Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

Crossing the 60 and over threshold means different things to each of us. One thing we can all agree on is that when we enter this beautiful stage of our lives, resisting change is no longer an option.

We all know that change is the immutable law of nature. Even so, how many times have you attempted to negotiate with change, even try in vain to bend the laws of nature to fit your desires and will?

If you are like me and many others who are 60 and over, the answer is a lot.

What are the solutions to not only stop resisting change but to open yourself up to more of the desires you seek?

The answer is: Being More Playful!

Being playful after 60 is not a luxury. It is the #1 thing for welcoming new changes into your life.

Time of Year to Be More Playful

It’s hard to fathom, but springtime is upon us. This means we are entering a new and vibrant time of the year. Are you ready?

Whether you are preparing to do some spring cleaning in your home or renewing other areas of your life, this time of year requires a shift in thinking and perspective.

There is no better time to begin being more playful than now!

Being more playful, especially if you are not accustomed to doing so, requires changing your perspective on life. Without a new perspective, you could unknowingly resist the changes that lead to a new and improved you.

5 Important Questions

Mystery novelist, Rita Mae Brown, once famously wrote, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting new and better results.”

This quote speaks to outdated beliefs and behaviors that fail so many of us time and again. To successfully navigate change, you will want to stop repeating behaviors that don’t serve you by opening yourself up to new, more empowering beliefs.

Adopting new beliefs and behaviors requires clarity on what positive changes you desire. This also means being clear about what outdated beliefs you are letting go of.

To get things started, let us address five important questions:

1. What new, positive changes do you seek in your life this year?
2. What limiting beliefs and behaviors get in the way of these positive changes?
3. What new, more empowering beliefs will be needed to welcome new changes?
4. What areas in your life can you be more playful in?
5. In what ways will being more playful help you enjoy more of your life?

Once you have journaled the answer to these questions, the next step is to begin integrating the changes you seek.

3 New, Empowering Beliefs for Play

Many people can clearly articulate outer obstacles that get in the way of living their dream life. But when you ask where or how they will transport themselves from where they are to where the life of their dreams lives, a lot less clarity shows up.

Truth is, integrating new beliefs into your life is not easy. If it were, everyone would do it.

What gets in the way of integrating positive changes more than anything is that most people do not make the process enjoyable. Resisting being more playful makes the process of achieving goals and dreams a chore.

This is why the #1 thing to welcome new changes in your life is being playful!

Being playful is an act of self-love. You may agree, but if you are like a lot of people, you may also think you don’t have time to engage in playful activities. This stems from limiting beliefs most of us were taught early on about what is required to achieve our desired outcomes. Beliefs such as hard work and sacrifice come to mind.

Perhaps the biggest limiting belief that must be let go is the one that tells you that you can’t have fun until you have achieved your desired outcome.

Here are three new, empowering beliefs you can apply in your life right now:

• I am playful.
• I open myself up to be, do, and have more fun in all areas of my life.
• It is safe for me to play while working towards my goals and dreams.

Being Playful Is Essential

When you are seeking new changes but are not open to being more playful, it is easy fall back on limiting beliefs in the face of adversity.

When you are not having fun in life, your resistance to change grows. This means working harder and playing less is not an ideal solution to fulfilling your desires.

Some will say that being playful is a luxury you cannot afford at this age. Being playful, however, is essential to welcoming new changes into your life after 60.

Create time this week to observe areas of your life where you can be more playful. Be sure to have fun doing this. Remember, being playful is the key that unlocks the new you and welcomes in the new changes you seek.

I invite you to join me in the video where I will share six steps to welcoming new change, including how to be more playful in life.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Which areas of your life are fun? Do you consider playfulness a necessity in life? In which areas of your life can you be more playful?

This soup ticks so many boxes. It’s easy to make even if you’re not really a cook. It’s cheap. It tastes delicious and it’s highly nutritious too.

Why Use These Ingredients

As well as the lentils, rice and coconut, the soup uses ginger, turmeric and garlic too. These are now very much regarded as super-foods, offering lots of health benefits in tiny packages.

