Meet the women behind the stories

Janette, 46
The Naturalist

"When I hear the word 'naturalist', my natural and immediate reaction is 'hippy'." Janette, 46, goes on to explain that "the hippy esthetic is just as confining as the shellacked esthetic that I grew up around". "Embracing my own hypocrisy is the most radical thing that I can do at this stage..."

A dedicated mother of 2 children, ages 5 and 8, Janette has been happily committed to her partner, Bill for 18 years. Professionally, Janette is a Psychotherapist that works with at-risk youth (mainly girls) as well as published author. "I do that because I can't always bear to be a writer."

She doesn't see aging as a 'looks thing' -- but rather as a barometer of time. She admits that she "has lots of regrets about not using my time more wisely ... life choices, progress, success..."

Nicole, 42
Simple is best

Nicole, is the quintessential, multi-tasking urban entrepreneur. Between publishing a monthly magazine, client meetings and attending numerous artistic galas and events, Nicole lives a fast paced blended work-social lifestyle.

Single at 42 and a native Quebecer, Nicole has a sense of style ideally suited for her line of work as Founder and Publisher, MAG (Mass Art Guide). Nicole takes a pragmatic approach to aging and is currently effected more with the mental realities rather than the physical.

A little mascara and lipstick are her fast friends with her busy lifestyle. Enjoying her 'full of personality' companion dog Chihuly and trying to squeeze in some time for dating and visits with friends are her personal priorities.

Anne, 63
Practical maintainer

"I was recently at the drug store bopping to a song that was playing that took me back to when I was 16 years old. I took my products to the counter to check out and the girl asked hesitantly, "Are you a senior? Today is Senior's Discount Day". Jolting me out of my moment I burst out into laughter... couldn't she see that I was 16?"

A social worker, researcher, mother of 2 adult children and soon to be a grandmother ("Granny Annie"), Anne is coming to terms with aging from all angles. At 63 and single, Anne finds herself dawning a new attitude... a different, less principled mindset then she held in her 40's or 50's, and is excited about exploring anti-aging possibilities for herself so she can reflect her inner youth.

Anne shares a philosophy that she identifies with now: "We mock the things we are to become". With the benefit of hindsight and a pragmatic approach, Anne shares ‘I'm not feeling my spiffiest. I want to be the best I can be".