The Over 60’s – A New Breed of “Go Getters”

There are so many people in the world who seem to take reaching the big 60 very badly Indeed.
In society today, with the high prevalence of failed marriages, many people hit 60 and find themselves lonely, missing that potential ‘retirement companion’ to live out their happy days with.

It shouldn’t be the case, but many people find themselves extremely lonely in the absence of a partner, or companion. And in some cases, apart from going to work, become a social recluse.

The options

For some people nearing retirement it is a time of self-achievement, in fact, rather than becoming recluse, they take life as a challenge, and begin trying things they never thought they would.
My own mother is a classic example of this, she puts me to shame.
At the age of 60, she took up the sport of basketball, and began playing for a team of ladies of mixed ages.
She loved the fact that she would come away from a game, covered in bruises, for her it showed that she got involved, and played a good match.
She also embarked upon dating online and via local newspapers, and has had an absolutely fantastic experience over the past year, meeting and enjoying the company of many interesting men, most of whom have only been ‘friend’ material.
But to make new friends at that time of life, surely is only a bonus?

I found myself having to lend my mum outfits to wear on her many dates, I couldn’t keep up with the demand.

It takes guts to embark on such a venture. Women in general are a particularly vulnerable social group, but women of a certain age, such as my mother, have often made a success of life, possibly have a good income, and a few pennies ‘stashed away’ after a careful life. These people can be a target for the ‘preying mantis’ group of men, who deliberately look for women to take advantage of.

My mother also attends a salsa class, as another, more modern method of keeping young and fit. This is also a very good social outlet, and the group she meets with often socialize together outside of the dance class.

Having moved 60 miles to the town where she now lives, my mother is living proof that you don’t have to be down and lonely.

Ticking clock

So many people feel that their biological clock governs what they acceptably should be doing with their lives.
For example, dating at the age of 60 and above is often frowned upon, as people are accused of being desperate and this really is not the case.

If I look anything like my mother does when I reach her age, I shall be extremely happy! I am very proud of how she has changed her life and gained such an amazing confidence and zest for life.

I have seen personal ads for men as old as ninety, I may have laughed initially, but why shouldn’t these people find happiness and companionship at their time of life? After all, there is someone for everyone.

I strongly believe that there is a new breed of over 60’s, who really are some of life’s ‘go-getters’. If you compare some of these people to your average 30 year old, they are getting far more out of life, and indeed have the best opportunity to do so.

It doesn’t necessarily cost money to avoid loneliness. Simply taking a walk along the seafront, or in the park is a great way of meeting people, you just have to have the guts to do it.
If you don’t have one yourself, then borrow someone’s dog, not only can you use it as an excuse to get fit, but as we know, dog’s can be a real talking point, especially if you meet a fellow dog lover.

Smile

I once heard it said that if you smile, then it really can attract the attention of the opposite sex, without even having to say a word. Walk along the street with your head held high, beaming a huge smile, and ooze confidence.
If you smile, then it indicates that you love your life, and are content, and for that potential ‘love interest’ this can be a real ‘plus point’.

Grow old gracefully – not disgracefully

For some people, men and women alike, the fear of getting older flicks a switch in their subconscious, and they suddenly feel the urge to regain their youth.
As much as this should be encouraged for many reasons, there is a fine line between what is good and bad according to social perception.

It is comical to see men in their 60’s in nightclubs, dressed head to toe in ‘Burton’s’ finest clothing. But do they really want to even be there?
What attracts a man, or woman for that matter, to socializing with people in their teens or twenties at best?

I really do think there should be more social outlets for people of this age group, and apart from in the big cities there really is a gap in the market for venues that suit such people.

Dress sense can have one of two outcomes. Women in particular, especially if they have daughters of their own, are often guilty of trying to relive their youth by dressing in a similar way.
Being modern is one thing, you can look stylish, and modern, but when you are trying to look twenty years younger, it just isn’t going to work. Unfortunately, nature has many telltale signs that you are the age you are!

There is hope

I really do hope that when I reach 60 and over, that life has as many opportunities as it does for my mother now.
Much of it comes down to having the confidence and belief in yourself to go and make something of your life. You and only you are responsible for avoiding that dreaded loneliness in latter life.
Network early, don’t feel that you are being desperate, just cautious.

The dating scene isn’t as bad as you think, in fact at the age of 30 I met my lovely partner via an online dating site, so why should this just be restricted to younger age groups?

Many people have access to the internet nowadays, and in truth this really is an essential medium to stay in touch with the world as a whole.

Read your local paper, see what groups are working in your local area. If you are keen on the concept of dating, then either search alone, or join a dating site that fits in with your budget.

If people invite you to functions, don’t feel you have to take along a ‘plus one’, have the confidence to go it alone, and you never know, you may meet that special someone when you are least expecting it.