Growing Older

[bobbief]

I've often thought about this, as I myself am (sometimes painfully) aware of the aging process! I wonder how many others of us ponder about this too. In many ways however, we can gain wisdom, inner beauty and tact--more ways to project ourselves into the potentials of the human form. Sure we have more wrinkles, more infirmities perhaps-and we cannot hide them very successfully. We may feel envy at others who appear more outwardly beautiful, nimble and even sexy, but we have the realization that no matter how ancient we are, they also will someday experience the inevitability of growing older.
I would welcome comments from others of us, no matter what their age.

[cdinmd206]

The last year and a half have made me painfully aware of the aging process and I have come to the realization that I have to change and adopt new ways or I will die. I am not envious of the younger crowd, but sometimes I just want to smack them up side their heads when I hear them talking about how bad they have it.
At age 63, my biggest problem is after 25 years of what I thought was a good marriage has come to an end. I will have to figure out a way to grow old by myself on half of what I thought my retirement would be.

[beam47]

I will be 67 this friday but I don't feel old, it's just how you feel about yourself , I will never get old , just more mature :)

[kimdl93]

Feeling a bit creaky now and then, and seeing changes in my skin. But overall, I'm happy to be in good health, glad that I have been able to maintain a consistently physically active lifestyle over the decades. My only message to younger people like us would be to put aside the demons and doubts, enjoy and experience the fullness of life as a transgendered person. It really can be much better than anyone imagines.

[Kate Simmons]

I don't mind growing older my friend as long as I grow wiser as well in the process. If we haven't learned much then it's a waste.:)

[MissTee]

I find myself reflecting more on that as the years pass by. Though I'm 57, in my mind I'm convinced I'm only 19. My body reminds me otherwise and the mirror reveals the toll time and a hard life have taken on me.

[Dawn cd]

Women come in all sorts of packages, big one and little ones, young ones and old ones. So aging, by itself, does not disqualify anyone from exploring a different gender expression. The thing to remember is to dress appropriately. Dress your age. There's nothing stranger to the eye than a large gift in an inappropriately small package.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Bobbie, I'm 72 and I really enjoy dressing every Morning for 3 or 4 hours and about 3hrs a couple Evenings a week.

I like to think that my life's journey is about 3/4 of the way there.:daydreaming:

[DeeNile]

I remember when I was younger, and I thought this was only a phase, a curiosity if you will. In high school, it was about bras and panties and any type of lingerie. I thought it would pass, that I would out grow it. I joined the Army right out of high school, active duty 1995-1998. I suppressed my urges (mostly) but did indulge on rare occasion. Soldiers would bring girls back to the barracks for the weekend. If I stumbled upon some female laundry in the laundry room, well, let's just say I acquired essentials when the urge was rather strong. I will be 38 next Saturday. I have yet to out grow this. If anything, it has grown stronger in me.

[Cara Lacey]

As I look at myself in the mirror, I realize I'm getting pretty old looking. I cannot even come close to passing anymore, and bad ankles have me moving in a very unfeminine way.

This getting older sucks, but it beats the alternative.

[AngelaYVR]

Seniors discount!
:D

[DianeDeBris]

I will never get old , just more mature :)

You're doing better than I am - I will never get mature, just older! <g>
Hugs - Diane

[Nikkilovesdresses]

I'm 53 and one of the few regrets I have is that I didn't crossdress much more when I was young and slightly pretty. I dabbled, and it was great, but I wish I'd thrown myself in head first. I got back into it more seriously only about 6 months ago and it's dismaying to see the lines on my face- I honestly didn't care till then. Thoughtful thread- thanks.

[Marcelle]

Hi Bobbie,

Insightful post. I guess aging is the inevitable for all people. Sometimes when I look in the mirror I think . . .WOA where did the years go and who is this old guy staring back at me. Then I have days like yesterday where I did my annual PT test for the military and outperformed 70 percent of the people present all much younger then me. I then think . . . at least I have my health . . . so I can live with the wrinkles and sallow skin of age.

