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Lindsay Hubbard’s Green Striped Maxi Dress

Liz McGraw’s Red Light Face Wand

Amanda Batula’s Red Long Sleeve Ruffle Dress

Originally posted at: Whitney Fransway’s Black Mini Long Sleeve Dress

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What happens to our body, emotions and memory in our 50s and 60s? They take us by surprise.

Our body starts to sag; we find ourselves yelling at our kids for no reason at all, and we can’t seem to remember anything! All of this seems to happen overnight. There are even more wrinkles on our face that weren’t there the night before!

After years of coaching women on improving their health, I find there is one decision most women make around the age of 50 – whether they know it or not.

One group embraces life by being proactive with their health. They ride the upward curve of feeling great which allows them to have lots of energy to play with grandchildren and do all the things they used to do.

Others buy into the belief that it’s all downhill from there and that’s just how life happens. They believe that the 10-, 20-, 40-pound weight gain will never come off. They believe that to get rid of the pain in their knees they need to take a pill. They are resigned to the fact that they can’t exercise because they don’t have enough energy and it probably wouldn’t help anyway.

Factors That Affect Our Health

There are many factors that affect our health in a positive or negative way. They include diet, nutrition, exercise, pollution, prescription drugs, stress – this is a big one! – alcohol and many more.

In this piece, I would like to focus on exercise and answer some of the questions I get asked all the time on this topic. For example, “What kind of exercise should I be doing?” and “How long should I exercise?” and “Does the type of exercise depend on my age?”

You don’t have to be a gym rat to benefit from exercise. If you are just starting out, begin with 15 minutes per day and work your way up to 60 minutes per day. If you have been consistently exercising, I would suggest you start with the amount of time that you are used to and increase from there.

Many people believe that cardio is the way to go. Others believe that lifting weights is really a must. They are both right! You do need both, but in different percentages depending on what age you are. When you are younger and up to age 25, your workout should be 70% cardio and 30% muscle building or weight lifting. Things change as we get older.

What Happens to Muscles as We Get Older?

At around 40, your workout should include 50% cardio and 50% muscle building. After age 25, we start to lose muscle mass. Post-menopausal women have a natural decline in estrogen, which in turn increases visceral fat mass, and decreases bone mass density, muscle mass, and strength.

Low physical activity and low protein intakes are the two contributors to sarcopenia and osteoporosis and the loss of strength in postmenopausal women. On the other hand, exercise and supplement intake has the potential to slow down and even stop the loss of muscle mass.

So, after the age of 50, your workout should consist of 60% muscle building and 40% cardio. Once you reach your 60s, you should be doing weight-bearing exercises such are brisk walking, golf, dancing, yoga, etc. that will increase your muscle mass. Not only does exercise improve your bone health, it also increases muscle strength, coordination, and balance, leading to better overall health.

Some Healthy Aging Exercise Tips

Here are a few tips that I follow when it comes to exercise:

First, never let more than 2 days go by without exercising! Second, practice interval training – just 15 minutes per day, three times per week. It is super-efficient and the ideal workout for a busy schedule. Third, alternate your cardio and muscle building days. Always take one day off a week to let your muscles recover.

Finally, do what you love! If you don’t like running, then don’t run. Pick something that you love doing. You will be more consistent.

Stress and Exercise

I mentioned above that stress can be a big factor in determining our health. I find that most people who feel unwell have been neglecting self-care. So, on our day off, taking a little time out to care for ourselves makes us better at everything we do. Free from our careers and our relationships we see our personal problems in a different light.

One of my favorite pastimes is soaking away the stress of the day in a detoxifying Epsom salt bath. Enjoy!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Which life are you designing? What are you doing to achieve healthy aging? Have you already made your decision? Are you happy with it? Remember, it’s never too late to take back your health! Please share how you have changed your exercise routines over the years.

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For my 60th birthday, my children did something I didn’t know I needed and now can’t stop talking about, partly because it was thoughtful, and partly because I spent an entire morning wearing a tiara in public like a woman who had either just been crowned or recently escaped supervision.

They picked me up at 9:00 a.m. under the innocent pretense of breakfast. Mothers of adult children know that if someone else is offering to pay, you get in the car and ask no questions.

Once we were seated, they handed me my first “gift,” a baby congratulations card. Not a milestone birthday card. Not even one of those politely vague “celebrating you” numbers. No, this one welcomed me to the world. Apparently, I was starting over.

Along with the card came a tiara and a sash, which I was expected to wear immediately. And I did, because somewhere along the line you realize dignity is overrated, and besides, there are photos your children will take whether you cooperate or not.

The premise was simple. We were going to spend the day moving through the decades of my life.

Being Born

At breakfast, I represented zero. Which, honestly, felt about right before coffee.

