January is all about new beginnings. If you are over 50, 60, 70, or even 80 is it too late to change? Do you feel like you can change your life at any age, or is that just a bunch of “hooey” so to speak? I would love to hear your thoughts. I am joining my pals Annie and Mary Ann for our Sunday Faves.
HOW TO LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE AS YOU AGE
Much of this article from Healthline about aging gracefully we already know, but there might be a couple of points that surprise you. It’s always good to have a gentle reminder as well!
OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
Let’s start out with the Outfit of the Week. I spotted this “denim dress” on Madewell and thought it would be a great tunic with cropped skinny white jeans from Lysee. I found the funky necklace on Etsy, my favorite Cariuma sneaks, these favorite Lysee scalloped jeans, and a cute quilted cross-body bag from Vera Bradley of all places.
SHOP THE OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
Ageist How to Combat Sitting too Much on the Job
I love Ageist. I don’t know about you but I sit at my computer for long hours penning this blog. When I had stairs in my former home about every hour I would run up and down the stairs several times. I don’t have stairs here. Check out this post from Ageist about how to combat sitting too much on the job. I walk but need to do more. I am on it!!
FOOD AND WINE RECIPES THAT FREEZE WELL
90% of the time we are cooking for two, so I am always interested in recipes that freeze well. I came across this article from Food and Wine (love them) on recipes that freeze well and thought you would enjoy it as well. Almost all of these recipes are quite healthy. This is a great list.
For anyone (including me) who thinks they are too old to get in shape, you must follow Train with Joan on Instagram. Joan did not get in shape until she was 70. Isn’t she an incredible inspiration? Joan and her daughter now have a book out titled Flex your Age which you can find on Amazon here. You can learn her whole story. She is so inspiring!!
What’s on Your Mind this Week
Sunday has always been the day when I have shared what is on my mind. Why don’t you share what is on your mind? Can you Change your Life at Any Age? If so, what would you change, and what would you like to read more about here on Sunday or anytime for that matter? Be honest about what you don’t care a hoot about and what you would really love to learn more about. I would love to hear your thoughts. If you missed any of my Sunday Favorites you can find them all right here. As always thank you so much for being here. You, ladies, inspire me every day. I am in constant awe of you. Let’s pop over and visit Mary Ann and Annie for some more Sunday fun. They never disappoint!
CLASSIC CASUAL HOME
MOST LOVELY THINGS
What a great topic, Joann is amazing and such an inspiration. I firmly believe that we can change our lives at any age, it only takes the first step towards the right direction. Humans are creatures of habit and with consistency, habit forming becomes a life style.. longevity and independence at advanced age have been my topics of interest lately .
Hi Joan
Isn’t she amazing? Liana, you are another spirit that moves all of us. I sure would love for you to tell your story on Ageless Style.
We can absolutely change our lives at any age … I truly believe that and also that it’s never too late to do the things we want to do. That said, it’s not easy (at any age) to make big changes. Love all your links, especially about making sure we get up and move during the day. I miss having stairs too … and being able to walk into town. I love our new house, but something about it has turned me into a slug. I’m working on it! xo
Paula, thank you for taking the time to answer my question. Based on your experience I won’t be ordering. I’m having very little luck finding cute sneakers that are comfortable.
Again, I appreciate your help.
NancyO.
Hello Cindy,
Yet another fun & informative post. I too think one can always make some sort of change. Oddly enough, I thought about that topic last week when thinking about my father. When you are in your 90’s do you feel like what’s the point of changing or does change mean I want to do all I can to still be present and healthy? I believe change keeps us thriving and evolving. I for one don’t want my age to define me nor limit me (if possible!!). Joan is one amazing woman to admire, I wish I had her drive when it comes to exercising. Thank you for your super post and wishing you a terrific rest of this month. I’m excited to say farewell to January.
