‘Life after 60 is about doing what makes YOU happy. Here’s how I’m doing it’

As you get older, you start to realise that more and more of your life lies behind you and that the spectre of death is coming ever closer. However, it doesn’t have to be this way – you don’t have to see the process of ageing as one of loss. The reality is that, in many ways, life after 60 offers a whole host of truly fantastic pleasures and opportunities.

Take time out to enjoy yourself

If you’ve been halfway prudent in the years leading up to 60, you should be able to start enjoy a life where you prioritise you, while planning for your retirement. Many people find themselves desperate for some rest by the time they reach their 60s. I’m fortunate to say that’s what I was able to expect. Even if you find yourself getting by on a modest pension, you’ll still be finally free from the tyranny of the working world. If you’ve been savvy along the way and life hasn’t given you too many hurdles to jump, you may even have some money to play around with.

Some of my friends found that by the time they’ve reached 60, they had enough set aside for a modest investment to make a big difference to their old age. They opted to purchase a caravan or RV, while others invested in a rental property that could bring in a steady income for the rest of their years. Whatever the choice, enjoy the world from another perspective, and take some time off from the life you have led up to this point.

Give your loved ones the time they deserve

Probably the most important thing about the additional freedoms you enjoy when leaving the world of work is the ability to finally spend a lot of quality time with those you love. Many couples find that it’s only once they actually enter retirement, and draw an end to their careers, that their relationship enters a whole new level. In a way, it’s like rediscovering the other person all over again — suddenly, you both have all this time to enjoy in any way you please.

It’s not just couples who benefit from this either. Studies have shown that if you have plenty of friends in their later years you are likely to live considerably longer than those who are on their own. You can spend as much time as you want with your friends, and start reconnecting with those you used to know.

Don’t forget your hobbies

Filling your time can become a burden, but it doesn’t need to be this way. If you’re smart, there is no end of ways to entertain yourself. Think of the things you never used to have the time or energy for. The great thing about being over 60 is that you’ve still got plenty of time left. Those able and willing take up travel; while others will find fresh enthusiasm for music or dancing or singing. Painting is another favourite option, a gentle pastime that allows you to make take in the world around you. Just do what makes you happy.

The over-60s really do have it better. So long as governments don’t keep messing with our retirement age, superannuation or the pension, it’s an era we can all look forward to. 

What is it about being over-60 that makes your life better?

Go in the draw to win some great prizes with Starts at 60. Simply sign up as a contributor and submit your stories to Starts at 60 here. You can also join the Starts at 60 Bloggers Club on Facebook to talk to other writers in the Starts at 60 community and learn more about how to write for Starts at 60.