Is 60 the Beginning or the End? Reaching 60 can be the beginning or the end of your life depending how you look at it. I read an article this week which made me feel sad and then frustrated. It was about a woman who feels invisible and 60. At first I felt quite sorry for the lady and then I started to feel quite frustrated as I read it. I wanted to say to her ‘Being 60 is not the end of your life it is just the beginning but it is up to YOU‘.
Yes we all grow older, however my philosophy is that you only have one life so make the most of it. What made me feel better was then reading another story from The Salvation Army on Facebook about a 102 year old lady who is still volunteering! Now that is inspirational and imagine if she had felt sorry for herself and gave up at the age of 60!
Here we have two stories completely opposite in thinking and that is the message to us all – THE WAY YOU THINK IS THE WAY YOU WILL FEEL.
In this post I would like to address some of the concerns raised.
Yes we get older but you don’t have to accept the changes that are happening to you. If you don’t like it do something about it!
Accept Growing Older Gracefully
So we get wrinkles, big deal. Wrinkles tell a story and when you smile they can look beautiful. However, my motto has always been ‘moisturize, moisturize, moisturize’. If you are really unhappy with your appearance do something about it. I’m not a fan of cosmetic surgery but if it makes you feel better about yourself go for it!
Don’t get lazy
Yes we all feel from time to time that we can’t be bothered with our appearance. That is okay occasionally but if you look good you feel good. Just because your hair might be thinning or you have added some extra kilos doesn’t mean you should let yourself go. Go and get a new hairstyle, have your nails done as a treat, have a massage – you will feel a million dollars and it will show from within because you are feeling happy about yourself. Live a healthy lifestyle and include some exercise and good food choices.
Don’t try to compete with the younger generation
There will always be someone brighter and better so don’t try to compete, especially with someone young enough to be your grandchild. Accept that you have your talents and you are valuable. Don’t put yourself down or feel jealous because you will never be happy until you get over these emotions.
Let your Children Go
Yes, I’ve experienced it! Your children actually grow up and become adults! They don’t need you all the time and yes this can be hard to take sometimes however, I have always wanted my children to be independent and I’m proud that they are. They don’t need me (not all the time anyway). I appreciate that they are busy and don’t expect to see them all the time. Don’t expect to be a part of everything they do – did you let your parents? Let them live their lives and enjoy the time you do spend together. Quality not Quantity remember.
Get a Life
At 60 you may have retired and so have time on your hands. Now is the time in your life for YOU. It’s your choice how you spend the rest of your life but I know I’m going to LIVE and LOVE and ENJOY my life until the end. There are so many ways you can have a fulfilled life. Social clubs, volunteering, friends, family, go back to school and even learn to enjoy your own company, doing what you want to do when you want to do it.
You are not Invisible
I cannot believe that this lady feels invisible. Everyone has something to offer, however if you are going to wallow in self pity then do it on your own. If you act invisible and are miserable you will be invisible. If you say ‘Hey! Here I am and I’ve got a lot to offer’ then people will take notice and enjoy your company.
Be Grateful
You have reached 60 – be grateful. Yes, I know we live longer these days but there are those who have been taken too soon. Be grateful that you have your life and do something with it! I’m sure those who has passed would give anything to have their life back and would certainly make it purposeful.
So it is really up to YOU – you can be invisible at sixty or you can be 103 and still volunteering. I know which one I’m going to be – what about YOU?
34 Comments
This is totally amazing that we both picked a similar subject to write about today and although they are along the same lines , both are completely different. I agree with every word you said. I have always said “great minds think alike ” in times like this!
Hi Jennifer yes ‘great minds’ but obviously we aren’t the only ones that think this way surely? Have a lovely day!
That’s positive thinking. A lot of people don’t think that way when they retire. Glad to have found your blog 🙂
Thanks Agatha! Yes you have to be positive and be so grateful for the life you have. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t plan their retirement so feel lost and then start to feel bitter. Sad really. I’m glad you found my blog too!!! 🙂
Hi Sue, Thanks for posting this on Fridays Blog Booster Party. This is an awesome post and as you know I agree with every word. You have stated it so well.
Thanks Kathleen, love being part of the Fridays Blog Booster Party!!!
When I turned 30, I thought it was the end. And now that I am turning 40 next month, I am feeling the youngest. Nothing is stopping me. Really inspirational blog.
