Month: March 2025

It’s safe for all skin types!

Core values are fundamental beliefs that serve as guiding principles in life. They shape decisions, actions, and perceptions of yourself and the world.

As important as they are to a higher quality of life after 60, most people have not fully defined their values at this stage of life.

If you are looking to define your core values, where do you begin?

We are going to answer this question and more as we continue our exclusive series for Sixty and Me readers on, “Planning Your Legacy & Guiding Your Heirs.”

Read the first article here: A Practical Guide to Giving Your Life Away to Heirs.

What Are Core Values?

To define your core values, you will want to first understand what a core value is. Our generation of women was taught values that reflected the societal, cultural, and familial norms of the era that came before us.

These same values not only helped shape the world we are now in, but they are also playing a direct role in forming the world our heirs and future generations will inherit.

Here are seven examples of core values many women over 60 were taught:

Respect for Elders & Authority

A strong emphasis was placed on respecting elders and those in positions of authority, reflecting a hierarchical view of society.

Honesty & Integrity

Being truthful, maintaining one’s integrity, and being trustworthy in personal and professional relationships.

Hard Work & Perseverance

The virtue of hard work, diligence, sacrifice, and perseverance as means to achieve success and overcome challenges.

Modesty & Humility

Behavior and appearance were shaped around modesty and the importance of humility.

Patriotism & National Pride

A sense of pride in one’s country and respect for national traditions and cultural history.

Religious Faith & Spiritual Beliefs

Religious faith and adherence to spiritual beliefs were central components of life and moral guidance.

Frugality & Financial Prudence

Growing up in the aftermath of World War II as well as due to various economic shifts, scarcity was a prominent topic. This placed heavy emphasis on saving, frugality, and managing finances wisely.

Are Your Core Values Changing?

Which of these seven core values resonate with you?

It’s important to note core values are not universal. They vary greatly depending on individual experiences, cultural backgrounds, and personal beliefs.

Equally important to consider are the radical social changes we have witnessed. Change is an immutable law of life, therefore, the core values you learned early on may have changed as you aged.

How would you know if your core values are serving you today as they once did?

10 Steps to Define Your Core Values

To define your core values after 60, it is important to make time to carefully review the core values of your past and assess your core values in the present.

To help you, here are 10 steps you can take to define your core values:

Life Reflection

Self-reflection and re-evaluation of core values is essential in measuring the quality and meaning of past experiences. This also determines the direction you want to take in the future.

Legacy Concerns

Aligning your goals and dreams with your core values ensures the legacy you want is one of purpose and meaning and also clear to your heirs.

Life’s Transitions

Life after 60 brings significant changes. Understanding which of your core values can act as a compass during these transitions will help you navigate decisions and maintain a sense of identity in the face of change.

Prioritization

As we age, a desire to focus on what truly matters most becomes a priority. Core values help in identifying and prioritizing essential aspects of life.

Consistency & Authenticity

As we age, it’s understandable to have grown weary of societal pressures and external expectations. Aligning goals and dreams with your core values for life today – not as it once was – helps you live life with authenticity, where actions resonate with deeply held beliefs.

Resilience

Life inevitably presents challenges, especially after 60. Knowing what your core values are provides strength and resilience, offering a foundation on which to face adversities and maintain one’s path with ease and grace.

Emotional Well-Being

Aligning actions with core values produces greater well-being and satisfaction. Living by your core values after 60 can lead to a sense of fulfillment and peace that may have alluded you earlier in life.

Community & Relationships

The quality of relationships often takes precedence over quantity as we age. Shared core values with others can deepen connections and foster a sense of community.

Guidance in Decision-Making

The more defined your core values are, the easier it is to make decisions that are in alignment with your beliefs.

Motivation

Clear core values provide a definitive ‘why’ behind actions, fueling persistence and passion when and where it matters most.

A Better World

Core values are not just abstract concepts but lived experiences.

Aligning your goals and dreams with well-defined values provides clarity, purpose, and a deeper connection to yourself and loved ones.

