Whether feared or embraced, turning 50is a milestone.
You might be seizing the moment and revelling in the freedom of life as a quinquagenarian [kwing-kwuh-juh-nair-ee-uh n].
Yes there is a name for people aged between the ages of 50-59
Or you could be struggling to deal with the massive changes that are typical in the “third age” (as Deborah Hutton calls it).
However you feel about turning 50 or living in your 50’s, these prominent Australian women are here to inspire and support you through the big 5-Oh and beyond!
Turning 50: Reason to celebrate!
Are you running towards, or running away from 50? For many women, it’s a milestone they’d prefer not to celebrate but for these women, it’s become a turning point in life.
Newsreader Juanita Phillips says:
“My forties had not been happy for me. I was in a difficult marriage but by the time I was approaching 50 I was in this wonderful stage of my life where I felt really free. I was on my own with my kids and then I met my partner Greg, so I didn’t have any fear around turning 50,” she said.
Juanita feels happy to be alive at a time when women “of a certain age” have so many choices available to them.
“So many women I know are forging new careers and reinventing themselves and I think that’s one way to tackle our fear of ageing – to not look at it as the years ticking away but as an opportunity to go on and do stuff that we really want to do.”
“It’s a whole extra stage of life that we probably wouldn’t have had in previous generations. We also have the ability to create a whole new career for ourselves. I’m excited about the next phase,” she said.
Amanda Keller
Radio presenter and TV personality Amanda Keller believes most people “freak out” about birthday milestones due to the things they are yet to achieve in their lives. For her, after so many years of trying to have a baby and finally giving birth at the age of 39 – her 40th birthday didn’t have much significance.
She says that 50 was also a milestone that she wasn’t overly concerned about… mainly thanks to a hip replacement which has given her a new lease on life.
“50 felt great. I’m still shocked I’m 52. I get a shock when I hear that. Because once again it’s the notion of what that used to mean.”
Jane Kennedy
Writer and comedian Jane Kennedy who says there are many reasons to feel great about yourself when you hit 50… including that feeling of liberation when you give yourself permission to speak your mind.
“I love being 50. People are calling it the festival of 50. All my girlfriends are turning 50 and we’re having the best time.”
“One of the main things that thrills me about being 50 is confidence and sticking up for myself….if something really pisses me off, I’m really up for saying it now….it’s a bit empowering and i guess that’s how I feel.”
Judith Lucy
Judith Lucy is one of Australia’s most popular comedians. A best-selling author, her work in television and film and her sell-out national tours have made her a household name.
What’s the best thing about getting older according to Judith? Not having to care us much about the things that worried her in her 20’s and 30’s.
“I’m a lot more relaxed in my skin…There’s a part of me that really doesn’t give a s— anymore and that’s a good feeling” Judith said.
Anna Bligh
Former Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh also talks about the empowerment of being in your 50’s. She says she worries far less about what people think.
“I’m loving my 50’s!” she said.
“You do start to worry more about what’s going to happen as I get older, but even that seems like it might be just as good as this!” And who are we to disagree?
This article first appeared on Balance by Deborah Hutton
