5 Things I’ve Learned About Life in My 60’s

(Last Updated On: November 20, 2023)

Let’s chat a bit about life in the golden years, shall we? For us midlife women, some would call us older adults, each day brings a fresh batch of experiences, some new friends to meet, and a wealth of wisdom to share. Isn’t that a great thing?

Now, you might be thinking, “I’m not in my 60s yet, why should I care?” Well, good news! The lessons we learn later in life can offer insights to anyone at any age. Plus, it’s never too early to cultivate a positive outlook on life, right?

The first time I hit a new decade, I was surprised by how much my perspective shifted. It was like seeing the world with fresh eyes, and let me tell you, it was a breath of fresh air. But here’s the best part: as I’ve grown older, I’ve found new ways to appreciate life and maintain good health that I’d never considered before.

Sure, life changes as we age, and sometimes those changes can be challenging. But remember, every cloud has a silver lining. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a new phase of life comes along and surprises you.

So, whether you’ve been in your 60s for a long time, or you’re just starting this exciting journey, I’m excited to share these nuggets of wisdom with you.

Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.

Betty Friedan

5 Things I’ve Learned About Life in My 60’s

There are countless lessons I’ve learned over the years, and now that I’m well into my 60s, I have been pondering life and how I have matured. I could probably create a long, long list of what I’ve learned over the years, but have condensed it to the most relevant 5 things I’ve learned about life in my 60’s.

Sixty sounds so old, but I don’t feel old, not really. When I look in the mirror, of course, I’m brought back to reality, although I’m working on keeping myself in shape and maintaining a youthful appearance. But the bottom line is, I’m experiencing the 2nd half of my life. The 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and even the 50’s are a thing of the past.

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The positive that comes out of those years gone by is the life experience, the  maturity, the perspective that only comes with the passing of time.

But, let’s dive right into the heart of the matter: the age group of the 60s. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking, “What new things could possibly come my way?” Well, let me tell you, there are plenty! From small changes that brighten your day to big shifts that redefine your world, life in your 60s is chock-full of surprises. And the good times? Oh, they just keep rolling!

One of the best ways to embrace this vibrant decade is by finding a renewed sense of purpose. Maybe it’s picking up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try or spending time volunteering for a cause close to your heart. There’s a whole new way of living awaiting you, and trust me, it’s exciting!

Now, don’t forget about cultivating those healthy habits. A little birdie told me that good habits formed in your 60s can lead to a lifetime of wellness. So, whether it’s taking daily walks, eating nutritious meals, or simply laughing more, every positive step counts.

But above all, maintaining a positive attitude is your golden ticket. Remember, age is just a number, and your 60s are as vibrant and fulfilling as you make them. So, let’s hop on this journey together and discover the joys this age bracket has to offer!

Here are the 5 things I have learned in my 60s:

1 | I know that time goes by  very, very quickly. 

When you’re young, the future seems so distant and intangible. As you live through each day, some seem to fly by while others drag on and on. But I know this. The older I become, the quicker time passes.

I don’t want to waste one day of my life, but I also don’t want to create such a hectic list of expectations for myself that I’m racing to get through the days. Life is about balance. I work on that every single day.

It’s something that I need to continually work on, though, because my nature is to pack more than can realistically be accomplished in a day, and set myself up for frustration or disappointment, in myself, because it didn’t all get done. It can turn into a vicious circle, my friends.

In order to keep that tendency under control, I start each day with a morning routine that will get my head, and heart, straight. I also have a weekly meeting with myself to adjust the expectations, take a deep breath, and thank the Lord for everything I have been given.

2 | I know that as I age, my body begins to dictate more and more of what I am going to do in a day. 

I have to say that I don’t particularly care for this natural occurrence, not one bit. In my mind I’m 25 and can keep going all day, no worries. The energy is there, I am fresh and ready for the next task or activity.

However, the 64 year old me, although in good shape and able to keep up with the younger set for the most part, is feeling some tweaks and twangs that are telling me when enough is enough. I am learning to listen to what my body is saying to me…I want to keep it for awhile yet 🙂

It is a struggle between my head and my body, every day, and is quite specifically tied into the tendency that I mentioned above. So again, I give myself permission to skip a workout here and there, take a break, and remain in tune with my body.

When it comes to staying young, a mind-lift beats a face-lift any day.

