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Heading back to school as a woman over 60 is both an exciting and daunting prospect. Whether you’re pursuing a new career, finishing a degree, or simply looking to expand your knowledge, this journey comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. I had a friend just this week head back to school to study acupuncture! She is on her way to realizing her dream!

Why should the kids have all the fun? Let’s explore the ABC’s of heading back to the classroom for us women over 60 as well!

A: Adaptability

One of the most crucial skills you’ll need is adaptability. The world of education has changed significantly since you were last in a classroom. From online learning platforms to modern-day teaching methods, being open to these changes will make your return to school smoother. Embrace new technologies, participate in online discussions, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling with something unfamiliar.

Additionally, balancing school with other responsibilities, such as work or family, requires flexibility. You might need to adjust your schedule, prioritize tasks, or seek support from loved ones to make time for your studies.

B: Balance

Finding a balance between your studies, work, and personal life is vital. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities, so creating a schedule that works for you is essential. Set aside specific times for studying, but also make sure to include time for relaxation and self-care. Remember, burnout can be just as much of a threat as falling behind in your coursework.

It’s also important to communicate with your family and friends about your new commitments. Their support and understanding will be key to maintaining a healthy balance as you navigate this new chapter in your life.

C: Confidence

Returning to school can stir up a mix of emotions, including doubt or anxiety. It’s natural to feel out of place or worry about being older than your classmates. However, remember that your life experience is a valuable asset. The wisdom and perspective you bring to your studies can enhance your learning and contribute meaningfully to classroom discussions.

Confidence in your abilities is crucial. Trust that you have what it takes to succeed, and don’t shy away from participating in class or reaching out to professors for guidance. Building a support network of peers, mentors, or advisors can also boost your confidence and provide encouragement when you need it most.

Advantages of Going Back to School

Returning to school in your 60s offers numerous advantages that can significantly boost your confidence and self-esteem. For one, it can open up new career opportunities or pave the way for advancement in your current field. Acquiring new skills and knowledge makes you more competitive in the job market and can lead to higher earning potential.

Additionally, the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a course or earning a degree can be incredibly empowering. It serves as a reminder that you are capable of achieving your goals, no matter your age. This newfound confidence often spills over into other areas of your life, enhancing your overall sense of self-worth and satisfaction.

Education also provides a platform for personal growth. Engaging with new ideas, meeting people from different backgrounds, and stepping out of your comfort zone can broaden your horizons and enrich your life in unexpected ways.

Learning Options: In-Classroom and Remote

Today, there are more learning options available than ever before, making it easier to fit education into your life, regardless of your circumstances. Take the time to pick the setting that best suits your schedule and lifestyle.

In-Classroom Learning

If you prefer face-to-face interaction and the structure of a traditional classroom, in-person classes might be the right choice for you. Many community colleges, universities, and adult education centers offer flexible schedules, including evening and weekend classes, to accommodate working adults.

Remote Learning

Online education has become increasingly popular and offers unparalleled flexibility. Whether you want to take a single course or complete an entire degree online, there are countless options available. Remote learning allows you to study at your own pace, from the comfort of your home, and often at a lower cost than traditional in-person classes.

Hybrid Options

For those who want a bit of both worlds, hybrid programs combine online coursework with occasional in-person sessions. This can be an ideal solution if you need flexibility but also value the opportunity to engage with instructors and peers in a classroom setting.

Types of Learning Women Over 60 Typically Explore

When women over 60 go back to school, they often explore various types of learning that align with their career goals, personal interests, and life circumstances. Here are some common paths:

1. Career-Oriented Degrees and Certifications

Many women return to school to pursue degrees or certifications that will advance their careers or enable them to transition into new fields. Popular areas of study include healthcare, education, business administration, and information technology. These programs are designed to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in specific professions, often with flexible learning options.

2. Professional Development Courses

Short-term courses or certificate programs focused on professional development are also a popular choice. These courses allow women to update their skills, learn new technologies, or gain expertise in specialized areas without committing to a full degree program. Fields like project management, digital marketing, and leadership are commonly explored.

3. Personal Enrichment Classes

Not all education is career-driven. Many women over 60 choose to take classes that enrich their personal lives, such as art, history, literature, or languages. These courses provide an opportunity for intellectual growth, creativity, and the pursuit of lifelong learning passions.