An hour later, we wandered through a farmers’ market, one of those perfect, bustling places where everything smells like kettle corn and the hope that comes from growing things. That’s when they handed me my “10th birthday” card.

I’m fairly certain they made it themselves because it looked exactly like 1974 exploded onto cardstock. Inside a tiny box, emphasis on tiny, was a miniature Barbie Dream House. About five inches tall. The kind of thing you would normally toss into your cart while waiting in line and then regret later.

But here’s what they knew about me. I had always wanted a Barbie Dream House. And at 60 years old, standing between five kinds of tomatoes and homemade salsa, I finally got one.

Turning 20

By my 20th birthday, things took a turn. My children cannot quite wrap their minds around the fact that in Wisconsin in the early 1980s, the drinking age was 18. They look at me the way you might look at someone who casually mentions they once rode to school on a covered wagon.

To honor that era, they handed me the fixings for a Long Island iced tea, the unofficial drink of questionable decisions everywhere. Miniature bottles, fruit, the whole kit. It was both nostalgic and mildly alarming. The accompanying card featured women exercising in leg warmers, à la Jane Fonda.

Lunch Marked My 30s

If you’ve lived it, you know those were the years filled with children, noise, schedules, and the kind of exhaustion that becomes your personality. My kids didn’t try to recreate the chaos. Instead, they gave me something quieter, a framed copy of one of my favorite photos of them when they were little.

It wasn’t fancy. Just a simple frame, a simple picture.

But it stopped me.

Because I hadn’t stared at that version of our life in a long time.

We ate sandwiches at one of my favorite spots, and for a moment, it felt like all those years folded in on themselves, the little hands, the busy days, and the woman in the middle of it who didn’t realize she would miss it. (Although I did write about it for 60 & Me here – My Lasts.)

On to 40

That afternoon, we took a walk through a park, talking the way you only do when there’s nowhere else to be. That’s where I turned 40. Those were the years of teaching, parenting, multitasking, and trying to hold everything together with the organizational skills of an air traffic controller.

My children celebrated that decade with a pair of Brandy Old Fashioned socks.

If you’re not from Wisconsin, this may require explanation. A Brandy Old Fashioned is basically the official drink of the Northern Wisconsin supper club. Somewhere between the relish trays, dim lighting, and lake views, generations of Midwesterners have been quietly coping with life one muddled cocktail at a time.

And honestly, there were plenty of evenings in my 40s when meeting my sister or my husband for one of those felt less like “going out” and more like emotional maintenance.

The gift made me laugh because it was so specific, so completely tied to who I was during that time in my life. Not glamorous. Not carefree. Just a woman trying to survive motherhood, teaching, and middle age with good friends and a decent cocktail.

Soon Enough, It Was Time to Turn 50

My children handed me a card from New Girl, one of my favorite shows from that time, along with a mug, the kind with a cozy pocket to slide your hand into. I had owned one like it years ago and had broken it, which felt like a small tragedy at the time and a ridiculous thing to remember years later.

Except they remembered. And suddenly, it didn’t feel ridiculous at all.

The day ended at a local brew pub, where a few friends joined us for cake, flowers, and simple appetizers. Nothing elaborate. Nothing over planned. Just people I love gathered around in a light-filled area, which, it turns out, is my favorite kind of celebration.

That’s When My Children Gave Me My Final Gift for My 60s

Recently retired, my husband and I traded in our tent for a little more comfort and bought a Scamp camper. We have big plans to see the world, well, at least the parts with decent roads and available campsites.

My gift was a sticker for my water bottle in the shape of that little camper.

Small. Simple. Perfect.

Because by then, I understood the pattern.

Nothing about the day was extravagant. The gifts were humble, sometimes even a little silly. But every single one of them said the same thing: We see you.

Because somewhere along the way, between raising children, making meals, answering questions, finding lost shoes, and remembering everyone else’s favorite everything, you can start to feel a little invisible.

Not unloved. Just a little overlooked in the everyday parts of life. This day quietly corrected that. It reminded me that my children had been paying attention all along. To the things I loved. The things I missed. The things I once wanted and had forgotten to say out loud.

So, Here’s a Thought:

Do you have a friend, a sister, a partner, someone in your life who deserves to be seen like this? It doesn’t have to be for a milestone birthday. It doesn’t have to be perfectly planned. It doesn’t even have to last all day.

Just a handful of moments. A few thoughtful gestures. Little pieces of a life, handed back with love. From broken mugs to Barbie Dream Houses. Because sometimes, the best way to celebrate a person isn’t with something new.

It’s by remembering who they’ve always been.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

If someone threw a “decades party” for your life, what small, ordinary object would instantly represent one of your eras? What is something you secretly wanted growing up, but never received, that would still make you ridiculously happy today? Which decade of your life would surprise people the most if they really knew what was going on behind the scenes?