You go girl! I’m 57 started running at 50 and completed my first full marathon at 55. I’m glad you found the blog inspirational. have a lovely weekend and don’t forget to sizzle! 🙂
I really appreciate your post… what a blessing. I hate it that our world/culture doesn’t value age and wisdom as God intended, but rather there seems to be a bit of “shame” attached with aging… as if youth really is the best. That is not what the Bible says… I know I am so much wiser every year that I live and I am thankful for the relationship I have with God and that it continues to grow deeper. I want to honor HIM, not a certain age or look. We will all age at some point… my parents are in their 70s and they still run nursing home ministries and help people much younger than they are. I love the example they are setting. 🙂 Thank you for a great post…
Hello Gentle Joy! thank you so much for taking the time to comment on my post. You are so right about setting an example. I should have mentioned that! We still have much to offer and teach the younger generation but we can also learn from them 🙂
Great post. As I’m getting older, I don’t feel the age that I actually am…lol. I do believe that I have learned so much as I’ve gotten older. I’m actually at a great age now and feel like I will only get wiser and better with age.
You are spot on Erlene. Thank you for our comments. I feel the same way we have the added advantage of experience. Have a lovely day!
I think you are as old as you feel and your list is a great reminder. Stopping by from Wednesday’s Wisdom.
Thanks Mariet and yes I’m 57 but feel 30! Although sometimes after a hard P.T. session I feel my age LOL:)
Age is all in a person’s attitude. You can be 20 and old if you have the wrong attitude in life.
You are so right Heidi! It is all in the attitude. Thanks for your comment. Have a lovely day!
Sue, my aunt went to college for two years when she was in her 70s; my dad said “I guess that’s all right, if that’s what she wants, but I think it’s a little late in the day to be going to school.” *She* would tell you you’re on the right track! PS I came over from Marilyn’s blog.
Hi Jean, thanks for the comment and the encouragement. I hope I’m like your aunt in my 70s. You can either stagnate and wait to die or keep going and enjoy life. Thanks from stopping by and hope you join me again.
Excellent advice. You are only as old and invisible as you feel. I am almost 63 and still going strong. Working a full time job, blogging, photography, painting, you name it. I don’t think I will ever run out of things to see and do! And yes I believe in moisturizer and taking care of myself. 🙂
Thanks Cathy. Yes I believe that those thinking like us out number the negative ones. This morning I ran 8km Mothers Day Classic Run with my daughter. I’m not going to stop!
Thanks for linking up with Friday Reflections, so great to read your post, very inspiring. I am 38 and loving it, I am so excited for what the future brings, I feel I get happier with age and growing into myself. I feel more alive and true to myself now than at 20, and hopefully that continues into my 60’s and beyond. Have a great week xx
Thank you for the opportunity to link up and our comments Mackenzie! You have a great attitude so I’m sure you will be Sizzling way past 60! You have a great week and I look forward to linking up again.
My Gran is 96, still volunteering, still travelling, still trying to squeeze every drop of life she can out of her days. Yes she is slower, no she isn’t driving now, yes she feels frustrated by her body and her mind when it isn’t quite right but she still just ‘gets on with it’. Her natural curiosity is a joy and I have just written her a massive letter with minute detail of our new lives in the Philippines because she is craving to learn as much as she can about it. This woman humbles me, is my litmus test, and I am so proud and honoured to have inherited some of her traits. That gives me hope that one day I will be as robust and amazing as her.
She sounds wonderful! What a great role model for you. thank you for sharing your comment with me.
Interesting. i have a few to go before 60 but you’re so right. The women in my family tend to hang around for many years my gran was 99 (with three months till 100) and my other is 94 years so i figure i’m going to be here for a while might as well fill it up 🙂 Thanks for sharing with us for The Sunday Brunch Magazine , Bel & Eliza xx
Wow your grans must have done something right! I bet they led interesting lives and would have great stories to tell. Thanks for your comment.
This is a really motivational post, it’s all too easy to look for excuses to let ourselves go, or to take the easy option, but personal drive and challenge are a vital part of a fulfilling life, and excuses just don’t cut-it! My mum-in-law celebrated her 70th birthday by having a go at surfing for the first time, which is no mean-feat in the Australian surf! We need more strong female voices in the 60+ generation to inspire the rest of us to get off our butts and keep going for it no matter what age we are!
Oh I am so glad that you liked it Lisa! You are so right about more strong female voices in the 60+ generation. Maybe that’s me LOL:) Thanks for the comment and good on your mother-in-law!
This is a great post. Life shouldn’t stop at 60! In my eyes, 60 years old is not old! Old to me is 80+.
My partners parents are 59 and 61. They are still working and full of life!
Thanks for linking up to #justanotherlinky Hope too see you again Sunday!
Thank you Beth!!! I’m glad you liked the post and also that your parents are enjoying life to the full – great examples for you! Have a lovely weekend.
[ Smiles ] Oh, I am far from sixty; but that is some very good advice!
Well you will be prepared for when you reach sixty! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and have a lovely day!
So encouraging for us older ladies. This is one reason I began blogging and writing. A great reminder that we are never too old to begin something new for ourselves. Agree with all your points.
Yes Michelle we have to encourage each other and I started blogging for that reason. I enjoy your posts and comments ‘virtual’ friend take care.