sixtyandme logo
We are community supported and may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Learn more

10 Autumn Aspirations to Help You Get More from Life After 60

By Carol Hedges September 04, 2022 Lifestyle

So it’s Autumn (or will be in a couple of weeks), a season of mists and something somethings, as the poet says. (No, he doesn’t, but that’s the best I can do).

It is therefore time for this creaky post-60 writer to think about drawing up my list of new year resolutions.

Some people make new year resolutions in January. I make Autumn ones. I think it’s because I used to work as a teacher and the new school year starts in September. So, for me, Autumn is the “New Year.” So here goes. My resolutions are:

Learn to Layer

I will resist spending my pension on a trans-seasonal wardrobe. Instead, I shall just put on an extra cardigan.

Ignore Trends

Ditto the latest “fragrance.” (As an aside, have you noticed how the word fragrance has replaced scent or perfume?) I actually saw an assistant in one of the big department stores wearing a badge with the title “Fragrance Consultant.” Madness.

Resist “Buy Me” Words

I will red-light all those subtle “buy me” words that sneak under our radar and make us long for stuff we really don’t need to have. In this category are words like: Wear a … Invest in a … Trade in your … Embrace your … Retire your…

Goodbye Good Housekeeping

I will cancel my subscription to Good Housekeeping. I am fed up with the way older women are photo-shopped in their fashion and feature shoots. Yes, I have complained. No, they didn’t take it on board. There is enough pressure on us to look young. Presenting us with totally wrinkle-free 60- and 70-year-olds is just not helping.

Stand by My Social Media Friends

I will go on piling in on social media when I see someone I follow or who follows me being bullied. Troll me back? Yeah – bring it on, dude!

Stop Worrying

I will stop sweating the small stuff. If the bus doesn’t come, I can walk. Ditto if the car won’t start.

Say No to Super Foods

I will refuse to get sucked into the super foods shtick. Instead I will eat as healthily as I can, appreciating what is on my plate. I will remember that so many people in this world, and this country, go to bed hungry.

Hug My Virtual Friends

I will try to make sure all my friends KNOW how much I appreciate them by taking time in the next few months to send them a quick email, text or tweet to say so.

Give Thanks

I will “count my blessings.” This includes no return of my cancer and a lovely supportive husband – we have just celebrated 44 years of marriage. A wonderful daughter, two gorgeous grandchildren and an acceptable level of sanity.

Live with Pride

I will resolve to wear my life proudly and be the best version of myself that I can reasonably manage.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What small things do you plan on doing this autumn to improve and renew your life? What do you like most about this season? Please join the conversation.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

5 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Jen

I agree with ‘don’t swear the small stuff’, but if the bus doesn’t come you could WALK?? Where are you going? To the shopping centre 3 suburbs away?? To the supermarket for the weekly shop? Not likely!! Just saying……
And it’s spring in Australia—the days are getting longer, & warmer, there are flowers blooming everywhere. Really the time of renewal. Even if you have to call a cab….

Robin McCarthy

Love your positivity! May it radiate to all!

Peggy

Exactly

Gwen

Same here

Marie klingler

Thank you!! I really needed this!!

The Author

Carol Hedges is the successful author of fifteen novels for teenagers and adults. She is a cancer survivor, a vintage car driver, a cat owner and a doting grandma. She blogs on her website http://carolhedges.blogspot.com and posts on Facebook and Twitter about her life, her writing and minding her small granddaughter.

You Might Also Like