Charity Work

Judy, 59: ‘As a food writer for over thirty years and mother of two, now grown up, children, I wanted to share my knowledge and experience by helping other mums who were less fortunate than I had been. After my children had left home I found I had a lot more time on my hands and I didn’t feel ready to sit back on the sofa! I wanted to enjoy this more free time and do something that interested me, but I never had time to do up to now.

I began working with a charity which helps women and children in poor communities, with a particular focus on good nutrition during pregnancy and the first month of life. It feels really good to be able to use my knowledge of food and nutrition in such a positive way, plus being a mother myself I found I could easily identify with some of the issues these women are facing.

I have met so many interesting new people through this work, and it is nice to know that a mother’s life doesn’t end when the kids leave home, in fact quite the opposite! I have started a whole new exciting chapter in my life and am very proud of the work I am now doing’.

• Why not? Think about what experience you could bring to a charitable cause. Whether its fundraising or working more hands on as a volunteer, charities are always keen for people with experience in a particular field to get involved.

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Start a new business

July, 43: I had worked in a sales job for over twenty years but had a secret desire to open my own fashion boutique. When I turned forty I realised this was the right time, I had my own property, had made some savings and also had all the contacts I needed to get started – all I needed was a bit of courage!

I began travelling at weekends to fashion fairs and wholesale shops, and soon discovered that my sales knowledge was a huge help, especially when it came to bargaining over stock prices and finalising deals. I set up my shop in my local area and now enjoy being my own boss and developing my own little empire!

When I think back to all the nights I had laid awake dreaming of doing this, it makes me smile every time I see my shop with my name above the door! For me, this was all about good timing as I would never have had the courage, knowledge or determination to have done these ten years ago!

• Why not? Research shows that there is an increase in entrepreneurial women over the age of forty, so if you have an idea – be it opening your own shop or starting an internet business, do not be put off by age.  

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Get fit

Sigrid, 50: ‘When my first grandchild was born three years ago, I realised how little energy I had; I was overweight and it was frustrating how easily he tired me out. I knew I had to do something about it.

My daughter is a fitness fanatic so she helped me find a gym near my house that had a women only section. I was quite nervous about going though, I was worried that I would be surrounded by fit young women and would feel completely out of place. I also didn’t really like the idea of running on a machine or lifting weights, but I soon realised that gyms have changed a lot since I was last in one!

I was assigned a fabulous trainer who instantly made me feel very relaxed. She set me up with a low impact programme which suited my age and fitness levels and introduced me to fun activities such as aqua aerobics and yoga – in fact in the last year of going to the gym I don’t think I have been on one running machine, and I go twice a week!

I never thought I would be fitter at 50 than I was at 40, but I am! Not only have I made some great friends through my gym classes but I feel so much healthier and happier – plus I can keep up with my energetic little grandson now!’

• Why not? You don’t have to join a gym to get fit. If the idea of running on a treadmill puts you off, look into classes such as Pilates, yoga, walking groups or swimming.

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Travel

Belinda, 48: After my kids left home, I started working part time in a shop to meet some new people and to have something to do. One lady I worked with was about the same age as me, and was great fun to be around. She was an avid adventurer and was always jetting off to exotic sounding far flung locations and then coming back teeming with stories of her trip.

I had never really had the opportunity to travel and had felt a slight pang of jealousy when my eldest son went around the world before going to university. Such opportunities just didn’t exist when I was growing up, so when my new friend invited me to go on a trip with her, I didn’t hesitate!

Three months later I was travelling through South America and visiting places that I never thought I would ever see such as The Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu. It gave me a new sense of confidence and energy, I had never thought that I was particularly adventurous but I completely got the travel bug.

I think that I am also now in a stage of my life where I can appreciate the history and culture of the different places more than I could have done in my 20’s. My friend and I are currently planning our next trip to Northern India – I can’t wait!

• Why not? There are plenty of travel opportunities aimed at mature female travellers, whether its cruising, hiking or backpacking you are after. Remember there are also lots of voluntary placements overseas which will take you to interesting places while helping the local community at the same time.

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Take a course

Susan, 53: I experienced 'empty nest' syndrome when my youngest daughter left home to go to University.  I was keen to go back to work as a secretary but having looked at the employment pages in the newspaper I realised I had no hope unless I had good computer skills.

I had worked in my twenties as a secretary for some pretty high powered business men, but those were the days of the type writer and carbon copy paper, and I knew it was a very different game now! Of course I sometimes use the computer we have at home for simple things like surfing a bit on the internet, but when I saw what my daughter is doing with the office programs, I just assumed they were too complicated and beyond me. I signed up for a basic course in computers and, because I already had typing skills, I was surprised at how quickly I picked it up. It was a great feeling to learn that I wasn’t getting left behind after all!

I have now been working for the same couple for 10 years who both travel a lot with their business leaving me to run the London office. I am not sure who needs who more, and it really is a fantastic feeling to be back in the workplace and have that sense of responsibility again.

• Why not?Research your local universities or colleges and apply for their prospectuses. There are also organisations which allow you to train from home or in the evenings if you need more flexibility.

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