For this reason and more, when your core values are defined, your life is more joyful and this ensures future generations inherit a world that is better than the one we inherited all those years before.

I invite you to join me in the video where I will share additional insights on core values along with journal prompts to help you integrate what you’re learning.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What are your core values? Are they different from the ones you were raised with? In what ways have your core values affected your life?

She’s trying to settle down after promises were broken.

Her co-star may have given some key insight.

Experiencing the beauty of nature is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and few things are as breathtaking as a vibrant flower festival or a stunning botanical garden. If you love flowers, travel, and unique cultural experiences, visiting one of the world’s best flower festivals and gardens should be on your list. Here are 10 extraordinary destinations that showcase nature’s artistry in full bloom.

What Is the Difference Between a Flower Festival and a Botanical Garden?

Flower festivals and botanical gardens both celebrate the beauty of nature, but they offer distinct experiences for visitors.

Flower Festivals 

They are typically temporary events held annually or seasonally, showcasing large-scale floral displays, themed installations, and cultural performances. They often involve parades, competitions, and artistic flower arrangements, making them vibrant and festive.

Botanical Gardens

On the other hand, botanical gardens are permanent spaces dedicated to the conservation, study, and display of plants. These gardens often feature a variety of native and exotic plant species, meticulously curated landscapes, and educational programs. They provide a tranquil, year-round experience where visitors can appreciate plant diversity and learn about horticulture. 

Both experiences offer unique opportunities to admire flowers, but while festivals provide a temporary spectacle filled with excitement, botanical gardens offer a lasting retreat into nature.

What Are the Best Flower Festivals in the World?

Chelsea Flower Show – United Kingdom

This prestigious flower show, hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society in London, features cutting-edge garden designs, floral installations, and the latest in horticultural trends. Held annually in May, the event attracts top garden designers and plant specialists from around the world. The show’s extravagant displays range from exotic plants to avant-garde landscape concepts, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about gardening and floral design.

Gion Matsuri – Japan

While primarily a cultural festival in Kyoto, Gion Matsuri is also famous for its stunning displays of traditional Japanese floral arrangements known as ikebana. The festival, which dates back to the 9th century, takes place throughout July and features elaborate processions, beautifully adorned floats, and exquisite flower displays in temples and shrines. It’s an extraordinary way to experience Japan’s floral artistry while immersing yourself in rich cultural traditions.

Festa da Flor – Madeira, Portugal

This spring festival transforms the streets of Funchal into a floral wonderland with elaborate flower carpets, parades, and artistic displays. Typically held in April or May, Festa da Flor celebrates the arrival of spring with a “Wall of Hope” created by children, intricate floral sculptures, and a grand parade featuring dancers dressed in flower-themed costumes. The entire city is adorned with vibrant blossoms, making it a magical experience for visitors.

Canadian Tulip Festival – Canada

Held in Ottawa every May, this festival is a tribute to the friendship between Canada and the Netherlands, originating from a gift of tulip bulbs after World War II. Featuring over one million tulips in bloom across multiple parks, the festival offers spectacular displays, photography opportunities, guided tours, and cultural performances. The highlight is Commissioners Park, where thousands of tulips create a kaleidoscope of colors along the scenic Rideau Canal.

Keukenhof Park– Netherlands

Known as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof is home to over seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, creating a breathtaking sea of color. Located in Lisse, just outside Amsterdam, the gardens cover 79 acres and offer a stunning variety of floral displays, including themed gardens, pavilions with rare flowers, and artistic landscaping. Open only from mid-March to mid-May, Keukenhof is a fleeting yet unforgettable experience for flower enthusiasts.

Read more: 2025 Guide to Travel Trends and Tips for Women Over 50.

Which Botanical Gardens Should You Visit?

