Going through a divorce is a tough thing at any age, but for people over 60, it can be especially difficult.

Believe it or not, the divorce rate for baby boomers has doubled since the 1990’s. But don’t let this fact be disheartening – it’s actually great news.

It means there are a whole lot of other single people out there too.

Whether or not you’re ready to jump back into the dating pool, there are so many others who understand what you’re going through, who have struggled with the same doubts and fears you’re dealing with now.

You are not alone in this.

Moving on is by no means easy, and it takes work. The next stage of your life doesn’t have to be a depressing or lonely one. In fact, you might find that the challenge of having to redefine yourself helps you learn more about who you really are, deep down.

Divorce after 60 can be a freeing and exhilarating experience.

So, take a look at these six simple pieces of advice that can make a world of difference in your healing process.

Look to Friends and Family for Support

Sharing your pain with someone who is close to you may seem obvious, but a lot of people don’t reach out to others when they need help the most. We think, “I don’t want people to worry about me.” Or, “I don’t want to be a burden.”

We try to put on a brave face and stay strong to convince everyone that “We’re fine! Everything is fine!”

But imagine if the situation was reversed. What if it were your sister, your daughter, your co-worker, your loved one who was going through a divorce and needed someone to confide in?

You would want them to come to you.

Apply that same logic to yourself. Talk to the people in your life. Reach out. Be honest and open. Go see a therapist if that’s an option. There is no such thing as talking too much about your feelings.

It can only help you heal.

Rekindle Old Hobbies

One helpful step is to try reconnecting with your old self, the person you were before you knew yourself as one half of a set.

In marriage, we become so entangled with another person that we lose a certain part of our identity. This is natural, and nothing to be ashamed of.

But it’s important to remember that you are a unique and wonderful person, independent of your ex.

What are some things you enjoyed in the past that fell by the wayside? Did you once draw, or paint or play an instrument? What about a sport or outdoor activity you loved?

Join a softball league or a community choir. It can seem a little scary at first, but you are bound to meet like-minded people, and connecting with others helps us better connect with ourselves.

Or, if you enjoy spending some quiet time by yourself, going to the movies alone or reading, that’s fabulous too! There may be some past favorite authors you have not read books from for a while, so get back into it and a part of your younger self will re-grow within.

Try Something New

Can’t remember having any hobbies? No problem.

There’s no time like the present.

Depending on where you live, there are a whole array of possible activities to get involved in:

• Go down to your local library and see what kind of programs they offer. Join a book club if they have one.
• Take a cooking or ceramics (or any other) class at your local community college.
• Study a language – there are a ton of language-learning apps available for free. Think about traveling to the place where people speak that language.
• If you’ve never tried it before, keep a journal.
• Join a walking or hiking club.
• Join a gym and take group exercise classes.
• Learn to knit, garden, do karate, speak sign language – anything at all that is of interest to you.

Learning new things creates new connections in our brains, which is exactly what you need at this moment in your life.

Get Online!

You might not be ready to start swiping on Tinder, and that’s more than okay. There’s no reason to force yourself to do anything before you’re ready.

But if you are ready to seek a romantic companionship, dating apps can be a fun and helpful tool.

Times may have changed a lot since the last time you were dating. But don’t freak out. It’s not that bad.

Instead of Tinder (known for being a “hookup” app) try sites like eHarmony, OkCupid, or Bumble. Bumble is an app that wants to give women the power by requiring them to start the conversation.

Even if you’re not ready to start dating AT ALL, you should still use the world wide web to connect with others.

If you’re not on Facebook, join it. Start a Pinterest board. Use Skype to video chat with family or friends across the country.

However you want to get online, just do it. The more connections you have with other people, the more grounded you will feel.

Get in Touch with Your Spirituality

This can be a very personal subject, but something that a lot of people find strength in is their spiritual practice.

Oftentimes in relationships, we make compromises in this area. Our traditions might dissolve little by little over time.

