The Granny Who Stands on Her Head: Reflections on growing older

by Ann Richardson

“ ”Somewhere in the middle of my seventies, I realised that I liked being old.”

So begins this set of engaging stories and thoughts on growing older by someone with a vast range of life experience to share.

Part memoir and part reflection on the joys and challenges of modern life, this book explores the nature of old age and how it compares to what came before. The author argues that being older does not have to be feared. Even better, it can be fun.

This kaleidoscopic book offers a refreshing – and often funny – look at a wide range of issues, Including the personal awkwardness of a loss of memory, a new take on the nature of ambition, and sex at the age of 90. It challenges head on many of the prevalent myths and taboos surrounding old age.

You may never look at old age in the same way again

“A warm, thoughtful and uplifting meditation on the perks and pitfalls of growing older. Made me want to stand on my head, too!" Carl Honoré, author of Making the most of our longer lives .

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography Memoir

212 pages, Paperback

Published November 9, 2021

About the author

Ann Richardson has been a writer for many years. She is fascinated by other people’s thoughts, experiences and emotions and loves to write books where they can express their views in their own words.

She writes on different subjects that capture her interest for one reason or another. These include i) a book about how it feels to be a grandmother (Celebrating Grandmothers); ii) a book about people living with HIV/AIDS when there was no cure (Wise Before Their Time, Foreword by Sir Ian McKellen); and iii) a book about what it is like to work in end-of-life care (Life in a Hospice, with a Foreword by Tony Benn).

Her most recent book is completely different. It is called The Granny Who Stands on Her Head: Reflections on growing older. It is part memoir and part thoughts on why she likes being an older woman.

Ann lives with her husband in London, England.

Please visit her website http://www.annrichardson.co.uk.

Reviews

[Petra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for humorous and insightful. Instead, there are stories of a well-to-do, entitled, privilged woman talking about her life. There are very few, if any, moments of insight. It's all dull, drab, everyday experiences.
There's a lot of self-promotion (she's written a few other books and we're constantly told about it). She travels a lot, has had many opportunities and enjoys her family. I'm happy for everyone who has such a wonderful life, yet I don't feel I need to read about it without it saying something to me in return.

[Jena Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you like to be a granny who can stand on her head? Do you know any grannies who can do this? “The Granny Who Stands on Her Head” by Ann Richardson is a refreshing look at what it’s like to be old. (And by “old”, I.believe we’ve bumped that up to age 75 and over.) Part memoir, and part social commentary, and all enjoyable, this book is a positive ode to getting older. As the author reflects at the beginning of the book, “I like being old, in good health, and extremely lucky,” Yep, I second the motion!

In a positive, earnest and friendly way, the author looks at the various pluses and minuses of old age. Grandchildren and good friends are a pleasure. Remembering things and stumbling around are not so good. If you are “old” you will smile and shake your head as your read. If you are younger, maybe this book will help you understand the “wrinklies” you know,

The author has written professionally for a long time (well, she’s old after all.) Readers will find that this is a very well-written book and is both interesting and heart-warming. Author Richardson looks at many aspects of growing older that I hadn’t considered. The author has also lived most of her adult life in England, so that’s fun to read about, too. This would be a great book for a book club or to give as a gift. Highly recommend. Thanks to Net Galley and BooksGo Social for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.

[M.J. Mallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author Ann Richardson for a copy. I am pleased to review and give my opinion freely and without bias.

The title attracted me to this book. 'The granny who stands on her head.' And I enjoyed the anecdote about how this came about! It reminds me of my mother -in-law who used to swing standing up well into in her seventies! Indeed the author wishes to overturn many misconceptions about aging and proposes to explore its many benefits and unexpected joys particularly if we stay fit and well emotionally, physically and mentally. Which sadly isn't always the case.

I enjoyed this and would recommend it to those who are interested in reading a personal account about the passing of time, focusing on the changes, challenges, benefits, attitudes, observations and impact on family relationships, marriage, friendships, grandchildren, sex, and the many illuminating experiences acquired over a lifetime.

I particularly enjoyed the references to yoga, love, travel, downsizing, (which we hope to do! ) taking enjoyment in the companionship of the author's long marriage.
(I also have been married for a long time and found this relatable.) How it feels to have middle aged children, and grandchildren, (not there yet but I can see the former must feel strange, the latter joyful,) being an extra in a film and on the trial for a heinous murder!

There is a lot more to this book than first meets the eye!

A thoughtful, interesting and personal account.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a mix of observations and anecdotes from the author's life. I was attracted to the book by the quirky title but sadly the book didn't live up to this. I was expecting something humorous and inspiring but overall I found the book rather bland and uninteresting. Disappointing.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.

[Carmel Audsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is getting older a slow realisation that you are changing physically and slowing down, or more about feeling comfortable in your own skin and being true to the real you? The author points out that there is no great metamorphosis to becoming someone new as you age, but rather you are the same person you always were. She reflects on her life experiences, from university life to meeting her mother-in-law and other encounters, which I sometimes found a bit distracting, but the stories serve to compare her reactions to situations then and now. The true essence of the book is when she explores what it’s really like to reach your sixties and beyond and, more importantly, tries to define what it means to be ‘old’. The subject matter is handled with humour, understanding and positivity. It’s rather like a chat with a friend about life’s ups and downs and all the funny, sad, crazy, interesting things in between.

[Carri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3.5 star read. Part memoir, part meditation on being old. Neither part was particularly profound, but perhaps that’s to be expected. Most people do not live an epic mini-series level life. Most, like Richardson work and have a family a travel a bit.

Richardson is a gifted writer, however, and her stories and observations were enjoyable. It’s also refreshing to read clear-eyed musings from someone enjoying their life and the process of aging.

[Patricia Gitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the gift of this author to humanize the experience of years so that those of her generation, as well as younger readers will be able to relate to the contents of her essays on "growing older."
With a sensitivity and sense of humor, the author shares stories of her relationships as viewed in hindsight.
An insightful journey though life's relationships for family and friends.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Bit Tiresome

I thought it would be more universal but it did not make the leap from autobiography. If you are interested in an expatriate in London doing good, traveling and being a smart person, by all means read it.

[Kiera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly I’d say it’s more of like a 3.75 stars. There’s a lot of really good take aways from the book and it has the personal narration (personal fav) It’s just her reflection of aging mixed in with her personal stories

[Elizabeth Guntrip · Rating 1 out of 5]

No depth

The title is the only thing which is original, sadly. Neither people who are actually older nor those approaching old age would find anything helpful. It is a predictable review of various states encountered within old age, nothing more.

[Maryisabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the writers chatty narrative voice, an easy read. I was expecting a deeper reflection of ageing, it didn't move into something really thought provoking for me. Plenty I agreed with though not sure how far this can speak to readers with different life stories.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

more a collection of essays and articles.,than a memoir. Has some cute quotes.

[Natalie Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable read! Much appreciated insights into life as an oldie as I approach 65 years young!

[Kathleen A. Creten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections on Life’s Stages

I found this book to be an authentic look at all stages of life. Ms. Richardson captured the ups and downs of each stage. It was a delight.