Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

Over the years, self-publishing has evolved, but what hasn’t changed is the accessibility for the average person to become a published author. Not everyone wants, or needs, to write full-time like I do, so below I’ve listed a number of ways you can use the phenomenon of self-publishing to your benefit.

Start a Second Career

If you’ve ever wanted to be a full-time author and have time to pursue your dream, self-publishing is a great option for a second career later in life. It’s not too late to achieve your dreams, and having a second career can not only be fulfilling, it can be financially rewarding.

Here are examples of famous people who had success later in life:

• Thanks to launching her first book, Entertaining, after age 40, by the time Martha Stewart was 50, she was a household name.
• Julia Child made her television debut at 51.
• Colonel Sanders sold his first KFC franchise after the age of 65.
• At 73, Duncan Hines licensed his name for cake mixes.
• Grandma Moses started seriously painting at 78, and by the time of her death had produced approximately 2000 paintings.

If you’ve always wanted to be published, don’t let age hold you back.

Generate Extra Income in Retirement

Self-publishing offers the flexibility of writing and publishing on your own terms. In doing so, you can earn additional income in your spare time and supplement your retirement funds.

Depending on the popularity of your books, you can earn passive income for years. You can also use the same story to generate additional income streams by creating audiobooks, translations, licensing to apps, and taking advantage of other opportunities. All of this can be done from the comfort of your own home by selling your self-published titles online.

Add Credibility to Your Business

If you’re a consultant, public speaker, or provide some other service, a self-published book can enhance your business. By selling copies at workshops and speaking engagements, you’ll establish another revenue stream. Perhaps more important, your book becomes a marketing tool that adds to your credibility.

Think outside the box. This opportunity is not limited to marketers and self-help gurus. For example, if you own a restaurant or are a personal chef, self-publish a cookbook. If you’re a minister or counselor, put together a book that provides guidance to potential people seeking your counsel.

Write Your Memoir or Autobiography

Have you lived an interesting life or, as someone mentioned in the comments of my article How to Become a Published Author, gone through an ordeal that could be inspirational for others to read? Unless you’re famous, telling your personal story is unlikely to generate the type of interest and income as commercial fiction would. But writing and self-publishing your memoir or autobiography could be a cathartic process, inspire others going through a similar experience, or provide a meaningful legacy for your loved ones.

Preserve Family History

Along the same lines as a memoir or autobiography, preserving your family history in a book is unlikely to result in significant financial gain. However, it ensures your family stories and traditions are passed down, becoming a keepsake for future generations. The stories can help connect family members and instill pride in their accomplishments.

Get a New Hobby

Maybe you don’t want to make money from writing and want to write for fun, as a hobby. If that’s the case, you can still self-publish your books. The satisfaction you experience from completing a novel will exponentially increase when you read it on your tablet or hold a print copy in your hands that fits on your bookshelf.

Tapping into your creativity can bring joy in your later years, and you’re not limited to writing adult novels. How much fun would it be to write stories for your grandchildren and use their names for the characters? Imagine reading them that bedtime story. They’ll never forget it!

Conclusion

As you can see, there are numerous ways to use self-publishing to your benefit, whether you want to earn income or simply have fun. The good news is, there are plenty of resources available to help you be successful, no matter which path you choose.

Lots of people get the writing bug but don’t know where or how to start, and I’d love to make that happen for you in 2025. I’m running a giveaway for novice self-publishers who have published 0-3 books, and I partnered with two of my favorite vendors – Deranged Doctor Design and The Editing Hall. Enter the giveaway if you’re ready to explore writing on a different level.

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Let’s Have a Conversation:

Can you think of other ways you can use self-publishing to your benefit? Have you done any of the six options listed above?

Role reversal, whether it is as a parent/child or even a grandparent/grandchild, never quite feels right. Becoming the “let me help you” person in the relationship is not how it likely went for most of your life. But with aging, that sometimes changes or needs to change for the safety and best health of the person you love.

And then you add in the taboo topic of money, and the conversations become even more challenging. I am talking about approaching an aging family member or friend to help them with their financial life.

Your Guide Book on This Subject

I recently had the pleasure of meeting a financial journalist and author, Cameron Huddleston. A few years ago, she wrote the book Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk: How to Have Essential Conversations with Your Parents About Their Finances. And I was so pleased to see her hit the nail on the head with all of the related areas that I have witnessed over the past 20+ years as a financial advisor working with families. Her comprehensive book was passionately created out of her own first-hand experience.

