Since you’ve found your way to this blog, you’re likely a woman in the vicinity of 60.
The Downside
Perhaps you’re feeling apprehensive, troubled, or concerned about being 60. You might feel stuck in a life that’s no longer exciting to you and not seeing a future to really look forward to.
Sixty can be a bit jarring. There’s something about that number.
I understand.
Sixty was the first time I was ever bothered about my age. I even had a few moments wondering if I could hide or lie about my age. My reaction shocked me.
I thought 60 was old and I did not want to be old. Nor did I want anyone else to think I was old.
Our culture’s messages are so negative about aging. Especially for women. It’s not surprising that we fear becoming old, invisible, cast aside, unwanted, marginalized.
But life isn’t over at 60.
The best is not behind you.
I’m not saying la la, no problem, everything is great, you’re going to live forever, nothing will change.
There is inner work to be done, stuff to face and deal with. There are changes ahead that may be challenging.
And there’s hope and possibility.
You can still have peace of mind, joy, and purpose. You can still live the full, wonderful life you desire.
If this appeals to you, I hope you’ll stick around and become part of this village of women who want to create lives they love in their 60s and beyond.
What about you? Click on Comments below, scroll down, and write away. Tell us about your experience of approaching or turning 60.
Like this article? You can get more articles like this with a complimentary subscription to the Savoring Your Sixties e-zine. Just put your name and email in the form below and click Subscribe!
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m hoping the 60′s are the new 40′s
thank you for sharing
such wonderful info, and hope!!!
Deonna, thanks for uplifiting me with your appreciation. As you know, this blog is new terrain for me & I’m not always sure what I’m doing is helpful. So it’s nice to know it’s offering you some hope and inspiration. I’ll hope you’ll come back often.
Bonnie, congratulations on your new website and new focus.
I’m nowhere near 60 so I can’t comment on what that’;s like! I have at least 2 years to go!!
But I can relate to what you’re saying about getting older – suddenly I look in the mirror and wonder what happened – seems like I’ve been looking in the mirror every day forever but not really seeing myself. How did that happen?
I look forward to checking in to see what awaits me in some far off time when I get to 60 – meanwhile I’ll savor the last of my 50′s!!
Love, Vicky
Let’s learn about blogging together! You took me
And
back to the first time I felt OLD. My friend and I
were looking for a venue for her son’s wedding
reception. Two handsome men stopped and held the
door open for us and we both had the same feeling –
Did they do that because we are hot chicks OR did
they do it because we were their “elders?”
also reminded me of how people used to be shocked when
I told them how old my daughter was (20 yrs younger)..
and then came the time when I would tell them and their
response was a mere “Oh, that’s nice” attitude.
Very strange that I feel 30 and “I” can’t believe I
have a daughter who is 41. How did that happen?
So nice to know that we are all in this together.
We’ll just continue being “women of power!”
Just had to weigh in. After reading your most recent email I decided to enter your blogosphere. And thanks for getting me up and rolling. However, I am wondering why it takes a village to get us to transition to our “Third Chapter” as one writer from Harvard calls it. Hmm, a village. In the past year I also stumbeld upon the factoid that the new way to live is referred to as beehiving. Hmmmm. Comments?
Hi, Ann! Thanks for stopping by. And for making comments as well. I don’t think a village is required for the 3rd chapter transition. And some support, validation, connection with others seems very helpful.
I’d been talking of it as creating “community” around Savoring Your Sixties. Then I heard someone talk about on-line “villages” & that word caught my attention. Village. Community. Whatever you call it, people with whom to share our experience, strength, and hope can make a big difference. Your thoughts?
And what is a “beehive” way of living?
Hi, Karen! Good to see you here. As usual, you’ve got good stories to tell. Wonder what 60 is supposed to feel like? I agree it’s nice to “be in this together.” As I’ve talked with others about the dreaded 60 in the last year, it has helped take the sting out of it. Not that I’m completely at peace yet with 60. Anyway, here’s to continuing as “women of power.”
Vicky, thanks for coming by for a visit. I so appreciate your support & encouragement. Even if you’re just a youngster!
Savor the last of your 50′s, for sure! I loved my 50′s (and still do) but in about 3 weeks the numbers starting with 5 will be over for me.
I truly enjoyed this post. I turned 60 summer of 2008,yet do not look or feel that old.
Though my friends who are about 4 years younger are bent on classifying me as a senior citizen.
