Month: December 2024

History was made in the finale.

January: the Olympics of “new year, new me” chaos, is coming in hot, even in the dating world. And guess what? You’ve got two weeks to plan your winning strategy.

Wait… who am I kidding? The race already started, and you’re jogging in place with a cookie in hand.

Yes, enjoy the holidays – stuff your face (I already had a piece of homemade fudge this morning…), hug your family, spoil the grandkids, and crush it at the ugly sweater party. But consider this the perfect *undercover* opportunity to get ahead.

You can deck the halls *and* draft your game plan. Multitasking? That’s just holiday spirit with ambition.

One thing is for sure, this is a great time to take more photos so we can freshen you up! So, let’s get you prepped for January fun. Click here.

1. Reflect on What You Want

Define your goals: Are you looking for a serious relationship, casual dating, or friendship?

List your deal-breakers: Know what qualities are must-haves or no-go’s.

Clarify your values: Identify what matters most to you – shared hobbies, similar life goals, or specific traits like kindness or ambition.

2. Don’t Catfish Yourself

Show up as you. That filtered, 2018 vacation photo? It’s a no. Confidence is hotter than Photoshop.

3. Snap Pics That Pop

It’s time for your glow-up! Plan a photoshoot or dig into your gallery for photos that scream, “I’m fun, approachable, and have a life.” Include a mix:

• The “Look, I’m cute!” shot
• The “I do cool things like photography” shot
• The “Dogs love me, and you should too” shot

No bathroom selfies – unless your mirror can teleport. Or fish.

And December is your iPhone opp month – no matter what you are doing – snap those baking with the kids, attending a holiday party, celebrating New Year’s Eve – you and I will have lots of photos to choose from the first week of January!

4. Bio = Bragging, But Make It Fun

Your bio should be like your favorite dessert: sweet, memorable, and impossible to resist. Sprinkle in humor, like:

• “Fluent in movie quotes and fluent-ish in cooking (ask my smoke detector).”
• “I’ll show you the world – through my camera lens.”

Leave a little mystery – because nobody likes a spoiler.

5. Sharpen Your Icebreaker Game

Ditch the generic, “Hey, what’s up?” Instead, prep fun starters like:

• “What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever Googled?”
• “Best gift you got for Christmas? Mine was……”

Remember, wit wins hearts.

6. Timing Is Everything

Don’t rush. The right match might be a few swipes away – or might take a month. Stay patient and have fun!

7. Channel Main-Character Energy

Glow up season starts now!

Try a new look, treat yourself to a self-care routine, and remind yourself: you’re the total package. Confidence (without arrogance) is your secret weapon – so is the fact you love dogs. That’s always a bonus.

Come January, you’ll be swiping with style, confidence, and an “I’ve got this” smile. Let the games begin!

Questions:

What new dating strategies are you going to try in 2025? Now that much verification is done online and ghosting is at all time lows, are you willing to give online dating another chance? Do you think you are too old for a partner? (Hint: I just had an 85-year-old man re-marry, and I went to his wedding!)

Jane Fonda caught my attention the other day. It was not because she is a beautiful successful woman, which she is.

And no, I didn’t meet her in person. That would have been nice, but that didn’t happen.

I saw her on television, doing a segment on the CBS Sunday Morning show (December 1, 2024) on healthy aging. She talked about how positive views of aging can help us live longer and healthier. Maybe she read the earlier post I wrote about these ideas. Not likely, but I remain ever hopeful.

Thriving at 86, Jane Fonda is definitely an expert and lives the example she sets for others. I always admire people who do more than talk. She walks the walk and does the work. And it has paid off for her.

A Long and Distinguished Career

Jane Seymour Fonda is a well-known American actress and activist. Over six decades of work in film, television and theatre, she has earned two Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, seven Golden Globe Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award, in addition to Grammy and Tony Award nominations.

Plus, she has earned four lifetime achievement awards. And this is only part of her large body of work and accomplishment.

Jane Fonda is not done yet. It doesn’t even seem like she is slowing down.

So how does she do it?

5 Ways That Help Jane Fonda Thrive

The Third Act, New Beginnings

In her mid-70s, Fonda gave a stirring talk at TEDX Women (2012). She described her “third act” as the last three decades of life. She emphasized that this period can be a time of growth, self-discovery, and increased well-being.

