Margaret Manning, this website’s founder, has noted recently that this is the 10th anniversary of Sixty and Me, but I don’t think enough fuss has been made of this wonderful fact.

We should be singing and celebrating loudly.

And congratulating her and the people behind the scenes who have kept us together for all these years.

And maybe feeding back a few thoughts in the process!

What Makes a Community?

By coincidence, I was thinking about the Sixty and Me community just one week ago.

I had been approached for an interview for a podcast to talk about my new book about how much I enjoy being old. We writers tend to welcome such opportunities, as it brings us to the attention of a new audience.

We did the interview and after the recording was finished, the podcaster (Deborah Voll) and I chatted. It turned out that she was also a writer for Sixty and Me! What a surprise. She had known this, it seems, but I didn’t. It immediately gave us something in common, like we were both part of something bigger.

Which we were.

And then I thought, Sixty and Me thinks of itself as a ‘community’, and I wondered how much readers had come to feel this to be the case.

Knowing People

I don’t know for certain what makes a community a community, but it must be something to do with feeling that you know and like the people involved.

This made me wonder how many of you have found friends through fellow readers of Sixty and Me. I see it sometimes in the comments, where two women find they have something unusual in common. There are discussions of contacting each other.

• Have you made online friends with people via Sixty and Me?
• Have you actually met these friends and continue to meet?
• Or do you feel you are in a community of like-minded people even though you haven’t met each other?

I then wondered whether you felt you knew the writers on Sixty and Me. When I read a newspaper, there are particular columnists I read on a regular basis and others I read from time to time. But sometimes, I just read an article for its subject matter no matter who is writing.

• Do you watch out for particular writers at Sixty and Me?

Common Interests

Being a community might also mean that there is a sense of communality between us, of shared experiences and interests.

We write about everything to do with life (makeup, travel, the joys of grandchildren and much, much more) and sometimes death (of our friends or thinking about our own).

We hope that these issues interest you, of course,

• Do you feel that Sixty and Me is a special place to find discussions of issues that concern you?
• If so, which topics do you keep an eagle eye out for?

Time

I suspect time helps to build a community. Time to feel part of something bigger than you. Ten years is a long time in our lives.

• Have you belonged to Sixty and Me for a long time?
• Does anyone go back a full 10 years?

And time brings changes. Some months ago, I wrote an article about turning 80 and was surprised to find others of that age responding.

• How many of us 80-year-olds are out there?
• Is there anyone in their 90s?

Comments, Likes, Shares

And finally, a community is a matter of sharing with others. The site is well set up for comments, likes and shares.

You may not know this, but we writers give our time freely, for the pleasure of thinking it might help someone out there.

And we LOVE it when you comment. It makes us feel that you are really reading. I am equally happy when someone says how much they agree with what I write or when they want to argue. It’s always interesting to hear what you have to say.

• Do you contribute your own thoughts with a comment or like or share when you are taken by a particular idea?

The Future

If you are minded to answer any or all my questions, I would be happy to write an article pulling together your responses. It would be exceedingly interesting, but I need your input in order to do so.

Sixty and Me would certainly love to hear from you.

So, do you feel 60 & Me is your community? For how long have you belonged to it? Do you follow particular writers, or do you go by topics of interest? What else would you like to share?

Margaret Manning, this website’s founder, has noted recently that this is the 10th anniversary of Sixty and Me, but I don’t think enough fuss has been made of this wonderful fact.

We should be singing and celebrating loudly.

And congratulating her and the people behind the scenes who have kept us together for all these years.

And maybe feeding back a few thoughts in the process!

What Makes a Community?

By coincidence, I was thinking about the Sixty and Me community just one week ago.

I had been approached for an interview for a podcast to talk about my new book about how much I enjoy being old. We writers tend to welcome such opportunities, as it brings us to the attention of a new audience.

We did the interview and after the recording was finished, the podcaster (Deborah Voll) and I chatted. It turned out that she was also a writer for Sixty and Me! What a surprise. She had known this, it seems, but I didn’t. It immediately gave us something in common, like we were both part of something bigger.

Which we were.

And then I thought, Sixty and Me thinks of itself as a ‘community’, and I wondered how much readers had come to feel this to be the case.

Knowing People

I don’t know for certain what makes a community a community, but it must be something to do with feeling that you know and like the people involved.

This made me wonder how many of you have found friends through fellow readers of Sixty and Me. I see it sometimes in the comments, where two women find they have something unusual in common. There are discussions of contacting each other.

