Author: Admin01

Their favorite decade? Hands down, without exception, their 60s.

I’ve interviewed dozens of women who are more than 75 years young. I’ve spoken to interesting, active, engaged, and curious souls to determine their secret sauce. What are their thoughts on successful aging?

This Is Our Best Decade

Their responses surprised me. Interviewees consistently reported their 60s as the most enjoyable times of their lives. They felt good and enjoyed decent health. With kids grown and living independently, they had more money at their disposal. They enjoyed grandchildren, travel, and friends. They had the time and energy to pick up a new hobby. They finally put themselves first.

And now, halfway through my 60s, I get it.

So! When a friend texted Any interest? to a few of us, I didn’t hesitate. I’m in! I typed back.

The Fashion Show I Never Thought I’d Attend

I’d never attended the Nashville Symphony Fashion Show. I’d admired the after-photos of the fancy people in fancy clothing who did attend. I gazed at the gorgeous flowers and lavish decor and jaw-dropping runway dresses I could never afford.

The swanky annual event raises funds to support the Symphony’s diverse, low-cost educational and community programs.

Five of us chimed in – Let’s go!

And then came the hard part.

Not So Easy to Choose the Perfect Outfit

For the next few weeks, a flurry of texts fluttered back and forth between our group. All well past 60, we fretted and agonized about the level of dressiness and the weather forecast and what in the world would we wear?

Do you think this dress will work? Maybe with Spanx?

Too casual?

Do you think it will be too cold for sandals?

Finding cocktail clothes that met our parameters proved more challenging than it used to be. We wanted longer dresses – with sleeves! – that hid our crepey legs and bat-wing arms and jiggly spots that no amount of crunches will tame. Those sky-high heels we once wore? A hard no.

Before heading to the downtown soiree, the five of us met at our organizer’s home for a splash of champagne to celebrate. We are doing this! Cheers to embracing something new, life north of 60, and our assortment of finery.

Our Uber wound its way through the city, past the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Johnny Cash Museum. On this picture perfect evening, tourists swarmed the streets and the Broadway honky tonks.

They were not dressed like us.

It Was a Glamorous Entrance

We pulled up to the curb at one of my favorite buildings in Nashville. Smack dab in the middle of all the mayhem that is Music City sits the marble and granite Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

One at a time, we piled out of the SUV, our gracious driver assisting the five Cinderellas alighting from our golden coach. Like an old-timey clown car, we nervously emerged from the vehicle and set chunky heels on the sidewalk.

And we heard …

Cheering.

Clapping.

Shouts.

I looked over my shoulder to see what all the fuss was about.

And the fuss, it turned out, was us.

Still applauding, a group of 30-something women – eight or nine of them – approached us with big smiles.

You look so pretty!

I want to be like you when I grow up!

I’d love for my mom to be friends with you!

And, just like that, we were stars.

We floated our way into that building and through the magical event. Sipping more champagne, we clinked glasses to celebrate life, friendships, and what lies ahead. We saluted our Sex and the City moment.

A local news anchor emceed the beautiful evening. Pamella Roland’s stunning designs graced the runway. Vince Gill performed a few songs.

Much More to Come – and I Will Embrace It

It was a special night, and I want to get all dolled up and do it again. Of course, it won’t be as special the second time. It never is. Because we have expectations. And there aren’t as many surprises. And I doubt we’d have another cheering section.

We still giggle about our Carrie Bradshaw moment. The applause, comments, appreciation, and approval motivate us to go after more of that giddy feeling. Sure, our 60s come with thinning hair and veiny legs. We forget names and turn the TV volume higher and higher.

But this can also be a time of adventures, accomplishment, and reinvention. If we let them.

What else can I say yes to in my 60s? I’ve got five more years to attack this decade and make it the best yet. And then – perhaps – my 70s will be even better.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

When was the last time you tried something new? Do you have an item on your *someday* list you’ve always wanted to do? Or an event you’ve wanted to attend?

Photo: @enews

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Originally posted at: Ariana Madix’s Yellow Floral Mini Dress

Click Here for Additional Stock in Her Dress

Photo + ID: @madisonlecroy

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Originally posted at: Madison LeCroy’s White Belted Shirt Dress and Sunglasses

This is good news for my closet and bad news for my bank account.

“How do I get rid of stubborn belly fat?” This question is one of the most common ones I get asked as a personal trainer for women over 55. The question is typically followed by a request for a focus on core exercises. But there is SO much more to getting rid of belly fat than core exercises. Let’s uncover the 5 mistakes women over 55 need to avoid when it comes to getting rid of belly fat. 

Mistake #1: Too Much Sugar Is Sneaking Up on You!

Losing belly fat can feel impossible for women over 55. We often blame our hormones and metabolism. But are you really taking an honest look at how many grams of sugar you consume each day? Too much refined sugar parks itself right in our abdomen, which is one of the most dangerous areas to hold fat. Fat in the abdomen can be visceral fat that is around your organs and is linked to heart disease, a higher risk of cancer, and inflammation. 

Track your grams of sugar per day and strive for 25 grams or less per day. Natural sugars from fruits and vegetables are less harmful especially balanced by the fiber level, but you should still keep an eye on your total grams of sugar. Use a Free App like MyFitnessPal to track your nutrients, not just calories, for a few days to see where you fall and what changes you can make. 

