I don’t believe there are any age groups which can be clearly defined, and most especially not those over 60. I must admit, I like to include the 50s and the 70s as also being of special mention!
No matter which “title” we go by, we are a different race to previous generations. For instance, 50 years ago, 65-year-olds were “old.” But this is the 21st century and many of us, who have retired or are about to retire, are looking forward to busy active lives away from the constraints of “work.”
Life is short, time flies, and you only live once. Although we have all heard this cliché and recognize it as such, it is also true. It really is time to make the most of what we have; to get excited about the possibilities.
We have replaced the beauty of youth and middle-age with wisdom, knowledge, experience, a desire to do what we have always wanted to do – and with our own brand of beauty.
There is some truth in the belief that the over-60s are:
Pick your own stereotype. But you know, if we want to navigate our 60s well, which means creating our own truth, there are certain things we should embrace:
Feel the fear of the unknown and take that step anyway. Challenge yourself. Step outside the box or just get rid of it.
By this age you have had decades to hone your intuition. So, trust it! It’s unlikely to be wrong. Never second-guess your gut feeling.
Don’t be a “people pleaser.” It’s of no benefit to you or anyone else – especially family who, let’s face it, often need a push to do things for themselves. By helping them learn the lesson, you’re really being kind and generous.
You can’t choose your family, but friends are a different matter. If you need new friends – with a similar mindset and attitude – go out and find them. (Which can be easier said than done!)
It’s very important to be your own person. You never know what will happen in life, so learn how to pay bills, how to deal with the local government bodies – how to cope with funeral directors even. Take control of your own life.
Embrace change, especially those that come with aging. It may not be what you had in mind but hopefully you get to live it.
Life is difficult, so don’t go around carrying any excess baggage. It weighs you down and it’s a waste of time and energy carrying it with you.
It’s true when they say that other people’s opinions of you are none of your business. What matters is your opinion of yourself and that you can change.
Very often, we run on a schedule that’s very different from that of other people. So then, why do we have to eat when others decide it’s time to eat?! The answer is … we don’t. Find what routine works best for you and follow that.
It may not be easy with all the media influence, but find your own personal style and dress in a way that makes you happy. You can also check out Hot Stuff: The Ultimate Guide to Style for Women of a Certain Age”.
It may sound simple, but you always have a choice. Life is much nicer for you and everyone around you if you choose to be happy.
As you know, living alone doesn’t have much to do with loneliness. So try it – you might like it! The freedom is sensational.
If you have been financially dependent on others up to this point, saving money can be tough. You can learn, though. If you find a way to make money, saving it becomes a lot easier.
You only have one body so treat it well. You may be 60, but that’s hardly the end of it. Imagine yourself at 100 with an active body! Isn’t that an exciting stimulant?
Once upon a time it wasn’t unheard of to chat with one’s elders, so why not do it now? Find out about their lives and learn from their amazing stories. Always remember, you have two ears and one mouth for a reason.
Don’t stop reading just because your eyes go weak. There are audible books you can purchase, and some ebook devices can read aloud to you. And if you’ve always dreamed of writing a book of your own – what’s a better time than now?
Is this the truth about 60? I don’t know, but it is a list of truths about some of the things we should do for ourselves, if we’re not doing them already. Your 60s really are a time when you can become YOU – the real you – not somebody else’s idea of you.
And if you’re in your 8th decade and counting, it’s not too late either.
I’m hoping, if you feel stuck, that some of this may start to stimulate your Ideas Bank and get you moving in a different, or at least more simpatico direction. Please let us know what you think. We love hearing from you, and remember, this isn’t a rehearsal.
What is your truth about being 60? Do you think this truth is valid for every woman that reaches a certain age? What can be added to the list above? Please share your thoughts below.
Tags Getting Older