Hi Cindy – I cannot say thank you enough for the time you put into your blog. It is honestly my favorite and I think that is because it is the most realistic for me. You don’t show homes of movie stars or workout routines of movie stars. My most favorite topics are the ones of your own home, garden, and your own style. Home design is my favorite topic of yours. I just love when you show updates and pictures of your own home. By the way, I purchased 2 ceiling fixtures just like yours. I messaged you and you sent me the link. I so appreciate that you take the time to answer when someone asks you a question. So, to sum it up, keep doing what you are doing. I love your personal style and your style in your home. You may not think you are that interesting, but you are to your readers. 🙂
Hi Denise
Thank you so much. I do work LONG hours, but I enjoy every minute of it because of the community that we have all created here together.To me, it is special because you all are so engaged. You help me and you help each other. That is what it is all about in my opinion.
Once we moved to Vancouver Island for retirement 6 years ago, I happily embraced the changes that this seaside area offered. The weather can be a bit drippy, but the trees and gardens are magnificent compared to places where it is much drier. I use my bicycle more regularly, walk down to the beach several times a week, and usually charge up & down a steep short hill nearby. My heart & lungs thank me. I have discovered Pilates and love it! Changes are happening in my body which make me feel stronger and leaner. I try calming breathing to settle into sleep.
Now, after many years of a difficult marriage I am done struggling. I know I will be experiencing a great deal of change, and at 72 I am worried how I shall cope. I have been here before and found a great deal of inner strength I didn’t know I possessed. But, I was so much younger. I am optimistic that I will embrace much of the change as a needed reset… and the inner peace will be most welcome. My mantra is now ‘Free by 73’! Bring it on!
Hi Cath
I am very interested in exploring pilates as well. I know I am not a yoga person. I am a fast mover by nature and just don’t think I have the patience for it. Cath you sound like you can do it!! I wish you could meet my independent friend your age whom I will be interviewing on Thursday. She is my idol. Go girl, you can do it…I know it
Thanks for being my cheerleader!❤️
Cindy, yoga poses bothered my wrists and ankles a great deal ( have mild arthritis actually) but with Pilates , the tension in the springs with smooth long movements becomes sort of rhythmic . Quite empowering knowing that your muscles are being worked with long , steady stretches. Also, as I discovered in my 50’s, I have scoliosis in my lower spine which has done quite a bit if damage to my posture
( sort of out of whack) so I believe Pilates will reduce the progression of this . Change for good! Hope you find a good instructor and see if it’s for you.
Cath, I too live in BC and second the opportunities it offers to get outside and enjoy natures bounty. Like you, I adopted Pilates three years ago and it has changed my life; from chronic aches and pains to length and strength, it is life changing.
Even though we are all from different locations there seems to be a kindred spirit amongst the people who follow Cindy’s blog. Maybe it is her way of introducing us to the things that impact our lives but it also gives us a “safe” forum on which to share, grow and learn.
Good luck with your year ahead. I adopted the word change to begin the year and definitely need to choose baby steps in order to set it in motion. 75 and feeling like it needs to start now.
Joyce
You made my day. This one has been a bit of a rough one, a dear friend passed away, Steve’s brother is in the hospital, and my brother-in-law not doing well at all. I am so grateful and touched that you ladies might think that this blog is a place to “share, grow, and learn”. I am just a small-town girl from the Midwest, you ladies are what makes this blog complete. Big hugs to all of you. You truly are the best.
So good to meet another participant from BC… hi there Joyce !
And someone who understands my enthusiasm for Pilates. ‘Length and strength…an excellent phrase. ‘SAGE’ just opened in Qualicum Beach with my original ( best) instructor Olivia. No more chaotic sessions of 6 for me at the former studio.
Thanks for expressing what Cindy’s blog means to you…I could not have said it better! Have a lovely day☀️❤️
Hi Cath
I am on it. My husband is having ankle fusion surgery in a couple weeks so I am reluctant to do much (other than keep walking) until we see how that goes. One of my daughters good friends is a pilates instructor in SB. I wish she were closer I would love to work with her!
