Well, I never thought I would see the day that I wouldn't want to go to the beach. No, I have been dreading the day. So, I have been looking for a swimdress of all things. OR swim shorts. Then I just realized that no matter how much I try and camoflage my big-ness, I am still the size I am.
I am really bummed out about this. I miss the days of not being ashamed of how I look.
But what really drives this issue home is when I see pictures of myself. Ewww.
I probably should have put this under the weight issues section...
I am feeling like there is no such thing as 'looking good' during peri/menopause.
Anyway, I WILL go to the beach-I will wear some shorts and a tank top and instead of laying there-I am going to WALK.

senecaguns

Can't help but smile at this...

My feelings exactly, Sen.

I noticed that the recent LL Bean catalog has suits that they're targeting for women our age... but like you, I'll be wearing a tank top and swim shorts. Hard to remember the days when we actually wore bikinis!

JJ

Sen...I just wanted to send you a big hug! I know how awful this time in our lives are, but girl, I swear to you, you only THINK you look bad. That's what meno does...it distorts our eyes - mirror, shall I say?

Ok, granted, we may not have the taunt bodies of a 20 year old...but so what? In fact, maybe what we should do is start a revolution....we start bombarding the emails addresses of magazines, cataloges etc. and begin telling them how HIDIOUS we think those skinny girls are. That they should be ashamed of putting someone so SCRAWNY in swimwear. Why, what woman in her right mind would be caught dead looking that thin?? Mannnn...wouldn't that mess with the very minds that decide what is considered fashionable??

Tay

It's no longer "hip" to be skinny. Lots of fashion and popular magazines have now gone onto what's called the "Athletic Look", using models and actresses with some muscle on their bones, instead of just skin. The recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition featured Beyonce Knowles, full breasts, hips and muscular legs are much more healthy and realistic looking than rail thin, skeletal looking runway models, that look more like heroin addicts.

Thanks Tay, I needed that-I did go for a little while. The weather is beautiful here. There weren't that many peeps on the beach.
What I am missing is my youth and the when I was 'young' my best friend and I felt like we owned the beach and now we are like....when did this happen and where did those people (ourselves) go?
Here's a good little diddy to sing-but can't remember the band-just everybody sing it out loud
'I will get by'
'I will get by y y'
'I will survive'

Yall know that song!
Have a great evening!

Touch of Grey-Grateful Dead.
I googled.

Senecaguns

The Lands' End catalogue has some terrific swimsuits for those of us of a certain age.

have not bought, or used, a swimsuit in a very long time..

Swim Suits? Do they still make those for "full-aged" women? (that's what a nurse in the doctor's office called me. I just about gave her something to tell her dentist!!) Full aged! What does that mean exactly? We've reached our expiration date? Aaarrrrggggghhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I bought a bikini about four years ago (when I could still wear one) and then I've left it hanging on the door post ever since. I went from "bikini" size to 'Jumbo" size in four years. How's that possible? That's like going from a "Mc Jr." to a "Big Mac Value Size."

This year my husband said, "How about swim suits for us both?" I couldn't help but glare at him? For even though we have an indoor pool, and there's a possibility that before I entered the water it could be dark...I'll never get into a swim suit again. It's just one of those things you've finally put into your basket of past memories. Like, "Hip Huggers, Bell Bottoms, Halter Tops, Stilleto Heels, and that picture of Jim Morrison." It's in the past baby...leave it there.

just having a chuckle here, altho i know it isn't really funny at all.. as i struggle to dress myself in things that are not old and frumpy, but still have a chance of fitting me.. full age! mature age... a certain age.. the older woman... the labels we have to put up with when we know in our hearts we are still the same girl who wore those bikinis and hiphugging bell bottoms in the past.. just my outside has turned into my mother... sigh..

God I hope not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My mother weighs 100 pounds and is one solid wrinkle.

She drinks a half of a pint of bourbon a night.
Smokes at least two packs of cigarettes a day
Is only 72 but looks 102

She says it's all from "sun damage." Bwwwaaaaahhhhhaaaaahhhaaaaa, yeah right!"

Ok Girls...it's time for a reality check. Everybody grab your swim gear, we're heading for mexico. I can guarantee, no matter how awful you THINK you look, within 10 minutes of hitting the beach, not only will you be pranching around like you did when you were 20, you'll be feeling like fashion models.