Just two years ago, she finished up seven seasons of the Netflix series Grace and Frankie in the lead role of Grace. After that, she starred in three films.

With this concept of the third act, Fonda challenges the traditional view of aging as decline and instead presents it as a unique opportunity for personal growth, self-reflection, and positive societal impact. This is how she approaches her later years.

Positive Views on Aging

As noted above, Jane Fonda did a segment on CBS Sunday Morning and was joined by anti-ageism advocate Ashton Applewhite. They discussed a Yale study showing that older people with more positive beliefs about aging lived an average of 7.5 years longer than those who associated aging with disease and decline. (You can find more about the study here.)

Fonda works hard to see and bring about positive views about herself, even into her 80s. In her talks, she fights against negative stereotypes portrayed in the media. She is also careful not to internalize such negative views. Applying these erroneous ideas to ourselves can sometimes lead to the most harm.

Continuous Learning

Jane Fonda suggests that we keep learning as a way to improve our physical and mental health. Most importantly, she suggests that we keep learning about ourselves and our past and present relationships.

Fonda suggests that the task of the third act is to “finish up the task of finishing ourselves” by reviewing our lives, gaining new perspectives on past experiences, and potentially changing our relationship with the past.

In her own life, she works hard to stop blaming herself for events from the past, including sexual assaults and toxic relationships.

Caring About Women and the World

Jane Fonda cares and does whatever she can to help. Throughout her life, she has been actively fighting injustices wherever she sees them. She never hesitates to speak up, even now.

In her 60s, along with Robin Morgan and Gloria Steinem, she co-founded the Women’s Media Center. This organization works to amplify the voices of women in the media through advocacy, media and leadership training, and the creation of original content.

Fonda believes that older women are the largest demographic in the world. Older women can learn to embrace this opportunity for self-discovery, learning, and positive change and can provide an example for younger generations. And keep themselves feeling younger at the same time.

Embrace a Growth Mindset

Jane Fonda’s growth mindset is one of her superpowers. She believes that adopting a growth mindset is crucial for personal development in the third act (and all throughout life). This way of seeing yourself and the world involves:

• Believing in your ability to learn and grow at any age.
• Viewing challenges as opportunities for learning rather than obstacles.
• Embracing the idea that your skills and abilities can be developed through effort and persistence, even later in life.

She has had many setbacks and hardships in her life. But she keeps going.

An Important insight

In her 40s, Fonda was dreading getting old. But once in her 50s and now in her 80s, she has never been happier. She experiences a powerful feeling of well-being in her third act.

She notes that being inside “oldness” reduces fear, and one realizes they are still themselves, perhaps even more so.

I think it is important to keep moving physically, mentally and emotionally. Jane Fonda has done some incredible things well into her 80s. But, as Michelle Obama has said, “You don’t always have to go big.”

The little ways to help one another can be just as meaningful.

Let’s Start a Conversation:

Can you think of how Jane Fonda’s ideas might help in your life? Are you making sure that you don’t buy into any negative views you see around you? Are you being careful not to limit yourself when there is no need to?

Editor’s Note: Top image by Ted Eytan – 2019.12.06 Fire Drill Fridays, Washington, DC USA 340 60031, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link.

As women over 60 embrace their golden years, there’s no reason their style shouldn’t remain as bold and vibrant as ever. A spiky haircut can be an ideal way to reflect confidence, individuality, and a dash of edginess. These styles offer volume, texture, and modern flair, while still being easy to maintain.

Spiky Haircuts for Mature Women

Here are seven fantastic spiky haircut ideas that are perfect for women over 60.

The Classic Pixie with Spikes

For women who love a short, manageable cut, the classic pixie with spikes adds a playful twist. This cut keeps the hair short on the sides and back while leaving enough length on top to spike it up for texture. Whether you go for subtle spikes or a bolder look, this style frames the face beautifully, giving you a fresh, youthful appearance.

Perfect for: Women who want a low-maintenance style with a bit of personality.

Soft Spikes with Volume

For a softer take on the spiky look, this haircut incorporates gentle spikes that add volume without being too sharp or edgy. The spikes are styled in a way that looks natural and relaxed, blending effortlessly into the rest of the hair. This is an excellent option if you’re looking for something chic but understated.

Perfect for: Women who prefer a more casual and relaxed hairstyle with some lift.