Hugs

Isha

[donnalee]

I'm 68, but I still have the outlook of a young person along with the wisdom and experience of age. I do have physical limitations, mostly due to health issues that are long term and under control. In the mirror, failing eyesight is actually a plus and I take full advantage of it (the long hair with little gray is another helpful asset).
Growing old isn't too bad,especially when you consider the alternative.

[Alison 15]

Hi Bobbie, today is my 56th birthday, or as I refer to it,the 35th anniversary of my 21st birthday. I certainly have a lot more aches and creaks than when I was younger but I also find that with age comes contentment and inner peace with myself. I am a lot less body conscious in that I wear clothing for comfort and practicality ( it just so happens that some of it is female ). If only we could have the life experience of age with the energy of youth.

Alison.

[Amanda M]

69 today, and my wife said "Remember, 70 is the new 50! Where does that leave you?"

[Teresa]

I've hit 63 and now feel comfortable with my CDing but I'm afraid I may echo cdinmd206's comment that a separation after 40 years may be on the horizon !
As for feeling old there are too many things still on the bucket list and getting old isn't one of them ! The extra lines and creases don't stop us thinking and doing things, other people tend to be more sympathetic when we don't succeed !

[Alice Torn]

Good thread! Well, my mom died two and a half yrs ago, at 91, severe Alzheimer's. My difficult father is turning 94, today! Very unhappy man his whole life, made my life extremely hard. At 60, but emotionally a 20 yo, I am suffering chronic pain, in my left shoulder, and neck, from a car jack collapse injury. I should have known better! I don't have a mate, no friends around here, other than cats, other than acquaintances. I own a 39 yr old car, two cats, tapes and records, books, two guitars, clothes, and little else, so my will, is to give all to charities. Not sure what to do with the cats, if idie, or am hospitalized. My biggest fear, is getting hurt badly, or severe illness, and in the hospital a while. Who will pay my rent, bills, care for my apartment, anc cats. i have no one. Dressing is still great pleasure, but i am doing it less, because of all the work. I wear tights under dressing in the cold. I try to be adaptable, but find i am getting set in my own stubborn ways too much. I do like being an older, attractive lady, when i dress up, though. I can't let my dressing keep me from important late in life responsibilities, though, and being an addictive bi polar, that can happen.

[Sallee]

Hi Bobbie Welcome to the group Ye your right we are getting old and it kind of sucks. I was just looking at recent pics of myself and those wrinkles are getting deeper by the day. But I don't let it bother me and I hope it doesn't bother others not that I care. I just try to have fun and enjoy myself. I get out occasionally and never have a problem and enjoy it bunches. Keep having FUN

[Meghan4now]

Interesting how we deal with age. I just turned 50 and my wife recently lost her father and grandmother. We were talking about not waiting to do the bucket list things. So I steered the conversation to wanting to go out for a girl's night out. Just me and her. Well dressing had been on the back burner and in the closet for a while so it took a minute for her to catch up. Now we have a vacation planned to Vegas with a stop at Just You. So even though I see those lines and keeping the muffin top in check is hard, I am glad I've matured enough to be more direct about this part of me. Much less fear with wisdom is a pretty good trade off now that I'm here.

[Jackie7]

I'm halfway between 68 and 69, been coming out CD since my early 50s, now with 69 and 70 looming I know I am old and I see in the mirror that I am getting wrinkly... though I don't really feel old. Lucky and blessed to have no physical impairments besides eyeglasses, dental crowns and minor arthritis. Two marriages, three grown kids all doing well on their own terms, interesting work and career, all in all I've had a really good, varied and interesting life and am continuing to do so as a retired old man/woman, in the CD sphere as well as in other areas of a busy life. Don't know how I ever found time to work. After years of struggle and expense, for the past ten years I've been able to dress up whenever I want, I'm so very grateful to be free of the stress of living in the closet, in a dark box.

My Dad died at age 79 and my Mom at 89, I'm shooting for the moon. They say the first person who will live 150 years is alive today, somewhere. Maybe it will be me.

