Life Lessons I'm Finally Learning at 60! Women in Midlife Insights

When I crossed the threshold into my 60s, I hoped to be shifting into cruise control in a job that I enjoyed and with an eye focused on crafting a slow roll into retirement.

That did not happen.

A sudden job change meant that instead of cruising, I was foot-to-the- floorboards, launching into entrepreneurship and thrilled to find how much I enjoy the twists and turns of being my own boss at midlife.

For me, this decade isn’t about slowing down; it’s about being open to growth and experimentation, unwrapping a new level of self-confidence and leaning into decision-making that prioritizes…me.

Here are a few examples of lessons still being learned in my sixth decade:

Healthy Today for Tomorrow

For the most part, I’ve been blessed with good health throughout my life. A few injuries here and there have taken me out of commission for a while, but I’ve never had to contend with a major illness or health worry. Still, after experiencing end-of-life care with my parents (both passed well into their nineties) and seeing the decline of several of my close peers, I now place health at the top of my priority list.

The Lesson: The way I treat my body today (plants, protein, reasonable portions, water, regular workouts and plenty of sleep) will have a major impact on my ability to live a vibrant life in my next decade and beyond. I’m here for it.

Parenting vs. Being a Parent

This has been a tough one. I raised my two beautiful daughters as a single mom. Maybe that’s why I feel such a deep connection to them even though they are independent, established, happy adults.

Unfortunately for me, they don’t need the one thing I’m most tempted to offer—unsolicited advice. I may have tons of experience, wisdom and keen observations to share, but they aren’t particularly interested. After all, they’ve done the work and earned the right to run their lives and make their own decisions. Thank goodness I’ve witnessed my friends with older adult children navigate this landscape, so I’ve learned that my job is simply to listen, watch and applaud.

The Lesson: I’m making the shift from the action-taking, advice-giving “parenting” role to being a supportive, listening person who champions and cheers from the sidelines.  

Midlife Friendships Need Time and Tending

There’s overwhelming research telling us the importance of human connection in our daily lives. Yet, friendships often fade away as we age. Sometimes it’s for happy reasons, like friends moving to enjoy the spoils of retirement and grandparenting. Other times, friends retreat for less joyful reasons, such as illness, diminished finances or caring for family members in need.

Nonetheless, I’ve learned that it's worth it to me, and to my long-distance friends, to make the effort (again and again) to fuel these relationships—whether that means handwritten notes, video calls, planning trips or sharing funny texts.  

The Lesson: The relationships that sustain us—whether lifelong or newly made—are worth more effort than almost anything else.

Perspective is Everything

As I age, I’ve realized that choosing my own perspective has become my most powerful tool for being happy. Life inevitably brings change—shifts in health, relationships, routines, and even identity—but how I interpret those changes shapes the quality of my days. Choosing my perspective gives me agency: instead of feeling defined by limitations, I can focus on possibilities. This gives me energy to move on from difficulties and motivation to pursue my goals.

The Lesson: Happiness is a choice. While I can’t control what happens, I can control how I handle it, and that choice makes all the difference in living vibrantly at any age.

There is No Such Thing as Too Late for Women in Midlife

I used to think it was too late for a lot of things—a fulfilling career, a beautiful home that inspires creativity, a financial plan that leads to stability in retirement…but boy, was I wrong.

I’ve learned that no matter what my age, there are always new experiences and opportunities that await—whether that’s trying out entrepreneurship, learning a new skill, reprioritizing health or simply exploring a new place to vacation. The beauty of reaching this stage of life is that I’ve gained the wisdom to know what really matters, along with the freedom to choose what lights me up. When I realized that the door to possibility never closes, life suddenly felt more exciting, more meaningful, and open to so much goodness.

The Lesson: Adventure, opportunity, growth and learning do not have an expiration date. This stage of life is prime time for engaging in life with curiosity and courage.

________________________________________________________________________

HELL YEAH!

Interested in diving deeper into understanding what you’ve learned in your later years? Click here to download 15 prompts to help you uncover your evolution and plan for even more.

 ________________________________________________________________________

LET’S TALK ABOUT IT:

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned at this stage of life?