4. Continuing Education for Licensure

For women already established in careers that require ongoing education, such as nursing, teaching, or law, continuing education courses are often necessary to maintain licensure and stay current with industry standards.

5. Entrepreneurship and Business Courses

With the rise of entrepreneurial opportunities, many women over 60 explore business courses that teach the fundamentals of starting and running a business. This is particularly appealing for those looking to turn a passion or hobby into a full-time career.

What Would You Put in Your Backpack?

Now, let’s add some fun to the conversation! If you’re heading back to the classroom, you might be wondering what to pack in your backpack. While the days of cartoon lunch boxes and brightly colored pencils might be behind you, there are still some essentials that will keep you organized and prepared. Besides the laptop, colored pencils and brand new notebook, what are some items you would make sure you didn’t leave home without? Share in the comments below!

Going back to school is a brave and empowering decision. By focusing on adaptability, balance, and confidence, you can make the most of this opportunity and achieve your academic goals.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you signed up for any courses this autumn? What are you preparing to study? If you are heading back to the classroom, share in the comments below! We would love to cheer you on from the sidelines!

The New York Times headline hit its mark: “Painting Found in a Maine Attic Sells for $1.4 Million.” Thoroughly hooked by that one line, I eagerly read about Portrait of a Girl, believed to have been painted by Rembrandt, which could be worth as much as $15 million. Best of all, this 17-century portrait hadn’t been hanging on the wall or over the fireplace; an appraiser found it in a stack of other paintings in a farmhouse attic.

This is the stuff of imagination – of Indiana Jones and Nancy Drew. Its appeal runs deep and for far more than the obvious windfall of a castoff suddenly worth millions. Hidden treasure reminds us of our longing to discover that rare gem buried deep within our own lives.

As writers and other creatives, we can embrace this quest into two distinct but interconnected directions. One delves into storytelling – the other takes us deeper into ourselves.

The Lost Is Found – a Tale of Discovery

The storytelling path leads to narratives as diverse as Dashiell Hammett’s classic detective novel The Maltese Falconand Donna Tartt’s coming-of-age epic The Goldfinch. These stories employ an “objective correlative” (a term coined, or at least used, by T.S. Eliot). The best explanation I ever heard for this literary term is “an object that stands for more than just itself.”

I used the same device in my first novel, The Secrets of Ohnita Harbor, in which a small medieval cross – first disregarded as a piece of kitsch on the Christmas decoration table at a community rummage sale – turns out to be a 14th century artifact linked to Saint Catherine of Siena.

What works in fiction also adds depth to memoir, essay, and other stories of our lives. It may be a lost button from a favorite coat, an old watch that belonged to a beloved aunt, a ring whose value is far more sentimental than monetary. Although these lost treasures won’t merit the same headlines as a forgotten Rembrandt, the search to find them is no less a quest to find the object and uncover meaning.

Many years ago, I wrote an essay for Huff Post titled, “What a Lost Earring Taught Me About Life – And Hope.” I described sitting in a coffeeshop with a friend and suddenly discovering an empty earlobe instead of a gold hoop – half of a pair given to me by my late father. As I wrote, “It didn’t take much imagination to connect my retraced footsteps through that coffeeshop to my father who died seven years ago this month. On that short journey from my table to the door, I was reminded that the occasional loss is the byproduct of having been in the game.”

We all have these stories to explore and tell, about objects that speak greater truths than merely “I misplaced my wallet.”

What lost treasure do you miss or mourn long after it’s gone?

What rediscovered “gem” (literal or figurative) has brought you true joy?

What meaning did you discover in the quest – whether successful or not?

The Treasure Hunt Within

Hope, faith, luck, courage… Despair, disbelief, abandonment, discouragement… These are the emotional steppingstones along any path toward lost treasure. On my long-ago search for my lost earring, I scoured under the table, in the collar of my shirt, across the floor… With each futile attempt, the sense of loss deepened. The discovery was made all the sweeter because I took one more step, risking disappointment and looking foolish.

Here we find the treasure hunter archetype – risk-taking, swashbuckling, bravado-spewing – who goes boldly into the darkest forests, plunges into the deepest canyons, climbs the highest mountains, and undergoes every other hyperbolic and clichéd challenge.

A fascinating Psychology Today article about real-life treasure hunters examined their motivations, including the feeling of just having to do it. The author goes on to quote philosopher Soren Kierkegaard who extolled “the benefits of striving because the journey might offer more to us spiritually than arriving at our destination.”