I’m 64 and struggling in my marriage as well. Right now he is an annoying roommate. My husband had cancer 3 years ago and it changed something in his brain chemistry. Our marriage was on life support before that. Now he is even more irrational and argumentative. We are supporting my 94 yr old mom and 19 yr old son with spectrum disorder. I can’t leave him since neither of us would make it financially. We are financially better off together. Any advise? Thx
Hi Cindy,
I believe you can change your life at any age. After my sweet husband passed, I decided I would continue with living life and enjoying each moment in a day. I confess, I miss him, but am very content and believe living in the present has been the biggest change for me. I stay active and connected to family and life-long friends. I enjoyed this post and the links. Thank you.
Karen B.
Hi Karen B
I believe you can too Karen. I started this blog back in 2011 however it really didn’t hit it’s stride until I embraced the community of women my age. It all happened by accident. I know you have been through some tough times but your positivity shines.
Hi Cindy! Love your blog, thank you for all your hard work. Of course we can change our direction at any stage in our lives. The past four years have brought many changes and challenges to my life for which I am grateful. I wake up early every day now thankful to see what goodness I will be met with outside my door! At a young 54 I am hopeful that I have many years ahead of me and I am doing my best to be healthy and happy from here on out.
I love reading about fashion over 50, make up and skin care, fitness, home decor, travel, recipes, architecture (history), I could go on! You do a great job on the blog, I so enjoy it-love the interviews too! Thank you again.
Hi Tamara
You said it, didn’t you? It is all about waking up each day, and being thankful for our health, our minds, and the challenges that we all face. It’s really about having a positive attitude and being open to new challenges. I just love all of your comments.
I read a really good article today from Well in the NYTimes. It’s based on a book titled “The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly: Life Wisdom from Someone Who Will (Probably) Die Before You”. How’s that for a title? This woman gives three tips which are 1. embrace kart bestir which means pain, meaning to rethink how you deal with pain and learn to embrace it, even cherish it. 2.Surround yourself with the young 3.Say “yes” whenever possible which is essentialyl saying yes to life and being curious and exploratory. Don’t become rigid. I think this book sounds like it might be worth picking up. The author is 86 but she sounds like she writes with humor and realism.
Wren
I think “surrounding oneself with the young” is huge. If we only hang out with “older” people or only people that think the same way as we do or have the same values as we do, it’s boring. Be curious and exploratory…you can’t do that if you only surround yourself with people who think and believe in the same things as you do. “Don’t become rigid” is that perhaps what is wrong with our political system no matter what side you are on? Such great insight…
Can a person change her life at any age? I believe so, within limits. Given our mortality, that’s an important caveat. I can’t wake up and decide to become a brain surgeon at 80, but I definitely can make small tweaks here and there.
In my experience, a geographic move is often the catalyst for lasting change. I reinvented myself several times by making a physical move to a new city, new home, new apartment, etc. Of course, not all change is good and not all well-intentioned moves work out the way we want them to. That’s where grace and humor come in.
Hi Annie
Good points here. I can tell you have given this some serious thought. And yes…I am a testament to the geographic move. We couldn’t be happier here. Moving can be therapeutic
I am inspired by Joan. I know I’ve seen her story before and I let the inspiration fade.
https://www.trainwithjoanofficial.com/
Not this time. This time, I’m ready to make changes physically and mentally to be my best self. I’m 55 and you, and your followers are like the older sisters I’ve never had. I come here for the informative articles you link, the recipes, the style posts, and the inspiration to live better and enjoy life. I do believe we change who we once were and evolve into our better selves. Unfortunately, it’s true we can change and become our worse selves, too. What works for me is to do this 23 minute exercise every morning. It’s easy to do it even while traveling or when guests come.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/shawn-achor-s-6-exercises-for-happiness-1.3040937
M
You are a warrior! Thank you for inspiring each and every one of us to change. We are all so touched that you consider us “the older sisters you never had” Any of us can do the exercises that you linked to. I hope everyone clicked through. Thank you so much for sharing.
