I am an older woman who lives in Manchester and I often say that growing older is not just about grey hair, sore knees and bigger reading glasses. It is also about little funny things that occur on a daily basis. I see little moments that make me smile in my street, at the market, on the bus, in the park and even when I’m making tea. These moments were the inspiration for these old age comics.

Older Manchester Woman

Here in the UK, the weather changes quickly. Now it’s sunny, the next minute I need my coat! Many older ladies know this way of life. We carefully plan, have tissues in our bags, mints and know where the nearest chair is. These comics are created from real life like that. They’re not demeaning of the elderly. It’s about having fun.

Before creating each comic, I imagined an older lady in a real place. For the first time I noticed her disposition, her attire, her routine and the little issues that accompany getting older. Then I took that and made it into a cute cartoon with a cute quote. Every lady is different, has her own story, her own style and her own wisdom.

#1. Growing Older With Laughs, Naps, and Wisdom

The first comic Seasoned & Smiling features a happy woman holding up the aging with style. I pictured her as the kind of girl who you’d see in a local café in Manchester, giggling with her friends drinking tea. She knows that her body has changed, but her spirit is still bright. Her joke is about softer shoes, naps, wrinkles and wisdom. This comic helps us remember that as we grow older, as long as we aren’t in a hurry, we can feel better.

#2. When Wild Nights Mean Bingo, Snacks, and Lucky Numbers

The second comic was Bingo Belle, which was inspired by the older ladies at the community bingo parties I attended. Bingo isn’t simply a game in many towns in the UK. It’s a social gathering, a place to chat, munch, laugh and be alive. This woman is glamorous, loud and proud. She likes her dauber, her lucky charms and her chair. The comic depicts the evolution of excitement as one gets older, but it remains.

#3. Aging Gracefully With Muddy Hands and Blooming Joy

The third comic Garden Gossip is based on the gardens and small allotments which I see all around the city. There are a lot of older women who have the love of their plants as much as their family. This lady speaks to tomatoes and grips roses and wards squirrels from her peas. She may take her time getting up after weeding, but her garden brings her happiness. The comic illustrates the benefits of gardening for the maintenance of the functions of older people, keeping them active, calm and connected to nature.

#4. Sweet Wisdom From the Grandma Who Measures by Experience

The fourth comic, Cookie Commander, is about a baking grandma in a warm kitchen. I visualized the situation with her in the UK making biscuits on a rainy afternoon with the kettle on the stove. She doesn’t measure everything absolutely correctly anymore. She is experienced and tasteful in baking. The punchline, no one asks her age when they steal cookies. This comic is an homage to food, family, and sweet memories.

#5. Beach Days, Soft Seats, and Sun-Kissed Confidence

In fifth comic Sandy & Sassy we go to the seaside. There are many older women in the United Kingdom who enjoy going on holiday at Blackpool, Brighton or Scarborough. Now this lady no longer runs on the beach. She wants shade and a cool, refreshing lemon drink, and a soft place to sit. In her bag, she has sun cream, snacks and reading glasses. Overall, the comic demonstrates that beach activities can be leisurely, relaxed, and still enjoyable, all while maintaining a sense of confidence.

#6. Cozy Laughs, Dropped Stitches, and Handmade Wisdom

The idea for the sixth comic Knit Happens came from cozy evenings at home. A lady is sitting with wool, tea and a sleeping cat. Her fingers might not be as swift, but her wit is quick. When she miss a stitch she calls it custom design. This comic illustrates the comfort, purpose and beauty that older women can find in hobbies such as knitting when they rest.

#7. Traveling Older, Wiser, and Fully Prepared

The 7th comic, Passport to Naps, is on the topic of travelling at older ages. I pictured an older woman, ready for anything, at Manchester Airport. She’s got snacks, sweaters, pills, tea, and a charger that could be lost or not. No longer running around in painful shoes, at terminals. She goes places with time, comfort and humor. The comic demonstrates that adventure is not a thing for the young, it is just a thing for the better planned.

#8. Grandma’s Fitness Plan Includes Laughter and Rest Breaks

In the eighth comic, Stretch Goals, there is a more mature woman practicing yoga or some other form of exercise. There are lots of community centers around the UK that provide classes for older people and there is lots of laughter. This lady doesn’t jump into exercise. She discusses every pose with her. Her knees and hips have opinions! The comic serves as a reminder that movement is important, even with a lot of resting in between. Fitness involves laughing.

#9. Aging With Lipstick, Sparkle, and a Grand Entrance

Silver Glam 9th Comic is a story of beauty and confidence. A lady in a salon or at the table in front of her mirror, wearing lipstick, rollers, and a silky robe. She takes longer preparing but she calls it art. Grooming can be a happy ritual in older age. The comic is a testament to the fact that glamour isn’t something that’s only for the young. This girl may still sparkle, even if she’s just making an entrance from home.