[docrobbysherry]

Maturity means experience and wisdom to me. And, since I'm 70, I hope I got them!:devil:

So, I choose to use them to assist me in keeping Sherry looking and acting youthful!:D

One day, I'll be unable or unwilling to project her youthful character. But, until that day comes, I'm NOT buying grannie outfits!:tongueout

[RADER]

Well I will be 68 this year. Although I have been dressing to different degrees since
I was 4, It was not until I retired at 60 that I have had more time to enjoy my passion.
The old saying...You get to soon old, and to late smart. well If I could of only had the time to
dress more when I was younger, I might have been able to go places dressed as a female.
Now that I am an old specimen, I just try to enjoy what little time I can squeeze out of life.
Rader

[natalialimapoa]

I just did 25, and this topic really inspires me! I am open to listen to your wisdom and advices :) It scares me how life goes fast, so I live life to the fullest all the time (alredy have my own company and I am completely independent). I think i will never age mentally.

[pamela7]

rejuvenating is very possible - psychologically and emotionally means lines go, the skin clears and tones, then gym and diet also rejuvenate. Looking good for CD'ing is a great motivation to keep hitting the gym in my mid-50's, and i'm now as strong as my early 20's ... its all in the mind and the actions ... a few months can turn around most of the ageing issues, even rusty joints and low energy!!!

[Jeri Ann]

At 64 I try to do what I can with what I have to work with and be ok with it.
Some days are better than others. I was ok with this shot from yesterday.
240496

[bobbief]

I don't know if you go out in the Texas sun, or keep closeted, but your skin is wonderful, and your wrinkles are nonexistent. Maybe Botox or Photoshop have helped. No matter, you really look great at 64, texgirl. Bobbie

[Meghan4now]

Wow texgirl. I'd be happy to look that good now let alone in 15 years. Those cheeks are incredible. That has to be you, make up or not!

[bobbief]

I agree, Pamela. The gym helps our minds as well as our bodies. Thanks for your reply. Bobbie

I advise you to go out and not be too concerned about looking older. How many older GGs do you see that put as much effort into looking well as you do? I appreciate your feedback. Bobbie

[kimdl93]

really great pic, Jeri. Looking that good, maybe you might consider stepping just a little out of the closet. Honestly!

[bobbief]

Thanks for all the responses to my first thread posting about Aging (Growing Older). I am overwhelmed and gratified. I appreciate ones with photos. I will try to find one of mine to post. I assume that is OK with our group. Bobbie

[Jeri Ann]

Bobbie,
No Botox and I'm not smart enough to Photoshop.
I actually only use mineral base. Thanks for the compliment though.
I do work at taking care of myself. I try not to overindulge in anything but exercise.
I would love to see a photo of you. I love your avatar!
Jeri

[Allisa]

Many a night I sat and pondered my aging life force, although I'm only a mere 60 yrs. of age I just find it kind of difficult to believe the changes and advancements I was alive to see that so many younger people find hard to live without or believe were even not in existence. Would I have done anything different? I think not because the things I did made me who I am and were influenced by the times I was living in. With my aging comes my maturity and mellowing, yes I said mellowing, thus my acceptance of who and what I am and making it easier to express my true self ,it does make me chuckle when a younger person shuns my pearls of wisdom as the rambling of an old man, for some day they will see the wisdom of my words and once again I am justified as one of the elders in the clan. How much longer my life force exsists on this astral plane I do not know but I intend on enjoying the ride with each passing year. There may be a few regrets on my last days but that will be a long time coming I hope. Well enough rambling for now so...

[Alice Torn]

It texgirl goes out and about, looking that gorgeous, i am sure she would turn heads, and maybe get hit on!

[Stephanie Julianna]

I love the fact that I'm older. There does come a certain amount of wisdom with the experience even if you try to avoid it. Also, the male hormones seem to tone down a bit and features are not as edgy. Makes dressing a bit easier. Tomorrow I'll be 66 and I'm proud that my granddaughter, who turned 11 yesterday, pointed out that I will be exactly 6 times her age. How cool is that?

[Lynn Marie]

Quitting smoking 17 years ago and attempting to live a more healthy lifestyle has done wonders for me. In boy mode people consistently guess my age in the 50s. In girl mode, 40s! They're always amazed to find out I'm considerably older than that! Women especially then seem to lose interest probably figuring, incorrectly, that I'm too old to do my duty! Cracks me up, if they only knew how well everything still works! Yes, I'm very thankful.

