Being Happy and Healthy in my 60’s
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Maintaining happiness and good health in your 60s is a wonderful goal that can significantly enhance your quality of life.
Being happy and healthy in my 60s and throughout my adult life was a goal I wanted to achieve since my 20s after my dad had a serious heart attack. When he recovered, I watched him take handfuls of meds every day and watched his body become older very quickly. He eventually had a heart transplant, but only lived the rest of his life taking more meds and having constant visits to the doctor.
I knew I didn’t want to live like that, so I made a change not to live on meds, eat better, and keep my body and mind as healthy as possible.
While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for achieving this, there are several key principles and lifestyle choices that can significantly improve your well-being during this stage of life.
I am not a doctor by any means, but these are just suggestions that have worked for me for many years. Please consult your doctor for what will best fit your body.
Here are some tips to help you be happy and healthy in the years leading and in your 60s:
Maintain a Healthy Diet
We truly are what we eat and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help you maintain a healthy weight, support your immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
My Experience – I lived a low-fat diet for basically 40 years after my dad had his heart attack to keep my cholesterol down. Which it did. BUT, because low-fat diets are full of carbs which are some form of sugar, by the time I reached 60, my blood sugar started creeping up and my A1C was over 10. Now I live a low-carb lifestyle which is keeping all my numbers down to normal and off of meds altogether. I do take Vitamins D3/K2, B12, C, Zinc, Omega 3, Turmeric, and Chewable Calcium.
Vitamin D and Calcium for my bones, vitamin D, C, and Zinc for my immune system which has kept me flu and cold-free for over 20 years, Omega 3 is for my heart, and turmeric is for my joints to keep arthritis at bay. Learning what foods cause inflammation was also key for my body. I rarely have aches and pains.
Stay Active
Regular exercise is essential for maintaining physical and mental health. Engage in a mix of aerobic, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Activities like walking, swimming, yoga, and tai chi can benefit as our bodies age.
My Experience – I’ve been doing some form of exercise since my early 20’s. I still work out 3 days a week doing a 30-minute walking video or when the weather is nice, I will walk 2 miles or more outside. I move whenever I can and love to turn on my favorite music and just dance! Nobody’s looking. Give it a try. I also love to do Deep Water aerobics when the weather is nice. Keeping your mid area strong is so important as you age to help with balance.
My walking workout videos of choice now are Up to the BEat Fit (great music and she is so much fun), Get Fit With Rick (lots of videos at different time lengths to choose from for your taste), and Walk at Home (where it all began and she has great ques for those just starting out). There weren’t any workout places where I lived, so I’ve been using videos for all these years.
Regular Check-ups
Stay on top of your health by scheduling regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. Screenings and early detection of health issues can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.
My Experience – It is so important to have your regular screenings yearly. Especially a mammogram when you reach a certain age or if breast cancer runs in your family. Yearly blood tests are also a great way to watch your cholesterol, blood sugar levels and to see if you are deficient in any vitamins. The third most common cancer worldwide is colon cancer. So, have this test when your doctor recommends it. I’ve had one and it was good, but I will do one more soon. A bone density test is also a test to have when your doctor recommends it.
Manage Stress
Find healthy ways to manage stress, as chronic stress can negatively impact your health. Meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and spending time in nature are all effective stress-reduction techniques.
My Experience – I had a hard time with stress for many years after my first marriage. I was having terrible panic attacks to the point I couldn’t ride in a car. I was also having terrible bowel problems at the same time. This is when I found out that my vitamin D and B12 were really low. I also started taking a probiotic. Once I changed my diet and started taking those vitamins, my body responded well. The panic attacks went away and my bowels calmed down to normal. It took about 2 years, but my gut completely healed itself.
Another stress reliever for me is taking a wonderful hot bubble bath with lavender bath bombs.
Stay Socially Connected
Maintain strong social connections with friends and family. Loneliness and social isolation can have a detrimental effect on mental and physical health. Join clubs, take classes, or volunteer to stay socially engaged.
Maintain positive and supportive relationships. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you, and consider seeking professional help if you’re dealing with challenging relationships.
And a pet also keeps us from being lonely. Walking your pet with friends is a great way to connect. And of course, your pet can help you cope when times get hard.
My Experience – All of the above. I love doing volunteer work in my community and having lunch with friends. If I’m laughing, the whole world is a better place. When I’m walking, I always look forward to those walking their dogs so that I can get me some puppy time. I miss having a fur baby.
Pursue Your Passions
Your 60s can be a time to explore hobbies and interests that you may not have had time for earlier in life. Pursuing your passions can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
My Experience – As the subtitle of my blog says – Sharing My Passions. This blog has been so much fun doing for the past 10+ years. Gardening, cooking, taking pictures, traveling, and thrifting are things I absolutely love to do.
Stay Mentally Active
Keeping your mind sharp by engaging in activities that challenge your cognitive abilities. Reading, puzzles, learning a new language, or taking up a musical instrument can all be beneficial.
My Experience – I love to do puzzles and read on my Kindle. The reason why I use a Kindle is mainly because I can make the font larger and see better. Old age does come with consequences like not being able to see small print anymore. 😋
Sleep Well
Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health and cognitive function. Create a bedtime routine that promotes restful sleep, and address any sleep disorders with the help of a healthcare professional if needed.
My Experience – I have to admit, I’ve never really had issues with sleeping. I think a lot of that has to do with that I work out a lot and my body is ready to sleep at night. I do love having a nice comfy bed with wonderful pillows that keep their shape, really soft sheets, and a fluffy quilted bed topper. Remember that we spend a 1/3 of our day in bed and why not enjoy a comfortable sleep?
Financial Planning
Ensure that your financial affairs are in order. If you haven’t already, consider your retirement plans and financial security. Consider working with a financial advisor to plan for retirement and any other financial goals you have in your 60s.
