10 Lifestyle Habits and Mindsets That Help Me Stay Youthful at 60

On Mother’s Day, I met a group of ladies in line as my family waited to be seated for our breakfast reservation, and they asked for “my secret” to staying youthful at 60. I have to admit, I was unprepared to give an answer because I don’t think there is truly just one secret. In fact, after doing some soul-searching around my 60th birthday, I realized that feeling youthful has less to do with chasing youth and anti-aging secrets, but more to do with how you care for yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually over time. The “secret” is actually found in the small habits, routines, choices, and mindsets that you incorporate in your everyday life.

As a result, none of the lifestyle habits and mindsets I am sharing in this article are extreme. In fact, many of them are actually very simple. But together, they have helped me maintain my health, fitness, peace, confidence, sense of joy, and a genuine excitement about life over the years, and even more so now at 60. So, without further ado, here are 10 of the lifestyle habits and mindsets that have helped me stay youthful at 60.

1. I Take Care of My Skin

Morning Skin Care Regimen

One of the ways I have stayed youthful at 60 is by maintaining a comprehensive skin care regimen, both day and night. Over the years, through trial and error, I have learned what works for me and what does not. Then, I adjust and adapt as needed. Skin care products may come and go, but my routine does not. While my routine may not be fancy or perfect, it is practical, results-based, and most importantly, consistent.

In the mornings, I wash my face with an Olay Daily Facials cloth and remove any remaining dirt or makeup using a cotton ball soaked with a little Sea Breeze Sensitive Skin Astringent. Next, I use a Q-tip to gently dab a small amount of L’Oréal Paris eye cream around my eyes. Then, I apply a few drops of either their retinol or hyaluronic acid serum to my face, neck, and hands. After it dries, I smooth on some of Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair retinol moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen over it. My superpower is the ability to do the same thing over and over again as long as I get good results. And that is what’s been happening here.

So, I have repeated the same routines because they are bringing me good results. However, as new products came and went, I just swapped them out for whatever was available. Many of them happened to be by the same manufacturers simply because their products worked well for my skin and fit easily into my routine. What matters to me most are consistent results that are easy to achieve, not product loyalty or expensive brands. I think a lot of women assume they need expensive products and treatments or complicated regimens to look youthful. However, what works best for me are simple and affordable products purchased from places like Walmart or the grocery store along with routines repeated over time. For a more detailed look check out My Morning Skin Care Routine for Women Over 50 video, which includes the products and techniques I use.

Head-to-Toe Moisture Matters

Whenever I shower, I also moisturize the rest of my body with Vaseline (usually Walmart’s generic version of it though). 😂 Then, for extra firming, I also add a little Gold Bond Crepe Corrector lotion to my legs, stomach, the backs of my arms, and décolletage. A little Vaseline on the bottom of your feet as you put on socks helps keep crusty feet at bay! 😅 At this stage of life, keeping the skin moisturized from head to toe matters too.

Nighttime Skin Care Regimen

While my morning routine is designed to get my skin prepared for the day, my nighttime routine is focused more on restoration. Also, because my skin is older and a little drier now, I only wash it once a day. So, at night, I use one Neutrogena fragrance-free makeup remover wipe to get rid of makeup, dirt, pollution, and leftover products from my face and neck. Then, I rinse my face with warm water, and use a second wipe to make sure it is clean, especially around my eyes where traces of mascara and eyeliner can linger. After that, I use Sea Breeze Sensitive Skin Astringent on a cotton ball to remove any remaining traces of makeup, dirt, or residue. Next, I use a Q-tip to gently dab a small amount of L’Oréal Paris eye cream (or Neutrogena’s Rapid Repair eye cream) around my eyes. Then, I apply a few drops of a quality retinol or hyaluronic acid serum to my face, neck, and hands. After it dries, I smooth on some of Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night moisturizer.

Then, finally, my face is ready for the night and my skin can rest and recover while I sleep. Hopefully, this helps smooth out a few wrinkles in the process. 😂🙏🏽 If you want to learn more about how I take care of my skin at night, see my Nighttime Routine video, which also includes products and techniques I have used for years.

