invite us to look deeper, to find meaning, and to live fully in ways that no rote answers ever could. Questions are the seed of innovation, of connection, of understanding. Want to know how you can keep that spark alive in your own life? Start asking better questions.

When was the last time your gaze stretched out to a distant horizon, allowing all between you and that distant point to fill your heart, mind, and soul?

Last week I hiked Hadrian's Wall, an idea that grew from the early days of COVID isolation. I imagined the clean air, the brisk winds, and the endless miles of pasture and history to the north in Scotland and to the south in England. I just had to get there someday. And I even found a friend who was equally crazy.

Retirement is often seen as a time to slow down and take it easy, but the truth is far more dynamic. Navigating this phase successfully requires planning. Here are some key insights and strategies to help you approach retirement with confidence and excitement. The earlier you start, the more time your planning can ensure your golden years are truly comfortable.

Did you know that there’s such a thing as International Older Persons Day? This year, it falls on Tuesday, October 1^st.

The theme for this year’s International Older Persons Day is Aging with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide. The message is clear: as the world’s population grows older, we need to ensure the right socio-political frameworks are in place—policies, legislation, and practices that support both caregivers and care receivers. This issue is particularly urgent, given that many of these caregivers are women who are often overlooked and under-supported.

There’s no denying it—women face unique challenges. Ageism, sexism, self-doubt, you name it. But none of us are alone in feeling this way. Aretha, Alicia, Shania, Lizzo, Billie, Joni, Sheryl, and all the others give voice to our challenges that don’t leave us at the bottom—they guide us back to the top. Taken together, these songs remind us of our ability to stand tall, even when the world tries to silence or marginalize us.

Being interconnected isn’t just a way to pass the time. Research highlights many benefits that supportive spaces offer women (and men). Exchanges foster resilience and self-efficacy, crucial for overcoming societal pressures and internal barriers that women often face. These environments can promote emotional resilience and encourage women to embrace their strengths and assert their needs.