Use this time as an opportunity to reconnect with your higher power, whatever that might be.

If you practice a particular religion, go back to church, temple, etc.

If you are an atheist or agnostic, connect to yourself or your idea of the universe through meditation, gentle yoga or walking in nature.

Whatever spirituality means to you, pay attention to it and work to foster it.

Don’t Catastrophize

One of the most important things you can do for yourself during this time is practice positive thinking.

Be kind to yourself.

You have enough on your plate. Energy spent criticizing yourself, questioning your worth, worrying about your future – all of it’s wasted. It literally gets you nowhere.

When you catch that negative voice in your head saying bad things about you, notice that you’re doing it. This is a form of mindfulness, a practice that can be restorative, for both your mind and body.

If mindfulness appeals to you, read The Power of Now, by Eckert Tolle. If there’s any book that can help you through this difficult period, it’s that one.

Divorce After 60 Can Be an Exciting Journey

Divorce after 60 doesn’t have to be tragic or bleak.

Sometimes we look back on the things in our lives that seemed the hardest or the scariest at the time and appreciate how much stronger they made us.

This is going to be one of those times.

Figure out who you want to be one year from now and work towards it. You’ve got plenty of opportunities and experiences ahead of you. Get excited for this new chapter of your life.

Embrace it.

What scares you the most about divorce at this time of your life? In your opinion, what has the power to pull a woman back to her feet after the end of a marriage? Please share your thoughts and join the conversation below.

If you’re a skincare fanatic like us, then you know all about La Mer’s best-selling Crème de la Mer moisturizer. Big celeb names like Kim Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen adore this product. What’s the catch, then? We’re sad to say that this cult-favorite cream might wreak havoc on your bank account, because it costs a whopping $350. Who knew a jar of moisturizer could cost that much?

We would never leave you hanging, so the good news is that there’s a more budget-friendly alternative that’s brought to you by TikTok’s favorite skincare brand, CeraVe. The Skin Renewing Night Cream stays true to its name in that it strengthens and refreshes your skin overnight. Shoppers say it’s so effective, it’s even better than the $350 competitor. 

“I normally don’t write a review but I have to for this one,” wrote one shopper who previously used La Mer, and other high-end skincare products for years. “It is the best I have ever used.”

It’s no wonder why it has earned a spot on Amazon as the #1 best seller in facial night creams. 

RELATED: 4 Solid Dupes For La Mer’s The Concentrate Serum That Are (Almost) Just As Good 

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. 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 Amazon.

You might be wondering what a $22 (now on sale for $14) moisturizer has that a $350 one lacks. 

To start, CeraVe is known for incorporating ceramides into all of its offerings. The three essential ceramides help keep your natural skin barrier healthy and replenish lipids typically lost when we all age. That, on top of the anti-aging properties in this night cream, make all the difference. It’s an added bonus that redness-relieving peptides are also packed into the ingredients list. These also work to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and ensure your skin maintains  that youthful bounce to it.

As if those ingredients aren’t enough, the hyaluronic acid included will retain your skin’s moisture while the niacinamide also calms the skin. These superstar ingredients continuously get released throughout the entire night with the help of CeraVe’s patented MVE Delivery Technology, so it’s like lush waves soothing your face over and over again. 

This is all to say that your tired skin will look a whole lot better in the morning with just a swipe of this cream the night before. 

Now this formula may sound super rich in ingredients and texture, but it’s still fragrance free, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating. Translation: this moisturizer is also suitable for sensitive skin and it won’t clog your pores. 

CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Night Cream isn’t a #1 best seller on Amazon for no reason. It has thousands of raving reviews and ratings to back it up.

“It is thick and has that ‘lock’ function and is safe for sensitive skin at the same time,” wrote one shopper. “Compared to La Mer, at this price, I am very grateful for it. Thank you for saving my skin and my wallet.”

