Ten things to master during your 60s

Become a mentor

After decades of experience and major life events, there’s no better time to impart your wisdom to someone in need. Whether you’d like to give career advice, relationship goals, or even health and fitness tips, you’re sure to find many people out there who could really use a wiser insight.

The great thing about being a mentor is that you can do it on your own terms. You don’t need to set up a business or ABN (unless you plan on charging for your services). However, most of us may feel more comfortable with an informal approach by mentoring a family member or friend instead. 

Start ticking things off your bucket list

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a novel or learning to fly, what are you waiting for? Most of us have already had the chance to start a family or chase a satisfying career, so this is the perfect time to kick off a new chapter of our lives. Commit to doing something you’ve always wanted to do, no matter how unusual it might seem.

If you’ve already got a bucket list written out, you’re halfway there! For those of us without one, that’s OK – you can make your list up as you go. There are no rules when it comes to living out your dreams! 

Give back to your community

It’s human nature to give back to the world, and lucky for us – there’s so many ways to do it. From volunteering at local events, donating to fundraisers, or even just offering a listening ear, our communities are calling out to us every day! Whether you’re a long-time member of a close social group or you’ve just moved into a new area and want to meet your neighbours, giving back to the community you live in has endless benefits. You might even find a sense of personal fulfilment in helping others!

Rekindle lost relationships

We all have that forgotten friend, former neighbour, or even a past love that we no longer see. Some relationships may fizzle out over time, especially if you’ve moved around or changed jobs frequently. So why not make the effort to reconnect after all those years apart? You might smooth over past tensions or even re-find true love!

Thankfully, the world of technology was made for endeavours like this. You can use Facebook to search for an old friend (or even a family member of theirs) and reminiscence about past adventures. Or better yet – set up a face-to-face reunion. 

Get active (and stay that way)

Fitness is one of the easiest things to let slide as the years go by. No matter what age we’re at, just a few months without consistent exercise can undo years of muscle building or cardio training. This can lead to all sorts of unwanted problems, so it’s best to stay on the front foot while you’re still healthy and booming.

You don’t need to go out and run a marathon (unless you’re feeling up to it). Start with whatever you’re comfortable with such as daily walks or jogs around the street. It’s also a good idea to set up a weekly or daily regimen that you can follow.

Consider reading: Best exercise to do for my age group.

Stay on top of your brain health

Maintaining good health isn’t just about your physical fitness. It’s just as important to stay on top of your brain health too. That means checking in with your doctor regularly to make sure you’re not exposed to any neurological risk factors. Unfortunately, dementia has been on the rise in Australia, and those of us over 65 are at the highest risk.

A great way to keep an eye out for early symptoms is to test yourself with brain exercises every day. You can use apps such as Luminosity or everyday puzzles like sudoku, crosswords, or even riddles. If you find your performance slipping, then it might be a good time to check in with your doctor.

Evaluate your financial position

Regardless of how much or little you own, it’s always a good idea to get a snapshot of your finances. The last thing we want to deal with as we approach retirement is forgotten financial commitments popping back up.  

A great way to start is by making a list of all your existing debts or other obligations. This will give you a rough idea of where you currently stand.  If your list is cluttered and long, then it might be time to speak to a financial advisor about your options.

If you’re worried about your family’s financial position down the line if you pass away, then you could consider looking into life insurance for that extra peace of mind. Real Insurance offers Family Life Insurance Cover and Term Life Cover, the latter offering cover all the way up to the age of 79, so you can rest assured you’re protected when you need it most.

Create a will

Many of us are likely to have accumulated assets or other financial commitments over the years. That’s why it can be important to have a will set up in case we suddenly pass away. This is where you can declare all your final wishes such as who inherits your property or where you’d like to be laid to rest.

Although the legal requirements can be confusing, it’s best to speak with a qualified lawyer or solicitor about making sure your will is valid.

Find new hobbies

With retirement on the horizon, you may find yourself with more time to spare. This can be both good and bad – according to the government, some retirees are finding it hard to stay happy after leaving the workforce. That’s why it’s important to maintain a daily routine in your life by finding things you enjoy doing.  Start figuring out what gives you purpose or self-fulfilment, whether it’s reading, writing, travelling, or any other past time.

Change the world, any way you can

We’ve all had lifelong dreams of changing the world or becoming famous. If it never worked out the way you wanted, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference. Even small changes can have a big impact on those around you, so why not commit to doing your part any way you can? Think of anything you don’t like about the world you live in and come up with small ways you can tackle them.

As you continue living your best life, be sure to review your current life insurance as part of general life admin, and see that it meets your unique needs.