What is being 60 years old really like? It’s a harder question than you might think. Women over 60 are unique. We try to explain to marketers that we are not easily categorized. Still, advertisers like to bunch us in categories like “Boomer” and “Senior” which to them seem safe demographic boxes.
There is even a brand new acronym being promoted by Marketing Magazine called the “DRAGON.” This stands for women who are “divorced, rich, aged 65+, overseas travelers and networkers.”
They mysteriously left out a descriptor for the letter “g” so I will suggest “gregarious,” “gracious” or “genuine.” But, no matter how you cut it, these words only scratch the surface of our wonderful complexity.
Many women fear aging. But, once we reach our 60th birthday, we discover that being 60 is actually much better than we thought. First of all, we know ourselves. There are no more illusions.
We are also more independent than we have ever been. We are living our way and loving life. More than anything, we are excited by be alive!
To amplify this enthusiasm, here is what women in the Sixty and Me community had to say when I asked them what they loved (not liked) about being 60 years old. If there are younger women reading this – be inspired, excited, and get ready! This is what you have waiting for you!
Being able to wear anything I want – I honestly do not care what people think about me
Being able to wear less makeup and know my inner beauty is all that matters
The fact that my children do not need me the way they used to
Being able to reduce my possessions and focus on living more
Driving my motorbike when the mood takes me
I can read all day if I want and do my household chores some other time
My new car
Being able to do what I want, even it if is staying in my pajamas all day
Ringing up a friend to meet in town and not have to worry about time
My Senior Citizens Club-Aerobics, Line Dancing, Pitch and Putt, Bowls, Table Tennis, Swimming
My free travel which allows me to go all over the country by bus, train and tram
Reduced rates in some shops for the overs
The freedom of being me!
Feeling the sun shine as I sit in the garden with my book
Traveling and having the time to do it
Meeting friends for lunch or coffee without time restrictions
My life with my awesome husband, daughters and grandchildren
Having my mother in my life as she’s my best friend
The beaches that seem to stretch for miles
Watching the sunset while I walk my dogs on the harbor
Not having to shave my legs so much anymore
Having the freedom and means to dream of going on a long cruise
That I have given myself the power to make choices
That I chose to pursue a PhD as I entered my 60s
To learn and teach
My grandchildren, especially when they ask me to read to them
That I can start letting things go a bit
That I have chosen not to retire, just yet
Wearing quirky hats
That I have become wise, but still youthful!
The freedom from the constraints of youth
That I am more confident and have learnt to say NO
Having the courage to speak my mind
That I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore
That I can sleep whenever I want and for as long as I want
Feeling energized and more alive than ever before
That I like who I am, I know who I am and what I want out of this life
Meeting kindred spirited people and creating new friendships
That no matter what’s thrown at me, I am content and peaceful!
That I am free of responsibility and commitment
That I am not 70 yet
That life experiences have taught me not to take things too dramatically
Retirement and being able to give back thru volunteer work
That I do not need approval from my family
Being free
Being a mum and grandmother
Making my own decisions and taking responsibility for my actions
Being bolder than ever before
Knowing that money is not everything
Being a “crone”
Waking up at 3am and making peanut butter sandwich
Laughing at my imperfections
Never having to dye my hair again
Having my own dreams
Living alone
Feeling my life has had a purpose
Being in love with my husband of 42 years
Eating cookies in bed the middle of the night
Volunteering at the hospice
Being healthy
What is the thing you love most about being 60? Or, if you are younger, what worries or excites you about getting older?