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Kimberly Dalferes | Author

Crazy, Southern, Irish Gal, Author

Fifty is the New Fifty

September 2, 2013 by Kim Dalferes

Thanks to Geraldo Rivera’s now infamous Too. Much. Information tweet-pic of his seventy-year-old naked torso – and he damn near showed us Christmas and ALL the presents – I’ve noticed quite a bit of conjecture by the media regarding age, aging, anti-aging, youth, beauty, and wrinkles. Under headlines such as “Is Seventy the New Fifty?” everyone seems to be professing new benchmarks such as forty is the new thirty or fifty is the new forty.  

Here’s an idea – how about we all try this one on for size:

Fifty is the New FIFTY.

 Period.

Yep, I’m turning the Big 5-0 this week, happily joining “Club Fifty.” I’m DELIGHTED to be turning fifty! True, I would rather not be dealing with the injustices of menopause, but all decades bring challenges, obstacles, and joys:

  • My 20’s were a blur of attending and finishing college (a truly wonderful time in my life – GO NOLES!); landing my first real grown-up job; marriage; child birth – which brought to me a soul mate in my son Jimmy; and the purchasing of my first home.
  • My 30’s featured the downfall of divorce; single parenthood; a new wonderful independent life in D.C. – and with it an amazing career boost.
  • My 40’s offered a new marriage; seeing my son graduate from high school – and college (!); and writing and publishing I Was In Love With a Short Man Once.  
  • My 50’s – ?? Can’t wait!

One of the many facets of turning fifty, which I most appreciate, is that fifty brings perspective. At fifty I have arrived at the party. At fifty I have become comfortable in my own skin. Now don’t get me wrong – I always have room for improvement. But I find that as I enter this fifth decade I have now grown into my looks and my personality. I’m loud, I laugh at all the wrong parts of a movie, and I accept who I am. Fifty feels good; like a well-fitting red coat that looks perfect with the right pair of black boots.  

 

red coat ahd black boots

(Image Source: Flickr. Ianqui, “Red & Gold”) http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianqui/358733254/

I am enjoying, more than ever, relationships with my gal pals who are also dancing around, or fully ensconced in, Club Fifty status. In this past year I’ve discovered wonderful groups and terrific women – many of whom focus on addressing the needs and concerns of those of us who Suzanne Braun Levine calls “women in their second adulthood.” A few of my favorites include:

  • Generation Fabulous (The Voice of Midlife)
  • Fab Over Fifty (Where Women of Substance Share Their Style)
  • Kathi Casey (The Healthy Boomer Body Expert)
  • Zest Now (For Women Fifty and Forward)
  • Ellen Dolgen’s “Menopause Mondays” are not to be missed (Health and Wellness Advocate)
  • The Women of Facebook

So, here we go gals. Won’t you join me in the middle-aged cheap seats? I guarantee a scenic view and a helluva ride.

Have you had a favorite decade? Do you think that age fifty for us is very different from the age of fifty for our parents?

Cheers,

Kimba

Filed Under: The Middle-Aged Cheap Seats Tagged With: AARP, amazon best sellers, baby boomers, blog, Club Fifty, Fab Over Fifty, fifth decade, fifty, FSU, Generation Fabulous, Geraldo Rivera, Go Noles, I was in love with a short man once, Kathi Casey, Kim Dalferes, Kim Dalferes Author, Kimba, Kimberly Dalferes, middle-aged, middle-aged cheap seats, southern gal, Suzanne Barun Levine, women, ZestNow

Comments

  1. Karo says

    August 28, 2013 at 6:27 pm

    Hi Kim, 

    I love the idea of looking at your life from the perspective of decades! I'm in my 30s, so who knows what the future holds, but so far, so good: 
    10-20 – dealing with and overcoming the loss of a parent, but also meeting hubby (a love at first sight)

    20-30- attending college & the MLA program, working at a horribly boring job, but then also beginning my PhD studies + traveling with hubby and teaching in together in Southeast Asia

    30s – getting my PhD, publishing a novel, helping my mom who's been struggling in many ways for the past few years, and now beginning to express myself and help others in my own business. 

    thank you for sharing your life's experiences. I really enjoyed reading your perspective. And HAPPY BDAY! 

    • Kim Dalferes says

      August 29, 2013 at 8:35 am

      Congrats on the PhD!  My son just started his PhD program, so I know that is quite an accomplishment! And please send me a link to your novel so we can all check it out.

      • Karo says

        August 29, 2013 at 10:14 pm

        Sure, here it is:

        http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Silence-A-Story-Paintings/dp/1450219616/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377828611&sr=8-1&keywords=Karolina+caran

        also available for the IPad  🙂 I would appreciate your feedback once you get a chance to read it.

         

        all the best,

        – Karo

  2. Laura says

    August 28, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    Having spent 2 1/2 years in this Fabulous 50 club, I can attest to the fact that it is the best decade of my life (so far!). Why everyone wants to go back in time and be 30 again (or whatever) makes no sense to me. Welcome to the club Kimba! I think you'll like it here!

    • Kim Dalferes says

      August 29, 2013 at 8:36 am

      Club 50 sure does have some wonderful members – looking forward to getting to know all of you.

