Women in their 60’s+ are often thought of as slowing down, concerned about their health but not doing anything about it and making their lives small so they can “make it through to the end.”
Would it surprise you that many women don’t buy the gloomy picture of retirement that is spread through “ageism,” that discriminatory attitude toward people of a certain age (old), that holds a picture of these folks as uninteresting, out of touch, feeble and losing their memory.
In fact, there are many women who live by the idea that “70 is the new 50!” These women are seeing the world differently. They look at their retirement years with joy and possibility, creating and pursuing new goals and new experiences and living with a “higher purpose” rather than slowing down and feeling like there is more road behind them than in front of them. It’s a chance to focus on themselves after many years of taking care of others.
The opportunities for engaging work, finally writing that book, maybe starting a business and exploring new things abound for women in retirement.
One key area of focus for these energetic and amazing women is their health and wellness. A long life is great but longevity with poor health may not be what women really want. Chronic health issues can be managed so you can live your life with the best quality of life possible for you.
Life issues can also be managed to lighten the emotional load from the past. Imagine how you would feel if you were able to let go of past regrets, old hurts and trauma from childhood, painful self-talk, all of which may have held you back for much of your life.
It all starts with you and your willingness to go on a journey of self-discovery. I’ve been on this journey for years – letting go of a lot of garbage from the past, looking at my life experiences for the gifts they actually are. Changing my self-talk has expanded me and allowed for more lightness and joy in my life.
Where do you fall on a scale of (worse)1 – 10 (best), on your view of retirement? “Nothing will change, it’s too late.” Or “Can’t wait to retire, I have so much more I want to do with my life!”
If you’d like to take my free questionnaire: “Are you living YOUR best life to its full potential?” click here to learn more.
With curiosity and wonder,
Elaine L Stewart, CHC