~ Howdy Cindy H. Thanks so much for your inspiring post “Can You Change Your Life At Any Age?” A resounding yes, you can! I am 68 years young and feel better than ever. In 2013, I suffered from a brain aneurysm which required emergency surgery to stop the bleeding and save my life. In 2019, I was hit with Shingles. With total reliance on Almighty God, He has healed me of all of it and I’m STILL STANDING; it isn’t my time yet! For my abs, I use both 5 lb. and 7 lb. free weights, the weight machine and high impact aerobics to stay fit. I just lost a ton of belly fat; so much so that I have to wear a belt with my jeans! My husband and I eat healthy foods (lots of fresh fruits/veggies); he’s decided to join me in losing his belly fat and getting in overall good shape. Growing older doesn’t have to be filled with aches/pains. With all the knowledge available, the opposite is true. ~
Hey Mrs M
Well we are the same age! Amen to growing older doesn’t mean focusing on our aches and pains. We eat healthy too, but I need to get more serious about weight lifting…walking isn’t enough…and I do need to get rid of that belly fat too…thanks for weighing in!
Hi Cindy,
Thank you for a wonderful post. I am 59 and used to be an all yoga/walking lady and two years ago l switched it up and added a weight routine and l love it! So highly recommend weights and for me it helps to follow a class so l joined FWTFL. Loved the necklace you posted from Etsy so beautiful thanks for finding such neat things!
Happy week 🙂
Hi Francesca
I need to do weights too. I think the FWTFL is wonderful and if anyone is thinking of doing it Karen Karlsen is amazing.
This is so sweet of you to say! I love coaching for The Faster Way. It’s sensible for women over 50! It gets us out of a “restriction” mindset and into solid nutrition principles for midlife women—Like weight training above cardio and HIIT, and focus on protein for muscle retention and metabolic flexibility.
I think you definitely can! I completely changed my diet at age 62! I am in much better shape – fasting, no gluten and not much dairy. I also finally started my blog at age 62, after a few setbacks, I’m finally doing it. Now we just need to figure out how and where to downsize. Having a husband that travels all the time, and a two older homes with huge yards, and parents in their 90’s, and a new blog is a LOT! But I remain optimistic that I can get it all done.
I read a lot of blogs and some of them are inspiring, and some are depressing (in that things are too perfect and I will never measure up – the thief of joy and all that) YOU keep me inspired. Love you! ❤️
Hi Gray
You are a renaissance woman!! And I love you PAL!! You are one of my warriors…I think I need to do a post on that!!
I am so happy I found fasting. I went from 132 to 122 ..and now it is a way of life for me. No breakfast..or lunch and a smaller dinner with pasta ,potatoes ,rice etc, if you like. Bud fake beer (50 cals) just one. At this time no exercise to add . Snow ! I started this because my mid section made me feel and look ..not to my liking. I did not loose in my face….however arms, legs, waistline..and muffin top look so much better. Also I feel more like myself…not for everyone but worked for me. Easy …but every day you must post weight !!! You will see what happens after you drink wine, eat out etc. But I started before TG and went on through Christmas and New Years Eve. I Love to eat..drink wine and eat out….so I am not a drag!!
Hi Eileen
Great comments. You and I are sort of on the same plane. I function better if I eat later. I am really not that hungry in the a.m. I still have a decent metabolism even at my age as long as I lay off the carbs. I could care less about sweets. I have been on and off of WW for years and it firmly works for me. Par of why it works is because it is just basically healthy eating and when you are struggling you post your weight every day. Great advice
Hi Cindy,
What I have found through my personal experience in friendship, and business clients that to invoke change you have to be usually miserable before you are truly serious about wanting to change habits. In some cases I have found a “leopard does not change its spots.” I always know if a person is strong willed they do change. It takes a good three to six months and hopefully it sticks. It’s so easy to slip back into that old way of being. In the past I always found it heart breaking to see people sabotage themselves.
Hi Katherine
Very interesting observations, and I know you are a very positive person.
Love this post, Cindy! It’s still January so time to set new goals. In the past year we moved three times (two to rentals) and finally to a remodeled townhouse. We are still working full time in our 70’s and have no plans to quit (we are in sales) bc we really love staying in connection with all sorts of people we meet in our profession. We also volunteer and love that too. I needed the boost though to get walking again so thanks for reminding me. As to interests, my favorite blogs of yours are the ones that are on interior design as that is my passion. You are so talented and every time I read about your home I look at a new project to do in my home!