The Tousled Spiky Crop

If you like a little more texture, the tousled spiky crop is a fantastic option. This cut is slightly longer on top, allowing for a tousled, messy look with spiky tips. It’s fun and modern and adds a carefree vibe to your overall appearance. The messy spikes can be styled to create a sense of volume and movement.

Perfect for: Women who like a playful, carefree hairstyle that still looks polished.

Textured Spiky Bob

A spiky bob combines the classic bob cut with spiky tips to give your hairstyle an updated edge. The hair is kept longer than a traditional spiky cut, giving you more styling options while still adding the volume and texture that spikes provide. The longer layers allow for a softer, more versatile look.

Perfect for: Women who want a medium-length haircut with both sophistication and edge.

Short Spikes with an Undercut

For the bold and adventurous, a short spiky cut with an undercut is a striking option. The hair is cut very close to the scalp on the sides and back, while the top remains longer for spiking. This dramatic contrast creates a dynamic, fashion-forward look that’s perfect for women who want to make a statement.

Perfect for: Women who aren’t afraid to try something daring and modern.

Curly Spikes

For women with naturally curly hair, spiky styles are just as achievable. Curly spikes offer a textured, voluminous look that’s full of personality. By keeping the hair shorter and spiking up the curls, you create a look that’s both fun and fashionable while embracing your natural texture.

Perfect for: Women with curly hair who want a spiky cut that complements their natural waves.

Silver Spiky Pixie

Embrace your silver hair with a spiky pixie cut that lets your natural color shine. The short, spiky style adds texture and volume, creating a youthful, vibrant look. Silver hair adds an extra touch of elegance to the spikes, giving you a modern, stylish appearance that’s easy to maintain.

Perfect for: Women who want to embrace their silver hair while rocking a modern, edgy cut.

Recommended Products for Spiky Hairstyles

To maintain a spiky hairstyle, it’s important to use the right products that provide hold, texture, and shine while being gentle on aging hair. Here are some top recommendations to help keep your spikes looking fresh and stylish:

Texturizing Spray

A good texturizing spray can add volume and definition to your spikes without weighing them down. Look for lightweight formulas that provide hold without making your hair feel sticky or stiff.

Recommended Product: 

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray 

This cult-favorite spray absorbs oil at the roots while adding texture and lift to your spikes, keeping them fresh throughout the day.

Strong Hold Gel or Paste

For short spiky styles, a strong hold gel or paste will help shape and define your hair. Choose one that doesn’t flake and is easy to wash out.

Recommended Product:

TIGI Bed Head Manipulator Gel

This paste offers powerful hold and a matte finish, perfect for creating defined spikes with a firm yet flexible feel.

Pomade or Wax

Pomades and waxes are excellent for creating textured spikes that have a slightly tousled look. They provide hold with a bit of shine, giving your style a more polished finish.

Recommended Product:

American Crew Fiber

This fiber-like wax offers high hold and low shine, making it ideal for women who want their spikes to look natural yet styled.

Volumizing Mousse

If your spiky hairstyle requires volume, a volumizing mousse can help lift the hair at the roots and add body without making it crunchy.

Recommended Product:

Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17

This lightweight mousse adds volume and fullness while offering long-lasting hold for spiky styles that need extra oomph.

Finishing Hairspray

To lock your spiky hairstyle in place, a finishing hairspray with strong hold is essential. Look for sprays that add shine and resist humidity.

Recommended Product:

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray

Known for its ultra-fine mist, this hairspray holds styles in place without stiffness and brushes out easily for restyling.

By using the right products, you can ensure that your spiky hairstyle stays bold, fresh, and full of life, regardless of the style you choose. These essentials will help you maintain texture, hold, and volume while keeping your hair healthy and stylish at any age.

Confidence Is the Best Style Accessory

Spiky haircuts are a fun and modern way to express your individuality. They’re versatile enough to suit any face shape or hair texture and can be tailored to your personal style, whether you want something bold or more relaxed. The key to making any spiky haircut work is confidence, and as a woman over 60, you’ve earned that confidence in spades.

Read Best Hairstyles for Women Over 70.

Also, read 60 Best Haircuts and Hairstyles for Women Over 60.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you like spiky hairstyles? What products do you prefer to achieve your spiky look? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Get ready to retire your leggings.