For 35 years, my focus has been helping women 50+ create lives they love with financial confidence and abundance. But thriving in your next chapter includes much more than money because, without our health and happiness, all the money in the world means nothing.
As we age, this becomes even more important. Women can expect to live about 5 years longer than men, and that includes living another 25-30 years as we reach retirement age. In fact, women comprise 80% of centenarians – now the fastest-growing demographic in the world. But living to 100 can be hell if you don’t have your health or a sense of purpose when you wake up each day.
So, this month, I am so excited to be interviewing three of today’s leading experts in this area, who will be sharing how to slow down aging so you can feel great, make a difference, and thrive in these next chapters of your life. Be sure to watch or listen to the shows. In the meantime, here are some tips to get you started right away!
- Prioritize Self-Care
It all begins right here! It’s so easy to forget to put yourself at the top of the list. Self-care is the foundation of ageless aging. As you enter this new phase of life, make self-care a priority. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. Meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help you stay centered and maintain a positive mindset.
- Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is key to ageless aging. Watch the Netflix series Living to 100: The Blue Zones. See why they not only live 100 years but thrive physically, emotionally, and mentally. The 5-part series visits Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Greece, Loma Linda, California, Ikaria, Italy, and Nicoya, Costa Rica. Some of the common themes include a healthy plant-based diet (healthy carbs), life purpose, lifetime work, staying active, lifetime physical labor (not sedentary lifestyles), strong joyful relationships, and more!
- Stay Physically Active
Sitting at a desk or on a couch won’t do it. Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining your physical and mental well-being. Engaging in activities like walking, swimming, yoga, or strength training can help you stay strong, maintain flexibility, and boost your mood. Find an exercise routine that you enjoy, and it will be easier to stick with it. One of our Smart Women members walks about 5 miles every single day. She is 68. Her mom has done the same thing for years and she is in her 80s and just married a man in his early 70s! What does that tell you?
- Cultivate Meaningful Relationships
This was key in every single Blue Zone. Building and maintaining strong relationships is essential for thriving as you age. Whether it’s your family, friends, or social groups, these connections provide emotional support, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose. Consider joining clubs or volunteering in your community to stay engaged with others who share your interests.
- Continue Learning
Want to avoid mental decline? Ageless aging is about embracing the joy of learning and personal growth. Pursue your passions, take up new hobbies, or go back to school. The pursuit of knowledge keeps your mind sharp and provides a sense of fulfillment. Whether you’ve always wanted to learn a new language, paint, or play a musical instrument, now is the time to explore your interests.
- Embrace Positive Mindset
Your attitude plays a significant role in how you experience the aging process. Maintain a positive mindset and focus on the opportunities and adventures that lie ahead. When I interviewed Ageless founder, Debra Poneman she stated that right after a healthy diet, a positive mindset is #2! Be open to change, adapt to new experiences, and see aging as a journey of growth and self-discovery.
- Set New Goals
Ageless aging is about setting new goals and aspirations. Whether it’s traveling to new destinations, starting a new career, reinventing your current career, or pursuing a long-held dream, having objectives gives your life direction and a sense of purpose. It’s never too late to set and achieve new goals.
- Practice Gratitude
Right when you awake, immediately take a second to express gratitude for everything good in your life. Expressing gratitude for the experiences, relationships, and lessons life has brought your way is a powerful way to stay in a high vibration. Gratitude can bring happiness, contentment, and a sense of fulfillment. This is why many keep a gratitude journal to reflect on the positive aspects of their life daily.
By prioritizing self-care and a healthy lifestyle, staying active, maintaining meaningful relationships, and continuing to learn, you can make this phase of life a time of growth, joy, and fulfillment. Embrace it with open arms and let it be your most rewarding chapter yet.
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.