Month: January 2025

Walking tours are a fantastic way to explore new destinations, get some exercise, and connect with others. For us women over 50, walking tours provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy travel at a relaxed pace while soaking in the sights, history, and culture of a destination. Let’s take a look at some of the best walking tours in the USA, tailored to your sense of adventure and curiosity.

Walking Tours in the USA

Charleston’s Historic District Tour (South Carolina)

Charleston’s cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture are the perfect backdrop for a walking tour. Explore the city’s rich history, gardens, and waterfront views with knowledgeable guides who bring stories of the past to life.

Why it’s great: Gentle terrain, shaded streets, and fascinating history.

Best for: History enthusiasts and architecture lovers.

Santa Fe Art and Cultural Walk (New Mexico)

Known for its vibrant art scene and Pueblo-style architecture, Santa Fe offers walking tours that combine visits to galleries, museums, and historic landmarks.

Why it’s great: Unique blend of art, culture, and southwestern charm.

Best for: Art lovers and culture seekers.

Central Park Walking Tour (New York City)

Discover the hidden gems of New York’s iconic Central Park on a guided walking tour. Learn about its design, history, and famous landmarks, including Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace.

Why it’s great: Peaceful oasis in a bustling city.

Best for: Urban explorers and nature enthusiasts.

Napa Valley Vineyard Walks (California)

Enjoy beautiful vineyard views while learning about wine production on a guided walking tour in Napa Valley. Many tours include tastings and pairings to complete the experience.

Why it’s great: Gorgeous landscapes and wine expertise.

Best for: Wine enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Freedom Trail Walking Tour (Boston, Massachusetts)

Walk in the footsteps of American history on Boston’s Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile route takes you to 16 historic sites, including Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church.

Why it’s great: Engaging history and compact route.

Best for: History buffs and those seeking an educational experience.

Savannah Ghost Tour (Georgia)

Explore Savannah’s historic squares and learn about its haunted past on a nighttime ghost tour. These tours blend history and folklore for an unforgettable experience.

Why it’s great: Atmospheric charm and intriguing stories.

Best for: Those who love mysteries and legends.

French Quarter Walking Tour (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Dive into the vibrant culture of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Explore its historic buildings, live music venues, and Creole cuisine hotspots.

Why it’s great: Lively atmosphere and cultural richness.

Best for: Foodies and music lovers.

Seattle Underground Tour (Washington)

Take a journey below the streets of Seattle to uncover the city’s unique history. The Underground Tour reveals the fascinating story of how modern Seattle was built atop its original city.

Why it’s great: Unique perspective on urban history.

Best for: Fans of quirky and offbeat adventures.

Portland Foodie Walking Tour (Oregon)

Explore Portland’s vibrant culinary scene on a guided foodie walking tour. Sample local favorites, including craft beer, artisanal donuts, and farm-to-table delights while learning about the city’s unique food culture.

Why it’s great: Delicious tastings paired with cultural insights.

Best for: Food lovers and casual explorers.

Read Culinary Adventures: Sampling Local Delicacies on Your Travels – Exquisite Gastronomic Experiences for Food Enthusiasts.

Chicago Architecture Riverwalk Tour (Illinois)

This guided tour takes you along the Chicago Riverwalk to admire the city’s renowned architecture. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the design and history of Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers and bridges.

Why it’s great: Combines urban scenery with architectural history.

Best for: Architecture enthusiasts and city lovers.

Tips for Enjoying Walking Tours

• Wear comfortable shoes: Supportive footwear is essential for a great walking experience.

Read Best Walking Shoes for Senior Women

• Stay hydrated: Bring a reusable water bottle to keep yourself refreshed.
• Plan for breaks: Choose tours with rest stops or cafes along the way.
• Dress appropriately: Layered clothing and weather-appropriate gear ensure comfort.

Walking tours are a delightful way to see the USA while embracing the joys of travel at your own pace. Whether you prefer history, nature, or culinary adventures, these tours offer something special for every woman over 50.

Read The Slow Lane to Adventure: Traveling Smarter, Not Faster, After 60.

Also, read Plan an Adventure to Look Forward to.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you participated in walking tours in the USA? Do you have any walking tours to recommend to our community? Tell us about it in the comments section below. 

