Is 60 a new beginning or a step to decline?

by | Turning 60

50 seemed like a major turning point, but I was active, just got into adventurous travel and work was a central part of my life. I had years ahead.

But 60 more of a milestone. I think 80 is old, so that means 20 years left. Would I be able to do everything I want to do?

But what if I don’t have 20 years? What if my health declines and I find myself unable to do the things I want?

I’ve got knee problems now. Thankfully not arthritis, but all the twisting with dancing lead to torn knee ligaments so I need to be careful.

I’ve left it too late to walk the Annapurna Circuit. But maybe there is something else?

There are lots of things I am unlikely to do now, like be a concert pianist, or enter The Island with Bear Grylls on TV.

Well, if I was interested, I could take piano lessons, and I probably could apply for the TV show. But whilst 10 years ago it would have been a fantastic challenge, so why did I never apply before I no longer feel the urge to stretch myself this way.

Reflecting, I’ve sometimes done things just to show I can. Now I want to do the things that I want to do. Now, I can be more of who I am.

I may have lost some of my fitness and need to watch my back and knees at the gym, but I can swing a 20kg kettle bell, do a bicep curl with 8kg in both hands, and hold the plank for a minute x3! That’s more than many and for me, its important that I keep my fitness.

I’ve moved on from a long marriage to start again and find who I am. I’m happy to be both on my own and to do new things. I’ve found the missing people person who loves life, it was there, just hidden.

I’ve made new friends and I cant believe how easy this has been. So much easier to make friends when you are single. Its fun to have my girls to talk with. People say I’m fun to be with and my enthusiasm is infectious.

I’m choosing to do what I want and to say no more. Less about meeting other peoples expectations, and more about doing things I want to do. Saying NO is getting easy, saying YES to the things I want to do is great. Changing my mind can be fine too.

I listen, but I no longer try and solve other peoples problems. Too often I’ve stepped in and this has meant that other people haven’t learned from situations.

I’m on a road to discovery and I don’t mind the ageing process. I don’t want to look like I’m 25. I have a body that has lived and serves me well. I’m coming across as happy in my skin. Doing the things I want to do and wearing the clothes I want. If I wait till I lose a stone will I ever buy the new undies? So, I’ve bought them now and wear them every day.

  • STILL GROWING

  • STILL LEARNING

  • STILL HAVING FUN

I was inspired to write this article after reading a blog post by Julia Clark

I’d love to know what you think, feel free to comment below.

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Denise Taylor

Chief Inspiration Officer, The 50 Plus Coach.