Month: March 2025

Plus, their plans for a second wedding.

Aging. It’s happening and it’s weird. Some days I am relaxed in the process of it. Other days I am Don Friggin’ Quixote, battling the windmills with Pilates classes, hiking, and an overabundance of green salads and coconut water.

I’ve read all those inspirational articles about embracing and celebrating your 60s and your 70s. Hell, I’ve even written some of those articles! But I have to say, whether you embrace your age or not, it’s still weird.

It really does seem like 27 was last week and that 47 was just yesterday. The thing about aging is that you have to arm yourself with dignity and grace because that, and a sense of humor, is what it’s going to take.

Embrace Aging with Dignity

Recently, I attended a charity yoga event whose proceeds fight sex trafficking. After 20 minutes of sitting on the floor, my scoliotic back was screaming mad. And I muttered to myself, “Never again.”

Scoliosis, arthritis, brittle connective tissue – those things can make you alter how you do certain activities. After the event, I went to the director and suggested that next year there be a section for chair yoga.

I can do the same breathing and arm motions sitting on a chair without hurting my back. The chairs would have yoga mats in front of them for those who can still do some yoga positions on a mat.

I felt a sense of dignity that I had found a solution that would allow my full participation. That’s what dignity means to me – taking care of yourself, spiritually, emotionally and physically to the very best of your ability. Living well is not given. It must be claimed.

Grace

Grace is gratitude in action. No one likes being around a complainer, though I’m not saying that aging doesn’t have a list of legitimate complaints.

You don’t have to look too far to find aching knees, blurred vision or bad backs, not to mention sagging skin. Note to self: smiling will make your face look less saggy, if you find reasons to do it.

Too tired to take a walk? I hear ya. But if you push yourself to do that walk, achy knees and all, you are going to feel better when you’re done. That’s the grace of it.

Grace is the result of an attitude of gratitude. One of the things that helps me is to keep a gratitude journal. Or, you can create a daily list in your head.

Set aside five minutes and speak aloud all of the things about life that you are grateful for. Once you start listing what you’re thankful for, you’ll see that your gratitude outnumbers the complaints.

Humor

Keep your sense of humor close at hand. Do you catch yourself groaning as you get up from a chair? Make sure to laugh at yourself when you do.

Does it sometimes look like only 12-year-olds have driver’s licenses, and they’re all in your lane? That’s worth a chuckle. Do you talk about different kinds of fiber as if you are discussing fine wine? That’s pretty funny, too.

The insults of aging can be fodder for laughing your way toward the finish line. Life is going to have its way with you, so you might as well develop a sense of humor about it.

Be the Crone

Some women bristle at the word crone, but it’s a word that deserves to be reclaimed by us. Crone means crown. It is the crowning glory of your wise age. It is the mark of being an elder.

Let’s face it, you know stuff. You know more stuff now about what it means to fully be a human being than ever before. You’ve experienced loss, grief, failure and pain and you are still standing. You know how to hold life’s suffering and life’s joy side by side.

That’s why this is such a good time to mentor or volunteer. At the very least, use your crone years to write out the things you’ve learned about living this long. Claim your voice. Stand in the light of your truth.

Ageing is a strange new journey, a time of humbling and a time to laugh, a time to be wise and a time to remember child-like wonder. As a Zen master once said, “This being so, how shall I proceed?”

Proceed with caution. Proceed at your own risk. Proceed with laughter, love, grace and dignity. Say “thank you” as if it were the prayer of your life.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What qualities enhance and help you in your process of ageing? What does it mean to embrace aging to you? Please share them with me in the comment section.

Most of us know there isn’t a magic cure for everything that ails us, whether it’s physical or emotional. Still, there is one thing we can all do that will make us feel better, no matter what’s going on.

The simple answer is: move. Whether you’re feeling sick, depressed, tired, irritated or bored, moving can help.

Regardless of our circumstances, simply moving our bodies, our minds, our ideas, our routines and our perspectives can change whatever is going on and make us feel better.

As physical therapist Carol Welch says, “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional and mental states.”

Moving Our Bodies

This is the movement that most of us know, but on a bad day, it’s hard to get ourselves up and going. If we feel depressed or tired, the last thing we want to do is put on walking or running shoes and go outside to move.

And yet, when we do, everything changes. Our minds begin to refocus, now on the beauty of the sky or the slant of the sun instead of on whatever was bugging us a half hour ago.

Some people make a point of moving a little bit every hour. They set an alarm and just walk around the block or out to the street or even to another room in the house.

You probably won’t feel like a different person when you return, but you definitely won’t feel the same as you did before you moved.

Moving Our Minds

You don’t need to literally move your brain, but doing something to engage it can alter your thought process. If you’re worried about something, for example, read a book, do a crossword puzzle, finish a brainteaser, even try a new recipe.

At first, you might struggle to concentrate, but push through it. The more we focus on something other than what’s bugging us, the easier it is to let it go, even for a little while. Plus, keeping our minds active and moving can help us maintain a youthful outlook.