Ginger is now more widely known as a treatment for indigestion, but it also helps regulate blood sugar levels. Important to note, it also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can prevent cell damage and help ward off chronic disease.

Turmeric has long been recognised in Ayurvedic medicine for its beneficial properties, but now western medicine is beginning to recognise it too. Research has found that curcumin, a natural compound found in turmeric, can help eliminate certain viruses. It has also been shown to improve memory and mood in people with mild, age-related memory loss.

This recipe has black pepper in it to add to the overall tastiness. Coincidentally, research has shown that combining the piperine in black pepper with the curcumin in turmeric enhances curcumin absorption by up to 2,000%. Another nutritional benefit of this recipe.

Garlic is known for its ability to fight infections. I used to eat raw garlic when I had a sore throat. The sore throat (and my loved ones) would disappear very quickly. Garlic also appears to reduce the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol levels, and cancer. Cooking, as we are doing here, reduces these benefits somewhat, but it is still worth doing.

Do remember, in case you’re getting put off by all this worthiness, that it tastes delicious and is easy to make.

In this recipe I use rice, but you can use other grains if you prefer – millet or quinoa would work well. I like to use risotto rice as it starts to disintegrate in a way that adds body to the soup.

If you have some leftover cooked grains, use that, rather than cooking more from scratch.

The basic soup is not that spicey. This is great if you have a delicate stomach. Remember the ginger should help you digest it, but you can add other spices, such as chilli or cayenne to spice it up.

We know that the cheap and lowly red split lentil has great health-giving properties. They have been described as “the world’s oldest health food” by the WebMD website. Lentils have a high fibre content with all the benefits that bring for regulating blood sugar and reducing cholesterol levels. They are also a great source of potassium which helps blood pressure and heart health.

If you find all beans and lentils give you gas, try adding a half teaspoon of the Indian spice asafoetida to the soup at the beginning.

It can seem strange not to start by sautéing some onions or some garlic, but the coconut milk gives it that great mouth-feel of oil when it’s added towards the end.

The Recipe

So here’s the recipe, and it makes 4 servings.

Ingredients

100 g risotto rice, dry weight

100g red lentils

1 heaped tsp turmeric

1 tbsp coarsely grated ginger

2 garlic cloves, sliced

1 tsp of ground coriander

1 tsp of ground cumin

200 g of grated celeriac and/or carrot.

1 litre of vegetable stock

400ml can coconut milk

Pepper and salt to taste.

Fresh coriander or parsley as a garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook the risotto rice in water until al dente (or use any other cooked grain).
2. Put the first nine ingredients in a saucepan and simmer, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes.
3. Add the can of coconut milk and stir well.
4. Taste at this point and see if you want to add more cumin and/or coriander and whether you want to add some heat with chilli powder or curry spices.
5. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, giving an occasional stir if needed.
6. Optional: At this point you can add some shredded spinach or chard. Leave for a few minutes on a low heat and then stir before serving. If you wish, you could cook the chard separately in a little water until wilted. Once the soup has been put into bowls, top each bowl with some of this chard.
7. Optional: add some chopped parsley or coriander to each bowl before serving.

Enjoy!

This is based on an original recipe from the BBC Good Food website.

Want to Try More Recipes?

Did you like this recipe? Here are a few others that we think you may enjoy.

• Winter soup recipes
• Summer salads
• Easy risotto recipe
• Simple appetizers

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you cook lentil soup? Have you enhanced the original recipe to better suit your taste? What modifications have you made? Please share with the community!

Are you contemplating a makeover for your hairstyle? Have you stuck to the same look for an extended period and feel it’s time for a change? In the past, societal expectations often dictated that women over 70 should maintain a specific, usually short and white, hairstyle. However, times have evolved, and women in this age group are now more active than ever, expressing their personalities through diverse hair styling.

Explore some hairstyle options that might spark inspiration for your own transformation. If you find a particular style that resonates with you, consider bringing this article to your hairdresser to convey your desired change.