My Experience – When I turned 40, I received my Social Security notice to let me know how much I would receive a month when I turned 62 if I decided to receive it then. I was shocked! I was only going to receive about $500 a month and I knew I couldn’t live on that. At that time, I had no type of retirement. None. Nada!!
I immediately started a Roth IRA and started putting $50 a month into it and increased that monthly amount over the rest of my working years. I also receive income from my blog and everything related to that! Multiple streams of income is something I learned about after I turned 40 and wished I had learned that back in my 20s. I would’ve started my IRA long before then. If you are offered some kind of pension plan or 401K at your job. Take it!!!!!!! Don’t wait until you get older and think you will have more money to add to it.
I’ve heard so often from folks that they don’t have any money to save. If you want to have money when you retire or in your old age, you will find a way to save. Even if it’s a little bit at a time. It adds up over the years.
Embrace Aging
Accept and embrace the natural process of aging. Maintaining a positive attitude and adapting to the changes that come with age can significantly contribute to your happiness.
One of the first things I did that really helped with accepting the aging process, was to stop coloring my gray hair. Going from really dark brown (my natural color) to almost all gray was actually a fun process. You can read how that process went for me here.
Age is just another word for life!!!
Remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and the key is to find what works best for you. Prioritizing your physical and mental health, staying socially connected, and pursuing your passions are essential steps in ensuring a happy and healthy life in your 60s and beyond.
most importantly
- Drink lots of water every day – Especially when you wake up in the morning since your body has been deprived of water for 8 hours or more. If you are worried about your water, use a good filter pitcher. I love the Brita pitcher for my water.
- Make SPF your best friend – I was a sun worshiper back in the day and my skin is now paying for it. Thankfully, I wore large-brim hats and word sunscreen on my face when I was outside for most of my adult life and my facial skin shows it with little damage. My arms and legs are paying for all the sun damage now and I’ve had a few areas removed because of skin cancer. My dermatologist recommends EltaMD for sunscreen products and they work wonderfully.
- Keep your brain active – Do what makes your brain active any way you can. So many studies have shown that an inactive brain ages quicker. Enjoy being with friends and not being alone often.
- Live life to your fullest – Just have fun!! But also think about the consequences down the road and what your life choices may hold. Enjoy the aging process at every step. 💕
Enjoy a favorite quote below and a printable for you!
“Fall in love with taking care of yourself. Fall in love with the path of deep healing. Fall in love with becoming the best version of yourself but with patience, with compassion, and respect to your own journey.” ~S. McNutt
free Quote printable
Looking for recipe cards? Download 2-4×6 cards for recipe boxes or 1-8×10 card for a recipe notebook.
Set your printer for an 8×10 size and print on thick card stock.
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I’m just a country girl loving my geeky life with my wonderful husband, always taking pictures, getting my hands dirty in the garden, being crafty, exploring with travels and enjoying all this on a budget. But above all, living my faith as a child of God!
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I think embracing the aging process is the key to being happy as we get older. There was a time when getting older terrified me, and I fought it tooth and nail. It was exhausting.
Oh Beth, when the decade birthdays came along, I thought my life was over. Then 60 hit me and I couldn’t have been happier with my life.
Thank you for sharing this. All too often we admire youth and forget how fleeting it is if we don’t care for ourselves. This article is helpful in so many ways – physically, mentally and financially.
Stephanie, you are so right about the world admiring youth. Age has experience and knowledge that needs to be shared.
Hi Tammy,
Your post on being happy and healthy in your 60s is fantastic! Your practical tips and personal experiences make it relatable and inspiring. Embracing aging as just another word for life is a beautiful perspective. Cheers to more wisdom and joy!
Thank you Ambra for your kind words. I learned a long time ago that I can’t stop time and just learn to live with the clock ticking.
These are all such good tips. I think staying active both physically and mentally are so important, especially when you stop working. And not being afraid to get something checked out if you’re not feeling 100% x
Being active is very important to keep your body younger as you age.
Thank you for sharing your powerful journey to happiness and health in your 60s. Your story resonates, and it’s a reminder of the importance of proactive well-being. Wishing you continued joy and good health on this inspiring path you’ve paved.
Thank you Sue for the kind words. I hope it will help others as well.
You have such a beautiful and healthy mindset and I love it! So admirable and inspirational…I think aging is a truly a gift and something we need to learn to embrace especially as women. The wisdom and experiences we’ve lived through is something to be proud of and truly take pride in the older we get. Thank you for sharing this lovely post <3
Tammy, thank you so much. As I watched my parents age and how it really was an issue with their mind and body, it makes you want to keep as healthy as possible. The cost of health care as you age is something I don’t want to deal with.
You shared some amazing tips. My parents are in their sixties and they also follow few of these tips. Will share this post to them.
First of all, I am so thrilled to see that you are happy and healthy in your 60s. I always believe that when you are aging, you don’t have to become weak. Being active definitely helps!
Embracing aging as just another word for life is such a beautiful perspective. Thanks a bunch for sharing your wisdom—it’s like a roadmap to a fulfilling and vibrant life.
It is good to have a strategy to work on health and longevity. I have also been working on my health now, more than ever. Great tips!
Tammy,
Great post and everything you spoke of is so true…Once I left a very toxic working situation, my IBS has calmed down greatly in the 5 years since I stopped working and retired… I also walk now which I could not do before my knee replacement and I just love being home and finally having the time to do everything I love…decorate, craft, garden and just “play” in my house and garden!! Thanks so much for sharing…. I hope you are staying warm….It is 7 degrees here in NEPA this morning!!!
Hugs,
Deb
Ain’t retirement life grand!! I love that life is calmer and having more fun with my passions.