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16 Truths About Reaching 60 – the Universal and the Personal

By Penelope Jane Whiteley September 24, 2019 Mindset

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!

Baby Boomers or Super-Adults?

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.”

Seize Life for the Collar

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.

What About Other Clichés?

There is some truth in the belief that the over-60s are:

  • watching TV all day   
  • playing golf with their husbands          
  • sitting in nursing homes         
  • sick and don’t care about the world around them       
  • travelling on cruise ships with friends.             

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:

Embrace Challenge

Feel the fear of the unknown and take that step anyway. Challenge yourself. Step outside the box or just get rid of it.

Trust Your Intuition

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.

Learn to Say NO

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.

Choose Your Friends Wisely

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!)

Be Independent – On Every Level

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.

Afraid of Change? Don’t Be

Embrace change, especially those that come with aging. It may not be what you had in mind but hopefully you get to live it.

Leave the Bad Things Behind You

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.

Stop Worrying About What Others Think

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.

Eat When You’re Hungry

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.

Dress as Though You Mean It

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”.

Be Happy!

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.

Try Living Alone

As you know, living alone doesn’t have much to do with loneliness. So try it – you might like it! The freedom is sensational.

Save Money

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.

Stay Healthy

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?

Talk to Older People

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.

Read More and Write a Book

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?

My Take About the Truth

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.

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The Author

Penelope Jane Whiteley is the self-appointed Queen of Aging Disgracefully. A writer, international speaker, clothes designer, stylist and traveller, she helps other women to live their lives on their own terms. Her courses include “Lose 10 pounds in 10 minutes,” “The Reboot,” “Just Write the Damn Book.” Find her on http://www.penelopewhiteley.com, Twitter, and Facebook.

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