5 Long Hairstyles for Women Over 70

Gone are the times when women over 70 all looked the same with the same hairstyles. Don’t let anyone tell you that you should cut your hair now that you are over 70.

Updo Locks

Well maintained locks are beautiful on women of all ages. Locks, known for their versatility, can be gathered into an elegant updo, creating a chic and age-defying look.

This style not only defies stereotypes but also celebrates the individuality and confidence of women in their 70s. This updo style offers a blend of classic charm and contemporary flair, providing a fashion-forward statement that defies age norms.

Long Blond Layered Hairstyle

If you’re still into coloring your hair, consider taking it a step further by letting it grow past your shoulders and incorporating long layers. This style adds an extra dimension to your overall look and offers a range of styling possibilities.

Whether you prefer a sleek and straight finish or want to add some curls for a more textured effect, combining long, layered hair and blow-drying with a large round brush opens up a world of styling possibilities.

Wild Colors

Don’t allow anyone to dictate that you can’t express your personality through your hair color, especially as you age. A growing trend among women over 70 is embracing vibrant and unconventional hair colors, such as bright dyes, shades of purple, daring reds, or even punk-inspired hues. The sky’s the limit when it comes to experimenting with colors that truly reflect your unique style and personality.

Lush Beachy Waves

For long, unlayered hair, achieving beachy waves offers versatility. Use a hot wand for precise styling with adjustable heat settings, or opt for a heatless approach using a curling rod headband. Both methods create a relaxed look perfect for various occasions.

Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set on Amazon

These heatless curling rods create amazing curls and waves without the damaging effects of heated wands and curling irons.

Check out this tutorial video explaining how to use the ribbons to create beautiful curls.

Long Straight Hair

If you are blessed with healthy, robust hair that grows effortlessly, consider the freedom to wear it at any desired length.

The health of your hair is a crucial factor in determining how long you can let it grow. Having hair that thrives and maintains its vitality allows you the flexibility to explore various lengths, catering to your personal style and preferences.

9 Short Hairstyles for Women Over 70

Short hair typically refers to hair that falls above the shoulders. There’s a wide array of short hairstyles to explore, ranging from ultra-short pixies to bob cuts that graze just above the shoulders.

Tousled Pixie Hairstyle

This tousled pixie style not only adds a touch of playfulness to your overall appearance but also reflects a contemporary and trendy aesthetic. It’s a fantastic way to embrace the evolving nature of your short hair, infusing it with personality and character.

So, if you love pixie cuts but crave a bit more length, the tousled look achieved with texturizing spray offers a stylish and dynamic option for expressing your individual style.

L’ANGE HAIR Sea Salt Texturizing Spray on Amazon

This texturizing spray is excellent for adding interesting texture to your hairstyle. You can use it on any hair length to create a beachy, lived-in look.

Chin Length Bob

This timeless hairstyle suits various face shapes and offers flexibility in color choices. Whether in your natural shade or tinted to match your personality and lifestyle, this classic look remains versatile and elegant.

Bob with Bangs

This timeless and beautiful hairstyle is a classic that transcends age and suits any color choice. Introducing bangs to a bob hairstyle effortlessly imparts a Cleopatra-inspired feel, adding a touch of elegance to the overall look.

Pixie with Layers

Adding layers to a pixie cut provides dimension and movement, transforming the look into a stylish, dynamic option. The layers create a textured finish, allowing for a playful and modern vibe that complements the short and chic nature of the pixie cut.

Natural Curls Pixie

Embrace the beauty of your natural curls by allowing them to flow freely. Opt for a short hairstyle that complements your curls and enhances their natural texture. Incorporate suitable hair products that provide conditioning and moisture to maintain the health and vibrancy of your curls.

Asymmetrical Bob

Infuse a playful and dynamic flair into your bob hairstyle by considering an asymmetrical cut, where one side is intentionally shorter than the other. This innovative twist on the classic bob adds a touch of edginess and individuality to your overall look. By opting for an asymmetrical bob, you introduce a contemporary and fashion-forward element that stands out while maintaining the timeless appeal of the bob hairstyle.

