Navigating Life After 60: Insights and Advice for Aging Gracefully

Monet or Manet — perhaps I mix those painters — once said, ldquo;I don’t care how many years I live; I just want to die young.rdquo; He knew well that ‘youth’ is a state of the soul. Life is ever-changing and independent, deciding when to leave us without consulting us. All we can do is choose how to live it, and learn to love our present.

Life is about having experiences. If these experiences turn out as we expected, we call them ‘successes’. Others we may call ‘failures’, but know that they are merely experiences. The only true failure is not learning from them. Self-love, trust, and appreciation form the very foundations of self-worth and self-esteem. If we truly love ourselves, we are capable of loving others and being loved in return. Remember, you learn to love by loving yourself, trust in yourself, and appreciate yourself. Start small, and soon you will see significant changes.

Don’t forget to praise, bless, and thank everyone every time. This attitude change can turn life into a joyful journey. Now, you may think you see a lot of scammers and spammers. Just wait until you receive your Social Security benefits, and you'll realize it's even more common in the senior community.

After 60: A Different Reality

After 60, many face different realities. Those who had tough physical jobs often experience chronic pain. Those with desk jobs or administrative roles may still be working, but they feel cranky, knowing that time and age have passed them by. Unless you are a business owner, you're probably on your own, and the respect and approach of others change accordingly. The time for promotions is over, and the harsh truth sets in.

Jack Nicholson's performance in About Schmidt is a poignant example of this period. He finds his wife cheating on him and, surprisingly, no one cares about it anymore. Upon discovering retirement, he transforms, buying a motorhome, getting laid, and rekindling relationships with his family. This is what being over 60 means for many — a time of community fraying, divorce, death, and moving around, leading to a lack of close friends and acquaintances.

After 60, I embarked on a new career, which I called my mini-career, as I started life over. It was challenging but rewarding, and I finished the decade in better shape than when I started. As I approach 71, I am slowing down, not just by choice but by a reality: we cannot live forever.

The biggest lesson I can give anyone after the age of 60 is to stop being competitive. Winning is not as important as sharing your experiences and giving. As you enter this phase of life and beyond, listen more than you talk, support others, and be kind. This is your greatest gift, and above all, don't be angry, as it shortens your lifespan.

Laugh a lot and enjoy your days to the fullest. As Oscar Wilde once said, ‘everything should be in moderation, including moderation’. Reflect on the meaning of life, but also feel the joy of nature. Enjoy the ocean, marvel at the trees and grass, and remember that you are a small cog in the world.

Go out and enjoy every day; you’ve earned it. Embrace this new chapter and make the most of your remaining years.