As you can tell, you don’t need to blow your paycheck in order to get healthy, glowing skin. You can do it all with an amazing drugstore option like CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Night Cream. You and your skin can rest easy knowing that this goop is hard at work during the night, restoring your skin like no other.

Life would be so much better if our hair styled at home would look as good as it does when leaving the salon. It’s hard to get the same results when we’re not trained stylists, but it is possible, especially when using salon-quality hot tools. Unfortunately, these usually come at a (literal) price. The most praised devices usually retail for more than $300, but today, many of these top-rated hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons are on mega sale.

It’s all thanks to Amazon’s Epic Beauty Haul event, where everything from Kardashian-loved cleansing devices to Dyson hair dryer dupes are discounted. Here, it seems like every type of hair tool known to man is on sale. If you’re looking for a straightener that won’t singe your strands, a waver that crafts beachy looks with ease, or a hot brush that does all the work for you, you’re in luck.

RELATED: This Does-It-All Skin Tint Has Been Sold More Than A Million Times — What’s The Deal?

We gathered up seven of the best hair tool deals at Amazon so that you don’t have to comb through the pages and find a device that’s best for you. The stylers all have stellar ratings, rave reviews, and features so advanced, you’d think we were living in 2090. Check out our picks below!

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. 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: ghd.

ghd Air Hair Dryer

We’ll cut to the chase: This top-rated dryer is on sale for $159 and shoppers say it’s “better than a Dyson.” One reviewer wrote that it’s “making my very long hair looking shiny, healthier, and better!”

Courtesy: ghd.

ghd Glide & Rise Hot Brush

Want a do-it-all hair tool that will save you time and money? Look no further. This hot brush blow dries and styles your hair in whatever fashion you like—curly or straight. Not convincing enough? This review might do it for you.

“This brush is SENT FROM THE HEAVENS,” wrote one shopper. “In ten minutes (a record for me), I transformed my thick and frizzy mass of hair into a sleek, yet bouncy blowout with the help of this hot brush! Virtually NO BREAKAGE! I should’ve invested in this sooner!”

Courtesy: Bed Head.

Bed Head Wave Artist 

If you want deep waves that start at your roots, this tool is for you. Not only does the shape of the device make it easy to style each chunk of your hair as even as possible, it’s also made with tourmaline ceramic that is known to combat frizz and add shine.

Courtesy: Paul Mitchell.

Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Smooth+ Ceramic Flat Iron

Nearly 30% off, this Paul Mitchell straightener does it all: heats up in seconds, evenly styles your strands, and minimizes frizz. It even has an automatic off switch that will disable to device after an hour as an added safety measure.

Courtesy: Chi.

CHI Spin N Curl

Get precise and even curls for every strand with this spinning curling device. The air-powered device gently sucks in your hair and spins it around a one-inch barrel for a no-stress styling session. What’s more: there are pre-set temperatures based on hair thickness to ensure that your locks will be lifted just how they need to be.

Courtesy: Revlon.

Revlon 3Barrel Ceramic Jumbo Hair Waver

Get effortless beachy waves in minutes with this innovative hair tool. It gently shapes—not clamps—your strands into a style that even mermaids would be jealous of. More than 8,000 shoppers have given the tool a perfect rating thanks to its ability to work on even the straightest and thinnest hair out there.

Courtesy: Sultra.

Sultra After Hours Collection Titanium Curling Wand

When it comes to styling, sometimes simpler is better. That’s the case with this customer-loved curling wand. All you need to do is wrap your hair around the one-inch barrel to get an even and defined curl.

I want to change some habits, but then again, I don’t.

I set out to change my exercise routine many times over the years. I have the best of intentions. I try getting up early, walking when the weather is nice, lifting a few weights throughout the day. I do a few push-ups or get myself to the gym. Somehow, it never morphs into a habit.

I get inspired, then set out to firm up my body, help my heart and mental status by exercising. I know exercise will add longevity to my life. Knowing the facts doesn’t create the change. I don’t consistently do it.

