Living Alone After 60 and Thriving

Are you wondering if living alone after 60 and thriving is possible? Worry no more.

While research figures confirm that a large number of men and women ages 60 and older live alone, many of these older adults relish their privacy and being able to do what they want to do when they want to do it. Many solo agers who never married, are divorced, or widowed live happy and fulfilling lives.

Here are 4 tips to living alone after 60 and thriving:

1 – Relish your independence

Instead of becoming dependent on a spouse or adult children to meet all of your needs, venture out of your comfort zone. Join social groups and participate in activities. Daily life and experiences are limited by the people in our inner circle.

How many close friends and acquaintances do you have? Raising a family and working can limit social contacts. Make a goal of meeting and making 1 to 2 close friends in the next 12 months. Building new relationships take time and effort but can be a blessing.

Imagine finding a new friend who enjoys the symphony when your husband would go because you wanted to attend but not really enjoy the music. What about new friends who enjoy reading, gardening, or other hobbies that you put on the back burner? Individuals who are socially active lead more interesting lives and are healthier and happier.

2 – Plan for the possibility of needing care

Middle-age is when health issues can begin to crop up if one is not attentive to changes in physical activity or daily ability. Instead of putting your health on the back burner—make wellness front and center. There’s no time like middle age to focus on self-care that includes positive and life-affirming habits. Have you considered yoga, joining a gym, bicycling, meditation, and other self-esteem-boosting activities?

If not, make the time to investigate healthful activities. Think of people you might meet at a yoga class or at the gym who may share other common health interests. Learning what others of a similar age do to remain healthy can be beneficial.

Who says that aging past 60 or 65 means you’re old? Aging is partly in your mind and affected by your health and body. Keep your mind and body healthy and you are well on your way to living life to the fullest in retirement years.

3- Do the mental work to maintain a positive mindset

There’s everything to be said about remaining positive in thought and deed. While everyone around you may be Debbie or Dick Downer, know that you alone have control over your emotions and how you respond to life. Let other people, including family members, own and dwell in their negative thought patterns and emotions.

Create the positive mindset you want today. Decide what you want. Think about how you want to feel and feel that way. Do you want to feel happy or joyful? What are you waiting for? Give yourself permission to be happy. There is no need for older people to feel lonely when life has so much to offer.

When you feel positive, the energy of people who are negative will bounce off you back to them. If you’re having a not-so-good day, let go of the thoughts that hold you down. Focus on thoughts that lift you up. Call a good friend to chat. Spend more time with positive, happy, and encouraging people.

4 – Release resistance to change

Part of aging is managing ongoing changes. For example, you had a career or a job you enjoyed and now you retire. Your life changes. Creating a new routine can be something to look forward to. A number of older adults begin new career adventures after retirement. Will you be one of them?

Adults living in large homes may think of downsizing when a home becomes too much to care for and freedom to come and go is more of a priority. What about moving to a part of the country where you’ve always wanted to live?

Look at life and living alone after 60 as a great adventure. Create the life you’ve always wanted by embracing positive habits, meeting new people, and being more open to change and the opportunities life has to offer.

5 – Talk with experts who can help you plan your future

The three pillars of planning in middle age and when 65 and older are: financial advice, legal advice, and care advice. While you may think you have these areas covered, talking with an expert can offer information and insights to help you avoid unexpected concerns.

Older women are more likely to outlive spouses and live alone after age 60. Make a plan for taking funds out of retirement accounts and when to access social security and other benefits. Create an estate plan to have someone to help when needed.

And while needing care may not be on your mind, being aware of options puts you in control of your future. Being prepared ensures you can enjoy life and have a plan for the unexpected.

Interested in planning for your future of living alone after 60? Schedule an eldercare consultation with Pamela today.

 

® 2021 Pamela D Wilson, All Rights Reserved