Actress Sophia Loren once said, “There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”

Move Your Ideas and Biases

It’s easy to get hooked on an opinion or a bias – about politics, society and even someone else’s behavior or ideas. But getting stuck is never a good idea. Being open to what other people think and feel, as well as to changes in the world, will actually make you feel better.

Most of us hold on to our opinions and points of view because it feels safer to do so, but just considering new ideas never hurt anyone. And, you don’t have to change your stance; you simply need to occasionally consider things from a different point of view.

This is basic empathy, and it helps us to understand why people feel and act the way they do. Simply shifting your thought process occasionally can result in greater flexibility and deeper understanding.

Move Your Routine

I thrive on routine. It helps me get things done and it provides structure in my life. But when I’m feeling stuck or bored or irritated, shaking up that routine can provide a boost. Just breaking up your typical schedule can change everything.

Take yourself out to breakfast, go to an art gallery, walk on a new route, put down the book you’ve been trying to finish and read one that you know will engross you.

We create our own routines to help our selves, but we can also change them when we need to be reawakened and to think about things in a new way.

Move Your View

Last year, we moved into a new house. It is less than a mile from our old house, but it’s smaller, there is only one story, and there is no pool – all things we were looking for as we grow older.

What I wasn’t consciously looking for was a new view. But now, as I make coffee in the morning, I watch the squirrels in the yard that weren’t in my old yard. In the afternoons, I can see kids going home from school on the bike trail that runs nearby.

I’m not suggesting that everyone needs to move to a new home, but looking at the world from a different perspective – either literally or figuratively – can definitely help our moods and our health.

Moving isn’t the answer to every problem we’ll ever have, but it is a great way to take action and responsibility and make some changes.

Albert Einstein once said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Consider his advice the next time you feel stuck, and I guarantee that your new view will spark creativity, energy and gratitude.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What are some easy ways you could move your body during the day? What biases do you have that you could benefit from changing? In what ways could you change your overall view, either literally or physically? Please share your insights below.

She’s the queen of the unexpected.

Divorce is one of life’s most profound transitions, and when it happens later in life, it can feel even more overwhelming. For women over 60, ending a marriage often means navigating financial uncertainty, redefining long-term dreams, and rediscovering personal identity outside of a partnership. However, this new chapter doesn’t have to be filled with fear – it can be an opportunity for growth, joy, and empowerment.

If you’re navigating life after divorce at 60 and beyond, here’s how you can embrace the change and build a fulfilling future.

1. Honor the Grieving Process

Even if the divorce was necessary or long overdue, it’s natural to grieve. The end of a marriage brings a wave of emotions – sadness, anger, confusion, and even relief. Allow yourself the space to feel and process these emotions rather than suppressing them. By embracing the grief, you begin the journey toward healing and transformation.

2. Reclaim Your Identity

For years, your identity may have been intertwined with your role as a wife, mother, or caregiver. Now is the time to rediscover who you are as an individual. Reconnect with long-lost passions, explore new interests, and create a life that reflects your true desires. Whether it’s painting, traveling, writing, or learning something new, this is your moment to embrace the magnificent woman you are.

3. Prioritize Self-Care

Divorce at any age is stressful, but after 60, your physical and emotional well-being should be a top priority. Focus on nurturing yourself – take walks, eat nourishing foods, practice yoga or meditation, and engage in activities that bring you peace and happiness. When you prioritize your health, you create a strong foundation for the years ahead.

4. Embrace a Growth Mindset

Instead of seeing divorce as an ending, view it as a new beginning. Every challenge holds an opportunity for personal growth. Reflect on what your past experiences have taught you about yourself and your relationships. What have you learned? What will you do differently moving forward? By embracing a mindset of growth and resilience, you open yourself up to new possibilities.

5. Build a Supportive Community

Divorce later in life can feel isolating, especially if mutual friendships fade or family dynamics shift. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Join social groups, reconnect with old friends, or find community through church, volunteering, or travel. Women over 60 have a wealth of wisdom and life experience – use it to forge meaningful connections that enrich your next chapter.

6. Redefine Your Future

This is your chance to create a life that aligns with your personal dreams. Do you want to move to a new city? Start a small business? Write a book? Travel solo? Set new goals that excite you and give you a sense of purpose. Your future is a blank canvas – paint it boldly!

7. Seek Professional Guidance

Navigating divorce in your 60s comes with unique challenges, from financial security to emotional well-being. Seeking guidance from a financial advisor, therapist, or life coach can provide clarity and confidence. Therapy isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an act of self-care that can help you heal and move forward with intention.

8. Embrace the Joy of New Beginnings

The best years of your life aren’t behind you – they’re ahead! Instead of focusing on what’s been lost, shift your perspective to what’s possible. Love, adventure, and happiness don’t have an expiration date. Stay open to new experiences, relationships, and opportunities that bring joy into your life.

Divorce after 60 is a significant transition, but it’s also a chance to reclaim your happiness, confidence, and independence. This is your time to shine – to live fully, love yourself deeply, and create a future that reflects your heart’s true desires.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you started over after divorce at 60? What is the best advice you have received for flourishing in this season? Share your story and inspire others in the comments!