Experience Is the Best Teacher

Cameron shared with me, as she does in her book, that her mom was living on her own (after a divorce). And she began noticing some signs of her mother’s memory loss. Cameron never had detailed financial conversations before that except when the topic of long-term care had come up. On that subject, she had encouraged her mom to look into options for paying for care in case it would ever be needed, especially since she was living on her own.

But as is the case with many long-term care insurance applicants, Cameron’s mom found out that she was uninsurable (due to a pre-existing condition in this case). In hindsight, Cameron feels that would have been the perfect opportunity to talk more with her mom (to understand her financial situation regarding her assets, to ask about what care she might want if that became a need, etc.).

Detective Work

As with many families, once she saw continued signs of memory loss, then it became a scramble to see an estate planning attorney to update legal documents. The attorney recommended letting the bank know that she was her mom’s financial power of attorney as an important next step.

Then Cameron began monitoring her mom’s financial life from behind the scenes. She shared that it felt like detective work to even find information since her mom was understandably forgetting things and wouldn’t always know the answer when she was asked a question.

A Book Was Born

I asked Cameron what was the last straw, the switch that flipped in her mind, motivating her to share her experience in a book. She said it was during an interview for a podcast. Both hosts said, “Boy, I should be talking with my parents!” Then the tech person and literally everyone else in the room was saying the same thing: “You’ve opened my eyes!” “I need to be talking to my parents!” “This could be me, too!”

The two things I most like about Cameron’s book are its comprehensiveness and the step-by-step guide as to what to do when stepping into this new role of partnering with parents on their finances.

All the Things

Who knew there would be so many approaches, angles, and people potentially involved in this idea of talking with your parents about their finances? I want to share a few takeaways that I found extremely true in having seen this play out with actual families over the years:

Have a Plan

“Have a plan for how you are going to approach this,” Cameron advises. Talking to siblings first should be part of that plan so nothing is behind their back, no one assumes bad intentions, and you can agree on who should have the discussion, the best time to have it, and how to start the conversation.

Try Different Approaches

Try a variety of approaches: consider asking parents for financial advice even if you don’t really need it and then keep asking questions to keep conversations going. Talk about scams and offer to help (ways to protect, credit reports); share a story (how it went well or badly); and don’t give up after one try as it may take a variety of approaches.

Enlist a Trusted Third Party

Get a trusted third party involved: a family friend, another family member, a professional like clergy, an estate planning attorney, or a financial advisor.

Don’t Wait for an Emergency

Cameron’s book even gives a step-by-step guide on how to approach the conversation and actions to take when one thing doesn’t work once you hopefully begin moving forward. Her advice mirrors mine, “Don’t wait for the health issue or when they have to ask for help or when they can’t afford something!” She reminds us all to do it while everyone is healthy. In emergency mode, emotions run high and we tend not to think or talk rationally which makes a difficult time even harder.

One final thought is her wise call to action. “These conversations are about finding out what your parents’ wishes are so that you can honor those wishes.”

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How did you or your family approach your parents about helping them with financial planning-related topics? Has anything you experienced with your parents changed the way you think about communicating with your adult children? If you or your parent are/were single, how does that change the situation?

As we age, maintaining our strength becomes increasingly important. For women over 55, strength training isn’t just about lifting weights – it’s about building strong bones, improving mobility, reducing aches, and maintaining a vibrant, healthy lifestyle.

As a Personal Trainer and Physical Therapist Assistant who has helped hundreds of women over 55 to build strength, confidence, and vitality, I know how important it is to just start and be consistent.

If you’re thinking about starting down this road, the following tips will help you get on track and stay motivated for the long term. 

#1. Start Slow and Steady 

If you’re new to strength training, there’s no need to dive into intense workouts right away. Starting slow allows your body to adapt to new movements and reduces the risk of injury. Begin with lighter weights and simple exercises, like bodyweight squats or wall push-ups. As you progress, you can gradually increase the weight or resistance. 

Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of bodyweight exercises! Movements like squats, lunges, and push-ups are fantastic for building foundational strength.

Don’t forget to set realistic goals. Start by setting small, achievable goals. This will keep you motivated and give you something to work toward. Instead of focusing on a specific weight to lift, set goals like improving your balance, doing more reps, or reducing joint discomfort. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small. Every bit of progress is a step toward a healthier, stronger you. 

