The Power of Mindset, Lifestyle, and Creativity after 60

ByCindy Hattersley Hours Posted on Hours Updated on
Comments 76 Comments

I had another post planned for today. I have a little project I am working on that is in the planning stages and too early to post on. I’d love to hear your thoughts on where we should take this blog next. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my own journey, the things I have learned, the confidence I have gained through aging, and the things I need to work on personally, and where the blog is headed. I thought we would talk about living well after 60: the power of mindset, lifestyle, and creativity after 60, and how to address it here on the blog. How do you feel about aging? Are you embracing it, fighting it, or somewhere in between? How would you like this blog to address your journey?

Henry Ford quote on learning

My Journey

I have been a lifestyle blogger for over thirteen years. That makes me an “OG”. Prior to that I dabbled in the antique business, floral design, and interior design. I was a stay at home mom while my kids grew up. I learned to garden, and was passionate about creating a french style garden for our former home. I spent years researching and perfecting it. I guess you could say I was a “jack of all trades and a master of none”. As you well know my blog posts cover topics like interior design, gardening, entertaining, and personal style. These are the things I know a little about , so these are the topics I cover. I avoid topics that I know nothing about. This blog has been a process of self-discovery, and of finding a new niche. I have you fantastic ladies to thank for that.

Keep Moving Forward Quote

Blog Goals

Fashion

I have always enjoyed fashion but NEVER considered becoming a fashion blogger. What I have learned from you is that our personal style is a different story. Being creative and stylish with our wardrobe is a beautiful new chapter we get to write for ourselves, and our reward for all that we have done and how we want the world to perceive us. It keeps us relevant, and gives us confidence and vibrancy. I love that!

This is 70

Interior Styling & Entertaining

My passion is creating collected interiors, beautiful gardens, and entertaining stylishly. What I’ve realized from you is that your homes, after years of thoughtful curation, often feel complete. You have done the hard work of making them your own. Many of you have downsized, and aren’t looking for major overhauls. Instead, you are focused on incorporating new, meaningful treasures that you found on your travels and making small tweaks to the rooms you already love. However, I’m not giving up my small projects anytime soon. Creating collected interiors keeps me vibrant. They are still a creative passion I love to share. You can also count on me to continue sharing my love for cooking and entertaining, another passion.

Cindy Hattersley Designed Console Table with Bust closeup

FYI Wayfair is having their annual epic fall sale. It is a great time to pick up some fun decor items for your home. You can find my picks from the sale here. These chairs, and this firepit are on my list.

Gardening

Copper Rose Arbor in Cindy Hattersley's garden

I will continue to share small tweaks to my garden and outdoor space that I hope will inspire and nurture.

Self-Care

This month, we’re kicking off a new series on simple, effective ways to practice self-care after 50. I’m so excited to bring in some wonderful experts, including my amazing hairdresser and my favorite cosmetic dermatology RN, Kelly. We’re starting with my new guru, esthetician Amy Amaral, who will share her wisdom on non-invasive skincare treatments. I recently had a treatment with Amy and was completely sold on her approach and the results.

What’s your Passion?

I believe the best way to learn about new topics is by talking to the experts. In this new series, I’m inviting some incredible people to share their knowledge with us. If you are an expert or know someone you would like for us to interview please share!

Aging Quote Age Appropriate for Mature Women is Highly Inappropriate

Possible Interview and Topic Ideas

Living with Less-we would love to interview a professional organizer or you to talk about the emotional and practical benefits of decluttering and or downsizing, and creating a more intentional living space (I could use some help in that area!)

Mindfulness and well-being: we would also love to hear from a yoga or mindfulness instructor on how improved flexibility and inner peace benefit people over 50.

Financial planning for the next chapter: we would love to hear from a financial advisor on how to manage finances for travel, and downsizing.

Gardening with purpose: we would love to interview a master gardener or designer who specializes in creating low-maintenance, or small space gardens.

Rediscovering passions and hobbies: how fun it would be to interview and artist or musician who started a new hobby later in life.

You can find a round-up on all the posts I have written on aging here, and self-care here..

So, as we navigate this next chapter, let’s do it with intention and passion. Remember, this isn’t about giving up on our style or our passions. It’s about forging a new path with purpose in life. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments on how we can approach this fulfilling stage of life together here on the blog.

