Research about our phase of life increasingly views the 60s and 70s as entering an entirely new stage of life, much like adolescence to adulthood is a stage transition. This certainly contrasts with the view of these years being the end of our societal influence and participation because we have reached the final step of the 20^th century “learn, earn, retire” view of life.

But what does this shift to a stage transition perspective really mean for our understanding of this phase of life?

No Precedence

A century ago, by your 70s – if you were still alive – you probably would be experiencing or expecting decline. After all, the life expectancy for a woman in the US was around 55 years. So, being 60 and beyond was a bit of a waiting game. Not so now!

In fact, I just read an article urging universities to expand life-long learning options; they defined the end of midlife at 75 years! That is quite a change from our society’s focus on decline in our 60s or even earlier.

We live in a new age that focuses on health span as much as life span. Never before has a generation in our phase of life been called on to maintain vitality and relevance. Yet this phase of life is not a continuation of who we were in our 40s and 50s.

We are carving a new niche in our culture for older citizens. We are driven by internal motivations, rather than the recognition and rewards of earlier life phases. How do we do this?

Navigating a Life Transition

The three stages of all human transitions are well known and studied – detach from the past, the “liminal” time, and then new beginnings (Bridges & Bridges, 2019). The idea is to move through these stages with thoughtfulness.

Detachment

First, if we leave our professional lives, some of us detach even before the final day of work – “Hurray, I’m out of here!” Some of us, like I tried, ease out by working part-time, often because no other option is obvious. That works if you love what you do.

The point is to note if you have detached. Who are you if you let go of who you were and blossom into who you are meant to be now? When you detach, then what?

Examination

This is the “liminal” stage. It is a time of being ‘in-between’ what was and what is to be. It is a time of not knowing, exploration, sensing possibilities and seeing opportunity – all things that women can be very good at. If you don’t allow this process to happen, then you will not discover what is calling you on the other side. You may feel confused or stuck… or even disheartened.

Getting ‘There’

At some point, as you explore and experiment, you will realize you have arrived at a new way to dwell in life. During this phase of life, meaning is defined by personal values and inner desires. The trick is to let your inner wisdom lead the way.

The Support You Need

Moving through the liminal stage usually requires support. You may feel uncertain and vulnerable, so choose your support wisely.

Your True North

The first kind of support needed relates to whatever you call the ‘higher power’ in your life. It may or may not be secular religion. It is the sense that you are part of something bigger than yourself; that there is purpose to life. It helps to shape your values and what you believe in. Some have called it your “true north” if that helps you get a sense of it.

Some practices may be personal, such as prayer or meditation. Some may be in community with others.

Lean on a Community

That leads us to the second important kind of support – community. Find others who are also on their journey or have navigated it. Find people who share your values and beliefs. You will recognize them. Remember, this is a vulnerable time where you need to feel safe to be curious and try new things. Find others you can trust.

I’d love to hear from you.

If you would love to have support and guidance in a community setting, please connect with Ardith to join in the 2023 Yes to Life Circles beginning in late January.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you experienced the stages of transition? What was it like for you? Do you think you have gotten stuck somewhere along the way? What role did your relationships with a higher power and with community play?

Whitney Rose’s Black Gloved Jumpsuit on Watch What Happens Live

Watch What Happens Live Fashion January 5, 2022

Whitney Rose joined the Real Housewives “glove club” or her appearance on last nights Watch What Happens Live when she wore a black gloved jumpsuit. And while this is a very edgy look for her, it was perfect for her pairing with the fashion forward Julia Fox’s look. And while we could barely stop staring at Julia’s abs, we’re definitely giving Whitney an A+ for effort.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop Whitney Rose’s Richard Quinn Gloved Jumpsuit on Sale

Click Here to Shop her Brother Vellies Boots

Originally posted at: Whitney Rose’s Black Gloved Jumpsuit on Watch What Happens Live

Whitney Rose’s Grey Corset Sweatshirt

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 3 Episode 13 Fashion

While some might think of a corset as being uncomfortable, I’d say in this scene with Heather Gay and Whitney Rose on last night’s Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Whitney’s grey corset sweatshirt was the most comfortable thing in site. Does anyone else dislike seeing bad weather in a fight as much as I do? In fact, I almost dislike it as much as the fact that Whitney’s hoodie is sold out. But you know what gives me hope? There is an almost identical sweatshirt to heal our wounds, much like we hope for Whitney and Heather’s friendship.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Superdown Martine Corset Hoodie

Originally posted at: Whitney Rose’s Grey Corset Sweatshirt

Recently, I began to sheepishly tell friends about the project I’d been working on for the last several months. To supplement my blog, Who I Met Today, a podcast (same name) launches on January 13.

As I spread the word, I received a mixed bag of comments. From “Outstanding!” and “Congratulations!” to “I don’t listen to podcasts.” And, over and over again, I heard from women in my age group, “I don’t know how to listen to a podcast.”

My assumption? If those women aren’t sure how to tune in, loads of others aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of podcast listening either. I am by no means an expert, and I’m sure I’ve left out a few essential details, but here’s a quick and dirty tutorial based on the questions people have asked me most often.

What Is a Podcast?

A podcast is a sort of radio show – a talk show – consisting of episodes (like a TV show). The length of each episode, number of episodes, and episode frequency vary from show to show.

What Are Podcasts About?

Millions of podcasts are out there, the quality varies, and topics cover everything one can imagine. If you like to travel, quilt, paint, cook, garden, or mudlark, there are innumerable shows for you to tune in to.

