‘Learn a musical instrument’ is a piece of glib advice that’s often wheeled out to older people. But instruments are not all born equal, and choosing wisely will give you a head start in achieving your music-making desires.

What’s Your Musical Dream?

Would you like to while away hours playing on your own? Piano or guitar could be a good choice. Perhaps your fantasy involves playing in an orchestra? Your best bet is to pick a stringed instrument as amateur orchestras have space for lots of violins, but often far fewer for clarinet and flute players.

If having musical fun with a few friends is the aim, then look for an instrument that’s good to play with others, like the harmonica.

Want a Quick Start?

Inexpensive instruments that give swift results include ukulele (but don’t buy the bottom of the range, which will be hard to keep in tune), tin whistle and bongo drums, all good for informal gatherings with other players.

Maybe you learned recorder at school? It’s a brilliant low-cost instrument to revisit, as you can get a tune out of it straight away, and there’s a big family, from the baby sopranino to the granddaddy bass, that you can play on your own or in a recorder group.

Acoustic guitar is another pick-up-and-play choice with loads of tutorials online, and you can use tablature rather than standard notation to find your way simply around your favourite songs.

Up for a Challenge?

Are you willing to make learning your instrument a long-term project, with near-daily practice and perhaps some professional lessons?

Consider the woodwind – flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon – or strings – violin, viola or cello. All of these have technical aspects which take persistence, and you might not make a marvellous sound straight away.

But the rewards for your hard work will be great. I’ve never regretted taking up the flute in my 50s. Yes, I’ve put in hours of practice, and there have been times when I’ve felt like giving up, but the sense of achievement as I’ve made progress, and the sheer joy of playing the instrument on my own and with others, more than make up for the effort involved.

Most instruments have their pros and cons. For instance, co-ordinating hands to play the piano or keyboard takes time and practice to master. However, because you can see the keyboard right there in front of you, it’s easier to find the correct note than on an instrument like the violin.

What Else Should You Consider?

It’s possible to learn your instrument by ear, a skill which comes easier to some people than others, but sight-reading music is essential if you want to join an orchestra or chamber group. There are plenty of books, online tuition and apps to get you started. Moreover, you can learn slowly, at the same time as you progress on your instrument.

Your budget is another consideration. It’s not always wise to buy an instrument at the very bottom of the range. Buying second-hand, borrowing or renting are good options to get you started.

How About Your Health?

I’ve noticed some of my fellow 60+ musicians having to adapt their playing or even switch instruments completely because of health issues. Wind instruments, for instance, demand stamina, so they are not the choice for asthmatics, while arthritis in the wrist or fingers can affect players of many instruments.

The embouchure (mouth position) used by brass players calls for sturdy front teeth, and players who need dental work in later years can find themselves with problems.

My friend Annie, a petite woman who adores her double bass, is finding the sheer effort of transporting the beast to rehearsals too demanding on her back these days.

If you want to play on into later age, pick an instrument that’s easily carried and doesn’t call for you to twist your body into unnatural positions which can cause muscle strain. If you play the piano, make sure your seat is in the correct position.

Follow Your Heart and Have Fun

Don’t let any of this put you off, however. Take the plunge and have fun trying out any instrument that makes your spine tingle and puts a smile on your face.

Music brings joy to the human heart, is a great way to socialise and a wonderful hobby to enjoy at home on your own as well. Take it away, Maestro!

Do you play a musical instrument? Or, are you interested in learning one? Are you a late learner with tips to share? Or is there an instrument you dream of learning? Please share your inspirations and thoughts below.

Do you ever notice your own self-talk (inner voice) about growing older?

At its best, self-talk is a cheerleader, spurring us on to try new experiences. At its worst, it’s a harsh inner critic. Let’s face it, there’s so much ill-ease about aging out there, it’s all too easy to take it on.

Much self-talk happens on autopilot so, if you’re like me, most of the time I’m unaware of that inner chatter.

Consider this though, there’s evidence that the sub-conscious mind accepts self-talk (it’s not discerning). Then it creates our reality based on these convictions. Even when it’s untrue! So, negative self-talk, like – it’s all downhill from now on, I can’t, I’m too old (and so on) – undermines self-confidence and limits life experiences and enjoyment.

As we say in the yoga world, energy follows thought or what you believe you become, so watch what you think and speak.

Positive thinking doesn’t mean we ignore less pleasant experiences in life with our heads in the sand. Instead, it means thinking the best, rather than the worst, might happen.

So, I find it helpful to take a moment at the end of each day to think about my self-talk along with some of the things I’ve verbalised about myself to others. Then I ask myself: Is it helpful? Is it true? Is it kind, or downright ugly?

Here are two common forms of negative self-talk about growing older. Maybe they’re familiar to you, too?