However, I am thankful for this cite for the mere fact that those of us in our 60′s can help each other feel good
about themselves with no strings attached. so continue the good work.
Hi, Monique! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I’d love for this to be a place you, I, and others can “help each other feel good about ourselves” and our lives. I’ll do my best to keep up “the good work” & that will be much easier if you & other women like you will join me in doing this.
HI………I just turned 60 – divioced after 34 years…….what now? I don’t know what my life desire is. I don’t know what I want. I’m treading water.
I hate being old.
Hi, B! I’m glad you stopped by & shared. Sounds like you’re in the midst of a tough time with a divorce, your feelings about aging, and not knowing what you want. It IS possible to find your life’s desire and to live a fulfilling life, even in your 60s!
Here are some Savoring Your Sixties resources you might find helpful:
This series, http://www.savoringyoursixties.com/way-to-life-you-love/
This article, http://www.savoringyoursixties.com/santa-what-you-want/
And this one, http://www.savoringyoursixties.com/skip-new-years-resolutions/
Also, helping women discover and create what they truly want in life has been my specialty for years. If you’d like to explore working with me, please send me an email (Click on the Contact button above and then on the email link at the top of that page. I use this form rather than put my email address here to reduce spam.)
Thank you for the post Bonnie. How I remember the age of 60. Now I am 62 and still getting younger ins spirit and mind. Actually it is rather peaceful for me. The body does not want to co operate as well but I am exercising more now and that really helps. There is still more to do as I try to carry out my purpose. As with any age there is sometimes stumbling blocks but with wisdom it is easier to deal with on a day to day basis.
You’re welcome, Ann! Nice to hear you’are getting younger in spirit and mind and more peaceful. Exercise does make a big difference in so many ways. As does having a purpose, as you do. Thks for stopping by & sharing your experiences.
I was tripping around Twitter and ran across a link to this blog. I am turning 60 this year and decided that my present to myself is a trip to a new doctor. My doctor for the last 20 years retired a few years ago. I realized this month that it was time to find a new doctor. I called the office of a new group of doctors. When the “scheduler of appointments” asked who I wanted to see, I firmly answered, “The youngest one you’ve got! I don’t care if it’s a male or female, I just don’t want another one retiring on me.” I think this is the best birthday present I could have ever given myself. I’m back on track to hopefully living a longer life. Stress test scheduled for this week…we’ll see. I’m embarking on a new career pursuing an art career that started 40 years ago and ended abruptly 41 years ago with marriage and a family. It’s my time again and I’m living life to the fullest. Happy 60s!
Hi, Donna! I love it — giving yourself a new doctor for your b’day present.
Sounds like you’re doing many things to create a healthy, happy life for yourself. Hooray! Happy 60s to you, indeed. I took a quick peek at your art. It’s striking and lovely. All the best with your new career.
I long since passed 60 and will be 70 next year. But I have done more in the last 10 years than I would have expected and achieved more than before. For instance, I’ve been doing academic courses and loved learning; I’ve had great walking and skiing; have worked a lot on my business, teaching IT to older learners and got married (for 2nd time) to my partner of 25 years. Turning 60 didn’t bother me at all, and it had the advantage of being eligible for concessions galore! My health hasn’t been perfect, but nothing serious. I’ve taken up yoga and mindfulness, the latter being the perfect solution for many of life’s problems. Enjoy your age – regardless.
Well said, I’m 63 and, OK I’ve got health probs, I’m a bit slower in movement but my brain is active. I’ve learned that I enjoy writing stories, I’ve always supported charities & now I’ve got more time to do it and I’ve developed an interest in politics. Old? Not me!
Great post and excellent sentiments – not quite there yet -551/4 but it seems to be coming awfully fast.
Hi, Jackie! Thanks for stopping by and for sharing your experiences. Sounds like a fabulous decade for you. That’s always encouraging to hear. Yoga and mindfulness are both excellent practices for living well at any age. Good for you!
Hi, Pat! Thanks for adding your comments here. Good to hear you’re doing what you enjoy in spite of some health problems. So far, it seems old is 10 to 20 years older than we are. I wonder if that will ever change..
Thanks, Anne! Glad you liked it. My mom said time goes faster as you get older & I’m thinking now that she was right. 55 1/4 — that can be a great age. Many of my readers and clients are in their 50s. So much of what I write here is not limited to a certain age. Hope you’ll come back.