[MsVal]

Thanks for starting this great thread!

As an illustration, I like to draw a simple chart with shallow, intersecting lines. The X axis is age, and the lines are Wisdom and Physical ability. When I was young, I had very little wisdom, but possessed a great deal of energy. I could re-do (and re-re-do) something until it was 'right'. As time went on, the physical ability declined, but fortunately, the wisdom increased. I may not have the stamina to do something twice, but I am now wise enough to get it right the first time. The point where the lines intersect is the period when I was in my mid-30s to mid-40s. I was 10 feet tall and bullet proof. Today, I'm 5'-5" and stub my toes.

I'll soon be 66 and realize that although my best days are behind me, I potentially have a decade of 'pretty good' days ahead. I will never again be the person I was 20 years ago, and that's okay. It's time now for my kids to take up that mantle, and they are doing well - very well indeed.

As for the wrinkles, scars, and other infirmities, I think of them as battle ribbons; evidence of a life filled with experiences.

Best wishes
MsVal

[bobbief]

Jeri, I'm excited to get your response and that you don't need to enhance your pictures! I am happy to send you a picture of me from 2014. I am lucky to still have some of my own hair so that I sometimes let it grow a little and not need a wig. Anyway, here's a recent photo as requested. Love, Bobbie

Jeri, just found another one from December 2013, again sans wig! Hope you like it. Bobbie

[susan54]

Now that I am over 60 the theory is that I should dress more modestly.The fact is I have a fantastic figure and legs so why should I. My skin also defies the years. Looking good in a dress goes on and on. I am not alone. Go for it, those who have it.

[joandher]

There is an old saying, Never complain about growing old ,too many people have been denied that privilege,

from a senior lady who feels 40 ish but is 68

[Leighcdmd]

I retired at age 62 after a long career in the high stress environment of corporate law. Dressing had always been a "release valve" for me. Often crammed into a few precious hours of free time on a business trip. Now I have much more time to enjoy it and have also achieved a new level of understanding with my wife. Growing older.....not so bad.

[Meghan4now]

:battingeyelashes:Bobbie, you look marvelous. Really. So we're not 20 something any more, but you have style and make what you have work. Thanks for posting. I was a little worried about getting started out of the gate late but now I'm inspired.

[Jeri Ann]

Wow Bobbie you look amazing.
Thanks,
Jeri

[Karen kc]

Growing old? yep Growing up? nope Dr says I have the bones of a 70yo. Wife says have the mind of a 40 yo! Im only 58. Growing old doesnt bother me at all, I just deal with it! and hope and pray I dont wake up with roses on top of me in the morning!! lol



Bobbie u look great!

[Tina B.]

71, but what does it matter, the clothes still fit!

[Cheryl T]

Every day Mother Nature reminds me how many years I've walked this Earth.
Everything creaks, aches, snaps and pops and sometimes I can predict the weather better than NOAA.

When I dress I'm told I look 45. Must say that I love that ! When I look in the mirror I feel that or maybe even a little younger and that makes my day. How old am I ? Well physically they tell me I'm 65, but mentally I'm still in my 40's and I refuse to give that up. I may not be able to run as fast, jump as high or whatever as I did when I WAS 45, but in my mind I'm even better than that.
Now if I could just take a little Benjamin Button juice and regress to 45 I'd be all set.

[Barbara Jo]

My philosophy on growing older has always been.......
Never fear growing old(er) as it's inevitable. However never forget what it's like to be a child :)

BTW, I'm now 67.

[Brenda456]

Went to the store the other day and was asked if I was a senior. I asked the cashier for the stores' definition of "senior." Her response was that anyone 55 or older qualified. My reply was that I am over 55 but I am not a "senior." I don't think I am wrong. . .

[Jeri Ann]

"When I'm Sixty Four" The Beatles

When I get older losing my hair
Many years from now
Will you still be sending me a valentine
Birthday greetings, bottle of wine?
If I'd been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door?
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four?

