My next completed Weird and Wonderful Midlife Interview is here! I have so loved reading the answers that have been sent through to me for this interview series. These special women’s answers have been so honest, forthcoming and insightful – and I feel they beautifully confirm that we’re not alone in our midlife feelings and experiences. Also, reading about other women’s experiences helps me feel less anxious about pre-menopause and menopause and is preparing me for the symptoms I have yet to experience. I hope it’s been the same for you. (Again, if you’d like to complete an interview questionnaire, please email me – I’d love to include your answers here.)
Midlife Interview 2
Last week we had Linda sharing her thoughts and insights in my Midlife Interview 1. And this week I’d like to introduce you to my kind, thoughtful and very organised friend:
Regina
How old are you, Regina?
54 years old.
When did you start feeling ‘middle-aged’? Was it sudden or gradual? Or don’t you feel the part yet?
Gradual but not really sure when it started. But don’t always feel “middle-aged” – depends on the situation.
Are you single/married/separated/divorced/widowed? (You can elaborate if you want to, eg. Married for 20 years/recently divorced or widowed etc.)
25 years very happily married!
Do you have children? Do they still live at home? Have they moved out already?
3 kids – all girls ages 17, 19, 22. One left at home, other 2 studying at university.
How do you feel about empty nesting? (Present or future. Is it something you’re dreading or welcoming?)
Looking forward to my empty nest as long as the kids are all ok with their new lives.
Do you work? Full-time/Part-time? Are you a SAHM? Retired?
SAHM with a part-time job I can do from home.
Do you exercise regularly?
Yes.
If so, what do you do and how regularly do you exercise? If not, do you want to?
I love walking, and enjoy my daily beach walk (1.5 hours) and 2 half-hour private pilates sessions a week and 1 fit20 session. I have a “rebounder” at home and a treadmill and stationary bike, but never get the time to use them!
Do you have any menopause symptoms?
Hot flushes mostly at night in bed.
Do you have any midlife ailments? eg. Failing eyesight, memory loss, hair loss/growth etc.
I need reading glasses for close up reading. I need to write everything down, otherwise, it will be forgotten or not done, and I feel I can put weight on by just looking at a blueberry muffin.
What is your top health tip? eg. Magnesium, aromatherapy oils, exercising, mindfulness, diet etc.
Fresh air when out for a walk – I don’t consider it exercise, I see it as my “me time”, and a healthy diet – with lots of fruits and vegetables, because I don’t drink enough water, but you can still get enough water into your system by eating lots of fruit and veg.
What’s the best aspect of being middle-aged (in your opinion)? eg. Feeling more self-assured.
Looking forward to spending more quality time with my husband after spending the last 25 years taking care of the kids. It’s now time to enjoy my life and not have to worry so much about the kids.
What’s the worst aspect of being middle-aged (in your opinion)? eg. Loneliness and a loss of purpose. And what do you do to combat those aspects?
The body wearing out. The brain and mind still very active, but forgetful. 🙁
Is travelling an important option in your midlife? Or are you more of a homebody?
100% ready to travel! Will come back home when grandkids start arriving!
Where is the best place/destination that you’ve visited?
Can’t say, as there are so many and so many more to visit.
What is your most treasured leisure activity?
The opportunity to travel. But I also love my daily walk on the beach.
What is your best style/fashion tip for middle-agers?
Hide your upper arms if at all possible and neck!
What is your best skin care product?
Clinique night time repair wear.
What is your best make-up product?
Clinique eyeliner.
What is your daily makeup routine?
Eyeliner and eyebrow brush.
Surgical age-defying techniques or grow old naturally?
Whatever works for the individual. I will grow old naturally because I have had life-threatening surgery, so would never go under the knife for cosmetic reasons.
Go grey or dye your hair?
Going grey ATM, but may dye my hair in the future!
Do you have any book/movie/podcast recommendations about midlife?
Reading Big Magic ATM but haven’t finished. Always interested in “self-help” books and also spend time listening to YouTube Ted Ex talks that sound interesting about all sorts of topics.
Do you have any regrets in life?
You have to believe that every decision you make along the way is the right one at the time and that everything works out, and I have no regrets about our life decisions – even though we have had some very tough times, we have gotten through them.
What advice would you give to other middle-aged women?
Do whatever exercise you can that you enjoy and eat well, and make sure that your partner is there by your side to support you 100%.
What is your main goal at the moment?
See all the kids through school and onto University. Once they are independent, then we can head off and travel more and enjoy quality time together before the grandkids start arriving.
Do you feel happy on your midlife journey so far? Or do you feel as if you’re going through a crisis?
Always grateful and happy to be alive still. Have good days and bad days trying to adapt to becoming an empty nester after 25 years.
What do you still want to achieve in life?
Helping my kids have a better life and helping their kids too (when they come along!). I do want to travel around the world more, but only with my partner, and only knowing that all the kids are all ok.
Any other comments you’d like to add?
Midlife is just the next chapter of the story of our lives – we only have one go at life – so we need to make the most of it, at every stage, and with support from friends and family, we can try and enjoy and make the best life ever, because the alternative is death and who knows what happens then.
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