Well Past 50: The Weblog of Boomerful.com

A Wealth of Knowledge About Being 50

The Well Past 50 Advisory board met for the first time about a week ago, and what a great group of Board members we have! 

After a stint in the Peace Corps and years in corporate management, Angela opened her own fitness center in her fifties. Her new career is not only good for her spiritually, it keeps her in great shape!

Jan has been a successful model for many, many years, and now does image consulting, is a part time stylist for a TV station, and still models for national clients – at 57.  She’s also a mystery shopper – an aspect of her career I want to hear more about.

Su’s job as a Facilities Technician allows her time to kick back in a cabin with her husband, way "up North" in Minnesota. She spends all the time she can manage nurturing her relationship with her 21 year old daughter – a relationship that sounds so solid and enriching that I’ve asked her to share it with all of us.

Mary is V.P. at a banking chain and has helped build it into one of the most successful in the market. She plays golf better than most men, and never misses a college basketball game. Mary is changing careers to do what she really loves most - at age 62.

Jodi is a Marketing and Communications professional for a local university who writes romance novels in her “spare” time.  She’s single at “almost 50” and loving it! She promises to tell us more about “Sex and the Single Girl – Past 50.”

Diane got her Masters degree at 49 – the perfect time to launch a new career as Marketing Development Specialist and Gender Equity Coordinator for a college. She lives her faith-filled life to the fullest, learning new skills every day.

Linda designs roadway lighting for a utility company. She loves it because she gets to work outdoors most of the time. The beautiful tan she has from her job is enhanced by the time she spends golfing, hiking and biking. Her secret to looking and feeling so youthful?  She just doesn’t think of herself as 56.

After years as a stay at home Mom, Judi opened an art gallery with her husband of 47 years. Judi says she and her friends still talk about sex and how it impacts their everyday lives. Maybe that’s why she also reports that she and her husband still have that “thunder and lightening."

What a vital, interesting group of women, with so much to offer all of us 50+ women who are looking for camaraderie, consultation and inspiration. I’m dying to know how Jan looks so great at 57, how Su has developed such a rewarding relationship with her daughter, and what Mary can tell me about preparing financially for retirement. Every one of them has experience and expertise to benefit all of us. 

We discussed topics of interest to them, and other 50+ women. Everyone agreed that relationships, beauty, fashion, sex and finances were on their minds. But they also want to know more about career changes at this stage of life, educational opportunities and travel destinations. 

They all felt that keeping up on the latest medical information is vital.  “We’re the first generation of women to take charge of our own health care,” Judi declared.  “Our mothers would not have thought that they could question a doctor’s diagnosis, or tell the doctor what treatment they thought was appropriate. We have learned that it is necessary to become our own advocates – and it gives us power over our health and well-being.”

Every one of these women had valuable input from their own varied backgrounds and those of the many 50 and fabulous women they come into contact with. Take advantage of their experience, knowledge and expertise. They will be glad to share what they’ve learned to help you stay well – past 50.  Send us your questions today!

Always Time for a Career Change

Mary is on the Advisory Board of Well Past 50. As a Board member she brings with her 60 years of success in motherhood, business, marriage – in life. Whatever Mary does, she does it well.  That’s not to say that she hasn’t had challenges and hurdles like the rest of us. But when Mary faced problems in her marriage, with her children, or in her career, she has turned the negatives into positives.  She is one of the women I admire most among my peers. Her entry to the blog will show you why.

What am I thinking?  I have an attractive job, which I like. I’m good at it. The salary is fine and the benefits are great. I’ve been in the same industry for ten years so I know it pretty well. In fact, I often get calls from business peers who consider me an expert!  Not sure that I’m good enough to qualify in a court of law, but you get the point.

With all that said, there’s a reason for my opening question. I’ve decided to make a career change. No big deal as it seems to be the M.O. of today’s professionals. But – they’re young and fearless. I’m well past 50 and nearing an age when most people are retiring and settling into a different lifestyle.   

So what the heck AM I thinking? I’m thinking that I want to start doing what I really want to do. I know retirement is not the choice for me. Not yet. And, I want to feel as passionate about what I get paid to do every day as I feel about a special volunteer project, a great book, or a glass of good wine. I don’t consider for a minute that I won’t be good in my new role – passion brings out the best in me. It also gives me self-confidence, which provides a certain respect from clients and co-workers because it shows. Being 60 is not even a part of the equation – at least in my mind. My skills have come through years of working with a variety of people; on good and bad projects; through fat and lean times. All have contributed to that self-confidence. 

I, of course, had to think this through financially. I find it sad that benefits have now become as important as salary but I’ve made that work, too. 

I will continue to have a salary and benefits that work for me and my family. But, I will be adding the passion that makes my eyes shine and the drive home each night one of anticipation, as I plan what great things are going to happen tomorrow and how my contributions are going to make a difference – even at my age! 

I admit that I get a little torked when people say to me – “You’ve got to be kidding!  You’re changing jobs? I would think at your age you’d be retiring.”

So, I guess I’ve answered my own question. I’m thinking that I’m doing just what I want to do – even at my age.