Since I turned 60, I have been constantly surprised at the amount of innovation, bravery, and inspiration I have seen in older women.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised… we are the generation that has changed the world, probably more than any other. No longer just the home makers, many of us have worked full time, at the same time as raising a family and running a home. We may have studied, climbed the career ladder, renovated property, as well as being a loving partner, family member, and friend.
Closing Chapters
So as a chapter is closing for me, I am looking for new stories to weave into my tapestry. What to do?
In my quest to find an answer, I thought it would be fun to explore a few possibilities for us wise, talented, and extremely able ladies. 🙂
Downsizing
Downsizing is often the most considered but can sometimes be the scariest. If you have lived in a home for a long time, perhaps raised your family there, saying goodbye can be tough.
But your memories are with you always, they are not left behind in four walls. You could make a ‘Moving Book’ where you put photos of your old house, write memories and anecdotes of special times and events there. I once knew a lady who took her door architrave as it was where she had marked her children growing!
And think of the benefits of living in a smaller place! Less cleaning, easier to maintain, more practical, less clutter, more economical to run. Perhaps there will be financial gains, or the opportunity to live closer to family and loved ones.
Take your time… every journey begins with the first step.
Moving Abroad
While moving abroad after 60 may sound terrifying for some, every year thousands do it and absolutely love the newfound excitement, change and freedom they gain. A total change of lifestyle!
Obviously, this is something that needs a considerable amount of thought, mountains of research, and a great deal of planning. Get an ‘Adventure Book’ and begin by listing possible destinations, including pros and cons. For example, cost of living, property, healthcare, temperature/seasons, transportation, ease of access, shops, language, proximity to places you would enjoy, etc.
Try to be honest with yourself, living in a place permanently is not the same as holidaying in it. How will things be when you are older? Can you manage the heat/cold? How will it feel being far from family/friends?
But the appeal and benefits are definitely worth considering. Warmer climate, blue skies, laid-back lifestyle, cost of living, better healthcare, new opportunities, adventure are just some of the reasons people decide to up sticks and move abroad.
A New Business
Starting a new business after 60 has many advantages. You have decades of life experience and all the skills it teaches you… financial, organisational, practical, decision making – along with a huge range of life skills. You are also likely to know what you enjoy doing and, most importantly, what you don’t. Research shows that doing something you love is more likely to be successful than something you don’t.
There is also the added bonus that you are less likely to be financially responsible for others, allowing you more freedom with your decisions. The opportunities for business startups are huge: consultant, therapist, tutor, beautician, Youtuber, dog groomer – the list really is endless. Of course, always do your research first.
Finding Love
Many solo over 60s enjoy life on their own, but others would prefer to have someone to share it with. If you are thinking of relationships, take a few steps so that you are proactive. You may bump into Mr. Right anywhere, but there is no harm in increasing your chances. 🙂
There are hundreds of ways to meet others, especially nowadays. You may prefer to join an online dating agency, become a member of local clubs where you can meet people with similar interests, or let your friends know you are thinking of starting a new relationship.
I know it can be a little scary putting yourself out there, but as long as you are careful, don’t take risks, and let someone know if you are going on a date with someone for the first time, there is no reason you can’t have just as much fun as when you were younger. 🙂
Dream Big!
The wonderful thing is that anything is possible. Truly it is! You can go to university, learn to fly a plane, become an extra in films, learn a language, travel the world, learn to dance, start a business, become a writer, start a blog, explore opportunities that could never have been possible when you were younger.
The only thing holding you back is your imagination… so dream big! There is no reason that someone else deserves it more than you. Picasso, Shakespeare, Pavarotti, Marco Polo, Neil Armstrong, Leonardo Da Vinci, Albert Einstein all had dreams. Their dreams were no more valid than yours.
So explore that wonderful, experienced and very clever brain of yours and ask it, What shall we do next? 🙂
Let’s Chat:
Have you changed the way you live? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
