Margaret Manning

Genuine happiness is something we all care about, but, not all of us have found. In this episode of the Sixty and Me Show, author and blogger Gretchen Rubin shares many insights from her research regarding what really makes people happy. Her book, The Happiness Project, reached the #1 position on the New York Times bestseller list. In her popular blog she reports on her adventures searching for happiness. We talk about what makes people fulfilled and the small changes that we can make in our lives every day to create a more positive mindset. We discuss how to find happiness, even in difficult times, and the transformative effect that positivity can have on our lives. She also shares her insights on how to insulate yourself from negative people. I hope that you enjoy the show.

Life after 60 can be one of the most challenging and uncertain times in a woman’s life. It can also be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding. With our roles and responsibilities changing, life is once again a fresh canvas. If you are just now turning 60, you may be wondering what’s to do next. Do you want to take it easy for a while? Or, after years in a corporate career, perhaps you want to start a business of your own? Whether you want to travel, work, relax or volunteer, there is no reason that life after 60 shouldn’t be amazing. Since starting Sixty and Me, I have had the opportunity to talk to hundreds of women just like you. As I have learned more about them, I have noticed a few patterns about the women that feel most fulfilled with their lives. I would like to share their strategies with you for getting the most from life after 60. I hope you find these ideas helpful. Here are 6 ways to get the most from your life after 60…

I love the sunshine. There is something about basking in the warmth of summer – wearing sunscreen of course – that makes me feel deeply happy. Or does it? After reading a new study from the University of Westminster, I’m beginning to question whether the idea that the weather affects my mood is all in my head.

When I ask the members of our community what challenges they are facing, a lack of meaningful friendships and a lack of financial resources are at the top of the list. On the surface, these are different issues, with different causes. But, if you dig a little deeper, they both relate to our changing circumstances...

Do you every feel like life takes on a momentum of its own? I know I do! As we pass through the decades of our lives, one decision blends into the next. Finally, as we reach our 60s and we finally have time to evaluate our lives, it’s easy to wonder “how did I get here?”

On some level, I guess we all dislike change. In fact, for most of our lives, we have done everything in our power to find stability. Most of us looked for “safe” jobs. We tried to get our family to “safe” neighborhoods. Now that we are 60, we are told to put our investments in something “safe.” In all of these cases, the word safe also means predictable.

By the time we reach our 60s, most of us have made our share of sacrifices. We have relocated to support our husband’s careers, put our dreams on hold for our children and supported our communities at our own expense. I’m not saying that any of these actions are wrong – far from it! I’m simply saying that most of us have made a habit of putting others before ourselves.

Women over 60 are a resilient lot. We’ve had to be. Throughout our lives we have battled discrimination in the workplace and crayons on the walls at home. We have loved and lost. We have followed our dreams and encountered more than our fair share of nightmares. Now, as we reach our 60s, despite our natural resiliency some of us feel a bit battered and bruised by life.