Age positively, age confidently, Age fashionably

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76 Comments

  1. Just wanted to say – Love your blog! I am 70 and retired and downsized a few years ago, now living on my own in a new area. It has been a challenge finding new friends and new interests but I am getting there slowly.

    1. Hi Janey

      We would love to hear how you are navigating it all! There are many here who have or are doing the same thing!

  2. Hi Cindy ,
    I love your fashion style, decorating , gardening and your recipes. I am a master gardener and am located in the foothills of Northern California .
    Learning about climate, soil, insects and plants for our area is a challenge. I have followed your advice on a “collected” look in my home and I LOVE it. Such freedom. I am 79 and, as many of you have said, age comes with its own opportunities. Keep doing what you are doing! You are filling a need. As for me, I am going outside to see how my garden is faring this morning.

  3. Hello,

    I have been a follower for a few years now. It is your fashion style that I always gravitate to and want to emulate. You are my fashion goddess!

    I am a Professional Organizer and a Life Transition Manager (aka Downsizer) and would love to share with the tribe some tips and tricks, do’s and don’ts, as well as share what I know and what I have learned from my clientele over the years. Please let me know if you would like to engage in a conversation.

  4. Cindy, I love your blog and enjoy learning something new every time. I know sometimes the focus is those over 50, but being nearly 70 (well, wouldn’t we love to feel 50 again), I feel like things change a bit every 10 years after 50. So it would be nice to focus on what being a decade, two or three over 50, and have some good role models for 50, 60, 70 and 80 year olds. I just think our concerns are a bit different. Would also love to see some fashion directed to those who like to dress in casual, yet stylish but more classic ways. Love everything you do.

  5. Cindy, I am a 74 year old follower of yours who has been practicing yoga and meditation for more than 30 years and teaching for 15. I teach several group classes each week to a small group of 50+ folks. I am also a yoga therapist, which means I teach private clients (not all 50+0) how to adapt yoga practices to manage chronic issues and conditions. Please let me know if my work might be of interest to you and your audience.

  6. Cindy,
    I enjoy how well-rounded your blog has always been. You share a variety of thoughts and items that keep us thinking and planning. I look forward to enjoying more posts related to us ladies of a certain age.

  7. Hi Cindy,
    Your posts are always relevant, but never so much as this one. I’m from Southern Indiana, but lived 25 years in the Houston Texas area were I was a decorative artist. I had my own business, worked with interior decorators painting murals and wall finishes. It was a way to use an art degree, to add to the family finances and have a flexible schedule to raise my two kids, it also was a way to meet Interesting diverse people. Divorce changed everything and I found myself back in southern Indiana. I am one of the caregivers from my 102 year-old mother, live in a small apartment and have recently decided to revisit a road not taken – I have joined a weaving guild, and I’m experimenting with everything weaving. I had been involved in that in college and now I think it’s a good time to see what I can come up with. My hope is to relocate either to a small place of my own nearby or closer to my son and my grandkids in Washington State (a small garden is on the wish list!). I definitely don’t feel like I’m done yet, but I do know that I have to refocus, prioritize my health, continue to learn and grow in all areas and prepare for what’s ahead. You and other women who let me into their lives through social media posts encourage me to keep focusing on the positives. I have a feeling this boomer group is redefining what it is to age and how to approach it. In some ways, this is the best part of my life. Keep up the good work, I’ll be reading!

  8. This is the first time I have replied although I have been an avid reader of you blog for 4+ years. I just want to thank you for all the great content over the years and I love your plans for what is ahead. Thank you!

  9. Cindy,
    I love following your blog, it’s the first email I look for with my morning coffee.
    I enjoy your posts on fashion, gardening and aging with confidence.
    When I was 65 , my husband and I relocated from the Midwest to northern Colorado to be with three of our children. It has been an adjustment, although familiar with the area from family vacations, living in a new place is a learning experience. I am 70 now, completely adjusted to my new home, and I do think as you have expressed that we keep learning and growing or we really do get old!
    I would love more posts on skin care and noninvasive treatments, there is just so much information , and it can be overwhelming.
    Keep blogging please,

  10. Cindy – You are lucky to have a beautiful home, a husband, and the ability to travel. I have just moved in with my daughter, and am now living somewhere that I have no say in. I am certain there are others in the same boat, and I would like to know how they deal with the complete loss of autonomy. I have always done my own thing, but now everything is on someone else’s schedule, based on another’s tastes, and forced to compromise in every situation. Is this what getting old is? Don’t like it!