As we enter our 60s, we may often find ourselves frustrated. Life may not have turned out exactly as we had planned or hoped. There can be unexpected challenges or obstacles that make it more difficult to fulfill the visions we may have had of our “golden years.” Money, time, or physical ailments may present an unanticipated degree of difficulty when we are over 60. Perhaps our marriage has ended, or we have lost our spouse to illness or incapacity.

As the saying goes, getting old is definitely not for sissies.

Whatever our life circumstances, one thing remains the same. We have the ability to make choices, each and every day.

The place we are at is a crossroads. Do we allow the hardships or handicaps we face to contain us? Or do we allow ourselves the privilege of continuing our own personal growth regardless of what stands in our way?

Why Personal Growth Is Essential for Women over 60

Personal growth is essential throughout our lives, but especially for us as women over 60.

It allows for continual development, exploration, and self-discovery.

Embracing personal growth allows us to confirm, define, or clarify our identities, purpose, and priorities, leading to a sense of fulfillment and enrichment.

Through personal growth, we can cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset that enables us to navigate life’s joys and challenges with more grace and wisdom.

It also provides an opportunity to expand horizons, pursue new passions, and break free from societal expectations, fostering a sense of liberation and authenticity.

Personal growth for women over 60 can cultivate a deep sense of self-awareness, confidence, and inner strength that propels us towards a life even more meaningful and fulfilling.

Personal Growth for Women Over 60

Far from being a time of stagnation, this stage of life can provide many opportunities for reinvention, evolution and furthered development.

With a wealth of life experiences, wisdom, resilience, and lessons learned we possess a rich tapestry of insights that can be further expanded through continued personal growth.

The journey of personal growth for women over 60 can be a dynamic and enriching adventure, marked by the forging of new paths to fulfillment and purpose – if we decide it will be.

While self-improvement is a lifelong journey, there are some especially powerful topics of personal growth for women over 60 to explore.

It Starts with Continuous Learning

Our life after 60 can be a time to rediscover passions from earlier in life or a time to embrace new adventures.

Continuing or beginning to engage in creative pursuits such as writing, painting, or music, and committing to lifelong learning through courses, workshops, clubs or webinars can help nurture personal expression and also provide intellectual stimulation.

The world is full of knowledge waiting to be explored.

Online courses, community classes, visiting your local library or joining a book club can keep your mind sharp and engaged.

Read You Won’t Believe It but I Went Back to School at 68!

No matter what else is happening in our lives, we can make a commitment to allocate time to our own personal growth and development at whatever frequency works for us.

When we encounter an obstacle, let’s make a commitment to renew our energy to overcome it.

• Mobility challenges can be overcome through virtual learning.
• There are also resources devoted to wide ranging topics available in the community or online that are available and free.
• Even books clubs can be held virtually, if that’s what works best for the participants.

We will benefit from spending time in an environment of nurturing, and our family and friends will, too.

Community Engagement Provides Personal Growth for Women

Another means to foster development, and live life fully is through community engagement.

Community involvement opportunities for women over 60 offer a chance to make a meaningful impact, connect with others, and continue learning and growing.

Volunteer roles in local organizations, schools, hospitals, or non-profits provide avenues for sharing skills and expertise, advocating for causes, and giving back to the community.

Joining community groups, clubs, or support networks tailored to older adults also offers social engagement, friendship, and a sense of belonging.

If you are able, involvement in community service projects or neighborhood committees also allow us to contribute our wisdom, experience, and talents. It can be especially meaningful to be a part of efforts to create positive change and build strong, interconnected communities.

Strong connections provide a sense of belonging and offer opportunities for shared wisdom and experiences.

Prioritize Health and Well-Being

As we age, taking care of our bodies becomes even more essential.

Simple activities like walking, yoga, or dance can be both enjoyable and beneficial. Even doing 10 minutes of seated stretching a day makes an impact over time.

If you are physically able to exercise, make a conscious effort to push yourself a bit each time you do. We want to preserve all the energy and flexibility we can to stay strong and vital.

Nurturing self-care practices, prioritizing mental and physical well-being, and exploring holistic health approaches can also help us to thrive.