Lighten Your Natural Color

For those who continue to color their hair or have yet to see any signs of white, contemplating a subtle shift in shade can be a refreshing choice. If you typically opt for a particular color, consider going one shade lighter than your usual choice. This adjustment can bring a subtle and natural-looking radiance to your overall appearance.

Add Lowlights

For an entirely white hair color, consider adding lowlights to introduce texture and interest. This technique brings depth and dimension, preventing your hair from appearing flat.

Lowlights offer a nuanced and natural look. Consulting with a professional stylist ensures a seamlessly blended and sophisticated hairstyle.

L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set on Amazon

Purple shampoos and conditioners help to keep yellow tints out of your hair. Stylists recommend using it on white or salt & pepper hair once a week to keep hair perfectly white.

Shoulder Length Waves

If you’re lucky to have healthy, plentiful hair, why not let it grow to shoulder length? This provides a versatile canvas for various styles. Shape natural waves around your face for an easy, chic look. The simplicity of this style celebrates your hair’s health and beauty, making a statement of self-care and confidence.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What hairstyles do you like? How do you style your hair? Are you a woman over 70 and thinking about changing up your look? Tell us about it in the comments below.

I have several suitcases full of summer clothes that I may never wear again. I loved them once. Still do, in fact. My body hasn’t changed. My mind hasn’t changed. Minnesota has hot summers so the climate isn’t dictating that decision. But when 90 degrees Fahrenheit rolls around in June, I won’t be slipping into those outfits.

Prior to Retiring in Bali, I Dressed in Business Professional Mode: Tailored and Boring 

But the streets of Ubud teemed with visitors from everywhere. There were women in calf-length, flowing organza gowns and high heels out for an afternoon stroll. People in leggings and halter tops hurrying to a class at the Yoga Barn were a familiar sight. Matching Hawaiian shirts, billowing Muslim abayas, ripped jeans and tank tops, and the occasional guru all in white were everyday fare. Sadly, oblivious to the modest Balinese culture, revealing bikinis, and shorts so short that butt-cheeks smiled where the short shorts ended, also strolled those sidewalks.

Shops along bustling Monkey Forest Road and Jalan Raya, the main streets through town, featured every woman’s dream. Whether seeking high-end designer fashions, something funky and fun, or handmade, one-of-a-kind wearable art, all were available in abundance. 

I had a penchant for embroidery and lace, and Ubud did not disappoint. My collection grew and I paired gauzy tops with flouncy skirts or capri leggings. At home, I had a dozen cute and cool sundresses. I owned one pair of shoes that I wore on flights back to the States. Otherwise, my feet exclusively enjoyed the open-air freedom of flip-flops. I had a pair in every color. Some plain, but many adorned with sparkles, fringe, or floppy flowers. Dressed in my eclectic Bohemian style, I felt deliciously myself. 

Early on, Dewa, the Owner of Jati Homestay Where I’d Landed Upon My Arrival in Bali, Invited Me to a Relative’s Wedding 

In answer to my question about a gift, he said an envelope with 100,000 rupiah (apx. $8 USD at the time) was appropriate. Then he politely suggested I wear a sarong, the acceptable attire for such an event. I’d seen Balinese women entering the temples in Ubud carrying towering offerings on their heads and wearing tightly wrapped fabric secured by a long scarf tied at the waist.

Excited, I set out for the market to find one for myself and was quickly overwhelmed. Every other stall had stacks and stacks of six-foot lengths of cloth in every conceivable pattern. I was accosted by vendors who unfurled one after another of these colorful creations repeating the mantra, “I make good price, good for me, good for you!”