  3. Judy Stone-Goldman says

    August 28, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    I thought the 50s were a great decade! Congratulations on arriving to what I think is true adulthood (that's the perspective you talk about). Interestingly, I think very fondly of my 50s even though the reality of the decade was very difficult – I had cancer, my parents and sister died (all at different times, so there was a tsunami of loss that kept recurring), I became responsible for other relatives' care. Yet I still remember the pleasure of feeling free to make choices and less burdened by others' expectations. So wecome, and enjoy! The 50s are indeed fabulous.

    • Kim Dalferes says

      August 29, 2013 at 8:38 am

      Love your attitude Judy – you seemed to have gone through a lot in your fifth decade and still have a wonderful perspective. You’re my new Club 50 guru – when is our next meeting?  😉

  4. julie says

    August 28, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    This was fun Kimba, really refreshing, and I could relate to a lot of it, being 59! I'm going to hop over to a couple of those groups, thanks for the links.  Great post, Julie x

    http://www. trulymadlydeeplyhappy.com

     

  5. Fida says

    August 26, 2013 at 5:06 pm

    That was a great reflection and inspired me to do some reflecting. Thanks!

  6. Nathalie Villeneuve says

    August 24, 2013 at 10:59 pm

    Happy Birthday Kimba! I am also going to be 50…Ahh! It's weird writing it…but I am totally OK. with it. I feel great in my skin as well…I think just like you and know that in a way the party has just begun. I'm so ready to embrace the clarity of 50. It feels crisp and sharp….LOL. Have a great B-Day party and enjoy all the wisdom that comes with it.

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2013 at 9:20 pm

      Love that we're both joining Club 50 together! I see a great decade for us. You are a wonderful leader for TWOF. 

  7. Laura says

    August 24, 2013 at 7:37 pm

    This post was exactly what I needed to read today.  My birthday is in two days and I have been wrestling with the "what have I accomplished in the last year" drama.  I am a successful career woman, but have yet to find "the one", and while I am not dreaming of baby carriages and midnight feedings, I often feel like I haven't "arrived" yet, simply because I've skipped what so many of my friends have done already.  Thanks for giving me a little boost so that I stop criticizing myself and just enjoy the life I've carvedd out, a life that does have meaning.  Happy Birthday to you!!!

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2013 at 9:15 pm

      And Happy Birthday to you Virgo friend!! Hope you have a great day AND year. 

  8. Jacs Hendersom says

    August 24, 2013 at 11:42 am

    I'm still growing, learning, exploring and enjoying in my fifties like I should have been in my 20's – late developer!! I pack so much in and am stilll developing – I'm not ready to join my parents in mindset, who haven't changed since their fifties. 

    Good to see the spirit in you yet Kimba 🙂

    Jacs

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2013 at 9:14 pm

      Jacs you may be a late developer, but you're making up for time! Your posts have saved me lots of time so please keep 'em coming!!

  9. Tonya Sheridan says

    August 24, 2013 at 10:32 am

    I always love your posts Kim, this one included! I am turning 50 next year and laugh at all of the 40 is the new 30, then 40 is the new 20, and 50 is the new 30….on and on. I agree, just be who and where you are on the "age scale." 

    My philosoply – Have fun, keep your sense of humor, and never let age stop you from trying new things and dreaming new dreams! 

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2013 at 9:10 pm

      Tonya, I am so with you – it's all about a healthy sense of humor. And chica you look amazing!  

  10. Suzie Cheel says

    August 24, 2013 at 6:54 am

    Yes 50 is great and does the number really matter when you feel good and life is full love love, joy fun and abundance?

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2013 at 9:06 pm

      You're right Suzie – a number is just a number. All about being healthy and happy. 

  11. Shannon says

    August 24, 2013 at 4:31 am

    And 30 is the new 30! Thanks for being so honest about life. There's a lot of pressure these days to look a certain way, achieve certain things, and all by the time you reach a certain age. It's so liberating to just say 'screw that' – this is me. Happy 50th Kim!

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2013 at 9:02 pm

      Thank you Shannon! I really loved my thirties – I hope you do too!! 

  12. Terry says

    August 24, 2013 at 12:09 am

    I am in my 60's and find that I learn and grow all the time. In some ways I wish I had known some of this back when I was younger.

    I have never liked the saying that this is the new "50, 40 etc.. 

    We should enjoy what we are. No we look younger than our mom's did at this age, but we are still the age we are !

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2013 at 8:59 pm

      As Rod Stewart sang: I wish I knew what I know now; when I was younger. But it's all part of the journey, right? Thx for stopping by! 

  13. Susan Wright-Boucher says

    August 23, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    I agree!

  14. Kathi says

    August 23, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    Hi Kim!

    Thanks for the shout out. I too am enjoying life more now than ever before. Each decade brings more wisdom, ore peace and more comfort in our own skin. When I moved into the 60's I remember thinking back to when my dad turned 60. He was not happy about it, and was not in good physical or mental shape.I am more fit now than I was in my 20's. We are most certainly a different generation – feels like many generations apart from our parents!