Butchart Gardens – Canada

Located in British Columbia, this National Historic Site is a floral paradise with themed gardens, a spectacular rose collection, and serene water features. Originally a limestone quarry, the gardens were transformed by Jennie Butchart in the early 1900s into a stunning 55-acre landscape featuring the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Mediterranean Garden. With vibrant floral displays year-round and enchanting night illuminations in summer, Butchart Gardens is a must-see destination.

Singapore Botanic Gardens – Singapore

This UNESCO World Heritage Site features the world-renowned National Orchid Garden, lush tropical landscapes, and a rich history dating back over 150 years. Spanning 202 acres, the gardens offer a diverse range of flora, including over 1,000 orchid species, a Swan Lake, and a rainforest section. Visitors can explore its themed sections, including the Ginger Garden and Healing Garden, making it an educational and visually stunning experience.

Claude Monet’s Garden – France

If you love Impressionist art, this garden in Giverny is a dream come true. It inspired many of Monet’s famous paintings and offers visitors a chance to step into a real-life masterpiece. Divided into two parts—the Clos Normand flower garden and the Water Garden—this site showcases meticulously arranged flowerbeds, vibrant blooms, and the iconic Japanese bridge covered in wisteria. Open from spring to autumn, Monet’s Garden is a visual feast that feels like walking through a painting.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – South Africa

Located at the foot of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch showcases the rich biodiversity of South Africa, including unique indigenous plants like the King Protea. Spanning 1,300 acres, it is one of the world’s most celebrated botanical gardens, featuring diverse landscapes from fragrant fynbos fields to shaded forest trails. Visitors can walk the famous Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway, known as the “Boomslang,” for breathtaking views of the garden and surrounding mountains.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden – USA

Located in New York City, this urban oasis is famous for its stunning cherry blossom display in spring, a Japanese garden, and a vast collection of roses and orchids. Spanning 52 acres, the garden features over 14,000 plant species, including the peaceful Cranford Rose Garden, a tropical plant conservatory, and a Fragrance Garden designed for visually impaired visitors. Its annual Sakura Matsuri Festival celebrates cherry blossoms in full bloom, making it a magical springtime destination.

What Are the Benefits of Visiting Flower Festivals and Gardens?

Visiting a flower festival allows you to witness large-scale floral artistry, unique plant varieties, and local traditions, while botanical gardens offer a curated experience of plant conservation, landscape architecture, and seasonal beauty.

Read more: 15 Top USA Festivals and Events.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Flower Festivals and Gardens?

Many festivals and gardens are seasonal, so planning your trip according to peak bloom times is essential. Spring and summer are the best times for most floral events, but some destinations, like Singapore Botanic Gardens, offer year-round beauty.

How Can You Plan a Trip to a Flower Festival or Botanical Garden?

Planning a trip to a flower festival or botanical garden requires thoughtful preparation to ensure the best experience. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Bloom Season: Research the peak bloom time for the flowers you want to see. Many gardens and festivals have specific seasonal windows when flowers are at their most vibrant.
• Weather Conditions: Consider the local climate at the time of your visit. Some locations may have unpredictable rain or extreme heat that could impact your experience.
• Crowd Levels: Popular festivals like the Chelsea Flower Show and Keukenhof Gardens can attract large crowds. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours.
• Guided Tours and Events: Many gardens and festivals offer guided tours, workshops, or cultural performances. Check their schedules in advance and book any special events that interest you.
• Accommodation and Tickets: For high-demand events, book accommodations and entry tickets well in advance to secure the best rates and avoid last-minute hassles.
• Photography Opportunities: If you enjoy photography, plan to visit early in the morning or later in the day for the best lighting and fewer crowds.

From tulip fields to world-class botanical collections, these 10 flower-filled destinations promise unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re planning a special trip or looking for travel inspiration, these festivals and gardens offer the perfect blend of beauty and relaxation. Where will your love of flowers take you next?

Read more: 15 Best Festivals & Events from Around the World.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you enjoy visiting flower festivals or botanical gardens? Have you been to any of the festivals or gardens on our list? Do you have any other flower festivals or botanical gardens that you would like to add to our list? Tell us about it in the comments below.