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It seems in trying times, we hear of more people wanting to move out of the U.S. A lot of it is talk and daydreaming, but it’s not a new trend. It’s estimated that over 9 million Americans live abroad today. Retiring abroad is a growing trend for Americans, driven by a lower cost of living, better quality of life, and healthcare, with roughly 760,000 U.S. retirees receiving Social Security overseas as of late 2025, a significant increase from previous years.

People may have moved to another country decades ago for opportunity, adventure, or love. As they age, they discover something unexpected: the systems and support networks needed most feel harder to navigate. Our accents still mark us as outsiders, healthcare appointments exhaust us, and we sometimes belong neither here nor there.

Jane Barratt recently articulated this experience beautifully in her piece “Growing Older Without Familiar Ground.” She describes how aging in a place that wasn’t your cultural starting point requires constant “translation of self – precisely when the body and mind crave rest.” Her insight about how systems reduce our complex lives to administrative labels like “CALD” (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) or “LEP” (Limited English Proficiency) struck me.

Jane’s article names the problem with clarity and compassion. Now, let’s talk about practical solutions.

Build Your “Translation Team”

You need people who can bridge the gap between you and the systems you’re navigating. This might be a younger neighbor who accompanies you to medical appointments, a bilingual friend who helps with paperwork, or even a paid advocate. Start by identifying two or three people who can help with different areas: healthcare, legal matters, and technology. Sure, learning a new language would be great but is often unrealistic. I have been trying to learn Italian for years and have failed miserably.

Document Everything in Your Own Words

Healthcare providers may record “non-compliance,” but you know the real story. Keep your own health journal in your native language if that’s easier. Write down questions before appointments. Record what doctors actually say (ask permission first). This documentation becomes invaluable when you need to advocate for yourself or when family members step in to help. And tech helps – translations apps, the new Apple AirPods, etc.

Join Groups Specifically for Expats Your Age

Consider building your network before you leap. One of the hardest parts of aging in a new culture is losing the informal support systems that once defined your daily life – the neighbor who waves, the bookstore clerk who knows your name, the friends you bump into at the café. Before moving, connect with local expat groups, hobby communities, and social clubs online.

Members understand the unique exhaustion of constant cultural translation. They share tips about which doctors take time to explain, which government offices have helpful staff, and how to maintain ties to home while building community here.

Teach Someone Your Story

Find one person – a grandchild, a neighbor, anyone – and share your full story: where you came from, what you left behind, what you’ve built here. The erosion of being known is real. Counter it deliberately by ensuring at least a few people understand your complete journey, not just the accent they hear or the category they place you in.

Build Redundancy into Your Support System

Never depend on just one person for critical needs. Have multiple people who can drive you places, several friends who check in regularly, backup contacts for emergencies. If you’re relying on adult children, recognize they’re navigating two cultures too. Diversify your support network so no single person becomes overwhelmed.

Master One Key Technology Connection

Whether it’s video calls with family back home, online banking, or telehealth appointments, choose one technology that reduces isolation and ask someone to teach you thoroughly. Write down the steps. Practice regularly. This one skill can dramatically reduce the feeling of being cut off when physical mobility becomes harder.

Keep Similar Routines

Keep routines that matter to you: morning walks in a favorite park, weekend markets, book clubs, art classes, volunteer service. Create hybrid rituals that tie your past and present together – like cooking a traditional family recipe with ingredients from your new home’s markets. These rituals aren’t nostalgia trips – they’re identity keepers.

Share Your Culture

Aging abroad offers a chance most of us never had: to reinterpret aging not as loss but cross-cultural enrichment. Offer your own cultural wisdom in return – teach, mentor, host gatherings. Create space for sharing traditions in your community – from storytelling nights to cooking circles.

Belonging doesn’t only come from being understood – it comes from being invited to participate.

Advocate for Culturally Competent Care

When healthcare providers or service agencies don’t understand your needs, speak up. You can say: “I need more time to process this information” or “Can you explain this without medical jargon?” Request interpreters even if you speak the language – fatigue and stress affect comprehension. Your needs aren’t a burden; they’re legitimate requirements for good care.

Maintain Strategic Connections to Home

Whether it’s monthly video calls with old friends, subscriptions to media from your home country, or cooking traditional meals, these aren’t just nostalgia – they’re psychological anchors. They remind you of who you were before constant translation became necessary.

Balance is key: root yourself here while honoring where you came from. I read my hometown newspaper, The Philadelphia Inquirer, every day.

The Bottom Line

Growing older in a country that wasn’t your first requires acknowledging something uncomfortable: you’ll need more support than you might have needed if you’d aged where you started. That’s not weakness – it’s reality. The key is building that support system proactively, before you’re in crisis mode. Culture shock isn’t a personal failure; it’s a phase of adjustment. Recognizing that helps us respond rather than react.