2. I Take Care of My Teeth

One thing I have learned over time is that healthy-looking teeth can make a person look much more youthful. My teeth are not perfect, but I take care of them every day and try to maintain them as my dentist directs.

In the mornings, I brush with Colgate Optic White toothpaste. I also use an extra whitening anticavity fluoride mouthwash rinse by Colgate or Crest because I drink coffee, cocoa, and tea daily, which can stain teeth. However, at night, I switch things up and brush with Close-Up fresh breath toothpaste. Then, I hop in bed and floss my teeth to keep my gums healthy because honestly, who needs puffy gums or bone loss? I know I don’t!

The Dentist Is Your Friend

I also look forward to a “date” with my dental hygienist every six months to get my teeth cleaned, checked, and x-rayed. Surprisingly, I prefer these preventative visits over manicure and pedicure appointments. In my opinion, taking care of your teeth is not just about appearance, but your overall health and well-being too.

As you will find, most of the products I use are very affordable and easy to find at places like Walmart. Also, like many of my other routines, what matters most to me is consistency over perfection. For a more detailed look at my morning routine and how I take care of my teeth, see My Anti-aging Skin Care and Natural Hair Care Morning Routine video (around the 12:00 minute mark), which includes products and techniques I use daily.

3. I Don’t Diet

How I Normally Eat

One of the biggest misconceptions people have about me is that I must believe in dieting or calorie counting. Well, guess what? I don’t. In fact, I do not believe in trying to survive on tiny portions, starving myself, or pretending I never eat foods I enjoy. For me to say I am never going to eat fried foods, sweets, carbs, dairy, red meat, or pork would be a lie of epic proportions. 😂 After I learned that I could still eat what I want and stay the same size by creating habits that I could realistically maintain for the rest of my life, the pieces fell into place.

Structure, Moderation, and Consistency

Over the years, I learned that what helps me the most is structure, moderation, and consistency with my overall habits. I pay attention to how often I eat certain foods, how much of it I actually eat, and if there are ways I can make it healthier. As an example, if I have spare ribs for dinner, can I pair them with a big leafy green salad, minus the bread? If so, I eat ribs with wild abandon until I am full. Afterwards, I feel rewarded and pleasantly full instead of deprived or restricted. There is no guilt whatsoever. It really helps that I like salad with savory meats, which allows me to enjoy the Spicy Chicken Bites at Longhorn or fried shrimp dishes from other restaurants. So obviously, my eating habits are not stellar, but whatever I eat, I enjoy it. Also, the minute I don’t love something, I stop eating. I never eat anything that I describe as just “okay” because at this stage of life, I have realized that my metabolism is not the same as it was in my twenties. This means that I have to be very intentional about my eating habits during the week instead of relying on corrective diets after the fact.

Consistency Matters More Than Perfection

Another thing that has helped me tremendously over the years was learning that consistency matters more than perfection. So, if I enjoy donuts, pizza, or a fried chicken sandwich and fries on the weekend, I simply return to my normal routine on Monday instead of panicking or undergoing drastic restrictions. I must say that the best wakeup call for me is the fact that I fast until 6:00 p.m. on Mondays. After that, I get back on my game plan by eating a normal dinner like vegetable soup with beef, corn bread, and a sweet potato or roasted chicken and a salad. From there, I go back to eating normally for the rest of the week and I just have to make it until the weekend. 😅 As I have done this year after year, maintaining my weight has become a whole lot easier and much more sustainable than any diets, drugs or surgeries could ever be. If you would like to hear more about my regimen, check out my video series: Staying Fit And Slim Over 50 With Delicious Eats! (Parts 1-4).

Intermittent Fasting

Someone visiting my YouTube channel years ago mentioned that she had been having success with intermittent fasting. However, because I had never heard of it and was feeling pretty good about how slim I was in my 50s, I brushed it off. I just said, “that’s nice” and told her about how I fast on Mondays. LOL Yeah, so I was dismissive. I honestly thought, who needs that? Then, once the COVID pandemic hit and many of my normal routines were derailed, I found myself working from home for the first time, snacking more, eating more often, and before I even realized what was happening, I was gaining weight. So maybe I needed to try it?