    1. Hi Susan, As a retired nurse and having dealt with elderly relatives, the worse thing about moving in with a family member (or nursing home) is the loss of autonomy and freedom to do as one wishes. Are you not able to discuss your feelings with your daughter? You are her mother and not some stray dog she gave shelter to and as such, still have the right to make your feelings known.

    2. Susan, you took the words right out of my mouth….my situation very similar , after losing my husband 3 yrs ago. It’s not Thai I feel old…it’s that, life is not what it used to be.

      1. Karen – So sorry that you are in a situation similar to mine. I, too, don’t feel old, but I do feel useless and unnecessary. I am 3 years a widow as well. Our life was modest but fun. Now? My daughters have turned into people I don’t even recognize. Did I actually raise them! I am an introvert, so joining groups is not my thing. But I do love books and movies, and need the freedom to enjoy them without accommodation. Good luck, Karen. I feel your pain and will think of you.

  11. I enjoy all of your gardening, travel, and decorating articles. I like your clothing articles, but I’m only 5’2, so many of the styles you show would absolutely engulf me. Maybe there are some petite contributors with the flair you have for style? As we age, I think it’s important to embrace color.
    Perhaps there could be articles on the latest treatments dermatologists are doing to keep us looking our best?
    I’ve been with you since the beginning. I don’t remember reading about your antique business. It would interesting to read about that, how you got started, pros and cons of the business, and how you sourced antiques.
    Thank you for all the years of info and ideas

    1. Especially the inflation of sizes is frustrating. When people much bigger are wearing small or extra small, what’s left for us– children’s sizes?

  12. Oooo, you have me excited about the direction that your blog is taking. I don’t hardly ever comment but please know that I enjoy you and your blog every day.
    Thank you for caring about your readers and I look forward to reading about several of the topics that you mentioned today!

  13. Your blog is interesting with the variety you share….skincare, decorating, garden and etc! I would like to see commenter’s share their experiences on what you post. Being interactive is great.

  14. This is the one blog I continuously come back to after reading many over the past few years. I enjoy your posts and support the new direction choices you’ve mentioned. I just retired in August and am trying to figure out this retirement thing. I was a teacher and then college professor and worry about the lack of stimulation, schedule and purpose but am pursuing some ideas, perhaps writing a book. I appreciate the sense of community and would like to know other readers more as someone else mentioned. Cheers to the future!

  15. Cindy, I recently ‘discovered’ you by happy accident! Was delightfully surprised to find a small, refreshing spot that so related to me and where I am in my own journey. Just turned 72, still embracing my full time profession – shall retire from that end of next year. You, and the others I have met here, would make for a most enjoyable cocktail party – the easy flow of conversation, the topics and smiles, the sharing – so important to find that neighborhood we each seek. As I have aged, I have truly embraced that one sets their own trends – that’s an important part of our identity and yet so few do. I did so enjoy your blog on type of eyeglass frames and shall admit to being far bolder with my colors. Why? Because that’s ‘my trend’. I have loads of my own mother’s Bake-lit jewelry…I wear the pieces and always feel she is along for the ride with me! I do embrace the idea we have ‘one go round on the merry’ – get up and change seats as it twirls! I found that right here with you, Cindy – your writing, musing, sharing – so down to earth – helpful, human and caring. With age comes freedom, we have arrived…this spot you so thoughtfully share, inviting us to join in – WOW! AS ‘Gray’ posted above – I’m. All. In. Well, with on exception…I WANT THAT GRAY/WHITE HAIR! Am well on my way tho you Ladies so ROCK that hair! Cindy, thanks so very much for the opp to chime in.

  16. Cindy, I absolutely love your style and pizazz 💕 your blog is the highlight of my day with all of your gardening, entertaining and fashion tips, you and your creative flair are an inspiration thankyou 🤗 your ideas moving forward sound fantastic 💕

  17. I love all your ideas for moving forward and I’m here for it! I want to continue learning and hearing from others like yourself help me stay encouraged to do so!

