Struggle with fertility

(ipad image - Ann Shaw)

Margaret, a 40 year old, wrote:

"Age to me is a struggle with fertility!"

( image created on an iphone - Ann Shaw)

Age is all in the mind.

A flamboyant artist friend of mine ( age unknown) says:
"I am getting younger and younger."

"Young at heart"

"I am slightly over 70 years but very young at heart."

"The joy of looking..."

(ipad image with Brushes app. -Ann Shaw)

Here is a thoughtful philosophical contribution made by a visitor to my studio during Forth Valley Open Studios.

I have no idea who wrote it.

"Joy in looking and comprehending is natures most beautiful gift."

85+..." lack of confidence"

Ipad, Brushes app - Ann Shaw)

A former Head of a school Art Department offered this poignant insight into his ageing process:

"I have reduced confidence in travel, skills, memory and mental agility."

( John, age 86 )

"At ease with myself...."

(ipad image - Ann Shaw)

Far from old age being a state of downhill all the way a surprising number of people expressed views along the lines of this statement by a 76 year old woman

"I am much more at ease with myself."

An octogenarian viewpoint...

(Ipad image - Ann Shaw)

Very little is known about the views of those in the 80+ age group or their feelings towards ageing.

It is as if they had suddenly become non-people.
Therefore I was pleased to get this contribution from Bette, age 87:

" I was still swimming at 80....80+ is the problem."

Bette, age 87, Bridge-of-Allan

Artist Sarah Hill says..

(ipad image - Ann Shaw)


Here's another favourite of mine from artist Sarah Hill which will resonate with many creative people:

"What a relief to have grown up at last to find I am still a child! "

"Shedding a lifetime of conditioning is like falling leaves which leaves me walking lightly through life."

84 and still dancing...

(Ipad image - Ann Shaw)

One of my favourite contributions on growing older is this one:

" I am 84 years of age and still dancing!...."

( John, former ballroom dancing champion.)

Youth wasted on youth?......

(ipad image - Ann Shaw)

"Why did I not appreciate things when I was young? That wouldn't make any difference now. Nothing you can do about time passing so you have to make the best of it and hope that nothing medically bad or otherwise will happen.
Good things can happen in older age. Your children can have children and that is very rejuvenating. when you get older than this and start to really look and feel it your power is waning.
It's been waning since age 30 - brain cells dying, more vulnerable to disease especially after 60....

Happy times!
best of luck to all"

(Anon)

Be selfish....

(Ipad drawing -Ann Shaw)

"Time to be selfish and do whatever you want-
even if it is something crazy!"

(Anon)