My Wake-Up Call

At the time, I was still working out consistently, so I honestly did not think the changes were affecting me that much until I went to my annual gynecological exam. The doctor who had praised my ability to stay trim over the years, literally asked me what happened. After a tense exchange, she finally helped me to acknowledge the fact that I had gained almost ten pounds. It was not the scale. If I am being honest, I had noticed that some of my favorite clothes were no longer fitting properly. She even threw in a parting “… we will recheck your blood pressure on the next visit.” Yikes, she had never said that before! As a 55+ woman, this was sobering. I remember leaving there thinking that I don’t want to go out like a sucker! 😂 That’s when I moved from “trying” to actually “doing” where intermittent fasting was concerned. It took some time, research, patience, and a little trial by error, but it has become one of the biggest game changers for me, especially during menopause.

Finding a Routine That Fit My Lifestyle

Once I started researching intermittent fasting, the 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. approach immediately jumped out at me for two reasons: 1) I don’t like to eat after 8:00 p.m. anyway and that habit had helped with my weight-loss efforts in the past; and 2) It actually fits the way I eat whenever I am on vacation. Without even thinking about it, I wind up only eating lunch and dinner when I am away from home on trips. But oddly, I never felt like I was starving. So, as I started considering the possibilities, I noticed that during the work week, I often ate lunch after 1:00 p.m. or 1:30 p.m., which meant that I had a snack around 4:00 p.m. However, if I am being completely honest, most days, I wasn’t even really that hungry at dinnertime. In fact, some days I noticed that I was often eating just because it was “time to eat,” not because I was truly hungry. This was a game-changing revelation! That third meal had become more of a habit than a necessity. So, maybe it was time to let it go? But how would I ever make it without breakfast? That was the missing puzzle piece I needed to address.

My “Co-Coffee” Routine

One thing I knew almost immediately was that if intermittent fasting was going to work for me over the long term, I needed to find a realistic way to make it through the mornings without feeling deprived. I am not one of those people who can just sit around drinking water, black coffee, or tea all morning, pretending I am perfectly content. I needed something to look forward to, something satisfying that would keep me from feeling hungry.

That is where my “co-coffee” came in. My oldest son jokes that I am not really fasting, because this drink is a cheat. 😂 Honestly, it is the reason I have been able to stick with intermittent fasting this long. In case you are wondering, co-coffee is simply a mix of half regular and half decaf coffee that I pour over two packs of Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate cocoa. This has became a part of my normal morning routine right along with water and hibiscus tea. When I am at home, I take one big sip of my Nestle Nesquik Protein Power milk drink followed by a sip of the co-coffee. Then, once more. The bonus? Every week, these sips add 23 grams of protein to my diet.

Now, instead of immediately thinking about food after I exercise and get ready for the day, this satisfying routine gives me something to look forward to. And I don’t feel deprived. So, I am no longer tempted by donuts or other treats that I see people eating or that are being offered to me. Miraculously, I don’t even miss breakfast, and surprisingly, I am not hungry until about 1:30 p.m. That is when I eat my first meal of the day.

Why Repetition Works for Me

During the early days of intermittent fasting, I learned that consistency matters much more than constantly trying to eat “clean” or create perfect meals. I find that I do infinitely better when my meals consist of foods I actually like and when I create a structure where I repeat my favorites throughout the week. It may sound boring, but repetition removes unnecessary decision-making during busy workdays. For example, my first meal when I am at home is usually a 12-ounce cup of cereal (i.e., a mixture of Honey Nut Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Frosted Mini Wheats, Bran Buds and Shredded Wheat) with ice-cold 1% milk. Simple, yes, but for me it is delicious and filling. What I did was just take what used to be my breakfast and made it lunch. 🤷🏾‍♀️ However, if I am working in corporate environments, I would probably choose a plain baked sweet potato and some Lance Whole Grain Peanut Butter sandwich crackers. That is a quick variation on one of my favorites: peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat. For me, simplicity creates stability. So, instead of constantly asking what am I going to eat for my first meal, I already know what works for my body and my schedule. And I look forward to it! 😊