It wasn’t long before my head ached and my eyes crossed. The dimly lit, congested space triggered mild claustrophobia. I had to get out of there. “How much?” I asked and blindly clutched one of the pieces fluttering in front of my face. The happy woman grabbed my arm and steered me deeper into her cubical where scarves festooned the walls. She chose a length of gold satin to add to my purchase. “This good,” she said. I paid, hurried away, and promptly got lost in the maze of aisles and dead ends in that massive complex. 

Finally, safely back in my room, I experimented. How on earth did Balinese women roll themselves up in all that fabric and manage to look svelte? When I wrapped it so it didn’t drag on the floor, there were wads of it bunched at my waist. When I got the hips right, it was so tight around my legs I couldn’t walk. I remember sweating profusely. I may have cried. It just wasn’t working. 

Somehow, on the auspicious day, with safety pins and more sweat, I managed something that resembled what I’d seen on the local women. With a tee-shirt on top, my gold satin sash, and six feet of birds on a yellow background hugging my lower torso, I hobbled to the wedding which, fortunately for me, was in the family compound next door.

I Had Much to Learn

I didn’t know that Dewa’s family was the Satria caste, second only to Brahmana, the highest in the Balinese Hindu system. And they were wealthy. There I was, surrounded by women with golden ornaments dangling from upswept hair, see-through lace tops revealing matching, bone-crushing corsets underneath, mermaid-tight sarongs, and strappy heels. I slunk among them in tee-shirt, flip-flops, and safety-pinned cloth that threatened to unwrap at any moment. My humiliation was complete.

But the Balinese are the most genuinely kind people on the planet. I was taken in tow by Dewa’s cousin. She explained the corset. “We call it a Mona Lisa,” she said. I told her I would never attend another wedding without one. She advised me where to buy one. Throughout the day, the feasting, the entertainment, right up to evening when the dancing started, she didn’t leave my side. Finally, exhausted, I thanked her profusely and headed home.

During my 10 years in Bali, I attended countless weddings, funerals, and ritual events in traditional, Balinese costume. I owned many sarongs, lace kebaya tops, and three Mona Lisas. I was shown more than once how to wrap and secure the fabric so it hugged my hips and thighs yet still allowed a comfortable stride. I learned how to sit on the ground at ceremonies for hours, my legs tucked under me, the rigid corset shoving my breasts up to my chin. But I never achieved enough confidence in my wrapping skills to ditch the safety pins.

When I moved to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, it was high desert, sometimes hot and dry, sometimes cold. Many side streets were cobblestone with no sidewalks. I ditched the flip-flops and invested in walking shoes. My attire changed with the weather, but I maintained the Boho chic look I loved and avoided any cultural clothing faux pas.

Now, in This Northern Minnesota Farming Community Where I’ve Come to Roost, Dressing Up Means Putting on a Clean Sweatshirt

I am sensitive to the culture. I want to fit in. But I’m also who I am, and I’m too old to want to change that. So, my dress-up sweatshirts are unique, stylish, interesting. I feel good in them. My favorite is a longer-than-usual, grey leopard print. But there’s a magenta one with flowers on one side and a placket sporting oversized, antique brass buttons. An all-black number has gold grommets and gold tips on the hood strings. There’s also a tie-dyed blue and white with a V-neck and a partial zip front in my collection. 

But Summer’s Coming…

I haven’t figured out appropriate summer dressy attire yet. Whether gardening in jeans and work shirts or mowing acres of lawn, everyone is busy at home making the most of a very short season so invitations calling for other than casual wear are nearly non-existent.

I’ve adapted well so far, stayed true to myself, and managed to make the cultural shift. But one thing I know for sure. My lace tops and flouncy skirts aren’t coming out of storage. There’s no place for a peacock in a chicken coop. 

Read how I came about ACCEPTING THE FACE IN THE MIRROR.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you have a bag – or closet – full of clothes that you love but can no longer wear? What are you thinking of doing with them? Why can’t you wear them? Do you think certain clothes are appropriate only for certain cultures?

A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is well-known and highly regarded for its detailed assessments of bone health. Most of us have heard of it, and many have had one. But there’s far more to a scan than bone density, and it’s not just for people above a certain age.

