Why I Choose to Age Disgracefully

Ladies, it’s time to kick the clichés to the curb, pour yourself a glass of something fabulous, and embrace the glorious, gutsy art of aging disgracefully. That’s right—we’re not fading into the background in beige cardigans and sensible shoes. We’re showing up bold, brilliant, and unapologetically us.

Whether you’re 50, 60, or pushing 90 with a grin and glitter in your hair, this is your permission slip to shake off the “rules” and start living louder, wilder, and freer than ever before. Forget aging gracefully—where’s the fun in that? This is about reclaiming joy, breaking a few so-called rules, and making sure the next chapter is your most daring yet. Buckle up, rebel hearts—it’s about to get delightfully disgraceful.

Ditch the Rulebook (Set It on Fire!)

There’s a whole dusty volume of “shoulds” for women over 50:

You should cut your hair short.
You should stop wearing bold lipstick.
You should dress your age (whatever that means).

But here’s what I say: burn that freakin’ book! Quit wasting your money on uncomfortable bras, undies, and shoes. Throw away the foundation and the hair iron (both of which ruin your God-gifted assets), and wear whatever the hell tickles your fancy! The only “should” that matters is this: you should feel fabulously comfortable, happy, and your style should be unequivocally YOU.

Talk Back!

Aging disgracefully means saying what’s on your mind—and saying it loud enough to be heard! This is something I’m still learning to get comfortable with, as I tend to bite my tongue and then waste an inordinate amount of time trying to please those who have perfected the art of being miserable. Avoid such people at all costs. Turn your back. Walk away. Quit trying to keep the peace. Call out their BS when they throw shade your way, as you’ve lived long enough to challenge the status quo. Don’t be afraid to ruffle a few feathers. You didn’t survive decades of heartbreak, kids, taxes, and bad haircuts just to stay silent! So unleash that sharp wit and take up some space. You belong there and if they don’t like it, that’s none of your business!

Flirt With Abandon

Yes, you still got it—even if you think you don’t! That twinkle in your eye? That’s called confidence, and it’s sexy as hell when you let it shine. Smile at strangers. Wink at the waiter. Make the barista blush. Flirt not just with people, but with life. Dance with abandon when you hear a good groove, strip off to your underwear and dive into the sea, walk back to your car in nothing but your knickers, and hold your head high. Who gives a toss what others think when you’re happy? Age isn’t a barrier to joy—it’s a fast-track to sex appeal, in ways your younger self never had the guts to try!

\Say Yes to the Wild Stuff

Disgraceful aging is about saying yes—to mischief, to new adventures, to things you've been told are “inappropriate.” Dream of living in a van and driving across the country? Do it—and paint that van like it’s straight out of Scooby-Doo! Want to try bungee yoga? Round up your besties for face-planting, out-of-control giggles, and wild fun. Say yes to the wild stuff and quit acting your age! Take up belly dancing, bongo drums, join a rock band, or audition for theatre if that’s what you’ve always secretly wanted to try! Life ain’t no dress rehearsal, after all!

Be Loud, Be Proud, Be a Little Bit Extra

If you’ve always been a wallflower, consider relocating—or at least switching cafes! No one in your new crowd should be saying, “Oh Barbara! That’s not like you!” Wear that sequined jacket to brunch. Rock a tiara on a Tuesday. Be too sparkly, too bold, too much—and do it with flair. Whatever it is, wear it with confidence and a mischievous grin. The world’s been serious long enough. Time to shine!

Embrace Your Inner Rebel

Let your grey hair grow. Eat cake for breakfast. Use your bra as a slingshot. Take up space in rooms that never made space for women like you. And for heaven’s sake—stop apologizing for everything! Aging disgracefully means reclaiming your time, your voice, and your right to have fun. When we were younger, we worried too much about looking foolish or uncool. Now? Being different and eccentric is the new cool!

Redefine YOU

Forget the media’s tired version of sexy. You define it now. Sexy is a woman who knows herself. Who laughs with her whole body, takes no crap, wears what she loves, and loves who she pleases. Confidence is your best accessory—wear it daily. Aging disgracefully isn’t about rebellion for rebellion’s sake. It’s about being free—finally! Give yourself permission to try on a new skin and strut around in it like it’s your birthday every damn day! Live loud. Love big. Dance without shame. Grow older if you must—but do it with a wink, a wild streak, and enough mischief to ensure people chuckle when they remember you once you’re gone.

Now that’s a legacy worth leaving!