One of the keys to my success has been the fact that the first meal contains whole grains, which are very filling and keep me satiated until around 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. This is the time where your best efforts can be derailed by unhealthy snacking temptation. If you are not careful, small daily habits can quietly make or break your progress. So, I stay prepared. Instead of grabbing random snacks, I measure out a “handful” of mixed nuts (i.e., a mix of raw, unsalted Brazil nuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews, and macadamias) to help me get over the hump until dinner. If you choose nuts, be sure you are able to close your hand over the “handful” of nuts you eat! 😂

How I Made it Through the Night

Surprisingly, the nuts help to keep my blood sugar stable, so I am not starving as I make dinner. This helps to reduce the temptation to snack before dinner. So, I eat a moderate meal for dinner whether I am at a restaurant or home, which usually includes meat and vegetables mostly. However, the cutoff is at 8:00 p.m. After 50, I have found that nothing good comes from eating after 8:00 p.m. The only result I got from doing that was an extra roll of fat that accumulated on my back below my bra strap. 😂 In the early days of intermittent fasting, when I found myself tempted to snack after dinner, I would simply take my full water tumbler upstairs and remove myself from the kitchen entirely. When that didn’t work, the hack that helped most was to chew a few pieces of Dubble Bubble Bubble Gum until I could get myself under control. Then, I would brush my teeth and enjoy my water upstairs for the rest of the night. Now, after almost five years, I no longer need gum, only the water. And I’m good. 😊 Small decisions can make a huge difference in the long run.

Why I Stayed With It

I must say that intermittent fasting was one of the absolute best decisions I have ever made after turning 50. If my old gynecologist hadn’t retired, I would love to pop in to let her see the turnaround since our last appointment. However, the bigger reward is that I no longer feel like I am battling my weight the way many people my age are. It helped me maintain my weight even after a meniscectomy in 2023, which led to a month of inactivity and my surgeon telling me that he didn’t want me to run anymore. 🤦🏾‍♀️ I was limited to low-impact workouts. At first I was afraid, I was petrified… 🎶 But then, I filled in my old exercise window with a new low-impact routine, and intermittent fasting did the rest. It has been such a blessing and one of my biggest secrets.

I am no expert, but the best advice I can give, especially if you are like a lady I met on the subway who said, “I tried intermittent fasting, but it didn’t work,” and when I asked her how long she tried it, she said four months. Well, I suggested she try it again for at least a year, and that is the same advice I would give anyone wondering how long to try it. Honestly, I didn’t start seeing the full extent of the changes to my metabolism until almost year two. It seemed divinely orchestrated to be in full effect as I recovered from my knee surgery. When I didn’t gain weight, I knew I was onto something wonderful. Maybe it can help you too? Talk to your doctor first though! In the meantime, if you would like a deeper look into the meals, routines, and habits that helped me maintain my weight over 50, you can also check out my Intermittent Fasting Over 40 | How I Do It at 58! video.

4. I Don’t Drink Alcohol or Soda

To be perfectly honest, I stopped drinking alcohol in 1991 after the Lord revealed that it had no purpose for me whatsoever. I listened to Him because my father was an alcoholic, and I never truly liked the taste of it. Then, as I watched other women enjoy their drinks, I saw what a huge waste of calories drinking can really be. I realized I would rather eat my calories than drink them. Eating a giant Snickers bar appeals to me way more than drinking a daiquiri ever could. 😂 So, if you see me celebrating as I am in the picture above, it is probably water. Otherwise, it might be a Red Bull if I want something different or if I need to stay awake. During holiday celebrations, it might even be Welch’s sparkling grape juice, but believe me, your girl buys shoes, not booze!