What Holds Us Back from Something We Want?

Answering this will help us all realize why we find ourselves staying in a painful relationship, overeating, gorging on sugary foods, or smoking when the whole world hates the smell of smoke these days. What tips the scale to change the behavior?

This quote reflects reality to me:

“We change our behavior when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing. Consequences give us the pain that motivates us to change.”

I remember sitting in a psychologist’s office and answering this question, “When will you leave him?” My answer was, “When the pain of going is less than the pain of staying.”

It was painful to stay with him, my ex-husband. He was verbally abusive and controlling. I felt like a fragile little girl, with no power. Staying was awful. Leaving was down-right terrifying. I didn’t know where I would go, how I would support myself, and what workplace would hire me.

You guessed it, the pain of staying got so great, that I packed up my U-Haul trailer when he was at work and left him. I felt like I was jumping off a cliff with no end in sight. This was one of the best decisions of my life.

If you are thinking of changing behavior, relationships, or anything about yourself, here are 5 tips to consider.

Rate How Much You Want This Change

On a scale of 1-10, where are you? (10 being you will go through what’s necessary to get it done.) My guess is that if you are lower than a 7, it’s not going to happen. Somewhere between an 8 and higher is where there’s potential for change.

Take a quick survey looking back on your life and recall permanent changes you made. At the point of change, what would you rate your desire to change that old behavior? What helped you step into the new behavior to make it a habit? Was it a Dr’s diagnosis? Was it being verbally stepped on again? Was it your image in a mirror or picture?

You need the resolve and the guts to keep the motivation number above an 8 for this to be permanent. This applies to starting any new habit or change. If it’s exercise, eating well, quitting smoking, gambling, or waking up earlier every day. If you rate this change low on the scale of importance to you, just forget about it.

What Are You Getting Out of Feeling Stuck?

It’s serving you somehow. When I stayed in the life-sapping relationship, what was I getting out of it? Financial stability was a big one, as he made most of the money. Then, I couldn’t face a failed relationship as it meant I was a failure. I had decided to marry this man and my stubbornness kept me stuck.

The biggest one of all, fear… of anything and everything unknown. I was miserable but what would it be like for me on my own? Over the days and months, I had become small through his constant demeaning behavior toward me. Change looked too hard and too scary, so opting to stay with the same old, same old is what happened for much longer than it should have.

What are you getting out of being stuck in your old ways, harmful relationships, or habits? If you are a hoarder, perhaps having control over stuff, helps you feel better. If you are a smoker, it’s become your habit and a comfort to smoke, so giving it up feels wrong.

If you want to change clutter in your home, you must let go of the hold stuff has on you and what it has started to represent to you. There’s something you are getting out of every negative habit, relationship, or lifestyle that keeps you stuck right there. Think it through and find what you are getting. Answers to this might not be pretty. Once you find an answer, weigh it against what you’ll get when letting it go.

Do the Work to Figure Out What Triggers This Habit

Take the habit of eating chocolate. I feel triggered whenever I’m sad, happy, worried, or anxious. That’s most of the time! What is the trigger? It’s an emotion that signals a food craving. Bringing my attention to when this trigger goes off, identifying it as an emotion, frees me up to make a different choice.

Emotions don’t have to win. Take snacking throughout the day as another example. What’s the trigger? Is it boredom, anxiety, or discouragement over life circumstances? When you find the trigger, let’s say it’s boredom, knowing that emotional trigger can help you say, “Oh! I have other choices!”

Put an Actual Time on the Behavior You Want to Start

If you want to keep your kitchen clean, put a time on how long it will take to do the dishes and clean off the counters. This may surprise you, as it could take about 20-30 minutes of your day. When realizing the small amount of time it would take, then overwhelm is gone out of your thoughts of doing the chore.