• Have you made online friends with people via Sixty and Me?
• Have you actually met these friends and continue to meet?
• Or do you feel you are in a community of like-minded people even though you haven’t met each other?

I then wondered whether you felt you knew the writers on Sixty and Me. When I read a newspaper, there are particular columnists I read on a regular basis and others I read from time to time. But sometimes, I just read an article for its subject matter no matter who is writing.

• Do you watch out for particular writers at Sixty and Me?

Common Interests

Being a community might also mean that there is a sense of communality between us, of shared experiences and interests.

We write about everything to do with life (makeup, travel, the joys of grandchildren and much, much more) and sometimes death (of our friends or thinking about our own).

We hope that these issues interest you, of course,

• Do you feel that Sixty and Me is a special place to find discussions of issues that concern you?
• If so, which topics do you keep an eagle eye out for?

Time

I suspect time helps to build a community. Time to feel part of something bigger than you. Ten years is a long time in our lives.

• Have you belonged to Sixty and Me for a long time?
• Does anyone go back a full 10 years?

And time brings changes. Some months ago, I wrote an article about turning 80 and was surprised to find others of that age responding.

• How many of us 80-year-olds are out there?
• Is there anyone in their 90s?

Comments, Likes, Shares

And finally, a community is a matter of sharing with others. The site is well set up for comments, likes and shares.

You may not know this, but we writers give our time freely, for the pleasure of thinking it might help someone out there.

And we LOVE it when you comment. It makes us feel that you are really reading. I am equally happy when someone says how much they agree with what I write or when they want to argue. It’s always interesting to hear what you have to say.

• Do you contribute your own thoughts with a comment or like or share when you are taken by a particular idea?

The Future

If you are minded to answer any or all my questions, I would be happy to write an article pulling together your responses. It would be exceedingly interesting, but I need your input in order to do so.

Sixty and Me would certainly love to hear from you.

So, do you feel 60 & Me is your community? For how long have you belonged to it? Do you follow particular writers, or do you go by topics of interest? What else would you like to share?

Margaret Manning, this website’s founder, has noted recently that this is the 10th anniversary of Sixty and Me, but I don’t think enough fuss has been made of this wonderful fact.

We should be singing and celebrating loudly.

And congratulating her and the people behind the scenes who have kept us together for all these years.

And maybe feeding back a few thoughts in the process!

What Makes a Community?

By coincidence, I was thinking about the Sixty and Me community just one week ago.

I had been approached for an interview for a podcast to talk about my new book about how much I enjoy being old. We writers tend to welcome such opportunities, as it brings us to the attention of a new audience.

We did the interview and after the recording was finished, the podcaster (Deborah Voll) and I chatted. It turned out that she was also a writer for Sixty and Me! What a surprise. She had known this, it seems, but I didn’t. It immediately gave us something in common, like we were both part of something bigger.

Which we were.

And then I thought, Sixty and Me thinks of itself as a ‘community’, and I wondered how much readers had come to feel this to be the case.

Knowing People

I don’t know for certain what makes a community a community, but it must be something to do with feeling that you know and like the people involved.

This made me wonder how many of you have found friends through fellow readers of Sixty and Me. I see it sometimes in the comments, where two women find they have something unusual in common. There are discussions of contacting each other.

• Have you made online friends with people via Sixty and Me?
• Have you actually met these friends and continue to meet?
• Or do you feel you are in a community of like-minded people even though you haven’t met each other?

I then wondered whether you felt you knew the writers on Sixty and Me. When I read a newspaper, there are particular columnists I read on a regular basis and others I read from time to time. But sometimes, I just read an article for its subject matter no matter who is writing.

• Do you watch out for particular writers at Sixty and Me?

Common Interests

Being a community might also mean that there is a sense of communality between us, of shared experiences and interests.

We write about everything to do with life (makeup, travel, the joys of grandchildren and much, much more) and sometimes death (of our friends or thinking about our own).

We hope that these issues interest you, of course,

• Do you feel that Sixty and Me is a special place to find discussions of issues that concern you?
• If so, which topics do you keep an eagle eye out for?

Time

I suspect time helps to build a community. Time to feel part of something bigger than you. Ten years is a long time in our lives.

• Have you belonged to Sixty and Me for a long time?
• Does anyone go back a full 10 years?

And time brings changes. Some months ago, I wrote an article about turning 80 and was surprised to find others of that age responding.

