Turning Sixty

Sixty is one of those milestones in life – like 18, 21, 30, 40, 50 and then there is 60! Is it the start of old age? Well, I’d rather think not. Instead I’d rather see it as 50 plus 10 – sounds a bit younger doesn’t it?

I had my 60th birthday on 8th July this year and I’ve been totally amazed by the kindness and generosity of friends and family. In short, I’ve been totally spoiled with cards, gifts, bbqs, meals and lots of afternoon teas! Thank you so much to everyone who helped me celebrate my big birthday.

As a child, sixty seemed terribly old – a time of grey hair, zimmer frames and retirement. But now it doesn’t seem that old at all to me. Granted I have recently retired due to ill health but that doesn’t mean I should hang up my clogs and sit in a corner feeling sorry for myself. My philosophy is very much of trying to go somewhere every day, do something nice and if possible, meet up with a friend. Just this week I’ve received my Smart Pass from Translink meaning I can now travel free by train (and bus) across Northern Ireland. As I live close to Moira Railway Station, I’m therefore looking forward to day trips to Londonderry, Portrush, Whitehead and Bangor, to name a few.

With more free time on my hands, it’s a great opportunity to spend more time on my hobbies and interests which took a backseat during my busy working life. Does this mean that there will be more blogs? Perhaps! Reading is one of my passions and to date, I have read over 60 books this year plus I’ve even joined the MacMillan Book Club in Belfast which is a great way to meet up with kindred reading spirits. I’ve also taken up knitting and I’m currently working (slowly) on a sampler blanket showcasing a number of different stitches. I’m not walking as much as I used to due to illness but exercise is so important to keep your bones strong and to help your mental health too.

But the biggest benefit of turning sixty is the ability to spend more time with friends and family, without feeling guilty that I should be “working” to make money. I wouldn’t quite say that I’m a “lady who lunches” but I do regularly meet up with friends for a coffee and some retail therapy. I’ve even been known to “knit and natter” in a coffee shop with a friend – well if the Olympic diver Tom Daley can do, so can I!

If you’ve turned sixty recently, perhaps some of these thoughts may ring a bell with you. Or maybe you have some tips for me about how to life to the full in your sixties! Just write a comment below to share your wisdom with all my readers.

Lynda