Too Old to Try Something New

Vivian, a sassy 95-year-old yoga teacher interviewed for my book about inspiring older women says we should look out for self-talk about being too old.Her motto is: You’re never too old to try something new.

True to her words, Vivian discovered a passion for drawing when she was in her 80s. Her example certainly resonated with me, and here’s why.

For a long time, I cringed at workshops whenever facilitators mentioned drawing, or coloured pencils and crayons. That little inner voice would say “I’m hideous at drawing, I can’t do it, I’m too old to fix this now.” Backed into a corner with this negative self-talk, I cemented myself in.

Inspired by Vivian (and an artist friend), I wanted to conquer this dread of drawing. Then I read Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. The book explains why many adults don’t progress beyond the drawing level they had as a 10-year-old. You know the style; stick figures and kiddy style houses with smoke coming out the chimneys. The book offers remedial drawing exercises to work through.

Starting to draw during Covid lockdown, by working my way through the book, opened a whole new world to me. Drawing is so much fun, and now I laugh to think of the fear it caused me beforehand.

Can’t Deal with New Technology

Yes, I hear so many of my friends over 50 say, “It’s an age thing, I can’t deal with all this new technology: the mobile phone, computer, TV and remote controls and digital pads on white goods.”

Something to remember though is that this technology is way more complicated than when we simply flicked a switch on or off. Before there weren’t as many cycles to choose from on washing machines or multiple buttons on white goods.

And here’s where self-talk is again relevant. Telling yourself you can’t deal with new technology leads to lack of confidence and apprehension about using it, as found in a recent study of computer tablet usage with older adults (aged 65-76). The good news is that even brief exposure makes for increased comfort using technology.

I must admit though, in the past I’d ask the kids (or younger friends) to fix little problems with the mobile. Problem solved in the flick of their fingers. They have grown up with this technology.

Now I’ve stopped doing this (unless I’m desperate) because as the study showed, with experience comes knowledge, comfort, and confidence to solve things myself. YouTube instructional videos are a wonderful ally. You can search for content and then work it out at your own pace.

Even here I limit the amount of time I’m prepared to spend. Then I seek help from others in the know. But now I ask them to patiently ‘show and tell me how’ rather than just fix it.

Have you noticed your own self-talk about growing older? Is it filled with wisdom and kindness? Helpful or a hindrance? Is what it says true or downright mean? What new things have you grappled with lately? Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience to mine with drawing or new technology or maybe something else?

After several months trodding and tearing up your feet in sandals, I think we can all agree that our feet need a little bit of extra TLC. From running around in gritty sand to 5-mile-long hikes in the wilderness, our feet take a lot of abuse in the summer — more abuse than a single pedicure can fix. And with the end of the summer weeks away, there’s no time to waste in a salon. For that reason, we have some of the best foot masks on deck to make our self-care sesh a lot more convenient, but equally effective. They’re easy to throw in your carry-on, so you can even take them on vacation with you.

Like hand masks, foot mittens aren’t exactly necessary. You can always slather your skin in Vaseline or some other heavy ointment when flaking and ash become an issue. It’s also way more affordable than investing in a special treatment. But that’s just it: they’re not special. And as far as we’re concerned, you deserve special things…like a nourishing foot mask that forces you to put your feet up and stay hydrated from head-to-toe, literally.

There are peels that take days to kick in, but ultimately shed skin beyond belief. You’ll feel like a snake. The foot peels are so effective that you’re going to want to wear socks for a few days—trust us, it’ll mean less mess and be less gross that way. If you want something a little less intense, there’s heavy-duty lotions that work best with overnight use. Ahead are options for both.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Aliver and Target are STYLECASTER sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Courtesy of ALIVER.

Lavender Foot Mask

Our feet might be one of the most under-appreciated parts of our bodies. Give your feet their own self-care moment with this lavender foot mask set. You leave the mask on for 50-90 minutes and then wait 5-7 for the magic peeling to happen. You’ll be able to slide across the floor Risky Business-style with your newly smooth feet.

Buy: Foot Peel Mask 3 Pack $9.99

Amazon.

TikTok-Famous Foot Peel

This Amazon top-seller has long held cult-favorite status for its ability to literally strip the foot of every and any flake. The magic sauce is a mix of 17 botanicals—all naturally-derived—that work over a period of days to shed the skin.

Buy: Baby Foot – Original Foot Peel Exfoliator $25

Tony Moly.

K-Beauty Pick

Like the Baby Foot Peel, this K-beauty, liquid-based mask uses vegetable ingredients to remove keratin, flakes and dryness after 7 days of use.

Patchology.

Chemical Peel Option

Proof that chemical acids aren’t just for the face, this next-level foot mask includes a mix of AHAs and BHAs that work together to exfoliate both top and deep layers of the skin.

Karuna.