An intriguing development in healthcare and technology, DEXA scans are emerging as a comprehensive evaluator of body composition. This promising transformation reflects a broader shift in healthcare towards more personalized, data-driven approaches, with DEXA scans at the forefront, offering detailed insight into our physical status at a relatively accessible cost – around $40, depending on location.

This intersection of affordability and advanced diagnostic capability marks a significant milestone in healthcare technology, making sophisticated and preventive health assessments more accessible to a broader audience.

I recently had one as part of a preventive health care plan and learned a lot in the process of it. The scan’s ability to show precise body fat measurements, lean muscle mass, and bone density opens new avenues for understanding and managing health.

This deep dive into the body’s composition provides a better picture of your health and the steps you can take to improve it. Here’s what it can do for you!

1. Body Fat Analysis

DEXA scans provide one of the most accurate body fat measurements, distinguishing between subcutaneous fat (under the skin) and visceral fat (around the organs).

This precise breakdown is vital for understanding health risks, as high levels of visceral fat are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Interestingly, even thin people in seemingly good shape can have high levels of visceral fat without knowing so. The key to reducing it? Resistance training.

2. Muscle Mass Distribution

Athletes and fitness lovers benefit from DEXA scans by accurately assessing lean muscle distribution across their bodies. This information is crucial for tailored training and nutrition plans to optimize performance and achieve specific fitness goals.

My scan showed that I’m significantly underweight and under-muscled. While the first one was no surprise, I thought I was doing pretty good on the second. Fortunately, working on the second should help with the first.

3. Monitoring Weight Loss

DEXA scans provide more than just a number on a scale. They allow for monitoring of how much fat is lost compared to muscle, offering a clearer picture of health improvements and the effectiveness of diet and exercise regimens.

4. Health Risk Assessment

The detailed composition analysis from scans helps assess risks associated with obesity and underweight conditions. By identifying fat distribution patterns and bone density, healthcare providers can better predict risks for metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues.

5. Tracking Changes Over Time

DEXA scans are invaluable for tracking changes in body composition over time, whether for monitoring the impact of a new training program, the progression of a health condition, or the effectiveness of a treatment plan. This longitudinal analysis helps make informed decisions about lifestyle modifications and medical interventions.

I will probably do another in about six months after I’ve had time to improve my fitness routine. It’s the ultimate before-and-after but with the beauty of scientific details. Perfect for those who love to measure every milestone or for anyone curious if their new kale smoothie diet is actually doing anything.

6. Nutritional Assessment

Nutritionists and dietitians may use DEXA scans to tailor dietary plans. By understanding the proportions of fat, muscle, and bone, they can recommend nutrition plans that target specific body composition goals, such as increasing muscle mass or reducing body fat.

7. Research and Clinical Studies

In clinical research, DEXA scans contribute to studies on obesity, aging, pediatric growth, and chronic diseases. They provide accurate and repeatable measurements crucial for understanding health conditions and the impact of functional medicine and treatments on body composition.

8. Personal Health and Fitness Insights

Beyond professional athletes and patients, people interested in personal health also turn to DEXA scans for insights into their physical condition. This can motivate lifestyle changes, improve fitness planning, and enhance overall well-being. This is me to a T.

Beyond the pros, these scans are for anyone curious about their body’s secrets. It’s like getting a roadmap to a better you, one X-ray at a time.

The comprehensive data provided by my DEXA scan not only revealed unexpected aspects of my health but also catalyzed a significant shift in my approach to fitness.

Moving from a general focus on strength training to a more targeted emphasis on building muscle mass, I’m inspired to address the specific needs identified through my scan. I will emphasize increasing lower body muscle mass because that’s where it’s lowest.

My experience is just one of many examples highlighting the benefits of DEXA technology in personal health management – its ability to inform, motivate, and guide us toward healthier lifestyles.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What are your thoughts on the accessibility and affordability of DEXA scans? If you’ve undergone a body composition DEXA scan, how did the results shape your health or fitness strategy?