#2. Focus on Form, Not Weight 

Good form is the cornerstone of safe and effective strength training. Rather than lifting the heaviest weights, prioritize performing each exercise with correct technique. This not only helps prevent injury but also ensures that you’re targeting the right muscles. 

Tip: If you’re unsure about your form, consider working with a certified trainer, like myself, or joining a small group class designed for older adults to get personalized attention. 

Don’t be afraid to modify any exercise if certain exercises feel uncomfortable or difficult. As we age, our bodies may have limitations due to joint stiffness or past injuries. Modify exercises to suit your body’s needs, and don’t worry about sticking to a strict routine. Swap out exercises that aggravate your joints for alternatives. For example, if traditional squats bother your knees, try sit-to-stand exercise from an elevated chair or seated leg presses or wall squats with a ball against the wall and between your back. 

#3. Incorporate Balance and Flexibility 

Strength training isn’t just about muscle; it’s about balance and flexibility too. Exercises that challenge your balance, like single-leg stands or lunges, help improve coordination and prevent falls. Incorporating stretching and flexibility work, like yoga or dynamic stretching, keeps your muscles limber and reduces stiffness. 

Tip: Include balance exercises in your routine at least twice a week to improve stability and mobility. 

#4. Make Strength Training a Habit 

Consistency is key when it comes to seeing results. To make strength training a regular part of your life, start by scheduling it in your calendar just like any other appointment. Whether it’s twice a week or every other day, having a plan ensures you make time for your workouts. 

Tip: Keep your sessions short to start, about 20-30 minutes, so it feels manageable. As you build the habit, you can increase the duration. 

Track your progress; it can help to keep you motivated! In my programs, we adjust weights and exercises for each workout, but also every 12 weeks we take a set of measurements to see how your body has improved in strength, balance, and flexibility. It’s great to see how far you’ve come. 

#5. Listen to Your Body 

Your body’s needs change over time, and it’s important to listen to what it’s telling you. Some days, you may feel full of energy and ready to lift heavier. Other days, you might need to take it easy or focus on mobility work. Being in tune with your body will help you stay consistent without overexerting yourself. 

Tip: If you feel any sharp pain during a workout, stop immediately and reassess your form or the weight you’re using. There’s a difference between muscle fatigue and injury pain – pay attention to that distinction. 

#6. Fuel Your Body Right 

To maximize the benefits of strength training, it’s essential to support your workouts with proper nutrition. Make sure you’re eating enough protein, at least 75 grams a day, to help your muscles recover and grow, and stay hydrated throughout the day. 

Tip: Post-workout, try having a protein-rich snack like Greek yogurt, a smoothie, or a handful of nuts to aid muscle recovery. 

Starting and staying consistent with strength training is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term health. By focusing on proper form, setting realistic goals, and being mindful of your body’s needs, you’ll build strength, improve mobility, and feel empowered in your fitness journey. Remember, it’s never too late to start! 

Ready to get started? Join my upcoming Free Workshop for women over 55: Perfect 10 Body Friendly Strength Exercises to Build Strong Bones and Muscles.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What type of strength training do you do? How often do you practice? What results have you seen since you started?

Do you know this word: ‘ageism’?

‘Ageism’ is a word first coined in 1969 by American psychiatrist Robert N. Butler. He was referring to systematic stereotyping or discrimination against people because they are old.

Through the years, the definition of ‘ageism’ has evolved to mean prejudice against other age groups too, but ageism is still most commonly recognized as prejudice and discrimination against older people.

This can be a serious social problem – seniors denied care and understanding simply due to their age. Unfortunately, I’ve even seen such injustice in healthcare.

But ageism isn’t just a social problem. It can affect the self-image of individuals too. As people age, they often begin to view their lives as increasingly limited or unimportant — less meaningful. They turn the prejudice of ageism against themselves!

What Ageism Misses

Ageism affects more than the lives of older individuals. Ageism ‘dumbs down’ our whole culture. Any culture that places greatest value in youth overlooks the supreme treasure of old age – wisdom!

Traditional societies, worldwide, through time, have valued the wisdom of the elders. Tribes look to their elders for a depth of insight and guidance that’s less available from younger folks.

I saw this firsthand in my years of training in analytical psychology. We students all knew that, by and large, the great analysts were the old ones! They had the wisdom.

