Topless Grans

I agree with Jess, and I think when people laugh at other people's bodies (body shaming), they are buying into the media notions of a persons value being dependant on the degree to which they fit the media image of beauty. I think the answer to your question 'why do they do it'? Is, because they choose to. You don't have to look!

There's a scene in my novel(called 'Timed Out')with older ladies in a health club changing room who have 'breasts like sagging balloons'.
Some readers find that funny, but I've had complaints that people don't want to read about such things, let alone see them.
Gransnet Forum really does have some interesting items!

I sunbathed topless in Spain in my 20s, encouraged by the sight of many other women (including some in their 60s and 70s.) It was nice to feel so free but I didn't do again, mainly because we didn't go to other places where it was the norm. Even when I was young, I was very well-endowed in the bosom department and I still am, but gravity has taken its toll. I would be too self-conscious to go topless now.

However, if other women want to do it, why not? I couldn't care less how other people dress (or undress). It's entirely their own business. In fact, I rather admire old women who've got the courage to let it all hang out!

If you don't like it, don't look!

For gods sake why should older ladies have to cover up when all they want is to feel the sun on their bodies, so what if they are droopy, they've lived a life, probably fed babies. It's just a body, we've all got one, none of us perfect - get over it!

Although 70 next year am fortunate enough to still pass the pencil test so could still get 'em out!

Personally I HATE it ! Having lived in Menorca the only bare bosomed women were Germans .....now living in a holiday region of France, I don't see too many, as there are nudist beaches provided ....so if that's what you want to do, why not use a special beach - then you will know you are not offending anybody !! Also, each to his (her) own, but I also hate seeing large large (mostly British !( women in towns (i e Mahon, Bordeaux, Nice, and other coastal regions) who have come off the cruise ships, walking round in horribly tight and short shorts ....they are not small ladies ! arms and flesh on the back hanging out of skimpy tee shirts ! WHAT do they think they look like ? I was doing my weekly food shop the other day, and two enormous women in a GB reg caravan got out and proceeded into the supermarket dressed as above .....I hate to think what the locals feel about it ! I don't go on holiday very often, as I don't need to, living here, but when I do, I always at least wear a shift dress to go into town ....so PLEASE think of others having to look at you, if you have no pride in what you look like ....it's all very well saying 'I'm comfortable and I don't care' .....be careful you don't go to any country where you could be arrested (more than you think !)

I suppose it's all about body confidence.
They probably don't acknowledge that their boobs are saggy, and in their mind's eye they see themselves as having the bodies they had in their 20s. Or being of a free-thinking generation, they know, but just don't give a flying proverbial.

I get a shock every time I pass a full-length mirror and look at my arthritic, slightly overweight reflection . It's not how I see myself.

However, I can very clearly see my discoloured swollen ankles and and unshapely legs with and without a mirror. They are truly very unsightly, and I keep them well hidden .

Was a little startled to see lots of totally naked people in the Tiergarten in Berlin a couple of years ago. It was August and very hot .Was very tempted to join them
Somegiw total nakedness is different
I burn very easily so think I'd have to arrange a shell or something tastefully (?) on my nipples

Do whatever floats your boat, but I would find chatting to a topless woman somewhat awkward, would be afraid of where I was looking.

In which case, why not just take the lot off?

I think that's great btw, as said, but then go to a naturist camp.

There is also a cultural/religious aspect to this. We've been on hols many times in countries where the staff find it very difficult to work in an environment with boobs out. Same for going on trips inland to visit villages, with some co-tourists coming in short and tops that reveal all- in a way which is quite offensive to the local population- which shows a clear lack of respect imho.

A place for everything and respect for others.

I don't think they are doing it because they think they look good. Most people do it to get an all over tan. For goodness sake, don't look if you don't like. I don't think there is a rule that you must have perfect figure or a certain age to do this.

Whilst I admire their don't care attitude, I no longer go topless for practical reasons of comfort mainly. Also I would never have done so in any situation where it wasn't regarded as the norm.

I remember some years ago coming home from holiday (also in Rhodes) and talking to a friend about sun-bathing.
I told her that while I always used to -proudly- go topless, after 3 children and the ravages of gravity I had resorted to a one-piece.
"Why, what size are you now?" her husband interrupted, "36 Long?"
Point made.

First of all, am I the only one who bristles at the use of 'ladies', we don't write about 'gentlemen', we are men and women for goodness sake.
I imagine these older women sunbathe topless for the same reason they always did, to avoid strap lines and to feel the sun on their bodies. They aren't displaying their breasts for the approval or disapproval of you or anybody else.

Suppose we must all be free to do exactly as we wish if we are not offending others and bare boobs, saggy or otherwise, come into this. However, if you do have a degree of self consciousness then covering up a little is vital - for me anyway. More or less on the same subject; my SIL has a theory 'the fatter the person the tighter the clothes' and I have to agree with him; not a pretty sight in the summer, and certainly not when said tight clothes are very skimpy indeed. 'Not being judgemental - people are free to do as they wish, but presumably they do think they look ok and I can only think they don't have a good friend or a full length mirror. Roll on the autumn and proper dressing - and yes, I do know I am in the minority here!

Plenty of things we can freely do with bodies- but not necessarily for sharing with those who'd rather not.

Naturism is great - as everyone par-taking are willingly there and happy to do so.

Isn't it rather painful if the nipples get burnt?

Craftycat, you bought this cartoon to mind.

I too was quite shocked that on a forum for older women people have such a negative attitude to the older body. I had body issues all my life but having seen older women baring all I thought "bugger it, if they can do it so can I" and removed my bikini top and sarong on a quiet beach on Santorini. I sunbathed and swam and no one batted an eyelid! We are far to hung up about "perfect" bodies and need to stop forthwith. So go on older women do what you want with your bodies it's no ones business but yours!

The most attractive women on a beach,of any age,are the ones who wear a nicely cut swimsuit.Very classy.

We are naturist and have been so for over 45 years we belong to a very nice very friendly naturist club. We are not naked to shock anyone we are not naked for a sexual reason we are naked because we love to be free of clothing. Maybe those ladies around the pool feel the same. You are just cmplaning because of their age. If they had been dolly birds I guess you would not say anything but enjoy the view. May I suggest to read a book or look elsewhere.

I said on another topic recently that I thought women should do what they like for as long as they like, as long as it doesn't hurt others. So, if women want to give their boobies an airing, then why not? Personally I would not.
Definitely not a pretty sight!
I must admit that I think some of them look ghastly.

When my son was 9 years old we were on holiday in Italy and the beach was full of beautiful, young, tanned girls, all topless. I was 37 at the time and still wearing a bikini. When we got back to our apartment one evening I was in the shower when son walked in and said that although he didn't mind seeing the young ladies topless on the beach, he would rather I didn't do it. I assured him I had no intention of going topless whereupon he gave my naked, soapy body a big hug and said thanks mum.

If you want to, why not? If it upsets others they don't need to look.
I have only stripped off once and that was on a greek island - everyone else was naked and I felt like a voyeuse until I joined them.
We live far from others, until someone comes past in a tractor or car, and husband sometimes strips off when finished working in the garden and hoses himself down. Ok until the postman's van approaches.

Why on earth shouldn't they? They're enjoying the feeling of the sun on their bodies not trawling for admiration of their assets! And at 63, I have to say I hope in 7 or so years, nobody classes me as a "very elderly woman"!!! Blimey, your post has upset me!