Why I Gave Up Soda Too

Water is honestly my drink of choice 99% of the time, but there was a time when the strongest Coke I could find was what I craved, especially when I took my kids to the movies or when we went to Olive Garden. An ice-cold Coke with that wonderful fizzing sound could actually make me salivate in anticipation like Pavlov’s dogs. However, as I moved further into my 40s, I saw the increasing effort required to maintain a healthy weight. I also noticed that doctors increasingly asked about my family health history… As in, who had heart conditions, who had diabetes, etc.? Well, my paternal grandmother died of a diabetes-related condition, and I learned that drinking sodas and not maintaining a healthy weight can play a role in the onset of diabetes for some. 😲

That was very sobering as I love sugary treats way too much to ever fool with diabetes. So this information was enough to help me finally give up sodas once and for all. That was one of the best health decisions I ever made because they are filled with sugar and empty calories. As I said before, I prefer to eat my calories rather than drink them because liquid calories can quietly add up, especially after 50 when your metabolism is not the same as it was in your twenties. In my unprofessional opinion, I would say that not drinking sodas helps me keep off at least ten extra pounds a year. Who knows, maybe it could make a difference for you too? Also, for the ladies who think sugar-free sodas are better for you, I can’t even drink those because they make me queasy and give me an immediate headache. I noticed this if I drank anything with saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, or Splenda in it when I tried to diet years ago. So, do a little research as you start cutting things out.

What’s in the 1%?

Okay, so no alcohol or sodas, but what about juice? You notice I said I drink water 99% of the time, right? Well, this means that 1% includes the two shots of juice I drink with my supplements at lunch. Honestly, the first shot is prune juice because an 80-year-old lady once told me it would help keep your colon healthy. 😆 The other shot is Welch’s grape juice because it contains resveratrol. So, I do drink juice, but it has to be worth the calories or it has to have a purpose in my routine. At this stage of life, I think one of the biggest lessons I have learned is that small habits can lead to big results over time. Drinking more water, reducing sugar, and being mindful about what you drink may not sound exciting, but those decisions can affect your skin, energy, waistline, and health. If you would like to hear more about the habits that helped me maintain my weight and health over 50, check out my 10 Tips to Help Prepare for Your Fifties | Over 50 and Fabulous | Anti-Aging video.

5. I Create a Lifestyle of Movement

One of the biggest things that has helped me stay youthful after turning 50 is that I never stopped moving. I may not run marathons, but come what may, I find ways to move wherever I am. In fact, after having a meniscectomy in 2023, my orthopedic surgeon told me he did not want me to run anymore because of the wear and tear and arthritis he saw in my knee. 😭 I literally cried. He just handed me the Kleenex box because he was serious. At first, it was hard for me to accept because I had spent years jogging and doing high-impact workouts. However, this man makes a living doing knee replacements, and I didn’t want to be his next patient for that! He had nothing to gain by lying. So, I listened and adapted. I switched from lots of jogging and high-impact workouts to a surgeon-approved, low-impact routine instead of giving up on exercise altogether.

At this stage of life, my goal is basically to keep moving because a body in motion stays in motion. So, I create movement throughout the day wherever I am. At home, I work out every day whether it is the recumbent bike, the treadmill, power Pilates and resistance training or walking outside with my husband. I also take the stairs whenever I can, whether it is at an airport or mall, or by going to the restroom on a different level of my house just because. I also travel with sneakers so I can walk during trips and vacations. Fitting movement into my lifestyle however I can is a way of life. So, the specific workout matters less than the decision to keep moving. If you would like to hear more about the actual routines, equipment, and low-impact exercises I use and do throughout the week, check out my How I Stay Fit at 59 — My ‘Workout Whenever, Wherever’ Routine video.

6. I Pray

Prayer has become one of the greatest sources of peace in my life. I truly believe it relieves stress, calms fears, heals wounds, and brings clarity. I talk to God every single day about any and everything that concerns me. I give thanks and express gratitude, share my hurts and issues, as well as ask for help for me and others in need. Even strangers on the bus, train, doctor’s offices or around the world. He has become my friend, my therapist, and my advisor. He is the Wonderful Counselor. However, I didn’t always have the relationship with Him that I do now because I remember just saying “grace” before meals or the Lord’s Prayer as I hopped in the bed. Otherwise, I would just share my ever-growing laundry list of all the things I wanted or needed Him to do for me or whine. 😂 Anything beyond that, I would probably fall asleep in the middle of asking for more stuff.