From yoga and meditation to embracing a healthy diet and seeking preventive healthcare, prioritizing self-care fosters resilience and vitality.

Set Goals for Personal Growth

Goal setting can spark motivation and a sense of purpose.

Whether it’s traveling to a new place, writing a memoir, or volunteering for a cause close to your heart, define what matters most.

Picture your goal as a mountain summit; every step you take brings you closer to that breathtaking view.

For many women, the milestone of turning 60 prompts a reexamination of personal identity and purpose.

Exploring new passions, hobbies, and activities can reignite a sense of fulfillment and purpose beyond traditional roles, leading to a deeper connection with one’s authentic self.

Reflect on Your Journey and Give Back

Taking time to reflect can bring clarity and insight. Journaling is a powerful tool for self-discovery. Write down your thoughts, achievements, and your challenges.

Reflecting on our life story, values, and aspirations can inspire us to explore avenues for giving back to our community, mentoring others, and leaving a lasting legacy.

Volunteering, advocacy, and philanthropy offer avenues for meaningful contribution and impact. Helping others can be incredibly fulfilling. Volunteering offers a chance to make a difference in your community while meeting new people.

Also read, Volunteer Burnout?… Volunteer Self-Care!

Personal Growth for Women Over 60: The Adventure Continues

Personal growth over 60 can be an exciting journey, full of twists and turns, if we embrace the opportunity.

For women over 60, this chapter can be one of exploration, connection, and joy.

Make a renewed commitment to overcome any challenges and believe that it’s never too late to start anew. Your best years may just be beginning.

As women embrace personal growth in their sixties, they are empowered to lead fulfilling lives, embrace their wisdom, and inspire future generations.

Each woman’s journey is unique, and exploring these powerful topics can lead to a profound sense of purpose, fulfillment, and resilience in this vibrant stage of life.

Thank you as always for reading.

Let’s Start a Conversation!

• It can be scary to try new things, so exploring continued learning or new hobbies may be a challenge – there’s no denying that. What thoughts or affirmations do you use to keep you going when you hit an obstacle or a challenging time?
• Have you tried something new recently? How did it go? What lessons did you learn that you can share with the rest of us?
• What kind of support system do you have to help cheer you on? Do you need to work on building a support system to help you stay encouraged? What other ideas do you have that may help you stick to your commitment to yourself?

Beginning this new year, I had a short list of ideas and topics to record for a new round of videos for my “Aha Moments with Joanie” series.

I had mentally prepared the first episode of 2025 around the subject of not letting small setbacks color your positive hopes and expectations for the new year.

As I was preparing to record the video, my world and many others in the greater Los Angeles region irrevocably changed.

News reports of incoming treacherous winds and impending blackouts, followed by what is being called the worst set of fires to sweep through Los Angeles in its history, put an abrupt halt on not only my plans but pretty much everyone else’s plans in this region.

Nothing Will Ever Be the Same

These catastrophic fires are more than just “small setbacks.” They have altered the landscape and forever changed the lives of millions of people. Nothing will ever be the same.

How do you find positive hopes and expectations for the new year and beyond, if everything you once called home is gone?

And for those of us who did not physically lose our homes and belongings, where do we begin to find a sense of inner peace and safety, and be of service to those who have lost everything?

A Community That’s Unrecognizable

For perspective, my home is in the foothills near Eaton Canyon, which like large portions of Altadena, are now scorched. When I bought this home, I was made aware of the potential fire hazards. In fact, over the years I have been evacuated twice, due to fires.

But for so many whose homes and neighborhoods are now gone, especially in the Pasadena and Altadena regions, what was once an idyllic community is unrecognizable.

My neighbors and I may have not been evacuated this time, but these fires have greatly affected me, emotionally, mentally, and physically. I am far from alone in this.

A Beautiful but Now Devastated Landscape

I am intimately familiar with Pasadena and Altadena as I grew up in these areas. Many people I grew up with, and their extended families, are among those whose homes and businesses were burned to the ground.

My mother was a gifted artist who used to coordinate her famous “paint outs” with local artists. They would gather outdoors to paint various spots around this region.

I have several of my mother’s beautiful landscape paintings on my walls, which she painted in Eaton Canyon. Now, more than ever, I find solace in these paintings.

