What's the image that comes to mind when you think of a woman in her 70s? And if you're approaching that age, or living in that life decade, what's your mindset?
For Ruth Yunker, a twice-divorced Californian, it's all about "aging vivaciously."
On this episode of The Lean to the Left Podcast, Yunker, a yoga-fit mother of two talks about her struggle with alcoholism, subsequent sobriety, and her lifestyle today that, she says, is bringing much happiness.
What's her secret for aging vivaciously?
"It's an inside job," she says. "Find your little magical miracle every single day," whether it's the first cup of coffee of the day or even simply catching all the green lights on the way to work. Pay attention to making your own goddamned joy."
Is she lonely living alone?
"I got divorced the second time and never looked back," she says. "I walk in the house and I don't have to look down at my feet to see if there's a cat, a baby, or my husband's shoes. I just walk in and I don't trip."
Ruth talks about her love for nice clothes and fancy hats...and cats. Keys to her happiness, she said, are her 21 years of sobriety, yoga, "a good plastic surgeon," and "fun with fashion."
"Don't cry in the corner of your couch," she says. "It ruins your face."
Yunker has written three books -- two about her travels to Paris, and her latest, "Baby I'm the Boss of Me, My Journey to Ageless." It's about aging with courage, humor, and personal power."
This podcast episode is truly funny, and for those of us in our sunset years, certainly uplifting. It's worth a listen.