“Great Lakes—David and Mother, 1948” is written in faint ink on the front of this photo. It evokes a lot of questions. Why was it taken from the back? Had David been in the Navy during the war, or did he sign up afterwards? Was this a short leave, or was he coming home for good?
In fact, though, I asked none of these questions when I bought the photo. Instead, I was fascinated by the mother’s rear view. It looks a lot like mine. Although I haven’t gained any weight in the last twenty years, my body is shaped very differently than it used to be. My hip fat has migrated upwards, close to my waist, forming what I call a “hip shelf.” I’m fascinated by this feature of many older women’s bodies.
I thought that I had invented this term, but of course I didn’t. Some on line sites discuss the wide high hip as the main characteristic of a common body shape. Perhaps. But I’ll bet that is much more common among older women than younger ones. Perhaps I should seek out photos documented my rear view as it’s changed over time. That would be an education.
How has your body changed as you’ve aged?