Jane’s writing helps us see what many of us feel but don’t often say out loud. Aging without familiar ground doesn’t have to mean growing alone. With connection, intention, and practical strategies rooted in community and self-care, we can transform that unfamiliar ground into a new kind of home – one rich with diversity, resilience, and purpose.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Would love to hear your stories in the Sixty & Me community. How have you navigated cultural transitions later in life? What helped you feel grounded again as an expat?

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Let me introduce you to a movement method that is not only gentle on your joints and muscles, but also supports better breathing, circulation and metabolism while calming your mind and soothing your spirit. Sound too good to be true? This 1000-year-old “moving meditation” is practiced by millions of people around the world today.

It’s the ancient art of Qigong.

Pronounced “chee-gung” and sometimes written as Chi Gong, Qigong is rooted in East Asian culture and medicine. This holistic health practice is composed of simple postures, nasal breathing, focused awareness and deep relaxation techniques.

Qigong is easier to learn than Tai Chi, yet provides many of the same sought-after benefits.

How to Cultivate Qi – “Life Force Energy”

More than 20 years ago, I learned from Grandmaster Huang Chien-Liang that at the beginning Qigong is simple. His first instruction was just to “breathe in and breathe out” as we moved through the postures. Slowly he added details, “Breathe in and out through the nose.”

Nasal breathing filters and warms air as it enters the body, in addition to helping to increase circulation and decrease stress. Next, Grandmaster explained that Qi enters the body through the inhaled breath. While exhaling, Qi moves throughout the body, increasing health and vitality.

Now, as a Qigong and Tai Chi instructor with decades of practice and teaching, I observe a wide range of benefits in myself and my students. They say they feel “energized,” “relaxed,” “centered,” “balanced,” and “stronger” with regular practice.

While you can find videos of popular Qigong forms such as the Ba Duan Jin, learning is enhanced and nuances of the practice revealed when you are guided by a qualified teacher, whether in-person or online.

Although Qigong is gentle enough for most people of all ages, body types and health conditions, as with any exercise program, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before you begin.

Health Benefits Confirmed by Scientific Studies

In 2017, Harvard Medical School published “An Introduction to Tai Chi,” which surveyed more than 500 scientific studies of Qigong and Tai Chi.

This research was conducted on healthy people whose goals were to stay balanced, mobile and strong as they aged as well as people with conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and osteoporosis.

94.1% of studies found positive effects such as:

• better balance,
• fewer falls,
• fewer injuries from falling,
• decreased fear of falling,
• less muscle and joint pain,
• stronger bones,
• better posture,
• more flexibility,
• greater range of motion,
• better circulation,
• better proprioception,
• better breathing,
• clearer thinking and focus,
• less stress and anxiety and
• uplifted spirits.

These benefits were observed when people practiced Qigong or Tai Chi one to two hours per week for 8-12 weeks.

A Holistic Exercise Gentle Enough for Cancer Survivors

As Head Tai Chi Instructor at a martial arts school in northern California, I was asked to teach a weekly Qigong class for cancer survivors. The school director pointed me to clinical studies showing that participation in Qigong and Tai Chi had a positive influence on quality of life and psychological health for cancer survivors in Randomized Control Trials.

Prior research showed that regular physical activity was associated with a reduced risk of developing cancer. And, also, a reduction in the risk of recurrence of breast, prostate and colorectal cancer and improvement of long term survival.

Yet, during and after completion of treatment, survivors often experience debilitating fatigue that is a barrier to participation in physical activity, even though studies show that engaging in light intensity physical activity reduces fatigue.

It’s a conundrum, and yet many health professionals such as Susan Yaguda, RN, MSN, recommend holistic health practices for cancer survivors. “Tai Chi and Qi Gong are ancient forms of exercise that fit the bill for helping patients with cancer get moving and improve their overall sense of wellbeing.”

Our Friday afternoon Qigong sessions at the school were attended by survivors of all ages dealing with many types of cancer. Some were still in treatment and others had achieved remission. They practiced standing or seated and sometimes alternated between the two.

Although we didn’t study our participants in a clinical way, the anecdotal evidence became clear. Here are two testimonials from survivors:

“I believe that because of the deep breathing and body strengthening aspects of the practice, I recovered faster each time I received a treatment. I felt I slept better than I would have because I was getting exercise.”

“During recovery from surgery I would lay in my hospital bed and breathe while imagining doing the form. This helped me relax and exercise my breath in a body forever changed.”

Many found relief from ‘chemo brain,’ the neuropsychological difficulties following cancer treatment, such as lack of concentration and short-term memory loss. Survivors told us they were energized by moving together with a group of people who understood and appreciated the complex nature of their healing journeys.