Although a stray button or a misplaced earring doesn’t evoke that much drama, the journey to find any lost item requires emotional and psychological investment. Suddenly, we see that we really are more resilient and determined than we might have thought otherwise.

Such realizations add tone and texture to our stories that relate far more than a simple search. In seeking and finding what we’ve lost we regain some missing part of ourselves.

Then the real discovery begins.

What did you learn about yourself in the search for what was lost?

How did you reconcile an unsolved loss – the treasure that was never found – and what emotional lessons did you learn?

What are you doing with your recovered treasure – the physical object and the emotional lessons?

Hidden treasures abound! Although we may never find rare art or a priceless jewel, we are surrounded by a host of things waiting to be rediscovered. And each has something to teach us about life and ourselves.

Let’s Continue the Conversation:

When and where have you searched for your own lost treasure? When you retell the story of that quest, what feelings are evoked? What does the treasure hunter’s quest teach you about yourself?

Do you enjoy listening to podcasts? Do you enjoy traveling? Exploring the world through travel podcasts is an excellent way to gather inspiration, tips, and stories from fellow adventurers. 

Here are some of the best travel podcasts to tune into:

Women Who Travel – This podcast features interviews with influential women in the travel industry, sharing their journeys, tips, and stories from around the globe.

The Travel Diaries – This podcast brings you conversations with famous guests sharing their travel stories and tips.

The Globetrotter Lounge – Features interviews with women who have found creative ways to travel more.

She Explores – focuses on the outdoor adventures and travel experiences of women.

Keep reading to discover more travel podcasts by women travelers. 

Travel Podcasts for Women

Whether you’re planning your next trip, dreaming of far-off places, or seeking advice on navigating the travel world, these podcasts offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. 

Tune in, get inspired, and start planning your next adventure today!

Women Who Travel

Produced by Condé Nast Traveler, “Women Who Travel” is hosted by Lale Arikoglu and Meredith Carey. This podcast features interviews with influential women in the travel industry, sharing their journeys, tips, and stories from around the globe.

Perfect for: Women looking for inspiring stories and practical travel advice from industry experts.

The Travel Diaries

Hosted by travel journalist Holly Rubenstein, “The Travel Diaries” brings you conversations with famous guests sharing their travel stories and tips. From dream destinations to travel mishaps, this podcast covers it all.

Perfect for: Those who enjoy celebrity travel stories and discovering new travel destinations.

The Globetrotter Lounge

Lisette Austin, aka Jet Set Lisette, hosts “The Globetrotter Lounge,” featuring interviews with women who have found creative ways to travel more. From budget travel hacks to solo adventures, this podcast offers valuable insights.

Perfect for: Women seeking practical tips on how to travel more frequently without breaking the bank.

A Broad Abroad

Hosted by travel journalist Erin Van Rheenen, “A Broad Abroad” dives into the stories of women who have moved or traveled abroad. The podcast covers the challenges and triumphs of living and exploring in new countries.

Perfect for: Women contemplating or living the expatriate lifestyle.

The Wander Woman Podcast

Join host Phoebe Smith as she takes you on audio adventures around the world. “The Wander Woman Podcast” combines storytelling with travel tips, focusing on solo female travel experiences.

Perfect for: Solo travelers looking for inspiration and practical advice.

The Solo Travel Woman Podcast

Hosted by Sara, “The Solo Travel Woman Podcast” empowers women to embrace solo travel. The podcast covers a range of topics from safety tips to destination guides, all aimed at encouraging women to explore independently.

Perfect for: Women eager to go on solo travel adventures with confidence.

The Thoughtful Travel Podcast

Hosted by Amanda Kendle, “The Thoughtful Travel Podcast” dives into the personal and profound aspects of travel. Amanda and her guests discuss meaningful travel experiences, cultural insights, and the transformative power of exploring the world.

Perfect for: Women who appreciate deep, reflective conversations about travel and its impact on our lives.

Postcard Academy

Hosted by Sarah Mikutel, “Postcard Academy” focuses on helping women live abroad and travel smarter. Sarah interviews a variety of guests who share practical advice, inspiring stories, and tips for navigating life and travel in foreign countries.

