Sixty and Me is a community that values independence. I am reminded of a quote by T.S Eliot “We shall not cease from exploration, and in the end find ourselves back where we started but know the place for the first time.”

You have lived a full life and are now at that point of re-invention. As a si60-year-old woman you have often shaped your life defined by choices made by putting other people first. You have been dependent on the definitions our friends, lovers and family have given you. You have worried about fitting in, and depended on stereotypes to define you.

People were dependent on you. You gave your time to career, children, charity, family, or a man. Now it’s time to do things for yourself. It’s time to discover and celebrate your new self as an independent woman.

So, you’ve got some decisions to make. What does it mean to live independently? Here are a few suggestions to help you get on the way to a free and open lifestyle.

Start by Setting Priorities

Have you always wanted to go on a cruise? Travel to exotic locations? Well, now’s the time! You are free, you are still young, and hopefully reasonably unencumbered by responsibility. So pick your favourite destination and start saving a little each month.

What about a yoga? Why not try our gentle yoga for seniors videos?

If traveling is not your game, then set priorities about what is worthwhile to you. Do you want to take a course, start a small business, join a book club or learn something new? Make a list, and start striking off goals one small step at a time!

Find Your Legacy

You have already contributed so much to the lives of your family and friends. Do you have anything more you want to do? Many older women find they have the wisdom and conviction to join up with a social cause or political lobby to further a cause they care about. It’s absolutely amazing what a group of strong-minded sixty-plus women can accomplish when they rally together.

Get Your Ducks in a Row

You’ve got the energy and the time – why not take a look at your financial situation, and your will too? The longer you procrastinate on these things, the harder they will be. So, make sure you write up a will and plan your estate.

Think about how great it will feel to have these details off your shoulders. You can enjoy your independence, knowing you’ve take care of business. Now, go enjoy your second childhood!

Fall in Love Again

Whether it’s with your current partner or a new one, you are the perfect age to be exploring romantic possibilities. Life is full of opportunities to re-kindle the fire with your spouse or meet new single people looking for love.

Go dancing, volunteer, explore new interests, take a holiday or even find an online matchmaking service. You only live once! So overcome your fears, learn to trust and let love into your life! It will make you healthy and happy.

What kinds of activities make you feel strong and independent? Do you find more time to make friends and enjoy leisure activities now that you are over sixty? What advice would you offer others regarding how to be an independent woman after 60? Please add your thoughts in the comments section below.

Here is a short video that I recorded on the topic of finding your independence after 60.