A Natural Tendency Toward Wisdom

There’s a study that sheds light on one way that older people naturally access more wisdom. (Yes, that includes your wisdom too!)

Researchers investigated the ‘cognition’ (thinking process) of younger people (college students) as compared to older people (aged 60–75). In the study, they discovered that the thinking of the older group was slower, but it was equally accurate.

When researchers encouraged the older participants to speed up, they were able to do so. They could even match the speed of the younger participants without significantly losing accuracy – but they preferred to go more slowly.

One researcher concluded: “In many simple tasks, the elderly take longer mainly because they decide to require more evidence to make their decisions.”

Sounds like wisdom, doesn’t it? Slower thinking that naturally favours more evidence in decision-making.

You might consider this the next time you notice that you’re taking a little extra time to think about things before deciding. This is natural. Why hurry? You’re accessing wisdom!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you recently experienced ageism? In what way? What does wisdom mean for you? Have you noticed yourself growing in wisdom? How so?

To be honest it was a joy to leave a very wet and rainy England behind – even though it meant leaving my gorgeous 300-year-old cottage, that I spent the summer decorating and turning into my beautiful home. After a couple of years travelling all over the world, I had enjoyed sleeping in my own comfy bed for a few months.

But the itchiness in my feet kept needing to be scratched. I found myself booking overnight hotel stays by the coast, or an Airbnb in a beautiful town. Finally, I made up my mind and took off on my first foreign trip since giving up full time solo travel. My destination? Crete.

A Fabulous Welcome

I arrived at the apartment just after midnight. Everyone had gone to bed except a Greek adonis barman (complete with hairy chest and gold medallion), who welcomed me with a huge smile and showed me to my room.

After a very comfortable night, I woke to the sight of a stunning turquoise sea, which always makes me happy. A quick shower, bikini on and a little sunscreen (it was 28C), and I had my first look around the small but beautiful complex.

The people who run the apartments had built the complex themselves and personally welcome everyone. Within 30 minutes, George, the owner, was whisking me and another guest, to drop us off in the local town. Now that’s what I call VIP service!

My Own Shirley Valentine Moment

Sitting by the beach in a little taverna, sipping a cool drink and watching the world go by, it was easy to see why Shirley Valentine escaped her humdrum life to move to Greece. Crete is truly beautiful with stunning mountains as backdrop, olive groves, warm blue seas and a welcome to match.

It has a wonderful eclectic mix of people from all over the world, and charming, charismatic natives. I had been a little worried my non-existent Greek would be a problem, but many people speak English. With Zorba the Greek playing in the background, I could honestly imagine myself spending the rest of my life in this beautiful slice of heaven!

A Short Cruise

With the warm blue waters so inviting, I decided to go on a cruise for a couple of hours. The boat slowly sailed out of the tiny port, along the coast, past a couple getting married, a nudist beach (the captain pointed it out, but we were close enough to see for ourselves!) and others swimming into a cave. As we pulled into a little bay, I surprised myself by being brave and jumping from the boat and swimming to the shore.

Back on board we were treated to a delicious BBQ lunch, followed by chilled wine and delicious slices of melon. The music making it difficult not to dance, Greek style, of course!

Great Company

Back at the apartment, days were spent lying by the pool, evenings chatting with the owners and other guests, and learning a little history about this gorgeous part of the world. Although there were only a few guests there, I was the only one who hadn’t been before, some of them have been returning for almost 20 years.

The apartments were closing for the winter (it was still 28C!) so there were only a handful of rooms occupied, and we often sat together. As always, it is the people I meet that make my travels so wonderful, and there was no exception here. Everyone was lovely and many hugs were exchanged upon my departure. Some of my new friends even walked down to wave me off in my taxi, even though it was nearly 11.00 pm.

A Little Greek Magic

It is difficult to be on this beautiful island and not be captured by its spell. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the people will stay with me forever. As Shirley Valentine said, “I used to be The Mother. I used to be The Wife. But now I’m Shirley Valentine again.” Finding yourself is easy when you are surrounded by beauty, warmed by sunshine, and maybe even a little chilled by the local drink.

Also read, Guide to the Best Greek Islands for Over 60s.

Join the Conversation:

Have you ever thought about moving abroad? Is there a place you go to find yourself? Do you get itchy feet when you don’t travel for some time?