Name:
Jacki Paone (full name Jacqueline Joan Paone; at one point I used my former married name as well Jacki Peters Paone, and then there was my maiden name of Hoffman - just rambling on this simple question--what IS in a name anyway??)
Location:
Golden, Colorado--just west of Denver, at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and in an unincorporated part of Jefferson County
How would you describe yourself?
Someone who hates being tagged as "elderly" and thinks like I am much younger. I like to be busy and yet have finally transitioned into retirement where I can choose how busy I want to be and what I want to be busy with. Sitting on the deck and watching the birds is now a very enjoyable activity! Family is very important to me and I love visiting our family, which is spread from one coast to the other and enjoy the fact that they love visiting Colorado.
What is your proudest achievement thus far in life?
This is a very tough question! I am very proud of raising a beautiful family and supporting (emotionally) the grandchildren. Professionally, there are a lot of which I am proud. It is not the individual achievement that is important, but rather the whole of a professional life lived with grace, tenacity, integrity, and care for those who worked with and for me.
What is the best thing about being an older woman?
Having experienced that I can share and use it to help others. It still surprises me when people actually appreciate my mentorship and trust my guidance--something that seems to improve with age!
What has been the most challenging thing about growing older?
Accepting physical change--not as fast at getting things done because I have to take a break; have aches and pains associated with age and arthritis so it slows me down and I have to think twice about doing things!
What is one thing you want to do in this season of life?
Enjoy it! It is easy to complain--I don't want to be the complainer. I want to be enjoying each moment and strive to help others do the same.
What's one thing you've left behind?
Perfection. Life is too short to struggle with making it perfect. Progress, yes, in God's time. Doing my best, yes, given whatever might get in my way.
What do you want people to say about you at your funeral?
She lived her life well and was kind to everyone she met.
What's your best health tip as you grow older?
Stay active mentally and physically. Feeling productive is a great mental salve and energizer. Aging makes being physically active different than it was at a younger age, but sometimes I surprise myself at what I am able to do. And staying physically active keeps me stronger and more able. Maintaining balance is important as we grow older too - life balance and physical balance!
What's your best beauty tip as you grow older?
Don't wear your glasses when you look in the mirror! Seriously, aging gracefully is important. Eating healthy and keeping physically active help with inner and outer beauty. I can deal with some wrinkles.