Life after 60 comes with many exciting challenges, but not all of them are created equal. In this article, we look at 17 things that you may want to think twice about before picking up after 60.
Working Full-time Hours
After 60, maintaining energy for full-time work becomes more challenging. Depending on the industry and company, ageism can impact opportunities and workplace relationships. CIPD defines ageism as when someone is unfairly disadvantaged for reasons relating to their age that cannot be objectively justified.
Late-Night Socializing
By 60, the days of staying out till 4 a.m. are far behind you. As people start families and get new opportunities, their lifestyles and priorities change, affecting social opportunities. Staying out late is less about the night itself and more about the extended recovery period that follows.
Traveling to Exotic Locations
Traveling to far-off places becomes a complex task, not just because of the journey but also because of the many health and safety considerations for an older person. The physical demands of long flights and exploring rugged terrain can be challenging. Additionally, travel insurance can be more expensive and harder to obtain.
Learning New Technology
We have all tried to help a parent with their phone, and you remember how that went. This is because learning new technologies can be more challenging as cognitive flexibility decreases. AARP reports that “confidence in… digital literacy is lower among older age groups.”
Engaging in Extreme Sports
After 40, pushing physical limits through extreme sports becomes a balancing act between thrill and safety. At that age, bones become more brittle and muscles take longer to recover. Endurance levels also drop, making it hard to engage in long or intense activities.
Pursuing Higher Education
It is not unheard of for people in their 40s to go back to school, but after 60, we’re not so sure. At such a mature age, the cost of education is hard to justify without the promise of long-term career returns. Not to mention, balancing studies with other life responsibilities would be extremely challenging.
Starting a New Career
Starting a new career after 60 is a bold move that challenges both societal norms and personal resilience. If we are being honest, the financial and personal risks of starting over can outweigh the potential benefits.
Intense Physical Exercise
As you get older, the body’s recovery time increases, requiring longer rest periods between workouts. There is a reason athletes retire in their 40s. Even the fittest 60-year-old should not be engaging in difficult, high-intensity workouts that can lead to injuries.
Participating in Competitive Sports
It might be best to stick to the neighborhood bingo tournament if you are over 60. Competitive sports require lots of training that can expose you to injuries during practice. If you really must compete, make sure to work with professionals to guide you through your journey.
Managing Stressful Jobs
Stressful jobs can have a significant impact on health. Older people need to develop new strategies for managing stress while working such jobs. At that age, it is not just about resilience but also about maintaining health and happiness.
Keeping Up With Fashion Trends
As our bodies change, staying fashionable can be a real challenge. We have to find clothes that fit well, look good, and feel comfortable. It might be best to back off the trends, as staying fashionable can be expensive and environmentally unfriendly.
Maintaining a Large Social Circle
Keeping a lot of friends as we get older can be tough. People come and go, and our circle of friends gets smaller and smaller with age. It takes a lot of energy to stay connected with many people, and managing all those different friendships can get complicated.
Undertaking Major Home Renovations
Starting major home renovations can be a big task, as it requires a lot of physical work. There’s also the cost to think about, as making big changes to your home can be very expensive. You might want to check in with yourself to make sure you are fully prepared for the project.
Volunteering in Physically Demanding Roles
Volunteering in roles that demand a lot of physical activity can be tough to keep up with. One should find a balance between helping out and what they’re physically able to do. There’s also the time you need to commit, which can be hard to find if you are not retired.
Gardening and Farming at a Large Scale
Gardening and farming on a large scale require a lot of hard work and can be physically demanding. You have to deal with the unpredictability of the weather and other outside factors. It also needs a big investment of time, money, and effort.
Attending Large Festivals and Events
There is probably no age at which attending festivals is easy, but doing it over 60 is something else. Navigating large crowds is physically exhausting and challenging—not to mention the noise and stimulation of big events can be overwhelming.
Long-Distance Relationships
Long-distance relationships have a lower success rate, about 60%, according to WIO News. You can only imagine how much more difficult it would be to make it work at such an old age. The constant travel and communication would be too much.
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