Marty Bucella

3 | I know that I can do anything I put my mind to. I am not too old, and maybe  never will be.

Although my body may give me signals when I’ve done enough for one day, that doesn’t mean that I’m going to sit back, read a book and call it a day.  No…not this girl.

If I decide to learn a new language, start a new business, purchase some real estate, learn a new sport…whatever the opportunity may be, I do not say to myself, “wait a minute, aren’t you too old for that?” Nope. That thought never crosses my mind.

Over the past 9 months or so I have created an online self development course for women in midlife. It has been a huge undertaking of time and money, as I invested in an in-depth course to learn how to create an online course. Got that? 🙂

I taught myself how to use PowerPoint, how to create videos, and how to record my voice so that it sounded interesting when students listened to it. And, I was running my business and preparing to move across the country at the same time.

So no…I don’t think of myself as too old to learn anything new!

I hope I’m still blogging, walking several miles a day, playing golf, and enjoying life when I’m in my 80’s and beyond. Why not?!

4 | I know that grandchildren are a gift from God.

I remember when friends used to say to me, “aren’t you anxious for grand kids?” I really wasn’t even thinking about it. I figured that when, and if, my kids were ready to procreate they would do it, and if not, okay by me.

Well, ask me today and what will I say? My grandchildren are beautiful little people and I love them dearly. When I lived 1,100 miles away from them it was a long distance relationship more often than not. But I loved them just the same whether we were together or using Skype, Instagram, Facebook or talking on the phone.

My decision to relocate was heavily influenced by the fact that I was so far away from my family. Now, I have the joy of living within a short drive of all of the family and being a Nana to the grand kids quite often!

It is such a miracle to me when I look at them, knowing that there is a part of me that contributed to their life and who they are as individuals. Whether biological or parenting perspectives, I have had a role in their little lives. How cool is that!

I thank the Lord every single day for my grand kids.

There’s always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example, I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don’t hurt.

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5 | I know that how much stuff you have, and how much it cost, really doesn’t matter.

Do I want to live a comfortable life? Of course. But I know that for me, I don’t have to have to biggest, best and/or most expensive you-fill-in-the-blank. It is just not that important. The phrase ‘you can’t take it with you’ is, ultimately, absolutely true.

I work with some clients in my design business who fret, stress and lose sleep over the paint color on their walls. Is it important to enjoy the decor and color palette in your home? For many of us, yes it is. But is it the end of the world if the wall color isn’t perfect? Not in my world. It’s only paint.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my home and how it is decorated. It is my haven and refuge. It is a reflection of me and what I enjoy. But it’s simple, with furniture that I hand selected but didn’t pay a lot of money for. So yes, I love my home. But it’s just stuff.

Conclusion: Life in My 60’s

let’s take a moment to appreciate the panorama of life. We’ve made it this far, and that’s something to celebrate! The bigger picture is painted with a brush dipped in wisdom, resilience, and a dash of humor. It’s a masterpiece in progress, and every day adds a new stroke to its canvas.

One of the best things about being in our 60s is the permission to break free from our comfort zone and embrace new skills. Who says you can’t learn to salsa dance or master the art of Japanese origami? There’s no expiration date on learning, and the good way to make the most out of your 60s is by adding more colors to your palette of experiences.

Let’s not forget the importance of a healthy lifestyle in ensuring a long life of health. It’s not just about sweating it out at the gym or counting calories. A healthy lifestyle involves taking pleasure in the little things – a morning walk amidst nature, a hearty laugh with friends, or a quiet evening spent reading your favorite book. These seemingly small moments are what give life its flavor and zest.

The 60s are a reminder to look beyond the daily grind and see the beauty in the bigger picture. It’s the time to appreciate the journey we’ve undertaken and the paths yet to be explored. It’s the time to recognize that the best thing about life isn’t just the big, landmark moments, but the everyday joys that make our hearts sing.

So, friends, as we continue to navigate this wonderfully unpredictable journey of life in our 60s, let’s remember to live fully, laugh heartily, and love deeply. Because, at the end of the day, life is a grand adventure, and the best is yet to come!

I know that in life there are no guarantees, very few absolutes,  and that we are not promised tomorrow. These 5 things I’ve learned about life in my 60’s tell me that every day. And I’m okay with it. Life is good.

There is no old age. There is, as there always was, just you.

Carol Matthau

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