As women, we often hit a point in life where the world expects us to slow down. Retirement, loss, downsizing, or simply “getting older” can make it feel like the best chapters are behind us. But I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that transitions don’t have to signal an ending. They can open doors to reinvention.
That’s why I created Lifeshiift, a community for women over 55 navigating major life changes. My mission is simple: to help women find purpose, stay active, and embrace adventure in this stage of life. And just as importantly, I want to challenge the way society views older women. Growing older isn’t about fading away—it’s about showing that strength, wisdom, and vitality don’t have an expiration date.
Staying Active, Staying Alive
After selling my business and losing my husband, I knew one thing: I didn’t want to stop moving. Activity, curiosity, and learning have always been anchors for me. The danger of aging isn’t really about years—it’s about fear. Fear of trying something new, fear of technology, fear of looking “out of place.” But the truth is, if we keep moving—physically and mentally—we keep living fully.
You might hear people say, “Well, at this age you just can’t…” My response is always: use it or lose it. Mobility, bone health, energy—these don’t vanish overnight. They decline when we stop nurturing them.
In many cultures, it’s normal to see older people practicing tai chi in the park well into their 90s. Why shouldn’t we normalize yoga, walking groups, strength training, or spin classes at every age here too? It shouldn’t be the exception to see a woman in her seventies thriving—it should be expected.
The Shift to Yoga
For years, I was a runner. Eventually, my knees gave me the message: enough. My doctor confirmed I could keep running—if I wanted to live with constant pain. That didn’t feel like an option.
But I wasn’t ready to end my fitness journey. Instead, I shifted. Yoga became that “lifelong practice” for me—the thing I could see myself doing into my eighties and beyond. It gives me strength and flexibility, yes, but also mental clarity.
Yoga is about learning to be fully present in your body, even for just a few moments. In that time, the worries fade. You’re not thinking about problems or to-do lists. You’re breathing, stretching, and noticing what your body can do. That combination of mind and body is powerful.
Breaking Barriers of Intimidation
Walking into a gym or fitness class can be intimidating—especially when the instructors are half your age and built like superheroes. I’ve felt it myself. But here’s what I remind myself: if you’ve paid your membership, you belong there just as much as anyone else.
Fitness isn’t about comparison. It’s about showing up for yourself. Whether you’re lifting weights, walking, or unrolling your yoga mat at home, every choice to move is an act of courage and self-care.
Learning Never Stops
Starting Lifeshiift also meant learning a whole new world of technology. I used to rely on specialists to post content or edit video. Now, I’m in front of the camera and behind it. At first, it was daunting. But YouTube quickly became my “university”—there’s a tutorial for everything if you’re open to learning.
Have I made mistakes? Absolutely. But mistakes are part of growth. If you think at any age that you’re “done” learning or you’ll never slip up again—well, you’re missing the point. Staying curious keeps the mind young.
Changing the Narrative
While we each have a responsibility to take care of our health and embrace change, there’s also a bigger picture: how society sees older women. Too often, we’re portrayed as frail, invisible, or past our prime. Those stereotypes don’t just limit us—they send damaging messages to the women coming after us.
By staying visible, strong, and adventurous, we help rewrite that story. We show our daughters, granddaughters, and communities that aging can be vibrant and purposeful. Each time we say yes to something new, we’re not only enriching our own lives—we’re helping shift the culture.
The Bigger Picture: Healthspan Over Lifespan
These days, more conversations are shifting from “lifespan” to “healthspan.” It’s not just about living longer—it’s about living better. Movement, purpose, community, and adaptability are all essential.
That’s the heart of Lifeshiift: helping women step into this season with energy, curiosity, and courage. Life doesn’t shrink with age unless we let it.
A Final Thought
Growing older is inevitable. Growing stagnant is optional. My invitation to you: keep moving, keep learning, and keep saying yes to new experiences. And together, let’s prove that aging isn’t decline—it’s reinvention.
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