By the time we reach our 60s, we all have our share of battle scars. Some women have gone through a divorce. Others have children who have grown up and moved to another city, or even country. A significant number have lost a spouse or gone through a serious illness. So, perhaps it’s no surprise that many of us see life after 60 as a time for personal reflection, renewal or even reinvention.

Finding Meaning in Life After 60 is Possible

When you ask people what is important in life, they typically say things like family, health, relationships, travel, simplicity, wisdom or love. But, while most people agree on what is important, figuring out how to find meaning in life after 60 is not always clear.

So, to help generate some practical ideas, we turned to the 50,000 women in our Sixty and Me community and asked them, “How do you find meaning in your life after 60?” Their responses, as always, were wise, insightful and courageous.

Here are a few of the major themes and insights that we gained from our community on finding meaning in life after 60.

Explore Your Passions and Take Action

According to the women in our community, it’s never too late to start something new or explore your passions. For most of our lives, we are forced to make compromises with our time. Now, as we enter our 60s, we have more freedom than ever to do the things that we love.

You have already learned so much over the years. Why not go deeper? What are the times that you have been happiest? Are there any skills or hobbies that you have always wanted to explore? How do you want to give back to the world?

You may not find the answers that you are looking for overnight. But, the more you ask yourself these questions, the sooner you will find the passions that you lost track of while you were busy living your life.

Finding your passions is only the beginning of the process. Making your dreams a reality requires setting goals. So, make a plan and go for it! Many women in the Sixty and Me community said that they have reignited their passions through exactly this process. Can you think of a goal that will move you one step closer to your passions? Take action today.

Learn About Yourself and Learn to Love Yourself

For most of our lives, we have been surrounded by others. In many ways, for better or worse, life as a younger woman is defined by our relationships. Life after 60 can be a time to reconnect with ourselves.

Some of the most interesting women that I have met in the community are warm and loving, but, they are also a little bit selfish. And, why not? After 60 years of helping others to achieve their dreams, maybe we have earned the right to focus on our own needs for a while.

Many women have decided that now is a great time to write their memoirs. This is not about gaining recognition or proving their worth. Writing your memoirs is an opportunity to reflect on the wonderful life that you have lived so far and all of the amazing things that you want to do in the future!

You are an amazing person; so, why not tell your story? If you are looking for inspiration on how to get started with your memoirs, please watch my interview with professional writer, Ben Gran.

Happiness at any age starts with an understanding of ourselves and this is especially true for women over 60. Let’s be proud of who we are. Let’s write our stories and share our wisdom with the world.

Give Back in Your Own Special Way

I noticed a trend as I talked to the happiest women in our community – they give generously. I’m not necessarily talking about giving money. Sometimes the greatest gifts that you can give are your time, insights and wisdom.

The Sixty and Me community has members in 150 countries. These women are giving back to their communities in so many ways. Some are volunteering in thrift and charity shops. Others are teaching others their skills or mentoring young people. Still others are volunteering at community centers, hospices, nursing homes or schools. And, let’s not forget all of the women out there who are babysitting grandchildren.

Just remember, giving doesn’t have to be selfless to be useful. So, get out there and find something that you love to do. If you can enjoy your passions, while making the world a better place, so much the better!

What do you think about this? How do you define “finding purpose in life after sixty?” Please leave a comment below.