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 mequite the opposite, Im genuinely happy with the life Ive built, even without children at 70.
Once, during a visit to the dermatologist in London, I found myself waiting in the corridor, as one often does. There, I met a woman whose story completely shifted my outlook.
She caught my eye immediatelyimpeccably dressed, elegant, with an air of quiet confidence. Id have guessed she was around 65, but to my surprise, she was already past 70.
Over tea (because what else do you do while waiting?), she shared her story. Shed been married twice, though now she was on her own. Her first marriage ended in divorce. From the start, shed made it clear to her husband, Edward, that she didnt want children. Hed agreed at first, but by the time she turned 30, he brought it up again, hoping shed changed her mind.
She hadnt. After countless conversations that went in circles, they parted ways.
Later, she married a bloke named Richard, who already had a daughter from a previous relationship. This time, things were smootherthe topic of children never came up, as Richard already had his hands full with young Emily. They had a lovely life together, until, sadly, Richard passed away. Now, she lives alone in a spacious cottage in the Cotswolds, insisting solitude suits her just fine.
Most people assume children will be their caretakers in old age, always there with a cup of tea and a sympathetic ear. But she sees it differently: kids grow up, build their own lives, and drift into their own worlds. She never wanted motherhood for that very reason.
No regrets. Not then, not now.
Shes lived a full life, ticking off her own bucket list.
And if I ever need someone to fetch me a glass of water, she said with a wink, I can always hire help. Cheaper than raising a child, Id say.
What do you make of this take on life and happiness?
Her story is a testament to independence and personal fulfilment, challenging the usual script about motherhood and growing old surrounded by family. Its a reminder that happiness isnt handed down through generationsits crafted by the choices we make and the joy we find in them.
