Living Well This Week: Embracing Life Beyond the Numbers to live a full and happy lifestyle

Dear Readers,

Welcome to this week's edition of Living Well This Week, where I encourage you to celebrate your vibrant, fulfilling life being a woman over 50. This week, I’m putting the focus on embracing life beyond the numbers—whether it’s age, weight, or any other digits that society uses to define us. So, let's dive into a world where numbers don't limit our joy, potential, or sense of self.

I have a birthday looming in a couple of days and for the first time I'm not really sure how I feel about it. Usually, I have a positive outlook and welcome my birthday celebrating another trip around the sun. My mind tells me I can't possibly be 67 with only 3 years until I'm 70, yet despite living a healthy lifestyle, my body is starting to age and at times this can play with your mindset.

I recently saw an article about a German study which posed the question:

At What age would you describe someone as old?

I've included links to the article and the journal paper for your further reading. This was a  a long-running study that includes people living in Germany born between 1911 and 1974. Participants responded to survey questions up to eight times over 25 years, when they were between 40 and 100 years old. Additional participants were recruited throughout the study period as later generations entered midlife and old age.

Todays-society-thinks-old-age-begins-later-life-previous-generations-finds-study

Postponing old age: Evidence for historical change toward a later perceived onset of old age.

It appears that the numbers we focus on can rob us of being joyful in the moment and living a full and happy life. We start to live a life where we are just surviving rather than thriving.

Recommended listening: Are you Thriving or Just Surviving:How to Thrive in Life After 60
My Podcast interview with Debbie Harris from Deb's World and I discuss the idea of thriving in life, especially after 60. Deb selected Thrive as her Word of the Year for 2024.

How to Embrace a Life Beyond Numbers

1. Mindset: Breaking Free from Age Boundaries

Your Age Doesn’t Define You

As we grow older, it’s easy to let our age dictate what we think we can or cannot do. But age is just a number—it doesn’t determine our ability to live fully. It is about reframing your mindset: instead of seeing age as a limitation, view it as a badge of honor, a testament to the wisdom and experiences you’ve accumulated. Each year is an opportunity to learn, grow, and embrace new adventures.

Activity Tip:

Write down three things you’ve always wanted to do but felt were "too late" to start. Now, choose one and make a plan to begin. Remember, it’s never too late to live your dreams.

2. Body: Loving the Skin You’re In

Healthy Over Skinny

During my teenage years the world was obsessed with weight, and our appearance. We strived to be like the ‘cover girls’ but didn’t realise those images were impossible to attain or maintain. Our self-confidence was eroded and for me, it has taken many years to accept who I am and actually love the skin I’m in.

We need to focus on living a healthy lifestyle rather than the number on the scale. The goal should be to nourish your body with nutritious foods, stay active, and embrace your natural shape. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you feel energetic, strong, and confident, regardless of what the numbers on the scale say.

Exercise Spotlight: Strength Training 

Strength training is essential for maintaining muscle mass and bone density as we age. Incorporating simple exercises like squats, lunges, and resistance band workouts into your routine can help you stay strong and resilient. Aim for at least two sessions per week.

Not sure where to start? A personal trainer can give you a workout program designed for your needs. Read this article Strength Training for Women Over 50: 11 Best Moves

3.Beauty: Redefining What It Means to Be Beautiful

Beauty Beyond Numbers

True beauty is not about fitting into a particular dress size or looking a certain age. It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin, radiating confidence, and embracing your unique features. Invest in skincare that makes you feel good, experiment with new makeup looks if that excites you, and most importantly, wear your smile with pride.

Fashion Tip: Dressing for Joy

Don’t be afraid to express your personality through your wardrobe. Choose clothes that make you feel vibrant and joyful. Choose clothes you feel comfortable in. Whether it’s a bold color, a flattering cut, or a piece of jewelry that tells a story, wear what makes you happy. Not sure what colours suit you? Why not take a Colour Analysis. This Marie Claire article may help get you started What Colour Suits Me? Find Your Colour Palette (marieclaire.com.au)

4. Life: The Numbers That Truly Count

Counting Moments, Not Numbers 

At the end of the day, the numbers that truly matter are not your age or weight but the moments that fill your life with meaning. Cherish your relationships, celebrate your achievements, and find joy in the little things. These are the true treasures of life that no number can quantify.

Gratitude Practice:

Each night before bed, write down three things you’re grateful for. This simple practice can shift your focus from the numbers to the abundance of blessings in your life. Make it a special practice by buying a beautiful notebook to record your thoughts.

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Let’s move beyond the numbers and embrace life with all its beauty, challenges, and joys. Life after 50 is not about counting down; it’s about adding up—experiences, wisdom, love, and joy. Here's to living well, embracing every moment, and loving life beyond the numbers.

Until next week, keep shining and living well!

P.S. Did you catch the latest episode of the Women Living Well After 50 Podcast this week? My guest, Kathy Marris, from 50 Shades of Age shares her story about Midlife Marriage Breakdown and tips on how to survive this traumatic time. Catch the episode here Surviving a Midlife Marriage Breakdown