When you think about doing a yoga program each morning, finding a 10-minute YouTube yoga stretch can help motivate you toward doing that change. Without putting a time on the behavior, it’s too big of a change. “I have to do yoga every morning” has a different feel to it than “I can do 10 minutes of yoga every morning.”

Step Through the Invisible Barrier That Keeps You from Action

What is that barrier? Is it your small way of rebelling? Is it that you are more comfortable with non-action? Is it fear? I love the book Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway. There’s fear about making changes. From a small tremble of fear to overwhelming fear.

Feel it fully, then take the first step to go forward through that invisible fear barrier. This is the action part of change. Every change has action where you need to kick yourself in the behind and start. The invisible barrier is paper thin. Kick it down with your big toe and step through it with a small baby step of action.

Have you done any of the above ideas to get unstuck? What helped you the most to move through that invisible barrier to action? Has your life changed for the better? Let’s start a conversation!

Let me start by saying sweats, flushes, flashes, whatever you want to call these side-effects of menopause, can last through to your 80s. You didn’t want to hear that, but it’s true. At 73 I still have hot flushes and they’re as bad now as back in my 50s.

Why? The menopause just doesn’t know when to quit. When I hear men talking about Male Menopause (not the capitalisation!) I want to scream. They obviously don’t know or don’t understand or haven’t bothered to find out what the actual word MENOPAUSE means. They don’t have dictionaries or even Google.

Menopause Symptoms That Persist

In the interests of clarity, clicking here will take you to a list of menopause symptoms (or challenges) which may still hold true even if you’re way past what you consider the right date, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, irritability and other mood changes, urinary problems.

Fortunately, most of these symptoms/conditions will not be experienced by the average woman. In fact, 20% of women (the lucky few), will experience no side effects at all.

The good news is that nearly all of these are treatable, and you can either choose standard modern medical treatments such as Hormone Replacement Therapy, or you can choose to delve into the mysteries of some of the natural and/or traditional medicine methods available. These are always my personal choice. I prefer using an Oestrogen cream to taking HRT!

Available Treatment Options

As the title of this article includes issues, having established that these or any other symptoms are apparently just part of the ageing process (Do you like that? Just part of the ageing process!), it seems common sense to proffer a few remedies.

You can try any of the following, and I suggest you do your own research. We are all unique and what works for one may not work for another:

• HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) – the jury is still out on this but if it works for you, then do what you must.
• Bioidentical hormones have been around since the mid-90s. Click here for more information
• Herbal and homeopathic remedies (traditional medicine) – their efficacy depends on you, the practitioner and what you’re given. Like everything else really.
• Flaxseed oil
• Marine phytoplankton
• Evening Primrose oil
• Royal Jelly and/or bee pollen
• Calcium (with magnesium and vitamin D). Even if they don’t help your menopause symptoms, you should be taking all three anyway.
• Black Cohosh
• Pasque Flower
• Tang Kuei – the Chinese call this the Queen of Herbs, and they have been using it for women’s ailments for around 2,000 years.
• Herbal solutions specifically for women. Turn to your local health food store, homeopath, naturopath, etc.
• Progesterone creams – apply a small amount, usually to the inside of the thigh.
• Zinc
• Vitamins C, E and B6
• Vitamin K

If you’d like to know more about any of these specific items, please let us know and we’ll help all we can.

Give Your Body Time

Whichever of these you choose, be persistent; try for 2 -3 months rather than taking something for a couple of weeks and throwing your hands in the air, saying, “Another one that doesn’t work!” It sometimes takes a little time before you experience relief from the symptoms and/or conditions, especially with some of the natural and traditional medicine products.

Don’t forget to check-in on your mindset and attitude! We can set up all sorts of physical scenarios without trying, and we sometimes forget the power of our minds.

Please, check some or all of these out and let us know which is of the greatest benefit. We’d love to hear how they worked for you. Take care and be safe.

Are you experiencing any menopause symptoms at your age? If so, which ones? How are you handling them? Do you prefer natural or pharmacological treatments?