Prayer and Journaling Changed My Life

However, things changed for me about ten years ago after I asked God to teach me how to pray more meaningfully and effectively. Shortly thereafter, I heard Joyce Meyer mention that she journaled for many years. So, as a person who loves to write, I was intrigued and decided to give it a try. It turned out to be another one of the best decisions I have ever made, especially as a person who had some lingering trauma left over from my childhood, as well as unforgiveness. 🤦🏾‍♀️ As a result, this journaling habit has become a daily thing, wherever I am, because it helps me think more clearly. It also helps me work through issues, puts me on a path to healing whatever hurts, and helps me to move forward. And at this stage of life, I have learned that emotional and mental peace matters just as much as physical health. Prayer helps center me. It reminds me that I am not in this alone. So, whether I am praying on the recumbent bike or the treadmill, journaling, reading devotionals, or simply sitting quietly with God, those moments refill me mentally and emotionally.

So, you could say being refilled and healed on a daily basis is another secret. Also, if you noticed in the picture above, I am writing in cursive in my journal. I guess I am 60! 😂 My sons joke that the prayers in my journal look like hieroglyphics. My youngest son even said, “Nobody can read that.” I laughed and said, “God can.” And because He can I never have to stay up late worrying about problems or situations because He’s got it! Believe it or not, that is a secret to staying youthful too as it has saved me a lot of sleepless nights and worry lines!

7. I Prioritize Self-Care

One thing I have learned as I have gotten older is that protecting your peace is a form of self-care too. So, at this stage of my life, I am not afraid to say no to anything that overwhelms, drains, or constantly stresses me out. Whether it is overcommitting personally or professionally, staying in unhealthy relationships, or simply trying to do too much, I have learned that peace matters. It matters a lot! Years ago, I thought the term “self-care” was nebulous and made up by spa and resort owners, but it is not. It really is a thing, and I believe it just means that we should make our mental and emotional well-being a priority on a regular basis. This is especially important for women as we are often care-givers for others. We do a lot! 😅 People depend on us, so we can’t afford to let our reserves run low. That is my definition of self-care: taking time to refill our mental and emotional reserves. This is very important because mental and emotional stress eventually shows up physically. It could be on your face, or it might manifest itself in your body. So, being intentional about creating a space for yourself to breathe and preserving your peace of mind is one of the secrets to staying youthful.

Why I Started Taking “Girl Trips”

As my sons entered their pre-teen years, my husband and I both realized I needed opportunities to intentionally step away from everyday life sometimes so I could rest and recharge. I think he realized that their lives might be in danger if I did not. 😆 So, when he asked what I wanted for Mother’s Day or my birthday, I started asking for “girl” trips! As an only child, I missed the quiet, the ability to read, and to do exactly what I wanted, even if it was just for a day. We started with overnight trips to my favorite hotel. The boys were actually happy that I went away because they could spend quality time with their dad, which was obviously less restrictive. But the funny part is that the hotel was often less than three miles from our house. So, when I had a leisurely meal at Olive Garden, I would drop them off my left-overs along with some of the things they actually liked. I would leave it in the foyer when nobody was looking, and I would high-tail it out of there! 😂

Protecting Your Peace Is Self-Care

Running a house, raising kids, being a wife and working can all leave you overwhelmed at times, so I just needed a minute! I bet many of you can relate. However, instead of running myself into the ground, with my family’s blessings, I ran away from home. 😎 I grabbed my books, laptop, snacks, cute clothes and shoes, and I was out! I took time to breathe, think, read, pray, and work on creative projects such as books, business ideas, etc. Sometimes, it was just a day, while other times, it was four when they “let me” go to Montreal and Quebec City (safe places for women to travel solo because I CHECKED!) one summer when daily football practices were required for all players. I was at a breaking point and found myself crying because I wanted to do something fun that was not local. So, THEY all said, maybe you could go somewhere by yourself? 😲 I immediately booked my trip to Canada. It was WONDERFUL! You know what I learned from this? I realized that my family could survive without me for a few days, and time away by yourself can work wonders for a mom’s mental health.