Do you know WHO wears bikini's down in mexico? Try 80 year olds. That's right, 80 year old women in bikinis and men of equal age in thong speedos. They have the times of their lives and don't give one hoot about what people think. Ironically the only ones I ever see in one piece 'skirted' swim suits, are women in their 50's, but I just put it down to a severe case of meno related image issues. I'm 53 and wear bikini's, in fact NEON bikini's and one which is gold lame. Do I look awful? Welllll...I used to think so, but my hubbie wasn't having anything of it. In fact, just a few months ago I refused to pack my swim gear, said I was to old and hidious looking to be seen in stuff like that. He simply let me throw my tantrum and packed them all in his suitcase. Within a week of being there he took a pic of me (yes, in a bikini) then pointed out the 30 (something male) checking me out as he was walking by. Hubby said...when a 30 year old still checks out a 50 something woman, baby you still got all the right stuff.

Now, I've overcome the image issue, and you all will to. I truly mean this...it's all our perception of how we think we look, rather than how we actually DO look. It's sorta like menopause anorexia... but it will pass. So get out those swimsuits....you look just as good as you always did, there's just a bit more to ya....and that ain't bad...in fact, it probably enhances the swim gear...

Hugs
Tay

LMAO--I am so glad you are on our side, krissy

Wow! You are one brave woman. That picture of me in my bikini in profile was taken by my husband. I was drunk at the time, pretending to do a "strong woman" flex pose. I need lots of alcohol before I put on my bikini in public. Every time I look at that picture, I crack up laughing. What the hell was I thinking???!?!?!?!?!?

...squirming into my 'kini right now!

Lands End has some great swim wear. I bought a really nice black one piece. It has this little swishy skirt and is so cute. I don't mind wearing a swim suit but have always worn a one piece as I have scars on my stomach. The first one I got when I was 11 and then received 2 more so it isn't really a pretty site. So, it has never bothered me to wear a one piece. Since I have had so many surgeries, it made my muscles rather flabby and since I don't work at it (to tone them), well, it is easier to just wear that one piece and not worry about it. Of course, I hardly ever go to the beach since we don't live by one.

Mopsy

I used to be a bikini babe back in the day...then went to a one piece swimsuit.....now no way! Two years ago, I took my grandson to a wave pool. I must have been the oldest person there. What do you gals think of these?
http://www.modest-swimwear.net/ I googled modest swimwear. I don't even wear shorts anymore either! This year, it looks like sleeveless tops are out. Going to have to wear 3/4 lengths! Pam

I am definitely in the "I don't give a rip" what other people think of me phase, so I will wear a two piece whenever I want to this summer. I have varicose veins on the back of my upper leg that are big enough to rope a goat with, but if other people don't like it that isn't my problem!

It's not that I care what other people say-strangers-but I still live in my hometown and it's funny cause all the people from high school look just like I do-30 years older. lol. One on the cutest, shyiest guy back then is now a fitness expert and mmm what a hunk. So, he's def an exception to the rule(middle age spread).
I just feel glad to see any body who made it through-I think I look ok. One of these days I will figure out how to put my picture on my profile. I do have a myspace(snark,snark)

Since I din't want to be the only crazy woman who has a bikini profile pic, I sure would like some company!

So, here's how to post your picture:
Click on your name at the top of the page to get into your profile.
Click on "My Controls" on the top right.
On the left side of your control panel, scroll down to "Personal ProfileP
Click on "Change Personal Photo"
There will be a box to upload your photo from your computer.
And viola'!! There you are!!

And I'll be checking your profile and leave you a comment.

Armadillo, you look great in your two piece.

I do not, I would not dare wear one in public although I do in my own garden.

On this basis and I fear there are lots like me you are going to be on your ownyown in the bikini profile league!

Amanda Mx

I'm used to people making fun of me, I'm happy to provide the free entertainment.

But my adult children are embarrassed of me. They say that I am getting older, but I will be immature forever!

Well you tell them to stay stumb and be proud, unlike me you still ahve a fabulous body to show off missis.

Small childen have been known to get lost in my tummy!

Well it's definitely going to be a swimsuit day for me today. We're having a heat wave----supposed to go up to 92. Of course our AC is not working. Every year I tell my husband to test it BEFORE it gets hot. Does he listen OF COURSE NOT!!!!!! He did call his buddy who fixes them on the side. He'll be over some time next week-grrrrrr. Anyway, I have my little grandaughter today and you can bet we'll both be in the pool for most of the day. I'll throw caution to the wind and won't give a hoot what the neighbors think. Keeping cool is worth enduring the embarrassment.