• How many of us 80-year-olds are out there?
• Is there anyone in their 90s?

Comments, Likes, Shares

And finally, a community is a matter of sharing with others. The site is well set up for comments, likes and shares.

You may not know this, but we writers give our time freely, for the pleasure of thinking it might help someone out there.

And we LOVE it when you comment. It makes us feel that you are really reading. I am equally happy when someone says how much they agree with what I write or when they want to argue. It’s always interesting to hear what you have to say.

• Do you contribute your own thoughts with a comment or like or share when you are taken by a particular idea?

The Future

If you are minded to answer any or all my questions, I would be happy to write an article pulling together your responses. It would be exceedingly interesting, but I need your input in order to do so.

Sixty and Me would certainly love to hear from you.

So, do you feel 60 & Me is your community? For how long have you belonged to it? Do you follow particular writers, or do you go by topics of interest? What else would you like to share?

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Around a year ago, I made the conscious decision to primarily use hair masks instead of regular, run-of-the-mill conditioner. Heftier formulas offer more in the way of reviving split ends, shine and softness on my bleached hair—and let me tell you, the difference this switch has made is astonishing. I’m always trying out new formulas to keep my locks in check, which is why I was wholly surprised to find I had yet to use one of the most revered out there: Coco & Eve’s Like a Virgin Hair Mask. And right now StyleCaster readers can save 15 percent on their order with the exclusive code SC15. 

First off, this product has so many glowing reviews, it took me who knows how long to sift through a majority of them. But as a beauty editor, I’m here to serve you the facts, which are as follows: This 5-in-1 treatment is capable of so much more than your average conditioner, and can transform the most brittle strands with each 10 minute application. It can be utilized a few different ways: Left on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing in the shower, or applying to dry hair and leaving on for up to 20 minutes (or even overnight) for added hydration. Whichever avenue you opt for, make sure to use the included tangle tamer brush to evenly distribute the product. 

Coco & Eve

Coco & Eve’s Like a Virgin Hair Mask

“Immediately after the first use I noticed a difference in my hair,” raved one shopper. “And as someone who is very insecure in my hair, I love that I could see instant results. My hair was very soft, had little to no frizz, and it even helped with oiliness. I went four days oil-free, and my hair never looked ‘flat.’ Absolutely LOVE this product and will be buying again.” 

The “multi-award winning” formula only delivers game-changing results. Ingredients like coconut oil, fig extract, shea butter, linseed, argan oil and probiotic extract restore dry, damaged hair to a shiny, glossy state, define natural texture and curls, revive split ends, tame frizz and flyaways, and last but not least, deeply condition tangles. It’s the perfect addition to a year-round routine, since it protects against the effects of environmental aggressors, such as humidity.

The mask has already made waves across the Internet, racking up thousands of eyeballs on dedicated TikTok videos. Plenty of the before-and-after’s showcase just how easily the mask can take dull strands to visibly new heights, especially when it comes to softness and shine. See here and here.

RELATED: Shoppers Call This Lotion a ‘Miracle Worker’ For Erasing Back-of-the-Arm Bumps & Dark Spots

“Hair was silky soft and full of life after one use. Couldn’t believe it,” raved another fan, while a third wrote, “I have very thick, frizz prone wavy/curly hair that I’ve always struggled with. This masque smells divine and also made my hair so soft and defined my waves and curls by diminishing frizz.”

For an even more noticeable hair transformation, use the hair mask alongside the Coco & Eve Miracle Hair Elixir, a multi-tasking hair oil that aids in quenching dry strands and keeping frizz at bay. 

Ready to take your hair care regimen to the next level? Start by making the dedicated switch to hair masks with Coco & Eve’s bestseller. Don’t forget to use code SC15 at checkout to save 15 percent. 

If you already have a personal trainer who you love and see regularly or you’re a long-time member of an exercise class where the instructor makes the hard work fun, you may not need this article.

But maybe you’ve recently moved to a new location or want to try Pilates for the first time and you’re wondering how to find a fitness pro who will help you realize your aspirations for a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise. Here are some ideas to guide you.

You have choices! There are tens of thousands of certified personal trainers working at gyms and health clubs across the US and the UK. And since the pandemic began in 2020, online exercise programs are booming. The market is full of options from free home workouts on YouTube to membership programs from big companies like Peloton and small businesses like mine.

Know Who You’re Working with

Pros are proud of our certifications, affiliations and years of experience. Many of us have invested years in learning our chosen movement methods. Our reasons for that investment of time (and money) are foundational to the classes and programs we offer to our clients.