Qigong Supports Healthy Aging for Body, Mind and Spirit

Qigong is the holistic practice of cultivating Qi, the “universal life force energy.” Qigong is a physical exercise and so much more. Modern Qi master Dr. Roger Jahnke explains that this energy is “free and everyone has direct access to it through simple methods that are easy to learn and practice. Qi can be cultivated purposefully to resolve any challenge or enhance any function.”

As you strengthen your body by practicing Qigong, you will learn to connect with a deep sense of wellbeing in each breath and every movement.

As shown through modern research, the ancient art of Qigong has been proved as an effective support for health and longevity. Just look at that long list of benefits above!

With practice, anyone can enjoy what Dr. Jahnke describes in his book, The Healing Promise of Qi: Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi.

“Exploring Qi and Qigong is like opening a marvelous Chinese puzzle box – boxes within boxes, secrets within secrets. Think of yourself as just having reached a gateway where, only a moment ago, no gate was visible. According to Chinese tradition, if you open this gate and enter the realm of Qigong – with sincerity – a multitude of practical benefits will be yours.”

Let’s Have a Conversation:

In what ways have you embraced movement as part of your healing process after illness, injury or major life changes? Have you been searching for a daily mindfulness practice for reducing stress and increasing vitality?

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Top Posts

Summer House Season 10 Reunion Looks

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Originally posted at: Ariana Madix’s Black Cutout Gown on The Love Island Season 8 Premiere

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For decades, beautifully maintained nails have been considered an essential part of a woman’s overall appearance. From classic red polish to elaborate acrylic enhancements, nail trends have evolved alongside fashion, beauty, and cultural expectations. Yet today, a different movement is quietly gaining momentum among women over 60: the return to natural, healthy, bare nails.

Far from appearing unfinished or neglected, bare nails are increasingly being viewed as sophisticated, elegant, and even luxurious. What was once considered a simple, understated look has become a powerful statement about wellness, confidence, and personal style.

As beauty standards continue to evolve, many women are discovering that natural nails offer something acrylics and elaborate nail enhancements often cannot – freedom, authenticity, and a renewed focus on health.

When Simplicity Becomes Sophisticated

The perception of bare nails as chic and aspirational is not a new phenomenon. In fact, women who frequented luxury resorts, spas, and high-end salons have long embraced the clean, polished appearance of natural nails, soft color selections of a French manicure, soft pastel colors that enhance the wardrobe and natural nails. 

Throughout the early 2000s, many affluent and professional women intentionally chose natural nail services over dramatic enhancements. Their preference wasn’t based on trends but on a timeless appreciation for elegance and refinement. A healthy, well-maintained natural nail has always communicated confidence and attention to detail.

Today, what was once a subtle preference among sophisticated women has become a broader beauty movement. The modern bare nail is not about neglect or lack of effort. Instead, it represents intentional beauty – choosing health, simplicity, and quality over excess.

For many women over 60, this approach feels especially appealing. After years of following changing beauty trends, many are finding comfort and confidence in embracing a look that feels authentic rather than performative.

How Beauty Maintenance Has Changed

Beauty maintenance today looks very different than it did 20 years ago. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, have helped reshape beauty culture by embracing bold self-expression through nail art, vibrant colors, intricate designs, and creative aesthetics.

Social media has further accelerated this shift, turning nails into miniature canvases for personal expression. Nail technicians now create elaborate designs that often rival works of art.

While these trends continue to thrive, many mature women are choosing a different path.

Women over 60 often prioritize beauty practices that align with their lifestyle, comfort, and values. Rather than viewing beauty as a constant pursuit of the latest trend, they increasingly focus on what enhances their natural features and supports their overall well-being.

The result is a growing appreciation for timeless styles such as soft pinks, cream shades, sheer finishes, clear polish, and the classic French manicure. These choices never truly go out of fashion because they emphasize healthy nails rather than covering them.

Redefining What It Means to Be Polished

Some beauty experts have suggested that consumers are rejecting salon culture altogether. However, the reality may be more nuanced.

Women are not necessarily abandoning nail care; they are redefining what polished and feminine means.

For many women, particularly those who are health-conscious, excessive length, heavy acrylics, and dramatic designs no longer align with their personal aesthetic. Instead, they seek treatments and services that support the health of their natural nails while still maintaining a polished appearance.

The modern version of elegance is often understated. A neatly groomed natural nail can communicate professionalism, confidence, and sophistication just as effectively as any elaborate enhancement.

This shift reflects a broader trend occurring across the beauty industry. From skincare to makeup to hair care, consumers are increasingly embracing authenticity and natural enhancement rather than dramatic transformation.

The Wellness Connection

One of the most significant drivers behind the bare nail movement is wellness.

Today’s consumers are more informed than ever about the ingredients found in personal care products. Conversations surrounding nail damage, ingredient transparency, and long-term health have encouraged many women to take a closer look at their beauty routines.

