I’m 68, having a blast with my new “career,” and I feel really good about what I’m doing. Eight years ago I retired from the “day job” and haven’t looked back.

I’m more engaged and excited about what I’m doing than I’ve been in years. I’ve learned so much, met so many super people and realized that I can successfully explore my passions, even at my age.

Being positive and looking forward to each new day has always been my outlook on life. It got me through cancer, the death of my parents, divorces/breakups – not to mention being out of work and almost penniless at one point.

My positive attitude also helped make my move to Thailand a smooth transition when I retired. I’d always told myself I would retire on a tropical island, and I did!

Trying New Things After 60

I’ve always loved to write and have loved cats since I first saw one. Giving back and helping others is also something I really believe in. I looked around and saw such unhappiness, depression and a pessimistic outlook on life from so many my age, that I decided to combine my passions to help them.

The Happy Cat is dedicated to Boomers staying positive, making good life choices and finding happiness each and every day as they journey through life.

At 61 I started my Happy Cat blog. At 62 I started a YouTube channel for videos taken here on Koh Lanta, the island I’m proud to call my home. At 63 I started an online shop to go with my website. The shop features cat-themed products from Thailand. What could be better than a cat-themed shop for someone like me! Last year I created a Giant Cat and other sculptures off of plastic waste lighters.

And I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve done it all myself; the planning, the strategy, the technical side and all the promotional marketing. And I don’t find it stressful at all. I feel great, confident in my new career, and more importantly, I’m having a blast!

Here are 5 reasons why trying something new is good for us, especially when we are over 60.

Exercise for the Brain

Trying new things provides an excellent way to exercise our brains. Doing something different means that we’ll be learning new ideas, concepts and skills. Brain exercise is important as we get older. The brain is like a muscle; if it isn’t used, it gets weak.

Involvement in the Present

Trying something new keeps us involved in the present. Whether the something new is a new sport, hobby, place to live or a new business, the act of making a change keeps us involved in the present, in the here and now.

Often, when life gets boring, we can reminisce about our lives and focus on the past. We seem to take comfort remembering where we used to work and live, and have wonderful memories of those no longer with us.

While we all have these thoughts, we have to be careful that they don’t take up the majority of our time. It is easy to slip into our memories – ignoring the present – when it is the present that we live in. A new situation keeps us engaged with living in the present.

Interaction with New People

New situations give us an opportunity to interact with new people. Trying something new is an excellent way to also meet new people. Loneliness can be difficult as we get older. Our circle of friends and family seems to continually shrink and it is hard to meet new people. But starting something new provides us with a super opportunity to meet new people with similar and complimentary interests.

New Interests and Opportunities

Trying something new provides the opportunity to find new interests and make our lives more interesting. Many of us get so wrapped up in our lives with our jobs and families that we never try activities or hobbies. We always say, One day I’ll do this or that. Well, now is the time. New interests make our lives more interesting, and this helps us nurture a positive attitude for looking forward to each new day.

Financial Awareness

Engaging in new activities also requires us to get involved with our financial situation. The majority of us are no longer accumulating; we are spending, downsizing and often worrying about our spending.

This isn’t a bad thing. We need to often review and analyze our financial situation. It is important to know what we have, what can we do and what could be done to free up some funds for our new interests. It also gives us a feeling of satisfaction that we figured out our finances. We gain a sense of autonomy as we are doing it ourselves. We feel strong and in control of our lives.

Try it you may like it! A friend of mine is always saying “Never try, never know,” and she’s right. It’s fun and exciting to try something new. And if you find you don’t like it, well, you can always try something else.

It’s all good!

What was the last “new thing” that you tried in your life? What benefits have you found? Or, what is holding you back from starting a new project or following a new passion? Please share in the comments below.

Kristin Cavallari’s Chloe Tote on Instagram

Kristin Cavallari 2022 Instagram Fashion

Kristin Cavallari is the G.O.A.T when it comes to vacay fashion. And now she’s the G.O.A.T when it comes to vacay accessories too. I mean how cute is her Chloe tote and grey fedora she had at the beach?! KCav def has vacation style in the bag and because of that we now have a new tote and fedora in the (shopping) bag.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop Her Chloe Tote

shop other colors:

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Click Here to Shop Her Janessa Leone Hat

Photo Credit: @kristincavallari

Originally posted at: Kristin Cavallari’s Chloe Tote

Of course, the answer is, “Nothing.” There is nothing wrong with me just as there is nothing wrong with you – in case you were wondering. However, I am in the age group considered to be old and undesirable for employment.

I am not alone! Since embarking on this Herculean task of obtaining gainful employment and posting my trials on my Facebook page, Aging Disgracefully, I have found so many women of a similar age in the same situation. They are all mid-60s to mid-70s.

I have heard from women in their 70s who have had to go back to teaching because they just can’t support themselves. Women in their 60s struggling to make the rent. Women of all ages who have lost everything through divorce or the death of a loved one.

Women who have no family or support, and others who have too much family. You know, those families who are looking for a doormat.

This seems to be a universal problem. I have received messages from women in the USA, in the UK, Australia, South Africa and even India. That one really threw me!

What’s Wrong with Me?

I concluded that there must be something wrong with me because not only was I not receiving acknowledgement of my applications, I wasn’t getting any interviews either. “Is it because of my age,” I wondered.