Check our credentials! Read the bios on our websites and social media platforms to gain a sense of who we are, the clients we serve and what they have to say about us. Look for authentic testimonials that speak both to our skills and to the results achieved by people who participate in our programs.

Our best (and most honest) referrals always come from clients. Ask your friends to tell you about a trainer they’ve worked with and find out why they would recommend them to you (or why not). Clients appreciate a knowledgeable instructor who is able to offer a safe, fun and challenging experience to everyone who enrolls in their programs.

Instructors are responsible to recognize the varying needs of our clients of all ages and abilities. You should be asked to complete a health history and sign a liability waiver form before you begin. Ask to see our current certifications and insurance certificates to assure yourself of our commitment to your safety while maintaining the highest standards of our profession.

Put Your Interests First

This will apply whether you choose a trainer at the local gym or join an online membership program. Pricing varies widely based on factors such as geographic location, program venue and trainer experience.

Look for a free introductory period, trial membership or seasonal discount. Make sure you have access to the classes you want at times that are convenient to your schedule. With so many online programs, you may find an instructor in California or Canada who offers just what you are looking for.

When contracting with a coach for one-on-one training make sure that you’re getting a program designed to meet your specific needs and goals. Beware of cookie cutter programs that offer the same thing to everyone. And steer clear of trainers and coaches who seem eager to tell you what you need without listening closely to what you actually want in an exercise program.

Be prepared to disclose your health and exercise history, including past and current injuries, joint replacements, osteoporosis diagnosis, pelvic floor issues, foot problems or anything else you’d want a coach to know. Run away from anyone who insists that you lose weight or eat differently.

Movement is for everybody – all types, ages and sizes. Don’t work with anyone who believes in the dangerous motto: “No pain, no gain.” It’s just not true.

What’s Your Favorite Fitness Flavor?

So now that you know what to look for in a fitness pro, and some of what to avoid, let me ask you how you want to feel during and after your coaching session or exercise class.

Think about the intensity level and pace you prefer in a class – do you like to sweat and pump your way through a workout or unwind from daily tensions as you relax and breathe easy? Maybe you like a slow flow in the morning and a fast-paced high-energy session to complete your day.

It’s great for your body and brain to switch up your workouts. Variety is the spice of life when it comes to exercise. It’s good for your muscles and bones to move in many ways over time, not just the same way every time.

What about the tone of the instruction? It’s never OK for a trainer to berate or belittle you for any reason. Do not believe for one second that you need to suffer through a workout. Whether the instructor is live, recorded or right there in front of you, you should feel welcome and safe to move your body with their guidance.

The best instructors make it easy to learn and always laugh with you, never at your expense. And if you’d like to be able to ask questions before or after a class, choose live instruction that offers the opportunity to engage with the teacher whether online or in-person.

Why Motivation Alone Can’t Change Behavior

Most people think that if they could only find the right motivator, they would do the thing that they should do. For example, we aspire to be healthy and exercise more often. But the specific behaviors needed to achieve such an outcome may not be obvious to you.

That’s when it may be time to work with a coach to clarify your aspirations and explore the actual behaviors that will bring you closer to your goals. These behaviors need to be

• effective for realizing your aspiration
• something you want to do and
• something you can do.

You may want to get stronger, but if the strength class is only available early in the morning and you’re not a morning person, signing up for that program will not ultimately motivate you toward your goal. A more effective way to begin might be to sign up for individual coaching sessions or join an online membership program that offers video replays that you can use anytime. Then schedule your sessions at a convenient, regular time and ask for a reminder email that will prompt you to attend.

Pack your gym bag or set up a space in your spare room with exercise equipment. Write a positive and encouraging post-it note and stick it to your mirror. Get a friend to join and workout with you. Behavioral scientists confirm that change happens when we feel good. So celebrate each and every time you take a tiny step toward your goals. And keep going!

A great coach or trainer will help you do what you already want to do. And will work with you to develop fun and effective wellness habits to support your aspirations for a healthy life.

If you want to learn more about motivation and behavior change, I highly recommend reading Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg.

Featured image: Nancy Allen Burns coaches a client at Body Wisdom Studio. Photo by Rita Gardner

What was the best thing you’ve ever heard about motivation from an exercise instructor or personal trainer? What’s your favorite online exercise site? When will you be ready to go back to in-person classes or training at a gym, health club or fitness center?