Read more: Best Fitness Apps for Women Over 60.

Mistake #2: Wine Belly: Alcohol Is Keeping the Pounds in Your Midsection

It’s relaxing to have a glass of wine in the evening. Sometimes that glass is never-ending and bottomless; too much wine or alcohol is often paired with less than healthy choices of snacks and the portions are neverending. Add in a few events out with friends during the week and before you know it, you’ve had alcohol more days than you realized.

Research studies abound showing that moderate alcohol consumption is linked to belly fat, and also visceral fat around the organs that we talked about above. Consciously choose the days you are going to have a glass and enjoy! 

Swap in a fresh sparkling water spritzer or an herbal tea to fill the desire to relax and unwind. Drink plenty of water and avoid salty snacks during happy hour, as they make you feel thirstier. Share your goals with your partner and friends so they can support you instead of nudging you towards less than desirable decisions. 

Mistake #3: You Are Stress and Emotional Eating

You are feeling stressed out, angry, frustrated, sad, or emotional but instead of leaning into your emotions, you lean into the pantry, fridge, and freezer to munch away your frustrations. Emotional and stress eating feels helpful in the moment, but never feels good later on. And it’s one of the most common reasons we veer from our nutritious foods. We don’t reach for an apple or a banana when we are stress eating. We reach for cupcakes, ice cream, and crunchy snacks to drown out our sorrows. 

Take the time right now to come up with a short list of healthier alternatives for the next time you are stressed: take a walk, journal, call a friend, try some affirming self talk, furiously air drum, breathe, make a cup of tea, or be with your true emotions. Remind yourself when you are in the thick of it, that you aren’t hungry, remind yourself the actual emotion you are feeling and then try to be with it and pick an activity from the list to help you through it. Imagine the amount of calories, sugar, and fat you could save from your midline. 

Mistake #4: You Are ONLY Counting Calories

When you think about going on a diet or trying to lose weight, often the first thought is to reduce carbs and cut your calories. This builds a mindset of restriction and lack and will be hard to keep up with. 

Cutting your calories too low will actually cause your metabolic rate to slow down, reducing the number of calories you burn each day. Instead of restricting your calories, focus on fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to feel healthy and strong. 

Strive for lots of vegetables and fruits to give your body plenty of fiber, at least 25-35 grams per day, add beans, quinoa, lentils, and lean meats for protein, at least 75-100 grams of protein per day, and lots of greens for calcium, vit D, and nuts and seeds for healthy fats, 50 grams per day and magnesium, and whole grains for complex carbs, 100-180 per day. Try tracking your food for a few days to see which nutrients are lacking in your diet and what foods you could add to improve your nutrition. 

Mistake #5: Your Only Exercise Is Walking

One of the biggest mistakes women over 55 make with regards to belly fat is walking as the only form of exercise. While walking should be a part of your exercise plan, you need to add strength training to your routine at least 2-3 times a week to build your strength, endurance, and metabolism. With consistent strength training, your body’s metabolism can improve, increasing the amount of calories you burn each day, not just during your workouts but all day. Strength training also helps to build muscles to protect your joints and keep you strong for the activities of life you enjoy and the things you need to do! 

Read more: Why I Weight Train as an Older Woman: My Journey to Strength in My 50s and Beyond.

Following section updated by Sixty & Me.

FAQ: Belly Fat After 55

Can I spot-reduce belly fat with core exercises?

No. Core work strengthens muscles under the fat but doesn’t selectively burn belly fat. Pair total-body strength training, daily movement, and nutrition changes to reduce overall body fat.

How much sugar should I aim for each day?

Keep added sugar around 25 g per day or less. Read labels. Sugar hides in sauces, yogurt, cereal, and “healthy” snack bars. Whole fruit is fine; its fiber blunts blood sugar spikes. 

Is alcohol really linked to belly fat?

Yes. Even moderate intake can raise abdominal and visceral fat. Choose your drinking days ahead of time, pause after one serving, and swap in sparkling water, kombucha, or herbal tea on non-drinking days.

I walk a lot. Why isn’t my waist changing?

Walking is great for health, but it’s often not enough for body-composition change. Add 2–3 strength sessions/week that hit legs, back, chest, glutes, and core. Progress weights or reps over time.

Do hormones after menopause make belly fat inevitable?

Hormonal changes shift fat storage toward the abdomen, but it’s not a done deal. Consistent strength training, adequate protein, fiber, sleep, and stress management help counteract that shift. Discuss HRT or other options with your healthcare provider if symptoms are significant.

Do I need to cut out carbs to lose belly fat?

No. Prioritize quality and portions. Choose oats, quinoa, legumes, potatoes, and whole-grain breads. Pair carbs with protein and fiber to steady blood sugar and improve satiety.

If you need help, my webinar Design Your Belly-Fat Busting Workout Plan can help you learn the best exercise routine and schedule to burn belly fat. Sign up here: https://vitalityfitnwell.com/BFBWP-Workshop.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you have a problem with belly fat? What have you done about it to this point? Has it worked? Which of the mistakes mentioned above has hindered your belly fat progress?