Living Fully at 70 Without Children
A woman in her 70s who chose not to have children shares her perspective on life
Dont feel sorry for meIm actually really happy with the life Ive built, even though I never had kids.
Once, while waiting for a dermatologist appointment in London, I struck up a conversation with a woman in the clinic. Her story completely shifted how I see things.
She caught my eye because she looked so polished and elegantId have guessed she was in her mid-60s, but she told me she was already past 70.
Shed been married twice but was on her own now. Her first marriage ended in divorce because shed always been clear she didnt want children. At first, her husband was fine with it, but by the time she turned 30, he started bringing it up again, hoping shed change her mind. She never did, and after going in circles, they split.
Later, she married a bloke who already had a daughter from a previous relationship. It worked well because kids were never an issuehe already had one, so he wasnt fussed about having more. Sadly, he passed away, and now she lives alone in a spacious house in the countryside. But she insists loneliness isnt a problem for her.
A lot of people assume kids will look after you when youre older, but she doesnt see it that way. Kids grow up, build their own lives, and drift awayits just how things go.
Thats partly why she never wanted to be a mum.
Shes never regretted her choice, not for a second.
She lives a full life and takes care of herself just fine.
And if I ever need a glass of water, she said with a laugh, I can always pay someone to fetch it for me.
What do you think about her take on life and happiness?
At the end of the day, her storys all about independence and personal fulfilmentchallenging the usual ideas about motherhood and growing old surrounded by family. She proves happiness doesnt hinge on traditional family ties but on how you choose to live your life.