  18. I love all the topics you cover. I live in the Northeast, so the gardening posts are really applicable to me, but I still love looking!
    Like others, I am a widow. I was “only” sixty, and I wasn’t sure how I’d cope. We lived in a great big French Colonial, and I downsized to a 100 year old Tudor. It was a huge change for me, but I have adjusted and have found that I like living on my own. And, my 100 year old home lends itself well to the collected look!
    I look forward to your upcoming self care posts! I hope you continue to blog for a long time to come!

  19. I think your ideas for your blog are great. Lots of interesting ideas for the times we’re in. Actually I’d love to find out more about you. I was surprised to learn about your love of a French gardens and flower arrangement etc. Tell us more and show us more. You’re absolutely fascinating!!

  20. Cindy, I so very much enjoy your blog – all of it. You are so vibrant and real!
    I’m now 83 years young. Sold my business at age 55. My husband and I downsized 23 years ago to a house less than a mile away from where we had lived.
    In my 70s I met a woman who offered to teach me a few chords on the ukulele and my life changed! I now belong to several musical groups, three of which I founded, and have introduced many folks to this wonderful little instrument. I am now learning to play bass.
    My husband then decided to learn guitar and we now have met many wonderful friends of all ages!
    It doesn’t matter what your hobby is, it can be gardening, hiking, puzzles, whatever. Being interested in something outside yourself keeps you young.

    1. Karli you are such an inspiration, and I am so glad I got to meet you personally! You go girl!!

  21. I love the variety of your blog, and all of the directions you suggested sound good to me. As for my own “directions,” we have several remodeling projects in the planning stage. Personally, I now find myself at age 79 with a closet reduced to 50-60 items from a 2020 starting point of 300+. (Interesting that my Goldilocks “just right” turned out to be the 20% we are told we actually wear!) I’m doing a lay sermon at our church in October with the title “When Your Kids Don’t Want the Good China.” This 5-year closet project has led me to examine what is “authentically” me…how minimal do I want our home to be, how to let go of old scripts, how do I spend my time. In other words, what makes me smile and laugh and sigh in comfort and contentment?

    1. I would love to read a copy of your lay sermon! I too am at that age (71) where I need to deal with treasures passed down from generations that our children don’t want. You make a lot of sense when you say you examined what is “authentically” you in your life. I am going to move forward and do the same!

  22. Dear Cindy. I sincerely enjoy and look forward to your posts and so do several of my friends. We are all your age – love fashion – creating inviting spaces – staying mentally and physically fit. Your creative ideas are inspiring and generate positive energy! I practice yoga and mindfulness daily. My commitment has helped me keep my mind clear during some challenging times.. This is a lovely community of women that seem to share common interests – perhaps encourage us to dialogue with each other. 70 is the new 50.. Staying fit, stylish and loving life is a good mantra! Anna in Arizona.

  23. I’m all in too….it’s great to have a support system for this aging challenge….with which we’re blessed!

  24. I really enjoy all of your posts. Yours is the one blog email that I always open and read. You’ve got a flare for finding things that are stylish , interesting, and relevant – whether it’s clothing, interiors, gardening or food. My favorites are the outfits you share, entertaining posts, decorating, ageism, and travel. I’ve bookmarked quite a few and return to them often.
    We have a similar age and size ‘puppy ‘ so that’s fun as well. I’m hoping ours stops chewing on everything sometime!

  25. Everything the others have said..ditto! I’m with you on the growing older but with a kind purpose. After reading about Robert Redford for some reason I feel an odd sense. I so now want to watch the movie he made with Jane Fonda…Two Souls in the Night?
    I so enjoy being able to follow along with others in my same situation..it’s a lifeline of comfort.

  26. Cindy,

    Just found your blog about a year ago, thanks for all the work you put into it, lots of very useful information, again thanks !

  27. Your interests are very similar to mine. I recently turned 70 years young, have interest in fashion, cooking, art, gardening, and recently have turned to yoga and meditation. I’m very excited to see all of your future posts on these topics. I’ve met a wonderful group of ladies through my yoga class, and last month I attended my first gong bath! Quite an experience!