#10. Rocking Chair Wisdom and the Sweet Art of Doing Less

The tenth comic, Porch Patrol, is a rather tranquil afternoon in a small UK neighborhood or small town. The lady is sitting in a rocking chair holding a glass of iced tea, looking at the street. From her porch she waves at people and supervises life. Her world is now small but there is peace. The comic demonstrates the wisdom that can be found in rest.

#11. Classic Novels, Bigger Print, and Better Tea

In Booked & Brilliant the 11th comic, it is about the joy of reading. My picture of an attractive older woman was one of a cozy corner in a library, reading glasses on a chain, and tea. She’s no longer running through novels. She enjoys each and every page. Her book club might discuss more than it reads, but that’s part of the entertainment! This comic is a tribute to reading as comfort, friendship and brain exercise.

#12. Thousand-Piece Adventures From the Comfort of Home

This 12th comic depicts a woman seated in a sunny room, working on a jigsaw puzzle, labeled “Puzzle Duchess”. Puzzles are a great activity for many of the elderly as they are quiet but still challenging. This lady is proud of any edge piece she finds. When a barn or sky appears she calls friends. It’s a lighthearted gag, however the take-home point is useful: Puzzles promote being patient, remembering, and merriment.

#13. Afternoon Tea, Tiny Cakes, and Timeless Charm

The thirteenth comic, Tea & Triumph, is a very real UK comic. Here, tea is no just a beverage, it’s a little ceremony. This elderly woman loves to have tea time with her friends and hear the gossip, and of course cake and biscuits. She does not need loud parties anymore, to be happy. A soft chair and a warm cup will suffice. In this comic, it is a clear illustration of how even the simplest of gatherings can bring great comfort.

#14. Slow Strolls, Fresh Produce, and Sunday Market Joy

The 14th comic was about a farmers market, Market Mischief. I pictured an older woman languidly strolling through stalls, peering at peaches and pears like an old bird. Herbs, jam, flowers and gossip are her loves. UK city markets are a great opportunity for older people to get fresh food and social interaction. This comic embraces slow shopping as a joy.

#15. Turning Clutter Into Cash and Memories Into Laughs

Garage Sale Goddess is a story of transforming trash into treasure. This lady is holding a gun that shows the price and she’s quite proud of herself. She recalls all the old bowls, lamps and teapots. It’s a car boot sale, jumble sale or charity sale whatever it’s called in the UK, the spirit remains the same. This comic illustrates how memories can be shared, sold or kept with love.

#16. Morning Walks, Tiny Dogs, and Accidental Cardio

In the 16th comic, Puppy Patrol, a woman in her twenties is seen walking two small dogs in a park. Older people who are getting fresh air in Manchester parks, and it’s their dog’s idea. These dogs are this lady’s dogs who pull towards squirrels and stop at every tree. She says it is cardio. The comic illustrates how pets help older people stay active, to laugh, feel needed.

#17. Clever Moves, Hot Tea, and a Champion Hand

The 17th comic, Mahjong Majesty, is a comic about game night and clever thinking. A lady is enjoying mahjong at a table with tea and snacks and a healthy dose of confidence. She’s no fast hitter, but she’s a quick thinker. These kind of games are useful for recollections and acquaintances. This comic illustrates that older women can be strategic, social and competitively proud.

#18. The Queen of Comfort, Snacks, and Perfect Evenings

The 18th comic, Recliner Royalty, is a celebration of home sweet home. This woman owns a blanket, snacks, a cat, a lamp and a remote control. She is not bored. She is sitting on the recliner, ruling her kingdom. Many older people can relate to this feeling, particularly on chilly UK evenings. As seen in the comic, rest does not equal laziness. In some cases it is merited tranquility.

#19. Fishing, Folding Chairs, and Peaceful Aging by the Water

Lake Day Legend, the 19th comic, deals with tranquil outdoor life. I had a vision of a lady sitting on the side of a lake with a fishing rod and thermos and a folding chair. Although she no longer hikes up hills, she still loves fresh air and still water. Half the fun of fishing is sitting all day is the joke. In this comic, nature can cure the mind, and even if the body slows down.

#20. Dancing Through Old Age With Sparkle, Laughter, and Confidence

In Dance Floor Deluxe, the room first finds the old lady experiencing the joy of a community dance night, filled with music, lights and friendly people. She knows that her knees won’t be as fast as they used to be, so she stretches out and counts her steps carefully. She still gets to experience the beat, the laughter and the joy of movement amongst friends. This comic demonstrates that old age isn’t a life that needs to be passive. It is sometimes about dancing smarter, taking breaks and making every misstep an art form.

While all these comics are unique, they all have one thing in common. There is no emptiness in old age. It’s filled with stories, habits, jokes and little successes. Whether it is bingo or a garden, a tea room or a park, older women see it all. They understand how to take a joke about sore knees, lost glasses, and long naps. As an older lady in the United Kingdom, I think these comics are a friendly approach to conversing about ageing. They demonstrate that life evolves but humor remains. We don’t move as fast, but we do see more. We might need larger print, softer shoes, and better chairs, but we come with more wisdom, patience and story. For more such comics, feel free to visit here and here.