Midlife – madness or magic?

Midlife – madness or magic?

A new social networking website aims to turn midlife and beyond into the best years of women’s lives.

 www.wisanow.co.nz is a place for women in midlife and beyond to share their life experiences and learn from others to make the most of each day in this new phase of their lives.

WISANOW, which stems from the acronym, Women In Second Adulthood offers a one stop destination with a forum and chat room to discuss issues, share interests and even shop in an exclusive niche environment customised for women entering their second adulthood.

Geraldine Meo and Raewyn Hamilton, the website’s founders say “if you're a baby boomer born between 1949 and 1964 or you're just starting to approach your midlife, this website has been created to help you. Dealing with midlife issues can be trying and sometimes depressing. But by communicating and learning from each other we can discover our passions and pursue new directions in our lives.”

They go on to say what they discovered during the site’s planning. “It's just not possible to reach this stage in life without some tragic losses, incredible heartache and a sense of trepidation over our own mortality. The online sisterhood at wisanow offers a chance to learn and grow from the experiences of others. You can share as much or as little of your own personal story as you wish.”

While researching for the site Geraldine and Raewyn realised the life expectancy of women had changed drastically over the past decade which means women will have to plan for a much longer future.  Both financially and health wise.  In 1900  a women’s life expectancy was just 47.4 years compared with 81 plus years in 2009.   “We all have a need to consider what life means to us during this time – mentally, physically and emotionally.” Raewyn and Geraldine go on to say; “Midlife is a chance to rediscover who you are. You may be or have been a wife, a daughter, a mother, a career person, a sister, a grandmother or friend. You may now have feelings of being alone, inadequate, isolated or even guilty.”

The aim of the WISANOW website is to help women recalibrate their lives and face the next 20, 30 or even 50 years with a new zest for living and an understanding and an appreciation of themselves.

In ‘The Women’s Room’  section, besides a discussion forum and blog where women can share life as it is lived, there is a comprehensive ‘Local Networks’ map which details ‘Simply Social’ groups, charities, farmer’s markets and situations vacant, from the length and breadth of New Zealand.

WISANOW offers news and views updated daily. Read about the best ways to reconcile after a divorce or death or check out the  contributors tips on managing stress.

The website’s "Living and Going Places" section features lifestyle and travel content geared for the mature woman. The best ever tried and recommended recipes, great reads, investment tips, favourite video clips and ‘websites we like’. Still to come is the ‘buying and selling’ subsection where members can sell preloved items.

The "Feeling Good Looking Great" section offers tips on improving mind, body and soul using a holistic approach to wellbeing.  It also features blogs and articles from professionals showing women how to maintain a healthy mind and body, have their own style and stay looking great.

And finally, "The High Street", still a work in progress, which will offer a variety of clothing, cosmetics and unique gifts reflecting the interests and tastes of the mature woman.

For a woman, entering second adulthood can be daunting and there is now no need to  go it alone. Join the community at www.wisanow.co.nz  today.

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