2-in-1 Foot Mask

A face mask and serum, but for your feet. This option also includes an AHA blend for gentle exfoliation—aka getting rid of flakes—and floral extracts for smoothing.

Buy: Karuna Exfoliating+ Foot Mask $38

Courtesy of Sephora.

Budget-Friendly Foot Mask

Affordable and effective? We can’t think of a better combo. The coconut in this footie will soothe dryness and nourish your skin.

LUSH Cosmetics.

Clay Foot Mask

If like us, you’re obsessed with the purifying properties of kaolin clay, this all-natural, part-pumice foot mask is definitely for you. It also contains a gang of other nourishing food-grade ingredients, including papaya, lemon juice and tomato.

Kocostar.

 Botanical-Packed Mask

Besides the super-sized mix of 33 botanical extracts that’ll go to work on your poor, tired feet, the mint scent makes for an ideal pick-me-up too.

Buy: Kocostar Foot Therapy $10

Sol de Janiero.

Coolest Foot Mask

Complete with a smoothing board for minimizing stubborn calluses, this cream is infused with coconut oil, acai and cupuaçu butter, a water-soluble Brazilian super fruit, that makes application non-slippery.

ThisWorks.

Soothing Rescue Balm

In addition to lemon and lavender for light exfoliation and treating irritation, the cotton thistle—another deeply-penetrating moisturizer—also disguises odor.

Buy: thisworks perfect heels rescue balm $26

Sally Hansen.

Super Moisturizing Mask

Want relief for your dry feet? Reach for this single-use mask. Infused with nut butters and Vitamin E, this mask will chase away dry skin.

This story was originally published in 2019.

After several months trodding and tearing up your feet in sandals, I think we can all agree that our feet need a little bit of extra TLC. From running around in gritty sand to 5-mile-long hikes in the wilderness, our feet take a lot of abuse in the summer — more abuse than a single pedicure can fix. And with the end of the summer weeks away, there’s no time to waste in a salon. For that reason, we have some of the best foot masks on deck to make our self-care sesh a lot more convenient, but equally effective. They’re easy to throw in your carry-on, so you can even take them on vacation with you.

Like hand masks, foot mittens aren’t exactly necessary. You can always slather your skin in Vaseline or some other heavy ointment when flaking and ash become an issue. It’s also way more affordable than investing in a special treatment. But that’s just it: they’re not special. And as far as we’re concerned, you deserve special things…like a nourishing foot mask that forces you to put your feet up and stay hydrated from head-to-toe, literally.

There are peels that take days to kick in, but ultimately shed skin beyond belief. You’ll feel like a snake. The foot peels are so effective that you’re going to want to wear socks for a few days—trust us, it’ll mean less mess and be less gross that way. If you want something a little less intense, there’s heavy-duty lotions that work best with overnight use. Ahead are options for both.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Aliver and Target are STYLECASTER sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Courtesy of ALIVER.

Lavender Foot Mask

Our feet might be one of the most under-appreciated parts of our bodies. Give your feet their own self-care moment with this lavender foot mask set. You leave the mask on for 50-90 minutes and then wait 5-7 for the magic peeling to happen. You’ll be able to slide across the floor Risky Business-style with your newly smooth feet.

Buy: Foot Peel Mask 3 Pack $9.99

Amazon.

TikTok-Famous Foot Peel

This Amazon top-seller has long held cult-favorite status for its ability to literally strip the foot of every and any flake. The magic sauce is a mix of 17 botanicals—all naturally-derived—that work over a period of days to shed the skin.

Buy: Baby Foot – Original Foot Peel Exfoliator $25

Tony Moly.

K-Beauty Pick

Like the Baby Foot Peel, this K-beauty, liquid-based mask uses vegetable ingredients to remove keratin, flakes and dryness after 7 days of use.

Patchology.

Chemical Peel Option

Proof that chemical acids aren’t just for the face, this next-level foot mask includes a mix of AHAs and BHAs that work together to exfoliate both top and deep layers of the skin.

Karuna.

2-in-1 Foot Mask

A face mask and serum, but for your feet. This option also includes an AHA blend for gentle exfoliation—aka getting rid of flakes—and floral extracts for smoothing.

Buy: Karuna Exfoliating+ Foot Mask $38

Courtesy of Sephora.

Budget-Friendly Foot Mask

Affordable and effective? We can’t think of a better combo. The coconut in this footie will soothe dryness and nourish your skin.

LUSH Cosmetics.

Clay Foot Mask

If like us, you’re obsessed with the purifying properties of kaolin clay, this all-natural, part-pumice foot mask is definitely for you. It also contains a gang of other nourishing food-grade ingredients, including papaya, lemon juice and tomato.

Kocostar.

 Botanical-Packed Mask

Besides the super-sized mix of 33 botanical extracts that’ll go to work on your poor, tired feet, the mint scent makes for an ideal pick-me-up too.