As awareness grows, many women are actively seeking salons that offer non-toxic products, cleaner formulations, and treatments designed to support natural nail health.

For women over 60, this focus on wellness often becomes even more important. Healthy nails can be an indicator of overall health, making nail care about much more than appearance alone.

Many women are choosing to reduce their exposure to harsh chemicals, synthetic ingredients, and products that may weaken the natural nail over time. This has created increased demand for healthier alternatives and professional services that prioritize both beauty and well-being.

The result is a beauty philosophy that treats nails as an extension of self-care rather than merely a fashion accessory.

Is It About Cost or Convenience?

The popularity of natural nails is sometimes attributed solely to economic concerns. While cost may play a role, the story is much deeper than simple budgeting.

Many women have grown weary of high-maintenance beauty routines that require frequent salon appointments, constant upkeep, and ongoing financial investment.

Acrylic fills, repairs, removals, and replacement appointments can consume both time and money. For women seeking a more flexible lifestyle, natural nails offer an attractive alternative.

The appeal lies not only in affordability but also in simplicity.

A healthy natural manicure allows women to spend less time maintaining their nails and more time enjoying their lives. Whether traveling, pursuing hobbies, spending time with family, or focusing on personal wellness, many women appreciate beauty routines that support their lifestyle rather than complicate it.

Why Nail Care Still Matters

Despite the movement toward minimalism, nail care remains an important aspect of personal grooming.

Just as women care for their hair, skin, and wardrobe, maintaining healthy nails continues to be an essential part of presenting oneself professionally and confidently.

The difference is that today’s approach emphasizes maintenance over enhancement.

Women increasingly view nail care as an ongoing investment in themselves rather than an occasional luxury. Clean, healthy nails support professional standards, good hygiene, and overall confidence.

For many women over 60, the goal is no longer perfection but consistency. Well-maintained natural nails can look elegant, polished, and intentional without requiring elaborate enhancements.

Also read, Can You Hide Your Age by Improving the Health of Your Nails?

The Influence of Quiet Luxury

The rise of “quiet luxury” has further contributed to the popularity of natural nails.

Unlike trends that rely on logos, bold statements, or overt displays of wealth, quiet luxury emphasizes quality, craftsmanship, and understated sophistication.

Bare nails fit perfectly within this philosophy.

A woman with healthy, beautifully maintained natural nails projects confidence without needing to make a dramatic statement. The look feels effortless, yet it often reflects a thoughtful commitment to self-care and wellness.

For many women, this understated elegance is far more appealing than chasing ever-changing beauty trends.

Rather than seeking validation through appearance, they are embracing beauty choices that align with their personal values and lifestyle.

Opportunities for the Beauty Industry

The growing popularity of natural nails is also creating exciting opportunities for nail brands and beauty professionals.

Consumers are increasingly looking for products that support nail health while delivering professional-quality results. This has inspired brands to develop cleaner formulations, strengthening treatments, nourishing oils, and wellness-focused nail care systems.

Marketing messages are evolving as well.

Instead of focusing solely on glamour and transformation, many brands now emphasize simplicity, health, sustainability, and self-care. These values resonate strongly with mature women who appreciate products that support both beauty and wellness.

As a result, the bare nail movement is helping build stronger communities between beauty professionals, brands, and consumers who share a commitment to healthier beauty practices.

What Does the Future Hold?

Will natural nails continue to dominate, or will bold nail art eventually return to the spotlight?

The answer is, likely both.

Beauty trends tend to move in cycles, and there will always be consumers who enjoy creative nail art and dramatic designs. At the same time, there is a growing segment of health-conscious women who are committed to low-maintenance, wellness-focused beauty routines.

Rather than one trend replacing the other, the future of nail beauty may become increasingly personalized.

Women will choose the approach that best aligns with their lifestyle, priorities, and self-expression.

For women over 60, however, the growing embrace of natural nails represents something meaningful. It signals a shift away from beauty expectations imposed by others and toward choices that prioritize health, confidence, and authenticity.

In a world that often encourages more, many women are discovering the beauty of less.

And perhaps that is the ultimate luxury of all.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What do you think about the bare nails movement? Does it sound like quiet luxury, where you get well-maintained, healthy nails? What other bare luxury movements sound interesting to you?

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Most people count down the days until retirement, imagining a time when they can finally leave the stress, commute and long hours behind. They imagine a time with no commitments or schedules to keep and nothing taking all their time. At first, this life may feel like freedom, but for many people who have spent decades working, the drastic change can be hard to get used to.

In the final years before retirement, many begin to disengage emotionally. They are not exactly quitting, but they start to yearn for peace and tranquility. The pace of working becomes exhausting, and they often want to ride out the next few years with as little drama and stress as possible.

Just as some couples focus more on the wedding than on being married, many seniors approaching retirement spend more time thinking about not working than what it’s like to actually be retired.

