AGE: 82

PROFESSION: Retired Paralegal & Archaeologist

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What is the best thing about being your age?

Finally having control of my life and the ability to do what I want.

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What hardships have you endured that you feel have made you stronger?

I feel that I always was strong. The difficulties I faced only revealed my strengths.

 

What's your favorite thing you have checked off your bucket list?

Working on an archaeology dig and holding something that no one had touched for over 1,000 years.

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What is your idea of perfect happiness?

My perfect happiness would start with financial security and the freedom of choices that that supports.

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What is a trait you are most proud of?

Persistence.

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What is your most treasured possession?

My family.

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What do you consider your greatest achievement?

That there very few things left on my bucket list.

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If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I’m actually pretty content with who I am.

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What is your greatest extravagance?

Travel and books.

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What advice would you give your younger self?

Always believe in yourself. No one knows you, your strengths and abilities, better than you do.

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What is your motto or favorite quote?

There is no deadline on dreams.

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Words of wisdom to younger women...

Always have your own money. Make establishing financial security a priority. Learn about finance, borrowing, lending and investing. Find financial advisors. I have found Suze Orman to be excellent and oriented toward the issues that face women. Find and develop relationships with people who are financially secure and ask for their advice. Invite them out to lunch and find out how they did it and who helped them. Once you have set this up for yourself you are then free to create the life you want.

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Additional thoughts on aging..

I’m finding that this is a process of simplifying. A clearing out both physically, emotionally and spiritually. A paring down of all aspects of my life. I’m enjoying the resulting peacefulness.

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