What a refreshing scene at an exercise class I tried out in Scottsdale, Ariz., this morning – not due to the instruction, but because the women talked nonstop and the conversation kept turning to food.
The women were all late middle age or older, fit and self-assured. The young instructor started the conversation by describing some recipes she'd tried and talking about a gala she'd attended at the Phoenix Children's Museum.
The gala required that guests use valet parking, and when her car was returned, it was stocked with a milk-and-cookie nightcap. For hors d’ouvres, the museum had served kid-themed food: upscale versions of peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese, and macaroni and cheese.
Soon there was one main conversation and several side chats, all at a good volume -- somewhat like a restaurant where the acoustics are intentionally tuned up to give a sense of liveliness.
The women were all late middle age or older, fit and self-assured. The young instructor started the conversation by describing some recipes she'd tried and talking about a gala she'd attended at the Phoenix Children's Museum.
The gala required that guests use valet parking, and when her car was returned, it was stocked with a milk-and-cookie nightcap. For hors d’ouvres, the museum had served kid-themed food: upscale versions of peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese, and macaroni and cheese.
Soon there was one main conversation and several side chats, all at a good volume -- somewhat like a restaurant where the acoustics are intentionally tuned up to give a sense of liveliness.
I found myself smiling -- wider and wider. This scene couldn't be more different from fitness classes I'd seen elsewhere, where the friendliness was reserved for before or after class.
One woman started talking about the soup at Goldman’s Deli, and before long there was a plan to meet there tonight at 5:30. The instructor mentioned that split pea was the soup of the day, and there was a debate about cold or hot (!) borscht. I’m guessing there’ll be a pretty good turnout this evening, and I’m definitely adding it to my list of restaurants to try.
Bob and I hope to spend the cold months here in Scottsdale when we retire. The thought of getting older can be worrisome, especially now that aches and pains are more prevalent and last longer than they used to. And the idea of moving away from friends and family is daunting.
But this gathering of women was quite reassuring. Most are visiting from colder climates, but they’re staying young by paying attention to fitness, connecting with other women and enthusing about food. I was uncharacteristically quiet, but can see myself joining the conversation when I become a regular here someday.
Bob and I hope to spend the cold months here in Scottsdale when we retire. The thought of getting older can be worrisome, especially now that aches and pains are more prevalent and last longer than they used to. And the idea of moving away from friends and family is daunting.
But this gathering of women was quite reassuring. Most are visiting from colder climates, but they’re staying young by paying attention to fitness, connecting with other women and enthusing about food. I was uncharacteristically quiet, but can see myself joining the conversation when I become a regular here someday.
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