Are you searching for book or movie or music ideas? A podcast can steer you in the right direction. If true crime, celebrity interviews, or pop culture intrigue you, you’ll find a show. A budding writer? Thousands of podcasts will guide you in crafting a novel, essay, or article.

How Do You Find a Podcast?

Although an overwhelming supply of shows exists, the trick is to find the few (or one!) that you’ll enjoy. For the most part, I rely on friend recommendations. I also discover new shows through articles and other podcasts I listen to.

Within your podcast app (more on this later), you may search for shows or scroll through “most popular” lists. And try an internet search such as “podcasts for women over 50” or “podcasts for knitters,” for example.

Many excellent podcasts are under the New York Times or NPR umbrellas, but millions not affiliated with fancy media groups are also available. The trick is to locate the show YOU find interesting and look forward to listening to. Usually, I give a new show 10 minutes. If it doesn’t catch me, I’m on to another round of trial and error.

How Long Are the Episodes?

Podcast episodes range from 5 minutes to 4 (or more) hours. I prefer episodes lasting 20-30 minutes. I listen in my car as I drive from the grocery store to the dry cleaners to Target. Many women prefer an hour episode to listen to as they walk or work out.

And, yes, you can stop a show and resume listening later.

Must You Tune in at a Particular Time?

You can listen whenever you desire. Again, you can start and stop or rewind or re-listen to an episode.

What Does It Mean to Subscribe?

In the podcast world, subscribe does not mean pay. Although I think paid podcasts may exist, I’ve never listened to one that costs money.

If you subscribe to a show, new episodes – upon release – will be delivered to your device. Or, you may choose not to subscribe. In this case, you can search for episodes of interest and listen at your leisure.

Author’s note: It is easy to subscribe, and you may always cancel. I subscribe to a handful of shows. They automatically download to my phone, and I have them ready to go in the car, on a walk, or on a plane.

What Equipment Do You Need to Listen to a Podcast?

You need a device – phone, tablet, computer – and headphones. If you listen in your home, you may choose to forgo the headphones.

How Do You Listen to a Podcast?

A podcast lives on the internet, and you have two options for tuning in to each podcast episode. You may hear the podcast – via phone, tablet, or computer – on the podcast’s website. Example: I go to the Radio Cherry Bombe website, find the podcast episode page, select an episode, and listen.

Or, and this is what I typically do, many listeners choose to download the podcast episode and listen – without an internet connection – while driving, walking, or traveling on a plane. To download, get a podcast app on your device and search for the show. (Keep reading!)

Where Can You Get a Podcast App for Your Phone or Tablet?

Depending on your device, you can listen to podcasts through the following apps. I have never paid for a podcast show, so beware if you are asked to do so!

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Google
• Audible
• Stitcher
• TuneIn Radio

This article also provides some good instructions.

Some of the Shows I Enjoy?

I subscribe to the following podcasts (and drop in on several others from time to time):

Radio Cherry Bombe – If you’re a foodie or a cook, this show features interviews with women in the culinary industry.

Thoughts From a Page – For book lovers who’d like to learn how their favorite novel came to be, Cindy Burnett interviews authors of recently published books. (Cindy kindly agreed to be my first guest on the January 13 episode.)

Midlife Matters – Three Nashville ladies, aged 45-65, discuss “what keeps women our age up at night.”

How I Built This – a podcast from NPR, Guy Raz features people who have founded a company.

If you have questions, please comment below, and I’ll do my best to help!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you listen to podcasts? Which shows do you enjoy? How long do you prefer episodes to be?

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

This month, it’s all about hydrating skincare. Whether you’re up against dry flakes from icy winds or the painful cracks that quickly appear from stepping out without gloves, having a consistent face and body care regimen in place is a smart move. Luckily, you won’t have to rely on a multitude of products to keep your skin nourished, since options like Ancient Greek Remedy Butter Cream soften the face, hands and cuticles all in one.

If you’ve ever wanted to cut down on both time spent and the number of products in your regimen, this emollient cream is the place to start. It contains several hydrating oils—organic extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower seed oil, vitamin E oil and lavender essential oil—which handle anything from dark spots to fine lines to split ends. 

Beyond acting as an anti-aging face cream, the cream can be utilized as a “natural alternative” to chemical hair creams for those with thicker, curlier hair, per the brand, alongside a hand butter balm for dry cracks, redness and irritation. 

Amazon

To say reviewers love the product would be an understatement. The cream has racked up over 5,200 five-star ratings, which is quite a lot for a relatively unknown brand. But hey, the reviews speak for themselves; “luxurious magic” and “best all over moisturizer” are a couple.

Some people have found it even does wonders on reversing signs of aging. “Started using this on my face a month ago,” wrote one 66 year old shopper. “I use it in the mornings. My skin looks lighter and brighter. Feels softer. Small lines have disappeared. My daughter remarked that I have less wrinkles than she does!”

RELATED: This Hydrating Moisturizer Is So Effective, Shoppers Call It The ‘Fountain Of Youth’—Here’s How to Get 20% Off For Life

“My skin feels so silky,” raved another. “I thought maybe using it on my face would be too much, but it feels amazing at night. That’s all I use now. I gave up my expensive night time facial cream that I was using and now I only put this on my face and neck after cleansing. Happy skin in my early 40s”.

If you’re looking for simple ways to keep your skin in check over the next several months, consider adding the Ancient Greek Remedy Butter Cream to your cart while it’s on sale for less than $15.