Beyond the unimaginable grief this has stirred up within me, her paintings remind me daily of the once beautiful and picturesque visuals of nature that helped make areas like Pasadena and Altadena the ideal place to live, work, and raise a family.

Now, Eaton Canyon, like so many other devastated landscapes in this region, has lost its beauty.

What Can We Do Right Now?

Whether you are directly or indirectly impacted by these fires, the recurring questions many are asking themselves are:

• What can we do right now?
• How can we pick ourselves up in these moments of despair and refocus and renew our lives in the face of great loss?

During last week’s power outages, as I sat alone pondering the answer to these questions, I began to journal my feelings. Journaling has been my go-to self-care practice for most of my life. It is where I go to process my emotions, find inspiration and map out the path to my innermost desires.

Here is what I came up with over the last week to answer those aforementioned questions:

Gather Yourself Mentally and Emotionally

When you are in the midst of a crisis, you can’t effectively respond to an emergency when you don’t have your full presence and energy within you. Therefore, the first thing we can do is gather ourselves mentally and emotionally.

Embrace the Stillness

As was the case for so many who were evacuated, you often don’t have time to think about anything other than getting to safety. Soon, however, we all find ourselves in moments of stillness. This is often when we are overwhelmed with emotion. In the still moments, give yourself the space to process what has happened.

Journaling Your Truths

Use your journal to help you collect your thoughts and write down your feelings. These journal entries are between you and yourself. Share your truths about what has happened. Write down what steps you will take to refocus and renew your life to get through the upcoming events.

Gratitude for What Truly Matters

Remind yourself possessions are just things. Being alive and surrounded with love and support from the people in your life is what truly matters. Tapping into gratitude for what you have is a powerful lifeline to recovery and healing amid great loss.

Trust You Are Enough

When you look into your mirror, which can be a physical one as well as the mirror in your soul, remember you still have the most important thing – yourself. You are alive. Trust you are enough and have enough to get through any challenge that may arise in the future.

We Are Enough

Even in the face of great loss, we must always remind ourselves that we have enough and are enough to refocus and renew our lives, when and where it matters most.

Allow this moment, no matter how devastating it is, to be a catalyst for you to be more of who you truly are. For you came into this world to be yourself, for that you came.

Bless you.

Questions:

How did the LA fires affect you personally? In what ways have you dealt with the stress and pain? How are you spending the time of stillness?

I have never been a save-your-best-clothes-for-special-occasions kind of girl, happily gardening in a party dress or walking down the shopping aisles in something glittery. Now that I am over 60, I don’t have enough years left to keep things for Sunday Best. 🙂

Wearing something that makes us happy or feel pretty, is a lovely way to treat ourselves, so put your glad rags on, and strut the shopping mall!

There Are No Rules

Thankfully, nowadays there are no rules to how you dress when you are older. I often shop in the same places as my daughter and granddaughters. There are a couple of things I personally don’t buy anymore, such as miniskirts or low tops, but there are few restrictions on anything else. Mix and match colours, blend different styles, combine vintage with modern, add textures, make your own style. 

A Little Time for You

Life can get so busy sometimes that we can forget to give a little time for ourselves. Remember the hours spent getting dressed for a date when you were younger? Trying on dresses, cramming into tight jeans, make up, hair up or down? Sometimes getting ready was even more fun than the date itself!

So, next time you are off out somewhere, allow yourself a little extra time, so when you walk out the door you feel really special, even if it is just into the garden. 🙂 

Accessories

If you don’t feel ready to make big changes, adding accessories can instantly elevate or update a look. This could be something as simple as a scarf, belt or handbag. Sunglasses can often transform an outfit but, in my opinion, nothing beats a hat to really jazz up your look! Be bold, dare to be the ‘You’ you’ve always wanted to be! 

Thrift Stores

Going to thrift stores is so much fun. I see things I wouldn’t see in my normal clothes shops, and it makes me more adventurous as I am only paying a fraction of the price. It’s not a big deal if it’s not right as I can take it back and re-donate it. Also, saving money on buying second hand clothes makes me feel less guilty when I do want to splurge a little. An added bonus is that buying used clothes is good for the environment. 🙂

Fairy Wings

While not suggesting you put your fairy wings on (of course you can if you want!) it always makes me smile when I see young children shopping with their parents and their little wings flapping. They seem to have such a beautiful innocence about them. I still vibrantly remember when my daughter was young and she went pony riding in a tutu and gold glittery wings that flew behind her as the pony trotted. It is one of my favourite memories.

