Life Hacks at 60+
By: Elaine Wilson
When I turned 60 (I’m now almost 65, which by definition is officially old in our society), I enjoyed the celebration, love, and well wishes. I embraced it because why not? I even did a little happy dance at my first Senior discount! Then reality reared its head – for I had to once again define who I was (this darn hard work never ends). My body is not the same at all, it is wearing out. Fortunately you can get new parts like knee replacements – of which I now am the proud owner of two! 🙂 Memory really is an issue as well. The first time I flew after surgery, I actually forgot to tell security at the airport about the metal knee, which was rewarded with a longer wait and X-ray in a machine that resulted (I think? Case in point) in someone seeing me naked?? Sorry, but it’s your job and also thank you Doc for doing such a great job that I actually forgot I have a metal knee!
The interesting thing to me at 60+ is that EVERY stage of life is a huge adjustment, simply because you have never done this! You have never been this. I am now familiar with the joy and struggles of my 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s………but not this unmarked territory of truly facing what and how I can still contribute in a meaningful way. With that intention, here are a few life hacks at 60, and beyond:
1. MOVE IT OR LOSE IT! No longer do I exercise to look better (although to be completely honest, I still cling to that hope, and that stupid body image CRAP that has me checking my tummy in the mirror to see if it got any flatter since yesterday). I exercise to feel better. Getting an ache-and-pain-body out of bed and going for a walk, swim, bike ride, or even doing a little yoga makes such a difference. It makes me feel like me! It helps me feel gratitude for this amazing body that can see, hear, think, feel, taste, and smell. This body that has enjoyed food, love making, dancing, and the miracle of bringing babies into the world and my home. I know that at my age if I sit on the couch I’ll only be able to sit on the couch so – I choose to move. Pick whatever makes you feel alive and happy…but MOVE!
2. GET RID OF STUFF! This past year we have moved from our 4 bedroom family home into a lovely townhouse. The process took time, boxes, advice, and WORK! I got to know the collectors at Good Will on a first name basis. 🙂 My husband made trips to the dump, and our children kept some things they can use. The surprise: Getting rid of a lifetime’s worth of things has been a wonderful teacher. We have lived in this buying, consuming society and filled closets, drawers, shelves – every space we have with stuff. Some is sentimental. Some is needed. Most of it is just plain stupid! It feels so good to have less and still have abundance. I have enough and more. Abundance is not stuff, it is love, friends, family, traditions, (and for me), God. Abundance is in gratitude for whatever you have that is important to you!
3. CONTINUE IN LOVE. I have noticed that older people from my age on until 100 seem to go one of two ways: They either get very sweet, loving, and almost childlike OR they’re grumpy, ornery and cantankerous. I really want to be the former when I am 90+ so I’m choosing to continue in love. Yes, I was born with a bit of a feisty spirit. Yes, my inclination to criticize is still there. And yes, I have days when I feel just plain irritable. But when I consciously choose to love all in my path these things fade into the background. It is easy for me to look at strangers, or acquaintances with a distant love, a little more difficult with friends. (They are in their 60’s too). Family and close loved ones are even harder though I love them deeply. You can only guess who is the hardest…ME! My wonderful HOYH sisters who are learning self-love early are blessed. I find that when I show even the smallest amount to myself and those around me LIFE AT 60+ IS GOOD!!!
Just a funny side note: I had to ask my kids what a life HACK was 😂. HOYH has a much better version than Pinterest. Also, please don’t be one of those 60ish women who won’t ask for help or who says, “I’m terrible at technology.” We are all learning.
Read more from our Life Hack series (of all ages) here, and here!
