Little girls now have quite a list of things to do before they’re five, according to the head of Burgess Hill Girls’ School, Holly Willoughby’s alma mater in West Sussex.
I, therefore, will not include such tasks as Fly A Kite, Bake A Cake, Hunt For A Four Leaf Clover, Ride A Bike Or Play Hopscotch in my list of things to do before you’re 50, on the assumption that you’ll have done them all already.
Fifty seemed to me to be a true landmark in a woman’s life with so much experience behind her and so many lessons learned.
Life is far from over, as I realise now I approach my 70th birthday, but it helps to feel it’s in reasonable order as you officially become middle aged. So here’s my checklist:
Jenni Murray shared her checklist of things women should aim to do before the age of 50, including falling in love (file image)
1: Fall in love and try to stay there.
2: If Mr Right turns out to be Mr. Wrong, walk away.
3: Equally, walk away from Mr He’ll Do. He won’t.
4: Keep working — full or part time. Your own money means never having to ask permission and enables escape if necessary.
5: Squirrel away a secret ‘Screw You’ fund.
6: Say I love you to children, partner, friends and parents. Lots.
7: Hear I love you back, especially from a child — who doesn’t have to be yours.
8: Take care of ageing parents and make sure your children, if you have them, are involved. They’re your insurance policy for your own end of life care.
9: Don’t fear money.
Jenni recommends learning how to drive and how to park, as the skills are vital for independence (file image)
10: Find a reliable financial adviser.
11: Learn to drive — vital for independence.
12: Learn to park — don’t give the boys something to be snide about.
13: Change a plug, a lightbulb and a fuse.
14: Decorate a room.
15: Hang a picture.
16: Change a tyre.
17: Make a barbecue.
18: Change a nappy.
19: Groom a dog.
British journalist suggests joining a book club, so there’s no excuse for not sitting down quietly and relaxing (file image)
20: Empty the bins.
21: Find a man (or a woman if that’s the way you lean), who can do 11 to 20 equally well and understands that all household tasks, childcare and technical necessities are to be shared.
22: Cultivate a best friend, stay in regular touch and meet at least once a fortnight for good food neither of you has cooked. Enjoy the gossip and the drink (but not too much of the latter!)
23: Join a book club so there’s no excuse for not sitting down quietly and reading to relax.
24: Make regular visits to an elderly, lonely neighbour. One day you may be the one hoping for such company.
25: Find a hairdresser you trust completely to follow your instructions. One who never talks about holidays.
Jenni recommends getting a dog for unconditional love and a guaranteed cheery welcome home (file image)
26: Forget about make-up on days at home. It saves money and time.
27: Learn to love flat shoes. Your post-50 back will thank you.
28: Master the art of the eyeliner for when you’re going out. Try false lashes just the once.
29: Stick with the resolution to tackle paperwork as it comes. Filing is your friend.
30: Have a good lawyer, doctor and therapist on speed dial.
31: Buy clothes (but not too many) that will never need ironing.
32: Find the perfect bra. Buy ten.
33: Get fit and stay fit. Sport is not necessarily evil.
34: Learn to dance for fitness and fun.
Jenni says take care of your teeth. You’ll regret it if you don’t (file image)
35: Get a dog for unconditional love and a guaranteed cheery welcome home.
36: Walk the dog (or dogs) every day.
37: Make a beautiful garden or window box. It will grow and delight as you grow older.
38: Accept that chocolate is not one of life’s necessities.
39: Nor is wine.
40: Have an early night regularly with no screens.
41: Go to the galleries you’ve been putting off. Beautiful paintings feed the soul.
Jenni recommends giving your children the number of the financial adviser and keeping them informed about their inheritance (file image)
42: Stop lying about your age.
43: Support your local theatre.
44: Make peace with your parents.
45: Take care of your teeth. You’ll regret it if you don’t.
46: Go on holiday alone to your dream location.
47: Make a will. Boring, but necessary.
48: Keep things in order for your kids and keep them informed about their inheritance. Give them the number of the financial adviser.
49: Take the love of your life to a beautiful place. Kiss in the sea in the sunshine. Forget your thighs, arms, midriff and any other less than perfect bits.
50: Remember, every woman has value whether she’s a mother or not.