Almost 80

Where did the decade go? It seems as if I just launched seventynme the other week. I remember being so excited about turning 70 and feeling like getting older wasn't so bad after all; in fact, it was damn good. No major health issues. A full schedule of moving--dance, Pilates, yoga. Supportive friends and family.

I do recall that someone wrote on my Facebook page as I announced my new blog and said something like, "Just wait. Things got dicey for me when I was seventy-three." Well, that was not me. I was going to dance my way through the decade and beyond.

In truth, it's been a time of connection with myself, my profession, and family and friends. On my seventieth birthday, a friend asked me what I wanted to do, to be. After listing what I didn't want, I blurted," I want to start a podcast!" To this day, I don't know where that came from, but I'm forever grateful. Hosting "Older Women & Friends" at janeleder.net has been the best decision. I've made in a long time. I can use all the skills I've honed- writing, interviewing, researching, producing- and have a blast along the way.

I wake up most mornings raring to get to it. To have a creative project and purpose at this stage of my life is such a gift. Who knew? Because, honestly, I had no idea what I wanted to do next. And I sure as hell needed a purpose, something experts say is one of the important components of aging well.

If you have read "SeventynMe" recently, you know that I haven't been as dutiful as I once was. In truth, I've focused on the podcast and used this blog as a springboard. My goal has been to get you to check out "Older Women & Friends." And now that I'm about to turn 80, it is the appropriate time to wrap. I mean, what would I call it? "EightynMe?" The last time I checked, there was already a blog that occupies that space. And as a dear friend often says when she's no longer interested in a project or even a person, she says, "I don't wanna."

I hadn't planned on saying adios quite yet, but the spirit moved me today. I will continue to blog in tandem with the podcast and, once my new website is up and running, the "Older Women & Friends" blog will sit there.

I'm so thankful for you and hope that your aging journey in your seventies and beyond will be one of continued self-discovery, purpose, good health, and joy of supportive family and friends.

Please find the podcast at janeleder.net or wherever you listen to your podcasts. And tell your friends. There's nothing more valuable than word-of-mouth.

With gratitude,

Jane