So, yeah, self-care is a thing, and I highly recommend it! It doesn’t have to be lavish, expensive, or frequent. Just do it as often as it makes sense whether it is a hotel, park or library. Sometimes I would just have a meal by myself with a good book or a notebook so I could brainstorm with a clear mind. Whatever it takes for you to walk through the door mentally refreshed and able to successfully handle your day-to-day responsibilities. Just like they say on airplanes, put your oxygen mask on first before you put on someone else’s because you can’t help someone else if you lose consciousness. So self-care is like putting your mask on, so you can help others. A weird analogy I know, but it’s the best I’ve got! 😆 Lesson Learned: Stepping away is not selfish. In fact, it helps you come back refreshed and better able to care for the people you love. If you would like to hear more about the habits, boundaries, and mindset shifts that have helped me maintain my peace over the years, check out my Simple Anti-Aging Secrets I Use at 58 to Look Younger Than My Age video (see the 8:00 minute mark).

8. I Maintain a Sense of Wonder and Adventure

One of the things I have noticed about many people as they age is that they slowly stop looking forward to the future. Daily routines can start to feel monotonous, predictable, and downright boring. That may be why so many find themselves struggling with a midlife crisis where it feels like the best parts of life are behind them. Kids are grown, everybody is talking about retirement or preparing for it, people you may know are battling health challenges or have aging parents. The future can start to look pretty bleak. Then, if you throw in the hormonal battles that can occur during perimenopause and menopause (I know!), it is enough to bring on a few tears (I know!). However, I believe one way to battle against the pangs of ennui and midlife angst is to still find ways to remain excited about life: the big and small. It is not only the once-in-a-lifetime trips to Hawaii or Europe that keep a glimmer in your eye, but the many small, affordable adventures that keep life interesting can too. Driving through towns you have only read about, taking a scenic ferry ride, exploring a local trail or park, discovering a new restaurant, or spending the afternoon somewhere unexpected can be exciting as well.

Why Travel Means So Much to Me

Now, with that said, growing up in the projects of Augusta, Georgia, I always dreamt of going to places that felt worlds away. So now, whether I am visiting Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Montauk, Newport, Rhode Island, Portsmouth, New Hampshire or Austin, I try to fully appreciate the experience. That means I take a boatload of pictures and fill my house with them because they remind me of how much life there is still to experience. My husband, the taker of all the beautiful pictures you see here, makes jokes about my love of trips. Instead of singing “…shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, EVERYBODY” like Lil’ Jon says, I sing “trips, trips, trips, trips, trips, trips, trips, trips, trips, trips, trips, trips, trips, trips, trips, trips, EVERYBODY!” 😂 He knows that I would rather take a trip somewhere I really love than get a new diamond tennis bracelet. Priorities, my friend! The memories from a wonderful trip can last forever, and so do the pictures! So, I think continuing to look forward to life instead of settling for whatever comes helps keep your spirit youthful. There are still more places to see, dreams to pursue, and memories to create.

Why We Have to Stay Engaged

So, at 60 I now understand that having a sense of wonder is healthy. Adventure is healthy. Finding things that excite, inspire, and make you feel alive is healthy. And it doesn’t always have to be extravagant or expensive either. Sometimes adventure can be found by visiting a different TJ Maxx or Nordstrom Rack. 😆 There is even a TJ Maxx in The Hamptons! 😲 Of course, I had to check it out! 🤩 It was absolutely wonderful! 😍 It is always fun to add something new to your wardrobe without breaking the bank! I truly believe that enjoying your life to the fullest and finding something to look forward to is one of the most beautiful secrets to staying youthful.