Sharon!!!! You sold our adorable and precious cottage in Carmel a few years back. My husband and I owned Petit Soleil in SLO. I think about you often and hope you are doing well
Consequently, we just sold Petit Soleil and will be renting a cottage in Carmel during the month of April as we welcome a new grand baby
I would love to reconnect! Heck, I would love to meet Cindy! Her blog inspires me and she is a gal I would love to meet!
Best and hope to spend some time with you again one day
Oh my gosh! Sharon we need to have lunch with Dianne! FYI If you live in the Monterey Peninsula/Salinas area there is no better realtor than Sharon Swallow. She is the best.
Hi Sharon
You are an inspiration to me. You are current, interested, know your style, and are still at the top of your game working at 70+
Thank you for the link to Ageist! It’s exactly what I needed. My overall fitness is my focus this year, and hopefully beyond this year.
I have a couple of questions about Cariuma shoes and hope your answers will help as I’ve been interested for some time. I wear Born loafers and they’re a good fit. How does sizing compare between the two brands? Do Cariuma shoes have arch support?
Thank you for your Sunday posts; I look forward to them every week.
Nancy, I noticed your question about Cariuma sneakers. I have a red pair just like the ones pictured, and I absolutely love the way they look. I can’t really answer your question regarding size although I ordered my usual size 7, and they fit just fine. And, they have good arch support. My issue with them is how stiff and inflexible they are. I tried wearing them several times thinking they would soften over time, but it didn’t happen, and I find them very uncomfortable because of that. I also didn’t really take into account the strict return policy, so they’re mine even I can wear them. I may try washing them, but I wouldn’t buy them again. Hope this helps!
Hi Paula
I am sorry I have been MIA. I took yesterday off. I have a pair of the Cariuma sneaks that are older and they are comfortable. The most comfortable sneakers that I own however are the gelatos. I have them in black and I just ordered them in red. You can order them from Sole Tree in Paso Robles or look them up online. I also just ordered the Olukai sneeks that you will see on my friend Wren (on Agless Style on Thursday). I will be posting on them next week as well. Hope that helps!
Hi Nancy
I think I answered above as well as another. I think you might have to just try them. I own a pair that I love but they can be narrow for some (me included if I were to order them now).
Hello,
I really enjoy reading your blog. I stumbled across you about 6-8 months ago. I enjoy the posts about clothes, make up and skin care, food and links to health and fitness. It gets harder and harder to find information on these topics when we get to a certain age. I am not interested in home decor, to be perfectly honest.
I absolutely do believe that you can change your life at any age. Two years ago during Covid, we sold our very large, 120 year old Victorian family home and moved to a new location. We sold a lot of our furniture and antiques, and it was so freeing to rid ourselves of stuff! We bought a townhouse that is a third of the size of the house we owned, and I just love the ease of it.
I also downsized my business and I became a certified fitness instructor teaching Essentrics. I have always loved fitness, but never dreamed of becoming an instructor. It has been so much fun! I started working at a yoga studio and have met so many wonderful people. It’s also really nice to hang out with people much younger than I. (I’m 57)
Slowly, I have been changing my life and I am open to the possibilities that may arise. I think the key to
staying vibrant and fulfilled is to embrace change. Over the last two years, I have made new friends, started new past times (pickleball is a blast!) created new work, and became more involved in spirituality.
Thank you for your hard work sitting at your desk! Look up Essentrics and you will find a wonderful form of exercise to help with your fitness goals. It’s great!!
Essentrics looks amazing!!!! I am going to join an on line program! Thank you for the link -I had never heard of this program and look forward to it.
Cheers,
Have followed Miranda Esmond-White for years. And subscribe on line. Essentrics is a fantastic form of exercise. Miranda is in her early seventies and is so limber and energetic. She’s also very real and honest. Highly recommend her program, she has lots of free videos on YouTube as well.
Hi Ally
I am going to check her out. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi Kelly
Thank you for being honest. I think we should all be excited at our age for having more freedom and confidence. We just have to learn to embrace our age and keep moving, thinking and listening. I am going to check out Essentrics!! Thank you so much!