Perfect for: Women considering living abroad or looking for smart travel tips and inspiration.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Travel Podcasts

Listening to travel podcasts can be both entertaining and educational, but to truly benefit from them, consider these tips:

Create a Playlist

Curate a playlist of your favorite episodes or podcasts for easy access during commutes, workouts, or downtime. This ensures you always have travel inspiration at your fingertips.

Take Notes

Keep a travel journal or digital note-taking app handy to jot down valuable tips, destinations, or contacts mentioned in the episodes. This will help you remember important details when planning your trips.

Engage with the Community

Many travel podcasts have accompanying social media pages or online communities. Join these groups to connect with like-minded travelers, ask questions, and share your experiences.

Follow Up with Research

Use the insights gained from podcasts as a starting point for your research. Look up recommended destinations, accommodations, and activities to get a comprehensive understanding before making any travel plans.

Share with Friends

If you come across an episode that resonates with you, share it with friends or family members who might also enjoy it. This can spark discussions and even lead to collaborative travel planning.

Support the Creators

Many podcasters offer additional content, merchandise, or opportunities for listener support. Consider contributing to your favorite podcasts to help them continue producing quality content.

Read 9 PODCASTS FOR WOMEN OVER 50 to discover a few more amazing podcasts and learn about the top platforms where to listen to them. 

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you listen to travel podcasts? Which ones are your favorites? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. 

I have two grandsons, now 14 and 18. They are not brothers, but cousins – one from my son and the other from my daughter. Both my children are amazingly different in their personalities and interests. Their respective sons are equally – if not more – different.

Both grandchildren, I might add, are lovely people in their own way. (As are my children.) I have long been fascinated with grandchildren.

In the sports department, one is very talented. He used to do triathlons. No, I didn’t know what that meant either. It is a sport which requires the athlete to swim, to cycle and then to run, one after the other, all racing against others for the best time.

The distances for each part vary with the age of the person. For his last triathlon, done when he was 14, my grandson had to swim 400 metres, cycle 10 kilometres and run three kilometres. Not an easy task.

All this was a complete surprise to me, as no one in my family was ever any good at sports – most of all me.

The other grandson is, to put it simply, a complete klutz. His school streams children for their PE (physical education) classes, and he is in the fourth (lowest) stream. He has other talents.

This seemed much more familiar territory. Indeed, I wish my school had streamed sports, so I didn’t have to be embarrassed by being always the worst.

The Quick Swimmer

Which brings me to swimming. Of course, grandson number 1 was an excellent swimmer. He first started as a baby and was a good swimmer as early as I can remember. He is what might be called ‘a natural’.

We don’t live near each other, but once when he was visiting, we decided to go to the local pool, where I swim laps in a leisurely fashion. He was 12 or so and the lifeguard, a woman, came around to us and said he would need to pass a test in order to swim in the adult pool. I said OK.

What I didn’t realise was that while I was talking to her, he slipped into the 25-metre pool and had swum to the far end. He got there before we looked up. We both smiled. ‘I guess he can swim!’ she said.

For the next 20 minutes or so, he swam in the fast lane. I swam in the slow lane. It was all fine.

The Learner

The other grandson lives closer and spends more time in our house. I started taking him swimming from age seven or so. I expected it would be hard work.

In fact, it was lovely fun. He loved the water and was never frightened of it. We went to the children’s pool, next to the adult pool where I normally swim and his cousin excelled.

I am not a brilliant swimmer and have no idea how to teach it, so I just did what I could and went with the flow.

First, I taught him to float on his back, showing him how he wouldn’t sink if he just leaned back into the water, like lying on his bed. He was surprised and delighted to realise it was so easy. No problem.

Then I taught him what we used to call the Dead Man’s Float, where you hold your breath and float face down, arms in front. I thought he would hate it. No, he loved it.

From there, it was adding extra bits – using your legs to propel you forward. Using your arms, with cupped fingers, to add greater propulsion. He got it all.

But he couldn’t do the breathing for a crawl. No surprise. Neither can I.

The ‘By George’ Moment

I was keen to teach him early and asked other adults in the children’s pool how to do the breathing. Some tried to show him, but nothing worked. When he graduated to the adult pool (having been away for a year), I also asked other swimmers to show him, but again nothing worked.

But he was persistent and kept up swimming as best he could – on his back, doggie paddle, holding his breath and so forth.

His real goal was to be allowed to swim in the whole adult pool, like his cousin.

And then, two weeks ago, we went to the pool for the first time in a year. He took a while to remember what he could do. I tried once more to show him how to do the breathing, even though I can’t do it myself.