      1. A gong bath is a relaxing, meditative soundscape experience. The instructor primarily uses metal gongs but chimes, rattles, and singing bowls may be used as well. The vibrations from the sounds move through your entire body.as you lie on a yoga mat or some people lie on zero gravity chairs. It can be a very healing and life changing experience. I felt very relaxed and rejuvenated.

  28. I find myself resenting growing older… I’m about to turn 61, and I fight that number every day in my head. I know, it’s my number and my life, but, sheesh, how did 60 happen? 😉 I love the thought that if you keep learning and growing, you aren’t aging, and frankly, as a responsible AI strategist, I’m right in the thick of new tech. And yet, ageism is a real thing. I have extensive, valuable, real-world business experience, but I am often overlooked for roles for which I am more than qualified. The current career conversation is to reframe and consider fractional work, as if I don’t need the income as much as those just starting. Sorry for the rant.

    1. Hi Carollynn

      That is so irritating! I know exactly what you are speaking of. Many of us over the age of 50 switched affiliate platforms because the one we were with catered to the 20 and 30 year olds rather than those of us that helped them build it for the last 10-15 years. Those that only value youth are missing out on a wealth of knowledge and the group with the most dispensable income. Don’t get me going either ha ha!!

  29. Your direction going forward sounds great, Cindy. Looking forward to seeing more! As you know, just a year into this new solo life and the freedom it brings me. Certainly had my temporary downs, but mostly ups! Joy! Off on an adventure to Paris and the UK soon.

  30. Love your blog! I look forward to each new post popping into my email. As a fairly newly retired educator and principal, I’ve been navigating the shift of finding new purpose, reconnecting with hobbies, and building friendships in a new community. My husband and I moved to Camarillo, California, where we’re happily curating a home on 1.2 acres — plenty of garden and orchard projects to keep us busy!

    That’s why your posts about pools, entertaining, and gardening resonate so much. But my favorite are the ones on how to curate a well-lived home without breaking the bank. My most recent purchase from TwoPages was directly inspired by your curtain post! I’ve done the high-end curtain route before, but now I love a more reasonably priced approach that gives me freedom to change my mind later without guilt over the investment.

    Your high-low balance matches my own philosophy — I appreciate an Arhaus piece, a look-alike, or a flea market find equally. And no one blends antiques and vintage treasures into modern living the way you do. Please keep sharing!

    One question I’d love your take on: what do you do with furniture when you decide it no longer fits your home?

    Thanks again for all the inspiration!

    1. Hi Catherine

      Our kids have taken several pieces and we still have a garage full! My daughter’s house is very small and I know she will want some of the pieces at some point. Our next move in possibly 5 years will be to a smaller home. Then we will have to tackle the issue even further!!

  31. I was just this morning thinking about how I feel grateful to being aging with this supportive blogging community. And how you and Annie make it better.

  32. Cindy, I love your blog and throughly enjoy your eclectic decor ideas, links to new designers, your fashion posts, and your entertaining and cooking ideas. I appreciate some posts on aging, but don’t want to see the constant reminders of age limitations, downsizing and decluttering, and saying goodbye to friends and family as they pass. These are things we all have to deal with, and should try to do so with grace and compassion, but I want my blog reading to remind me that I am still young enough and healthy enough to consider a little updated decor, a current outfit idea, and having friends over to entertain. Travel is also a passion and love when you post travel capsules and hints of new places to discover. At 74, that is what I am looking for, and your current focus fills the bill. Please don’t change too much of that focus!

    1. Hi Pat

      Thank you for weighing in. I don’t plan to change any of the things I am already doing, but hope to add to the mix, to keep the blog lively!

  33. Hi Cindy: I love the directions that you’re thinking of for the future of your wonderful blog (your listed topic subjects). I’m 78 (soon to be 79) and my career was nursing–first a nurse and then a nurse practitioner. Since my retirement I’ve returned to my passion, painting. My other passion is keeping in touch with close family and friends.

    1. I look forward to your posts, and love your style. I think the topics you propose are exactly what I would wish.
      I think for many of us downsizing is a major issue, as people we love die around us and we’re left with their stuff and their possessions, as well as learning to deal with our own lifetime of accumulation.
      I’m a big fan of the idea of Swedish Death Cleaning, but often we struggle to get to a place where we can let go.
      I love this stage of life, but it poignant to need to plan for no future or a future without a spouse or other loved one.

