How can we stop becoming 'old' as we age?

You're too cryptic for me, Nonu...

Anyways , DH has just come in , so I"m off to be with him .

Talk tommorrow .

I like your attitude, moved re the killer heels , and I'm sure I've changed in some ways, but not fundamentally. DH1 used to say I was very unpredictable. Never thought so myself, but then I knew what i was thinking when he didn't

Re getting older and setting up a business: I have lived in lots of places and insist on storage that works. Can't stand 'making do'. Doesn't have to be expensive - just do the job!

I despaired not long ago when a client of mine was about to spend £30,000 on an extension because they had 'no room' for anything. I tried to suggest better ways to utilise the space they had which was significant, being a four bedroom four reception room house for four people but to no avail and they built the extra two rooms!
I figured I could have sorted their problems for £2000. Huge amounts of space wasted round the walls.

I actually started doing some work to set up a few years ago but life intervened as it does. Name I came up with was The Clutter Consultant. Would anyone think this a viable way to diversify and give me a new interest as my ability to massage wanes. All comments welcome.

Just mentioned something along those lines on the housework thread, Rinky .

I could use a clutter consultant right now, Rinky! But I'd have to clear some stuff before I let anyone into the house.

Rinky If you have a Kindle and are subscribed to EreaderIQ (which emails you daily with what's free on the amazon Kindle site) there are usually a couple of books every day on how to declutter your house and life. If these people find it worthwhile to write about it, there must be a market.

Ana I have a confident feeling that I know exactly which make & model of car you are referring to. Whenever I find I am behind one (usually in the morning, on the way to work) I say aloud, to no-one in particular, 'Oh no! Not a bl***y blankety blank !' Cautiously driven, indicators used only at Christmas, driver in their own little world ('Now then, I must remember to get the dog some biscuits, and I wonder if that salmon is still on special offer. Oh! and I must go to the bank afterwards...' ), and they pootle along happily and I get no relief until they turn off at Asda. Yup! 9 times out of 10 they turn off at Asda. Good grief!

Your business sounds like a great idea Rinky and your post made me think of a small take away place I saw at the Railway Station in Melbourne, which was situated as people hurried past to catch their trains. It was called Grab A Bite, perfect name in a few short words telling you exactly what they did. I think names for businesses are really important. The Clutter Consultant is good, Declutter Your Home is another or Declutter for Space and Declutter for Life. I am sure there are some clever GNs who could think up other names.

ana & nonu I think we are kindred spirits, shall we grow old disgracefully together?

Bags love the unpredictability! I am always surprising my family and have no intention of letting them get complacent. When DH2 was at a theatrical boarding school he was very proud of the fact that his mum was 'mad'.

On the outside I am just like everyone else but every now and again I jump out and shock them. Yesterday's airport chaos (no baggage on our plane or the previous 2) needed sorting by someone so this little old lady took on the authorities while all the others passively watched! They were all pleased with me but did nothing themselves. And I was wearing a very loud top!

How about 'Clutterbuster', Rinky?

I'm a born minimalist, Rinky - no clutter to de-clutter. If you ever need a partner..........

Move ., think me way ahead of you !!!!!!!!

Granny23 - Wish I could have met him - he sounded amazing!! Think from this day forward I shall emulate him - will let you know how I get on though might need bailing out at some point! lol

nonu if you had seen me yesterday you might want to rethink that! Oh and that was while I was really poorly, still am!

Oh crikey bobs , will be watching !

Hope you better soon

Good for you movedalot and hope you're better soon.

Granny23 your dad sounds such fun . I love fearless people like him he must have had such a good time!. I think the key to staying young is to make time for your family and friends ( nothing like a good girls night out !) , to keep your sense of humour and to try new things even if it takes you out of your comfort zone.

Thanks for the support and name suggestions on decluttering.
Not a minimalist but do like things in their place

Moved did you mean DS2 or was your 2nd husband VERY young?

OOPS! Granny23 well spotted, DS2. Still got DH1. Am poorly so that is the excuse I am sticking to!

I wholeheartedly endorse Gransnetters who have joined forces to tackle the ever ubiquitous prejudice of the elderly in the UK and to that end would like to recommend to readers Christopher Holt's novel, "The Winter Chaser".
Not only is it an exciting and compulsive page turner but it also highlights a future Britain in which everyone is encouraged to do everything possible to remain forever young and are punished for non-compliance. Ivan Wyngate, a 65 year old eminent scientist rebels against this smugly ageist society in which a seemingly benevolent yet ludicrous nanny state is determined to diminish his achievements and turn him into a worthless pensioner of no account. His ingenious methods of outwitting the authorities make encouraging and amusing reading and what a refreshing change to have a literary hero with age and experience behind him!

my advice on growing old. use it or lose it both mentaklly and physically. i am 91 but still do a trolley round with WRVS at my local hospital one afternoon a week, sure i feel tired after doing it but it is agood tired feeling.

For me, it is volunteering and working constantly with young people in the Community. My neighbours are young and I help with the kids, the local primary school, and I teach English, German and French to local kids. They make me laugh - treat me like an 'auntie' and it keeps me active in so many ways. I help with cross-country skiing, caving, walking and soon on a camp at a Bird Park for a few days. Love it.

They all know I am away often - and fit around my travel and other activities.

Don't have time to get old. Far to busy!