    I'm glad we are sitting in the middle aged cheap seats together and can't wait to see what else life brings!

    Best of Health,

    Kathi

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2013 at 8:54 pm

      Kathi, as you know you are my guru in many ways – thank you for being such a true gal pal! 

  15. Julieanne Case says

    August 23, 2013 at 11:32 am

    I definitely believe that the 50s of today is different from our mothers' 50s. Today age is really a state of mind. I left my 50s and am reaching towards the 70s in a couple of years. I don't feel that age or what I thought that age would be. I won a dance contest and IPOD in my 60s! That was a hoot!  Enjoy your time wherever you are.  Make it your own. 

    Julieanne Case
    Always from the heart!

     

    Reconnecting you to your Original Blueprint, Your Essence, Your Joy| Healing you from the Inside Out |Reconnective Healing | The Reconnection| Reconnective Art |

     

    http://thereconnectivehighway.com

     

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2013 at 8:51 pm

      I would have loved to have seen that dance contest! 

  16. Christina says

    August 23, 2013 at 10:24 am

     Hi Kim,

    Thank you for the inspiration! I'm not happy about getting older, but I like being reminded that it can be a good thing 🙂

    ~Christina

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2013 at 8:50 pm

      As they say Christina; aging sure beats the alternative! You're a beauty at any age. 

  17. Lori Rinehart says

    August 23, 2013 at 9:32 am

    Kimbra – Welcome to the 50s.  I have always loved getting older…The past few years have been tough for me…but I'm stronger and am figuring it out.  Just got back from delivering Jackson – it never gets easier!!!  Miss you.

     

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2013 at 11:04 am

      Lori, I love that our kids are out there in the world – even if it means we miss them terribly. I see good things for you chica – we need to talk soon ! 

  18. Kate Lindsay says

    August 23, 2013 at 9:30 am

    Kim, You almost make me wish I was turning 50.  I am still living in my mid 30s. Which I am loving and knowing that I have lots of life left.  You do give me some good "it's OK that you maybe don't have it all figured out yet" vibes though. So as unintentional as they maybe were – Thanks for the vibes!!

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2013 at 11:01 am

      Kate, I did indeed think I would have much more figured out by 50. I guess the lesson is that you never get it all figured out. Enjoy your thirties – they are awesome! Can I give you just a little advice? Moisturize, and wear a really good bra! 😉 

  19. Paige A. Strickland says

    August 23, 2013 at 8:34 am

    From 22-32 were awesome years. I graduated from FSU, got married, had babies and found my birth family. I also got established, (not rich), in my career by gaining good experience and confidance. After that point it was and continues to be a challenge to make ends meet financially, care for aging parents and deal w losses of in the generation ahead of mine.   In many ways, 50 for me is different than both my parents at 50-something. I'm in better physical condition than they were at the same age. I have more energy, can dance and ride roller-coasters!  I like to think that my relationship w my kids has been less confrontational and more comfortable than how my 50-year-old parents were with me. I'm looking forward to the rest of the 50 decade and into my 60s. I won't be retired, but I'm ready for grandkids, some travel, cool technology and filled with hope for medical advancements.

    • Kimba says

      August 25, 2013 at 10:57 am

      Hey Paige – GO NOLES! When did you graduate (I'm BS '85 and MS '87)? I know that I'm very lucky to come from great genes – both my parents are healthy, active and now into their seventies. Hope it gets better for you.

Trackbacks

  1. A Novel Quest says:
    October 23, 2013 at 11:44 pm

    […] sound incredibly off, but I just finished writing about a blogger named Kim Dalferes who published a post on turning 50, and I have to say–I wish I was 50. Here’s why. And I […]

Hello!

Author photo #2 in colorI hope you enjoy your time here and that you come back often. Wondering what makes me tick? This favorite quote from one of the grand dames of writing, Erma Bombeck, might help: Hook 'em with the lead. Hold 'em with laughter. Exit with a quip they won't forget. This seems to be a good overall life goal, don’t you think?

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Author photo #2 in colorWelcome to The Middle-Aged Cheap Seats,  the blog of Kimba Dalferes: slayer of king salmon, estate sale junkie, sometimes writes books.
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Kim Dalferes’ Latest Book…

Crazy Southern Irish Gal Two-Book Bundle

Humor writer Kimberly “Kimba” Dalferes dishes on a wide variety of topics–from days of her youth spent blissfully on the shores of Florida’s beaches to menopause and empty nests–in her nonfiction collection Crazy Southern Irish Gal Two-Book Bundle. In both titles: I Was In Love With a Short Man Once and Magic Fishing Panties, Dalferes’ crazy Southern Irish gal perspective inspires her illustrations of life’s quirky twists and turns. Together, these books offer descriptive and colorful essays on subjects such as getting a tattoo in midlife, unique uses for kitty litter, handling a rabid bat, public speaking gone wrong, and naked hot-tubbing in Vegas. Dalferes skillfully weaves what at first glance may appear to be dissimilar themes into a tapestry that invokes her life’s motto: live out loud, laugh often, and ‘occasionally’ drink tequila. Now available through Amazon Kindle.

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