Buy: Kocostar Foot Therapy $10

Sol de Janiero.

Coolest Foot Mask

Complete with a smoothing board for minimizing stubborn calluses, this cream is infused with coconut oil, acai and cupuaçu butter, a water-soluble Brazilian super fruit, that makes application non-slippery.

ThisWorks.

Soothing Rescue Balm

In addition to lemon and lavender for light exfoliation and treating irritation, the cotton thistle—another deeply-penetrating moisturizer—also disguises odor.

Buy: thisworks perfect heels rescue balm $26

Sally Hansen.

Super Moisturizing Mask

Want relief for your dry feet? Reach for this single-use mask. Infused with nut butters and Vitamin E, this mask will chase away dry skin.

This story was originally published in 2019.

After several months trodding and tearing up your feet in sandals, I think we can all agree that our feet need a little bit of extra TLC. From running around in gritty sand to 5-mile-long hikes in the wilderness, our feet take a lot of abuse in the summer — more abuse than a single pedicure can fix. And with the end of the summer weeks away, there’s no time to waste in a salon. For that reason, we have some of the best foot masks on deck to make our self-care sesh a lot more convenient, but equally effective. They’re easy to throw in your carry-on, so you can even take them on vacation with you.

Like hand masks, foot mittens aren’t exactly necessary. You can always slather your skin in Vaseline or some other heavy ointment when flaking and ash become an issue. It’s also way more affordable than investing in a special treatment. But that’s just it: they’re not special. And as far as we’re concerned, you deserve special things…like a nourishing foot mask that forces you to put your feet up and stay hydrated from head-to-toe, literally.

There are peels that take days to kick in, but ultimately shed skin beyond belief. You’ll feel like a snake. The foot peels are so effective that you’re going to want to wear socks for a few days—trust us, it’ll mean less mess and be less gross that way. If you want something a little less intense, there’s heavy-duty lotions that work best with overnight use. Ahead are options for both.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Aliver and Target are STYLECASTER sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Courtesy of ALIVER.

Lavender Foot Mask

Our feet might be one of the most under-appreciated parts of our bodies. Give your feet their own self-care moment with this lavender foot mask set. You leave the mask on for 50-90 minutes and then wait 5-7 for the magic peeling to happen. You’ll be able to slide across the floor Risky Business-style with your newly smooth feet.

Buy: Foot Peel Mask 3 Pack $9.99

Amazon.

TikTok-Famous Foot Peel

This Amazon top-seller has long held cult-favorite status for its ability to literally strip the foot of every and any flake. The magic sauce is a mix of 17 botanicals—all naturally-derived—that work over a period of days to shed the skin.

Buy: Baby Foot – Original Foot Peel Exfoliator $25

Tony Moly.

K-Beauty Pick

Like the Baby Foot Peel, this K-beauty, liquid-based mask uses vegetable ingredients to remove keratin, flakes and dryness after 7 days of use.

Patchology.

Chemical Peel Option

Proof that chemical acids aren’t just for the face, this next-level foot mask includes a mix of AHAs and BHAs that work together to exfoliate both top and deep layers of the skin.

Karuna.

2-in-1 Foot Mask

A face mask and serum, but for your feet. This option also includes an AHA blend for gentle exfoliation—aka getting rid of flakes—and floral extracts for smoothing.

Buy: Karuna Exfoliating+ Foot Mask $38

Courtesy of Sephora.

Budget-Friendly Foot Mask

Affordable and effective? We can’t think of a better combo. The coconut in this footie will soothe dryness and nourish your skin.

LUSH Cosmetics.

Clay Foot Mask

If like us, you’re obsessed with the purifying properties of kaolin clay, this all-natural, part-pumice foot mask is definitely for you. It also contains a gang of other nourishing food-grade ingredients, including papaya, lemon juice and tomato.

Kocostar.

 Botanical-Packed Mask

Besides the super-sized mix of 33 botanical extracts that’ll go to work on your poor, tired feet, the mint scent makes for an ideal pick-me-up too.

Buy: Kocostar Foot Therapy $10

Sol de Janiero.

Coolest Foot Mask

Complete with a smoothing board for minimizing stubborn calluses, this cream is infused with coconut oil, acai and cupuaçu butter, a water-soluble Brazilian super fruit, that makes application non-slippery.

ThisWorks.

Soothing Rescue Balm

In addition to lemon and lavender for light exfoliation and treating irritation, the cotton thistle—another deeply-penetrating moisturizer—also disguises odor.

Buy: thisworks perfect heels rescue balm $26

Sally Hansen.

Super Moisturizing Mask

Want relief for your dry feet? Reach for this single-use mask. Infused with nut butters and Vitamin E, this mask will chase away dry skin.

This story was originally published in 2019.