“I’m Not That Kind of Senior – Part 2: If You Won’t Go, I’ll Go Alone”
- Diane Roney
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
I got a message this morning from a beautiful soul who told me, "I’m 63 but I feel 35 in spirit. "She also said that when she’s around people her age, they often seem older—not in a critical way, just different in energy. And I felt that in my bones.
Because you know what? That’s me too. I’m approaching 70. I walk into some senior-focused spaces, and I feel like I’ve time-traveled to a version of aging that doesn’t reflect me—or the women I know who are vibrant, creative, curious, and ready to keep evolving.
So I say it again: I am not that kind of senior.
Let’s talk about something that’s been bothering me lately—the loneliness of trying to do life differently.
I’ve invited people to events, to chair aerobics, to art sessions, to simply show up for joy .And you know what I often hear? Crickets. Excuses. “Maybe next time.” Or worse—no response at all.
So I go alone.
Not because I want to—but because I refuse to sit still and shrink into someone else's comfort zone.
Here’s the truth: Sometimes, when you decide to grow, you outgrow the circle around you. And when you stop accepting the quiet expectations placed on aging women—be quiet, be still, be invisible—you’ll start to notice how few people are ready to grow with you.
But that’s not a reason to stop. That’s a reason to go harder.
If You’re Reading This, Here’s What I Want You to Know:
You are allowed to change your mind about what aging looks like.
You are allowed to outgrow people who have settled.
You are allowed to walk in the room alone and still hold your head up.
Let them stay home. Let them laugh at your aerobics or your TikTok or your poems or your solo dinner adventures.
But don’t let them stop you.
You’ve earned the right to be seen, celebrated, and vibrant at every stage.
So if you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit in where you’re “supposed” to—welcome home. We’re building something different here. We are not that kind of senior.
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