    2. Hi Sally

      Oh I wish I could paint! I would also love to take a pottery class (when I retire!!)

  34. I love your posts and the variety, insights they provide. I have a background in fashion and the arts (dance). As we age, we deal with loss – friends, relatives, spouse; my husband passed in this past January. I was his full-time caregiver for four years ~ I lost my husband and my job. As time passes I have re-visited those arts I loved as a child: painting, embroidery, coloring (pencils). Lower back problems are preventing me from doing some of the physical things I have loved – but I’m working on that.
    Please continue your great topics, information about products and links other bloggers. Perhaps a little insight into loss: those we love, our physical functionality, or other aspects of aging with hope, grace and confidence. Thank you for your beautiful work!

    1. Hi Patricia

      Good suggestions!! Many of our readers have faced loss as well. I think you all could find comfort and support from one another.

  35. You know how I am thinking of the future as a single woman. Rather than be frightened or sad, I look forward to it and all of the possible new experiences. Downsizing and moving won’t be easy but I’ll have fun planning my new space and have already started thinking about what I will take and what I won’t mind giving up. Keep inspiring us, Cindy, with all of your relevant topics!

    1. Hey Wren – I just read this. I am excited to hear you are on a new adventure! Moving isn’t easy, I mean, nothing is really easy anymore, but once the wheels start turning the thrill starts. Are you staying in the Central Coast?

  36. I love the diversity of topics on your blog Cindy and can’t say I have a favourite. They are all very interesting to me. Thank you for all that you do!

  38. Hi Cindy – my favorites are the Fashion and styling posts. I see a lot of gardening and cooking and decor other places but your sense of style has a unique look and I love the fact that you scour the Internet for great pieces and Sales that I would never find on my own!
    I’m an interior designer and specialize in very serene Zen types of spaces. I’m planning a course on creating your own meditation room or space. After 40 years as a designer I am changing my business model from full service interior design to consultation work so I am also in the process of changing my business offerings and facing the challenges of doing that as a senior.
    If discussing any of those things are interesting to you please let me know.
    Thanks for all the great posts!
    PS -The business email is studio@brassarddesigns.com
    But I am subscribed under my personal email.

  39. Cindy, I’m with you all the way! I love the variety of topics I find in your blogs. All your interests are also mine. In my sixties I started dabbling in upholstery and furniture repair because of my life-long love of design and I’m always interested in gardening and staying healthy. I’m very keen to read articles by experts you plan to interview on various topics you noted.

  40. Cindy
    Love your style. Your gardens are fabulous.
    Your fashion sense is charming & inspiring.
    Love you blog.

  41. I left the corporate world in 1998, but continued working for a few clients. That gave me the possibility to spend more time on things I never had enough time for in my prior life: cooking elaborate dinners; gardening on our 3/4 acre lot; took an interior design class; started yoga classes; played more golf; took drawing and watercolor classes. Life was good!

    But 27 years, a few medical issues and reduced energy levels later, plus retirements/relocations of various friends/mentors along the way has meant I have had to lighten up on a few things I was so enthusiastic about. I want to get back into yoga, and if my first two yoga instructors hadn’t retired/relocated, I would still be there……tried 7 yoga instructors afterward, never found one with the balance I craved. And I have found it difficult to do on my own. So I have to keep searching. Unlike the watercolors, still with the same instructor and while the class attendees have changed, it has only meant I have made new friends.

    1. Hi Sheila

      Hi Sheila. We found before we made our move that so many good friends had moved out of the area. I know what you mean. We are vey happy where we are now, and have met so many wonderful new friends. I hope you find your yoga instructor. A good instructor is so important. Kudos for taking up painting as well!

  45. I’ve just turned 60, I’m in the process of selling the family home and decorating a new one far, far away. I enjoy your blog so much on the many topics you cover. It’s a real treat to read you posts and somewhat like have the slightly older, very stylish, warmly generous neighbor I wish I had next (to my actual) door. Keep up the wonderful work!

  46. I enjoy reading your posts and the variety of topics keep it fresh and interesting. My favorites are the interviews you do. Meeting these people validates that age isn’t an end but a continuation with a lot of experience and maturity. Meeting others who are on the same path is supportive and supportive encouraging. There is so much to share and learn. Looking forward to seeing what yiu share.

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