9. I Wear Clothes That Make Me Feel Good

Just because I have gotten older I refuse to give up on style or femininity. I still enjoy clothes, shoes, jewelry, and accessories that help create beautiful outfits that make me feel confident, polished and even sexy. I know some people believe women should dress a certain way after a certain age, but honestly, I wear whatever I like and whatever makes me feel good. However, whatever it is, it has got to be comfortable, especially shoes! 😂

What You Wear Affects How You Feel

Now, with that said, I am not trying to dress like a teenager, nor am I interested in chasing fashion trends. I believe women of a particular age especially should continue expressing themselves instead of fading into the background because of arbitrary age limits society places on us. I still enjoy finding cute dresses in the Juniors department, and strappy wedges that make me feel youthful. Sometimes it might be one of my many sundresses from TJ Maxx that women young and old compliment me on and that my husband loves, a romper from Marshalls, or a rhinestone jean jacket from Ross. Fun, flattering clothes don’t have to cost a fortune. 🤩

Style Does Not Have an Expiration Date

I know they say clothes make the man, but while clothes don’t make the woman, what we wear can affect how we feel. One of the biggest lessons I learned over the years is the way you go out in the world can affect your confidence and your overall mental well-being. When you say, “Oh well, I am over 50…” and you stop dressing up or expressing your true beauty and joy, it can sometimes affect how you actually feel. I am not saying we have to dress up every day, but there is value in continuing to spend time on yourself and to take pride in your appearance. Sometimes putting on a cute outfit with some hoop earrings, lip gloss, and a pair of comfortable sandals can completely change your mood and outlook for the day. That plays a role in feeling more youthful.

I also think women should stop limiting themselves based on age-based stereotypes. If something is tasteful, flattering, and appropriate for your lifestyle, wear it! I spent years raising kids, working, and managing a household. So now, at 60, I am enjoying the wonderful clothes in my closet. 😂 Contrary to what others may think, style does not have an expiration date. And you don’t stop being a vibrant woman just because you had a milestone birthday. So, I say grab your fun clothes, that fitted dress, or something over the top and fabulous “just because” and wear it! Continuing to express yourself through style is just one more way to stay connected to joy, confidence, and the world around you. If you would like to hear more of my thoughts on confidence, style, and aging naturally, check out my 7 Anti-Aging Hacks | Ways You Can Look More Youthful video.

10. I Choose Joy and Laughter

Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I laugh a lot. I love watching comedies, making jokes, and I can be sarcastically funny at times. Either way, I usually end up laughing. 😂 I laugh at funny situations, awkward moments, things that go wrong, and sometimes even at myself. I try not to take myself too seriously because we are all human, and we all make mistakes. So, just admit it, shake it off, do better, and keep it moving. That has become my motto because life is too hard and unpredictable not to find humor in everyday situations.

When Life Keeps Lifing

Does this mean my life has been perfect or easy? No, it hasn’t. Like everyone else, I have gone through hurts, fears, disappointments, tears, stress, uncertainty, financial pressure, career upheavals, hormonal changes, and moments where I didn’t know how I would keep going. However, it was my faith in God, the ability to laugh at myself and situations around me, as well as the ability to see good in the bad that helped me move forward.

I genuinely believe laughter is healthy for the mind, body, and spirit. It relieves stress, lightens heavy moments, and helps life feel more enjoyable. Sometimes my husband and I can go from being mad to laughing in 60 seconds flat and then laugh so hard at the silliest things that we cannot even remember what we were upset about. 😂 I believe moments like these matter more than people realize. Over time, we all have a choice about what we focus on: joy or bitterness, gratitude or constant negativity. Believe it or not, the mindset you practice today can affect how youthful, peaceful, and emotionally healthy you feel later in life. So, choose wisely. 😊

Final Thoughts

There you have it, my ten personal lifestyle habits and mindsets for staying youthful in your mind, body, and spirit. As you saw, none of them require you to be perfect, use expensive products, get cosmetic procedures, or pretend that life is always easy. In my experience, staying youthful has been more about taking regular temperature checks to understand how you are thinking, feeling, taking care of yourself, and how much you are engaging with the world around you as you get older. You have important work to do in the world. You have a purpose. The world is waiting, and the more you get up and at ’em, the more youthful you will feel. At 60, I genuinely believe growing older can still be beautiful, exciting, meaningful, and fun if we do not give up.

I hope this post encouraged you to continue taking care of yourself, embracing your individuality, and finding joy in every season of life. If you would like to hear and see me as I share a recap of these lifestyle habits and mindsets, be sure to check out my 10 Lifestyle Habits and Mindsets That Help Me Stay Youthful at 60 video.