What Do You Want to Do in Retirement?

When asked what they plan to do in retirement, the same pastimes rear their heads: gardening, reading, hiking, or spending more time with family. Activities they never had enough time to fully enjoy when working. Part of what makes these activities so enjoyable is that they exist as a break from our busy lives.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to travel, your trips will last two to three weeks, and you will take a couple of trips a year. Even with planning and recovery, vacations still only take up only a fraction of the year.

Many people are surprised to discover that retirement does not immediately switch off the stress patterns built over decades of deadlines, responsibilities and constant demands. The nervous system becomes accustomed to pressure and routine, so the sudden absence of structure can feel disorienting at first.

Work gives people a reason to get up, a place to be, others who depend on them, and clear evidence that they matter. Even stressful jobs can provide momentum and identity.

The Years of Transition Are Often the Hardest

The first few years of retirement can be a period of great transition. New retirees report feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially those who live alone. Married retirees also report having a hard time adjusting to spending significantly more time together.

Men often find it more difficult than women early on in their retirement possibly due to the fact that women often maintain social connections whereas men often let work friendships fade once they retire. Men also have a greater part of their identities tied to work where women’s identities are often tied to their families.

Are You Prepared to Retire?

Preparing for retirement takes some personal insight, planning and imagination. How would you answer the following questions:

• Where will you spend your time?
• Who will you spend it with?
• What will your days look like?
• What kinds of challenges do you want?
• How will you fill your days?
• How do you see yourself in the future?

One of the best ways to prepare for retirement is to slow down a few years prior to retiring. If possible, reduce your work hours to create more time for fun. You may discover that although you love golf, you enjoy it more in moderation. Easing into retirement is definitely the way to go rather than just coming to a dead stop.

If you are not sure whether you can retire on time but hate your job, consider changing fields and working part time before taking full retirement. There are a lot of career fields that lend themselves to senior workers with more autonomy and a greater sense of accomplishment.

You can also find joy in the following:

Cultivate New Friendships

Join a chess club, cooking or pottery class. Add one or two activities to your calendar each month to see what works for you. Stay curious and be willing to try new things.

Make Sunday a True Day of Rest

Even if it means doing more on Saturday, give yourself one day with no agenda so you can get used to a slower pace and having a whole day to fill with no appointments.

Create a Side Gig

Is there something you always wanted to do, but could not pursue it because you needed to support your family? Retirement may be your chance to become an entrepreneur without the same pressures. Explore a business idea that you love and can work part time.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to feel useful and maintain a sense of purpose in retirement. It can also help you build new friendships and get you out of the house.

Hobbies

This may be a good time to invest in hobbies, especially ones that get you out of your comfort zone. Start off by visiting farmers’ markets, parks, Flea markets or just walking in your neighborhood.

The important thing to remember is that retirement does not have to mean the end of your working life unless you want it to. For many people, it is a transition into a different time of engagement. One that incorporates the kind of life you want to live and the kind of person you want to be. This may be the first time in your life that you actually have to do the things you have always seen yourself doing.

For additional insights, read The Retirement Schedule That Actually Works.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How do you see yourself in retirement? If you are already retired, how did you adjust to the new pace? Did you ease into it, and how did you know you were ready to explore something new?

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When life gets quiet (and quiet it will), 
When noise fades away and the world holds still, 
When chatter goes soft and the rush disappears, 
And you’re left with your thoughts… and your questions… and fears—

Most folks get uneasy. They reach for a sound, 
A screen, or a voice, or some busyness found. 
They fill up the silence, they turn up the noise, 
Distracting themselves with a thousand small toys.

But what if that quiet—that pause in the day— 
Was not something to fear, but a doorway, a way? 
A place you could enter, not run from or fight, 
But sit down beside, and stay for a while?

For quiet’s a space where the truth likes to land, 
Not shouted or forced, but gently and grand. 
It doesn’t arrive with a bang or a shout— 
It slips softly in when the noise has gone out.

You carry your worries, your doubts, and your strain, 
The stories that circle again and again. 
“What should I do?” and “What if I’m wrong?” 
They spin in your mind like a well-practiced song.

But quiet can loosen that tight little knot, 
Not by solving it all—but by giving you thought. 
Not frantic, not fearful, not chasing a fix— 
Just sitting with what is, without any tricks.

You don’t need a method, a rule, or a plan, 
No guru, no system, no “yes, you must can.” 
Just sit for a moment, let thinking grow still, 
And feel what you’re feeling—no push and no will.

At first it feels awkward. Your mind wants to race, 
To jump in with answers, to quicken the pace. 
But stay just a moment, then stay just a bit— 
And something quite subtle begins to unknit.