You'll be older too
And if you say the word
I could stay with you

I could be handy, mending a fuse
When your lights have gone
You can knit a sweater by the fireside
Sunday mornings go for a ride
Doing the garden, digging the weeds
Who could ask for more?
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four?

Every summer we can rent a cottage in the Isle of Wight
If it's not too dear
We shall scrimp and save
Grandchildren on your knee
Vera, Chuck & Dave

Send me a postcard, drop me a line
Stating point of view
Indicate precisely what you mean to say
Yours sincerely, wasting away
Give me your answer, fill in a form
Mine for evermore
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four?
Ho!

Maybe Tina Z can sing this one.

[Ellen2d]

I'm 64, I'm in better shape than I was 10 years ago (a trip to the ER 5 years ago helped that along). I certainly don't feel old and I stay active. Yes, I do run out of energy faster than I used to but I can still out work younger people than me. I'm going to build a house this year and I'll be doing quite a bit of the work though not as much as I did when I built the last one 25 years ago. Age is part mental and part physical. I've been pretty lucky on the physical side as you can only do so much before genetics take over. Unfortunately the area I'm building my house in will be far less conducive to going out dressed but then I haven't done that in quite a while.

[sherib]

Getting old is a part of life we cannot change, but the worst problem for me is arthritis. Arthritis make it very hard to pull up the girdle and put on the nylons. And walking in the 4" heels is another story. lol

[tammie]

Concerning the human condition that many people develop called TMB , according to Socrates the only cure for that disease is MORT.

The disease is "too many birthdays" , indeed lets not take the cure too soon ladies

[Sarah Doepner]

I'll be celebrating my 55th birthday for the 11th time this year and except for the arthritis, I'm doing okay. There are many more old women than there are old men, so I'm hoping that my time emulating them will add a few more years to my life span. I really don't have any reason to try and impress anyone with my stunning beauty (laughing is appropriate here), so without unrealistic expectations at play, I may as well try to make them feel at ease. I'm bigger around the middle than I used to be and can't seem to lose the weight as easily as I used to, but my skin is still capable of taking on makeup and my wig hasn't gone gray, so I'm comfortable and looking forward to many more trips around the sun, pretty or not.

[Beverley Sims]

Er!

Try and grow old gracefully?

I try to accept it gracefully, easy to say but even I have to find workarounds for any wrinkles and defects that appear.

Dress age appropriate?

That's a laugh.

Oh well, just better get along with it and shop in the miss teens section till it all wears off. :)

[Stephanie47]

Growing older use to be just a numerical issue. Yep, another birthday has passed. In years gone bye that really did not mean much. Sure, girls relished at the thought of being sweet sixteen. I waited for eighteen so I could drink beer legally! Along the way there were increasingly attacks on the body. Fortunately, the mind has stayed sharp. I guess I'm still in decent shape. When I read the obituaries in the newspaper everyday I see too many people younger than I. Yikes!

I try to pass on to my kids the wisdom (I hope it's wisdom) of being able to retire when YOU want to: Not when the government feels you should retire. Delay gratification! Don't waste money on things you really do not need. Do you really need a 3,300 square foot home, when 1,800 is sufficient? Do you need a $45K car when $25K does the job? I think I have reached them. Dad is right...sometimes! I try to pass on some tidbits about living a clean life and not gaining a lot of weight that ultimately will kill you. Sometimes I think it was a blessing to be a cross dresser, who still has images of June Cleaver and other slim women. Yep, wanting to wear dresses that were not bought at "tent city" was always a goal. My physical therapist told me last time we met that I was still in really good shape. When I walk the halls of the clinic and hospital I visit I see way too many young guys, and gals, who have ignored good advice and are paying for it.

I try to impart some wisdom I received from my grandparents as to the proper way to live a life. I'm only 67, so I have a long way to go. I hope the genes of my grandparents have been passed down to me. The earliest one expired was 82. The oldest was 103.

Of course, everyone on this site wonders as they age how aging will affect the needs or desires to cross dress. As a retiree with a working wife I have the opportunity to let Stephanie come out and play. When my wife retires in five years? Yes, that's a part of the aging process of a cross dresser who is aging out. So, there are still hurdles in life.