He struggled. And struggled. And then there was what I would call a ‘By George’ moment. He got it. By George, he got it. (Do you remember Rex Harrison teaching Audrey Hepburn to speak ‘proper’ English in My Fair Lady?)

He swam the length of the short area allowed for non-swimmers. Then, realising he could turn around, he swam three lengths of the area.

He kept at it until they closed the pool, and we were told to leave.

What a thrill. To see a child master something he had never been able to do before! And to think that I helped.

We went home tired and happy. Next time – or perhaps the time after that – I hope he will pass the test and be allowed to swim the full length.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you taught a grandchild to swim? Have you taught a grandchild to do something else new? What was it? How did you feel, watching them try and try and then succeed?

While in some parts of the Northern hemisphere it feels like summer simply won’t let up, in other parts the cooler temperatures are really starting to set in.

As you make adventurous plans to exercise outdoors this fall, whether it’s hiking, cycling, jogging, you name it, keep these four important cold weather fitness tips in mind.

Hydrate

Exercising in cooler temperatures is different than exercising in the heat – that can’t be denied. When you’re working out, and it is hot or humid outside, you might feel thirstier and sweat more. That doesn’t mean that you don’t need to hydrate just as much during fall and winter workouts though.

Women over 50 will sweat out between 25 and 50 oz. of fluid during an hour of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity exercise. However, it is critical that you replace not just the water you lose during exercise but the electrolytes too, even in cooler weather months.

Cold, dry outdoor air is also less humid and tends to leach moisture from your body more than warm, humid air. That means your skin, nasal passages, and even your throat could pay the price if you are not staying hydrated.

Wear Protection

In addition to wearing layers to protect yourself from cold wind chills, you’ll want to be mindful of the rising and setting sun too. Don’t let the cooler weather fool you – the sun is shining just as bright as it always does which means that UV rays are making it to your skin, even through fluffy, fall clouds.

If you are ever spending more than 10 minutes outside at a time, plan on applying sunblock or covering any open skin with light layers of clothing and accessories, i.e., sunglasses, hat, etc.

Autumn also signals the time when the sun starts setting earlier and days become shorter and shorter. Don’t get caught off-guard in the evening with a setting sun and dark, camouflaged clothing.

If you ever plan on exercising outdoors around dusk or early in the morning, find bright-colored or reflective clothing that will ensure you can be seen, especially by cars on the street.

Address Pain

Does your arthritis pain seem to flare up during cold or damp weather? You’re not alone. Low-pressure systems and sudden changes in temperature can oftentimes lead to painful joint inflammation and stiffness – whether it’s in your hands, knees, back, feet, you name it.

If cold-weather pain flare-ups are keeping you from getting your regular exercise, that could be having a more negative effect on your health than you realize.

In your 60s, exercise helps you avoid weight gain that can exacerbate arthritis and promotes strength and flexibility to offset joint stress. Pain that prohibits even low-impact exercise, especially knee and leg pain, should be addressed by you and your physician.

You never know, a knee ache could be cartilage degeneration that requires arthritis medication or it could be IT band syndrome that is simply aided by an IT band strap to reduce knee strain and friction.

Using cooler weather as an excuse to avoid physical activity outside will only hinder your physical fitness in the long-term.

Monitor the Weather

While a crisp, sunny fall day might seem like a dream environment for your afternoon hike, a fast-moving thunderstorm can quickly endanger your plans for outdoor fun. Monitoring your local weather is critical to safe cool-weather fitness and may take a little more foresight than quickly scanning a daily forecast.

In addition to keeping an eye on the local radar, as the weather cools off, you’ll want to monitor the wind chill. Make sure that you are prepared for temperatures that suddenly drop because of strong winds or which bring in inclement conditions like ice, sleet, snow or freezing rain.

If you need weather info on the go, use apps on your smartphone like DarkSky or Weather.com to track the forecast and make outdoor fitness plans accordingly.

If it is going to be pretty cool outside, don’t forget to layer up. Exercising in heavy clothing will only make you sweat more which in turn can make you colder as you cool off and your damp clothes stick to your skin.

Wearing light layers, on the other hand, allows you to remove and replace pieces of clothing as you heat up and cool off.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What are some of your favorite cool weather outdoor exercises? Do you have additional tips for exercising outside during the fall? Let’s chat about it in the comments below.