I just ordered Flex Your Age. Thank you for the recommendation! I’m always on the hunt for new inspiration. I will turn 70 this summer, so the timing is great.
I always enjoy your posts. Keep up the great work!
Hi Judy
We always need something to keep us excited, engaged, and enlightened, don’t we?
Yes yes yes! I love this bad ass gal, Joan! Her smile radiates beauty and health! I totally believe we can learn new tricks, kick up our exercise, be empowered and start over, if necessary.
I never thought i could get a new job at 65 years old, but I did and I love it. I work with young people and I love their stories and adventures and energy. They are so accepting and funny and ask advice and share their highs and lows with me. I have learned so many new things!
Indeed, we vintage ladies can do anything we need to do to thrive!
Hi Dianne
I love your moxy!! When are we meeting for lunch or a glass of wine or two? You rock!
Five years ago, at age 70, I took sailing lessons and since then have crewed as often as possible. My most memorable cruises are the two different times sailing off the west coast of Mexico for several weeks. So I say yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks.
My words to live by – say yes to new opportunities even when it means getting out of your comfort zone and stretches your physical abilities.
Hi Cathy
Sailing lessons, are you kidding me? Of course one can teach an old dog new tricks. If the dog is open-minded and willing.
I think you can absolutely change for the better at any age. Little changes add up over time-getting in more steps, trying a new activity, updating a few pieces in your wardrobe.., Small changes can feel so good they just might motivate bigger changes. Thanks for all the effort you put into your posts. I look forward to reading them every Sunday morning.
I’m working on small changes right now and I appreciate the support for the small, small steady approach. It has alleviated the anxiety and exhaustion that have plagued me.
That is such a great point. I think baby steps are best..that is what I am doing, so as not to be overwhelmed. Thanks for weighing in
Hi Karen
Great point about small changes adding up to big. When we were younger we might have taken a deep dive only to feel as if we were drowning. Now we have the sense to know our limits but to not be bogged down by them, right?
I don’t know if anyone can truly change their life as they get older. You are who you are. I have always been an active go getter, with an emphasis on home, family, fitness, and healthy eating. I would say that as I have aged, now 72, I still keep an organized clean lovely home, gourmet cooking is my jam, and taking care of granddaughters and helping with their home schooling. My husband, older by a few years, right now is out doing his daily 5+ mile walk. I suggest that anyone wants or needs to make changes that they look at just one simple thing to work on. Don’t think about what you can no longer do – but think about what you can still do! My husband’s yearly checkup was on Friday, and he and his doctor talked about his walking. The doctor said so many of his patients tell him they just sit all day. Do something small to become more active – just by getting out of that chair every 20 minutes would be a start.
Totally agree with you Lyn!
Hi Lyn
Great suggestions…baby steps. I think that is the beauty of our age we are willing to accept baby steps. We no longer feel the need to “throw the baby out with the bathwater”. Yet we can make simple healthful changes that can be meaningful.
Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Good question, I don’t see dramatic change in my future, though being retired has opened up more space for things I enjoy. That outfit is sharp. I enjoy your writing style and combination of topics so much. Don’t change a thing IMO.
Hi Carol
I think you are accurate, dramatic changes are probably not wise, or lasting, but we can make simple changes that will hopefully increase our longevity and happiness.
That’s so amazing that you would run up the stairs for a little workout. I do that now that we have stairs but it’s usually because I forgot something!
If I could/would change anything…it would be to volunteer someplace to help people. In SF, I sometimes volunteered at the homeless shelter.
This was a great post. Need to look up Joan!
Hi Mary Ann
It wasn’t all that amazing but I appreciate it. Great point about volunteering. I didn’t work for years and volunteering was my jam. I loved it. I am too busy to volunteer now but if I weren’t I would love it.
Cindy!
What an inspiring post today! I believe you can become the best version of yourself at any age. Joan is so inspiring and proof that it’s true! I can’t wait to read the comments. It’s going to be a great conversation!
xx
Annie
P.S. Love your outfit of the week!
Annie!!
I completely agree with you. Look at us…we are ( well not you) the old ladies of the blogosphere and we are still trying to do our best to keep up with the youngsters!!