Here Are Four Things I Suggest You Do

I settled down, as you do, and spoke to a couple of recruitment agency ladies who had asked me in for an interview. They seemed to think it was a combination of looking for part-time work and my age.

It’s illegal for anyone to ask how old you are, so I can only assume they guess my age from the list of items on my CV!

Change Your Resume/CV

You must change your resume/CV. In the interests of working, I very soon learned to include whatever was relevant to the specific job. I have a variety of qualifications, which, to people looking to hire, make me over-qualified. Yes, that old chestnut!

Be prepared to bend the truth and give the employers what they want. In all honesty, you need to do that with the recruitment people as well.

Understand Political Correctness Is in Action

I can only talk about the UK, but here they have managed to raise political correctness to an unprecedented level. It’s like walking on eggshells. These people have little to no sense of humour.

It may be an age thing, but a lot of what goes on seems to be rampant stupidity! My advice is to smile sweetly and agree. I know, it’s not good for women our age but sometimes we must do it.

Limit Conversation About Your Capabilities

I am constantly being told by recruiters that I mustn’t say “I have excellent communication skills.” Apparently, employers think you’re being boastful and they don’t like it.

All I can say to that is, “Shame!” If you have a talent, you should be able to let people know, especially if you know they’re looking for it in a person/employee.

But, do not make the mistake of over selling your strengths and capabilities. They don’t like it, as I found when I went for an interview at a chiropractor’s office. You guessed it, I didn’t get the job.

The Truth

If you’re looking for a job, then, like me, you will be facing the same bigotry or ageism because that’s what it is. Perhaps we can’t call people bigots nowadays. It may not be politically correct. But is does seem as though any woman up to 30 can get full or even part time work!

Despite ageism being outlawed, most employers prefer someone who looks young (ish). They do not seem to be interested in women who are intelligent, articulate, capable, wise and know how to behave in any environment. I know, fellow job-seekers, that you have found this to be true.

How to Find Work in Your 60s

I would love to be able to offer a viable option to help solve this problem, but I really can’t.

I have my own business and I write. I run courses and a variety of other things, but they are all solitary pursuits and I really want to be able to communicate with other human beings. The money would come in handy too!

My only suggestion is that you register with every recruitment organisation possible and hope they get your specs right – good luck with that one!

Spend a couple of hours every morning going through the jobs recruiters send you. Apply and send a very focused cover letter. The worst that can happen is you’ll be rejected. Or ignored. You simply must keep on keeping on.

Avoid stress. Meditate, walk or do anything that lowers the frustration level. I have considered going back into coaching. Review all the talents you have and how you may be able to revive them. But that, of course, is a topic for another article.

Are you looking for work? Have you been forced to return to work? What have you done to get work? Please share – we all need a hand on this one.

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

Call all Line Friends fans: the time is finally here. ColourPop released its BT21 collection before the launch date and it’s just as cute as we expected. The BT21-inspired makeup collection is for UNISTARS. It includes a 24-pan shadow palette, three hydrating lip oils and seven single shadows themed to represent all the characters: Koya, RJ, Shooky, Mang, Chimmy, Tata, Cooky and Van.

If you aren’t exactly sure what BT21 is, we’re going to allow ColourPop to explain. “Prince TATA from Planet BT, who had been traveling with VAN, crashed on Earth. In order to spread love, TATA decides to become a star. Finally, they have met six fascinating members: KOYA, RJ, SHOOKY, MANG, CHIMMY, COOKY. This is the beginning of the future UNIVERSTAR BT21.”

Line Friends is a global creative studio that works with companies including Netflix, Supercell, Tencent
and Big Hit Entertainment. It has movies, games and tons of cute products — including pretty much everything with the BT21 characters on it.

Now, we’ve got a cute makeup collection with new colors in the ColourPop finishes you already love. And BT21 fans are freaking out. When ColourPop posted about the collab on its Instagram, comments ranged from “You all better have your servers/website/checkout, etc, prepared. We will crash it trying to get our hands on this merch.” to “I’m getting them even if I don’t have space in my make up drawer!!!”

OK, it’s time to get a look at the whole collection. It’s out July 14 at 10 a.m. PST on the ColourPop website.

ColourPop.

Bon Voyage Pressed Powder Palette

This colorful 24-pan palette features matte, metallic, pressed glitter and matte sparkle finishes.

ColourPop.

Lux Lip Oils

The moisturizing gel-oil lippies come in red, peach and sheer.

ColourPop.

Super Shock Shadows

The OG bouncy formula comes in these cool tie-dye finishes inspired by each character.

Lisa Barlow’s Plaid Blazer and Bralette on Instagram

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City 2022 Instagram Fashion

There was no caption needed for Lisa Barlow’s IG post of her wearing the cuuuutest plaid blazer and bralette. It was just that good. But it’s about to get better because there are a few pieces of both pieces left in stock! Even when that inevitably goes there’s no need to worry baby gorgeous, we still have the Style Stealers Barlow below.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop Her Givenchy Blazer

Click Here to Shop Her Givenchy Bralette

Photo + ID Credit: @lisabarlow14

Originally posted at: Lisa Barlow’s Plaid Blazer and Bralette