While you’re only ever as old as you feel, the World Health Organization has classified 60 years and over as “old age.” This may be hard to believe, especially because the average retirement age is 65 and average life expectancy is greater than ever, but life can get difficult as the years push on. Here are some fantastic tips to simplify your life (or a loved one’s) after 60.
1. Downsize Living Space
Bigger isn’t always better, and this proves to be true with age. For example, large homes can be inconvenient when you’re walking long distances for the bathroom or kitchen. Factor in having to walk large amounts of stairs to access rooms in your home, and you’ll quickly feel drained. Instead, your 60s may be the perfect time to downsize your home. Use the extra cash you save to go on more vacations with your spouse or to give it away to your family.
2. Simplify Finances
Organizing your finances will help simplify your life after 60. It can also help protect you from the headaches of identity theft. Transfer credit card balances to one with a low or 0% APR. Work with a financial advisor or a trusted and knowledgeable family member to simplify your investments.
Finally, set any bills—such as utilities, medical bills, or credit card payments—to autopay. This way, you won’t miss a bill and accrue late charges.
3. Take Advantage of Discounts
Many companies offer discounts to those aged 60 and up (some even start at 55 years old). For example, Amazon Prime is more than half off for seniors.
Some restaurants and stores offer discounts on certain days of the week. This information is available on the company’s website or through customer service.
4. Purge and Declutter
One huge change you can make to simplify your life after 60 is to rid your life and home of clutter. Living with clutter can lead to feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and depressed.
Start by talking to your family to see if there is anything they may want or need that you no longer use. Donate anything else that you have no use for and toss the rest.
5. Get Organized
Organize your space to help simplify your life. Start with categorizing by putting like items with like and making a tidy, accessible place for items you use daily.
The next step might be to print or write labels for folders and bins so items are easy for you to locate. Use a weekly or monthly pill organizer for medication and vitamins. On your phone, you can set timers for when to take medication and reminders to keep track of appointments.
6. Reconsider Your Living Situation
As you age, your preferences and needs change. Many senior communities offer restaurants, clubhouses, and luxury amenities. Depending on your needs, some places in the community have medical care or assistance as needed.
If you want to stay in your home, consider if it’s safe for you to move around in and if the items you need to get to regularly are easily accessible.
7. Use Tools
Aside from the obvious large-print items, there are plenty of tools to simplify life after 60.
Consider, for example, things to make your space safer—grab bars in the shower, secure railings, and motion detection lights are important. Apple AirTags® or similar tech location devices, an automatic jar opener, or a lightweight vacuum cleaner can help simplify daily tasks.
8. Lean on Family for Support
Remember all you did for your kids (especially in those early years)? Now it’s their turn to help you. Younger generations are more tech-savvy and are likely to be able to help with pesky technological mishaps.
9. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating your veggies and avoiding processed food can make you more energized. Enjoying nutrient-rich foods reduces the risk of health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Processed foods may also lead to inflammation in the body and cognitive decline.
10. Exercise
Keeping your body moving after 60 is important for your physical and mental health. Low-impact exercises like walking and yoga are easy on your joints and good for your cardiovascular health. Research suggests that even a half hour of exercise per day can greatly improve your mental health.
11. Stay Mentally Sharp
Becoming forgetful comes with old age and is common with conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. To help make your life easier after 60, keep your brain sharp. Make time to read, do crossword puzzles, play games, and get a significant amount of sleep.
12. Spend Time With Friends
Research suggests that maintaining strong social relationships is the key to life satisfaction. Reminiscing with old friends or making new friends through a seniors or hobby group are great ways to maintain connections.
13. See a Doctor
Keeping up with annual check-ups is important when simplifying your life after 60. However, many seniors face depression and feelings of isolation as they age.
Seeing a mental health practitioner or talking about your mental health to your primary care doctor is helpful. Make appointments well in advance. Pick a day of the week that works best for you to set appointments, and keep it on a calendar where you and a loved one can see it.
14. Write
Writing is a great way to keep yourself mentally sharp. Simplify your life by writing to-do lists, notes as reminders, and letters to friends. You can also write in a journal daily, which will help keep you sharp but is also a great exercise for mental health.
Consider writing the story of your life to leave to your family. Revisiting happy moments is a great way to fight off the blues and remind yourself of how far you have come.
15. Play Games
Playing games is another way to keep your mind sharp, but they are also fun! Make it a habit to play games when people visit, even if it is a children’s game like Uno™ or Candy Land. Tune into game shows nightly and play along. Keep up with the Sunday crossword when you have downtime.
16. Ask For Help
Whether it is from a neighbor, a stranger in the supermarket, or a family member, always ask for help when you need it. Many seniors feel too proud or embarrassed to ask for help, but they shouldn’t. Something that may be difficult for you can be easy for another person.
For your safety, ask for help when doing things around the house, like changing a lightbulb, or other tasks like packing for a trip and running errands.
Getting Older Does Not Have to Make Life Harder
Recognizing the challenges that come with age is realistic, but they do not have to be limitations. From technology to financial assistance, there are opportunities and tools made to simplify life after 60. Be sure to take care of your health, lean on friends and family, and use this list to make your life better than you imagined in this new chapter.
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