The noise starts to settle, the urgency slows, 
A space opens up—and something new grows. 
Not answers all perfect, not plans carved in stone, 
But a sense that you’re not in this struggle alone.

For underneath thinking, beneath all the sound, 
Is a quieter knowing that waits to be found. 
It doesn’t push loudly or beg to be heard— 
It speaks in a feeling, more soft than a word.

You’ve known it before, in a moment so slight— 
A sense that things somehow will turn out just right. 
Not because reasons are lined up in rows, 
But because something deeper already knows.

So next time life quiets, don’t rush to escape, 
Don’t fill every silence with noise you create. 
Sit down with the stillness, let everything be— 
And see what arises… quite naturally.

Let’s Reflect:

Do you enjoy quiet times or do you rush to fill up the silence with various sounds? What do the quiet times bring along?

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Being the product
of an abusive father, I grew up a people pleaser. By constantly trying to
please him, I learned to survive. In doing so, for years I kept lying to my
inner self.

We all know we
should never lie to ourselves, but not only do we frequently do so, we also
look for as much evidence to confirm the lies we tell.

Self-Deception

Self-deception
has a lot to do with not having the courage to live our own life. We often live
the life others expect of us, especially when it comes to work.

For instance,
I always felt a bond of purposefulness when working toward common goals and
solving problems with others in my work life. I was certain this was making me
totally fulfilled.

But imagine how deceived I felt when, toward the end of my career, I realized what I was doing was living the life that others expected of me. I had become a product of others’ wants and needs and, although that was fulfilling in a strange and comfortable way, retirement exposed the real me.

Somehow, in the journey from my childhood to retirement I had lost my real identity as a person. Many psychology books say that when you retire you finally have time to stop and look in the mirror, and sometimes the person looking back is no longer the person you knew.

AARP Magazine interviewed Maria Shriver
about finding joy. One of the questions they asked her was which of her many
roles is her favorite.

Maria paused
and then said, “I’m trying to get away from roles. I used to identify myself
strictly in terms of my role, but when your roles fall away, part of you falls
with them.”

That is often
our struggle as our “roles” fall away. How do we develop patterns for new ones?

Owning Your Own Power

Dr. Joseph
Parent asks: “Why is there a need to prove our worth over and over again? Especially
when asking ourselves ‘What is wrong with me?’ makes us feel instantly
defeated.”

Fear of change
is sneaky and keeps us negatively motivated. Owning our own power is where we
should be at this time in our lives; defining it in a different way, or really
in whatever way gives us the most pleasure.

Choosing you has
to do with finding joy in whatever makes you happy. Sometimes it is hard to
accept that handling the change means facing the unknown, the insecurity,
concern, and even excitement of finally being on your own.

We all are
told over and over again to put together a roadmap for our lives. But perhaps,
when we retire, the roadmap we had until that point is no longer relevant to
our new direction, especially when someone else designed the roadmap.

When you have
spent the majority of your life obeying every road sign, is it not time to
challenge the one that says “no trespassing”? Being brave enough to choose the road
less traveled with all its twists and turns, on your own terms, offers detours
that redirect you to unimagined and exciting places.

Choosing You!

I have decided
that I’ve come to a point where I can no longer tolerate in my life people that
drain me. After I retired, it dawned on me that out of the many people I had
surrounded myself with, there were several that I did not like, were very
needy, or had nothing in common with me.

They were in
my life because I had tolerated them, not because I was choosing them. So, why
was I connected to those that did not enrich or make my new life better or more
fulfilling in any way?

By choosing me
I learned that I am a more resourceful person than I thought, in many different
ways. There are things I will do and things I won’t do, and I am now very
specific with myself about boundaries.

My List of 9

• I am no longer trapped in “yesterday’s solutions.” It is a new world. Look for new solutions that are relevant today.
• I have become more affirmative about standing my ground. The people pleaser has left the building!
• I am learning to be happy with myself and love who I am and what I do. Judgement from others about my life and how I live it is no longer allowed.
• I know I am a serial worrier and I cannot control what is happening all the time. But I have learned that dialing up Domino’s for a pizza and a pint of my favorite caramel pecan ice cream is not a
  way to cope with stress and anxiety.
• I have learned that dreams have no expiration date!
• I have learned that not every day will be perfect. “Some days you’re the pigeon and somedays you’re the statue; just live with it!”
• I have learned that overreacting is pretty much a character flaw. Nothing is ever as good as it seems or as bad as it seems on any given day.
• I have stopped judging myself so harshly when I find myself off course.
• I have learned that laughter really does change everything.

W. Somerset
Maugham wrote, “We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we
love. It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person.”
This is the key, making sure that the changes you make take you to the next
step of happiness you so richly deserve.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How have you become your best advocate? Are
you on the way to choosing you? Are there things you no longer allow yourself
do because they strip your identity off? Let’s have a conversation in the
comments below.

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