The Joy of Quiet: Embracing Life as a Happy Introvert at 70 and Beyond

At this stage of life, we finally have the freedom to be exactly who we are — no apologies, no explanations needed. For those of us who find peace in solitude and joy in quiet moments, being an introvert isn't something to "overcome" — it's a gift to be celebrated.

In a world that often praises the loudest voices and the busiest calendars, introverts know a different kind of happiness: the satisfaction of a slow morning with a good book, the quiet thrill of a long walk in nature, the deep comfort of a heartfelt one-on-one conversation.

I grew up in a time when being "shy" was misunderstood and I blushed beet red when people asked me why I was so shy. Introversion simply means we recharge by looking inward, not outward.  Being with a group now just drains me!

With fewer social expectations and more control over our time, introverted seniors can truly thrive — embracing hobbies, passions, and friendships that feel authentic.  It's never too late to stop worrying about what others think. Being an introvert isn't a limitation — it's a superpower for living deeply and fully.

Happiness doesn't always come with a crowd or a grand adventure. Sometimes, it’s sitting on your porch as the sun sets, smiling to yourself, and feeling perfectly content — no noise, no rush, just you and the beautiful, rich life you've built.

My WLLO Village social calendar is filled with activities with large crowds … happy hour, bingo, walking, chat and craft, etc.  Last month I started a monthly Itty Bitty Lunch Bunch with just FOUR people (me being one of them).  We had a great time, more in depth conversations and we all agreed smaller is better, for us.  One attendee may host another small group as soon as she decides lunch or happy hour.

Does This Hairstyle Make Me Look Old?

(A Grey-Haired Confessional from Someone Who’s Finally Letting Go and Letting it Grow —Sort Of)

For the record, I’m not trying to make a statement. I wasn’t trying to “embrace my truth (or youth)” or “age gracefully” or any of those phrases that sound like compliments but are really just code for “you look older now, but we support you emotionally.”

I was just tired.  And cheap.

Tired of sitting in a salon chair every five weeks while a 28-year-old stylist asked me, “Are we still covering the silver today?” like she was performing a mercy killing. Tired of pretending the roots weren’t winning.

So I stopped. I let the grey come in. And let my bob grow longer.

It wasn’t a grand gesture. There was no Instagram reel with a dramatic filter and a voiceover saying “this is me now.” It was more like a slow surrender. And honestly? At first, it was… weird. I used Covid to my advantage.

There’s an awkward in-between phase no one talks about … where you don’t look confidently silver yet, just vaguely unkempt, like someone who forgot about their hair for a while. Strangers assumed I was older, especially since I don’t usually wear makeup any longer. One young guy in the produce section called me “ma’am” with a reverence usually reserved for Civil War re-enactors.

And suddenly, the question wasn’t “Does this hairstyle look good?” It was: “Does this hairstyle make me look old?”  Followed immediately by: “...and is that  necessarily a bad thing?”

Because let’s be honest—what does “old” even mean anymore? I’ve seen 70-year-olds running marathons (I even know one!) and 30-year-olds who pull out their backs brushing their teeth. If grey hair makes me look old, so be it. I’ve earned old. I’ve survived low-rise jeans, Aqua Net, perms, and a regrettable mullet in 1983. I’m not scared of grey. I’m just trying to figure out what to do with it.

Some days, I want it long enough to pull it into a loose bun and feel like a French art teacher. Other days, I leave it wild and wavy and pretend I’m going for “elegant eccentric.” And sometimes I look in the mirror and wonder if I should just dye it purple and lean into the whole “cool grandma” thing.

But mostly, I’m learning to let my hair be what it is: mine.  It’s not trendy. It’s not youthful. It’s not trying to trick anyone into thinking I’m younger than I am.

 

It’s just honest.

And in a world full of filters, facelifts, and Photoshopped and AI enhancement perfection, maybe honest hair is the boldest look of all.

TAX TIME ALREADY??

Luckily for me, I now use a CPA to figure things out.  It's a shame that so many of us cannot do our own tax returns.  All my eggs are in one basket at Schwab.  I always file late because they usually send at least one corrected 1099 and usually more.  Just got my third one at the end of March.

Turbo Tax and I do Kate's return.  She makes so little for having two dependents that she always gets money back despite letting her employer know to deduct 3.  I usually break even.

The whirlwind visit with my sister + family was fabulous (they know all the super great restaurants in my town!)(because they are usually out of my price range).  This time they chose an Italian fusion place.  The five of us shared three appetizers, four salads, five main dishes and four desserts. SOO decadent.  They are mostly vegetarian so it was fun tasting such interesting combos.  A beet salad that was smoked and topped with a mustard gelato, for instance.  Every single bite was incredible and the conversation boisterous.  

We hosted them one night with bake-your-own pizza in our small Clubhouse Room.  I put out some munchies ... 3 kinds of nuts, potato chips and pretzels and Jesse opened a bottle of Prosecco (I can only have sparkling wine when I have company ... even when recapped it loses the bubbles).  They brought the salad and I chose frozen mini eclairs for dessert.  Cute and delicious.  And then an hour or two of Uno.  We had the gas fireplace going.

My visits with Janet will be fewer in the future as her daughter and bride are moving to Seattle for Audree's residency.  Tahlia works remotely.  They have their small 100 year old home to rent as well as the Tiny House in their backyard.  Good thing they are young and can handle all the ups and downs of a busy life.  Janet owns the house next door to them and is using it as a short term rental (one month minimum).  So if she stops in Portland, we could drive or take the train to Seattle together.

I've been nominated for a Board spot for WLLO Village.  I will be even more of a Keyboard Koala (snuggled up at home and always clickin' away) keeping up with the added responsibilities.

My kidults are charging into Spring with creative crafts using native plants.  They have gotten so much interest they are going to make it official and a get a business license!  Still trying to decide on a name!