Find Yourself a Role Model

If you are not quite confident with your own style yet, find yourself a role model. It can be anyone at all, your friend, family member, the girl over the road who always looks incredible, or even a celebrity. If you type in ‘street style’ and your age in Youtube, you will find many videos of outfits and you can adapt them so they work well for you. One of my favourites is Linda Wright who is 75 and looks stunning!

Just Be Who You Want to Be

Of course, if you are happy in a pair of jeans or comfy leggings then that is exactly what you should wear. Getting dressed up isn’t for everyone, some people dress for the weather and there is far more sense in that than dressing for your style! But if you like a bit of glam and sparkle, don’t save it for special occasions, enjoy having fun with them right now. 🙂

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you keep your best clothes for special occasions? Why? If not, how do you dress on a daily basis? Where do you shop? Where do you get inspiration to improve your style?

I have never been a save-your-best-clothes-for-special-occasions kind of girl, happily gardening in a party dress or walking down the shopping aisles in something glittery. Now that I am over 60, I don’t have enough years left to keep things for Sunday Best. 🙂

Wearing something that makes us happy or feel pretty, is a lovely way to treat ourselves, so put your glad rags on, and strut the shopping mall!

There Are No Rules

Thankfully, nowadays there are no rules to how you dress when you are older. I often shop in the same places as my daughter and granddaughters. There are a couple of things I personally don’t buy anymore, such as miniskirts or low tops, but there are few restrictions on anything else. Mix and match colours, blend different styles, combine vintage with modern, add textures, make your own style. 

A Little Time for You

Life can get so busy sometimes that we can forget to give a little time for ourselves. Remember the hours spent getting dressed for a date when you were younger? Trying on dresses, cramming into tight jeans, make up, hair up or down? Sometimes getting ready was even more fun than the date itself!

So, next time you are off out somewhere, allow yourself a little extra time, so when you walk out the door you feel really special, even if it is just into the garden. 🙂 

Accessories

If you don’t feel ready to make big changes, adding accessories can instantly elevate or update a look. This could be something as simple as a scarf, belt or handbag. Sunglasses can often transform an outfit but, in my opinion, nothing beats a hat to really jazz up your look! Be bold, dare to be the ‘You’ you’ve always wanted to be! 

Thrift Stores

Going to thrift stores is so much fun. I see things I wouldn’t see in my normal clothes shops, and it makes me more adventurous as I am only paying a fraction of the price. It’s not a big deal if it’s not right as I can take it back and re-donate it. Also, saving money on buying second hand clothes makes me feel less guilty when I do want to splurge a little. An added bonus is that buying used clothes is good for the environment. 🙂

Fairy Wings

While not suggesting you put your fairy wings on (of course you can if you want!) it always makes me smile when I see young children shopping with their parents and their little wings flapping. They seem to have such a beautiful innocence about them. I still vibrantly remember when my daughter was young and she went pony riding in a tutu and gold glittery wings that flew behind her as the pony trotted. It is one of my favourite memories.

Find Yourself a Role Model

If you are not quite confident with your own style yet, find yourself a role model. It can be anyone at all, your friend, family member, the girl over the road who always looks incredible, or even a celebrity. If you type in ‘street style’ and your age in Youtube, you will find many videos of outfits and you can adapt them so they work well for you. One of my favourites is Linda Wright who is 75 and looks stunning!

Just Be Who You Want to Be

Of course, if you are happy in a pair of jeans or comfy leggings then that is exactly what you should wear. Getting dressed up isn’t for everyone, some people dress for the weather and there is far more sense in that than dressing for your style! But if you like a bit of glam and sparkle, don’t save it for special occasions, enjoy having fun with them right now. 🙂

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you keep your best clothes for special occasions? Why? If not, how do you dress on a daily basis? Where do you shop? Where do you get inspiration to improve your style?