I love visiting Costa Rica.  Do you know that it’s one of the Blue Zones, with many people thriving and living to age 100 and beyond?  On one of my trips, I met a couple in their 80s who were standing behind me for the zip line!  They were fit, joyful, and having the time of their life. 

What is the secret to living a vibrant and healthy life well into your 80s?  This month, we’re tackling this concept.  Whether it’s having a vibrant sex life, staying fit and strong, or protecting our brain from decline, self-care must be at the top of our list as we reach midlife.

Let’s look at why this is so important and how to make it happen!

  1. Nurture Your Beautiful Body:  Your body may be going through a lot of changes as you reach midlife and beyond, but it’s no reason to give up.  Get your body moving!  Find something fun that you are passionate about and go for it.  Do you like to dance, bike, hike in nature, swim, yoga, pump iron?  Get those endorphins flowing!  Fuel your body with delicious and healthy food, hydrate, and be sure to get your beauty sleep!
  2. Flex Your Mental Muscles:  Self-care can keep your mental activity razor sharp!  Do you know that by age 85, statistics say that we have a 50/50 chance of having Alzheimer’s? Don’t be a statistic! Engage in activities that challenge your mind, like puzzles, learning new skills, and lifelong learning.  If you are working and doing something you love where you have time and freedom, think twice before you retire.  Consider staying engaged, even part-time. 
  3. Pursue Your Passions:  Nurture your emotional wellbeing!  Take time for activities that bring you joy, whether it is painting, gardening, reading, journalling, teaching, singing, mentoring, or volunteering.  Explore passions you have left on the back burner to stay engaged and growing.  Dive into activities that nourish your soul.
  4. Surround Yourself with Love and Support:  Self-care means nurturing your social life and building wonderful relationships.  Get out and do things.  Accept invitations and send out invitations to others.  Go to concerts, join a group, travel, explore with others, and connect with old friends.  Having a strong support system of friends and family is all part of self-care.  Do not isolate yourself as you age.

It’s time to realize that age is just a number.  Decide that you are willing to do whatever it takes to thrive in this next phase of life.  Self-care is your secret recipe for feeling fabulous at 50 and beyond.  Take this challenge and nurture and challenge your body, mind and soul.  Reach out to others and stay engaged, stay curious, and embrace the unknown and put yourself at the top of the list!

Katana Abbott, CFP®, is a Retirement Income Coach and Certified Social Security Claiming Specialist, founder of the Midlife Millionaire® Solution, and the host of Smart Women Talk. For over 35 years, Katana has helped baby boomers plan for retirement, including how to create lifetime income, how to optimize their Social Security benefits, launch an encore career and prepare for long-term care.  She has written several books, created a financial literacy course, and is a popular speaker. Katana has been honored by NAWBO as one of Detroit’s Top 10 Businesswomen, receiving the Breakthrough Award. To download her new retirement guide, Three Smart Strategies to Maximize Your Retirement Income, visit www.katanaabbott.com!