Today I am going to be busting three insidious myths about life after 50 which may be deterring you from living the healthy and happy life you desire. I’ll also be offering up some alternative facts and solutions. Here we go:
Myth #1 – It’s normal to gain weight after 50. Yes, your hormones are changing and things are shifting. But it is NOT mandatory to gain weight. More likely, you may be less active and consuming more processed food and products containing sugar than is desirable for your body.
Fact: When you consume more processed foods (crackers, chips, cereal, etc.) and products containing sugar (cookies, pastry, candy, ice cream, dessert, or even a lot of fruit, etc.) your blood sugar and insulin go up and in amounts that your body does not need for energy. Extra blood sugar and insulin circulating can result in fat storage, especially around your middle. Insulin is a fat storing hormone. Further, you can end up as prediabetic or diabetic.
Solution: Start today to look at the foods you are consuming. If you realize that you are consuming a lot of processed foods and sugar, make a commitment today to change that. Concentrate on eating whole foods, such as vegetables, healthy fats, and protein. Ditch the extras and see how much better you start to feel. Not only that, but you can lose weight ! Even after 50!
This happened to me, so I know what I am talking about. I gained weight after 50 and assumed that was normal. Little did I realize that the “healthy” snacks I was eating were raising my blood sugar and insulin way too much. I became prediabetic. When I changed to eating whole foods and having sugar occasionally, my insulin levels went down and now I am no longer prediabetic. And I lost the extra weight around my middle!
Myth #2 – There are no good men out there for us single women over 50. You can throw in divorced, too. If you are a guy, substitute women. Yes, statistically in the U.S., single women over 50 do outnumber single men over 50. But let me ask you, have you met all the men in the U.S.? I doubt it. That is a faulty assumption. You may have met some men who do not match you perfectly, but that does not mean there are none out there.
Fact – Until you have met every possible partner out there, your perfect man or woman may still be looking for you.
Solution – Get out there and start looking in all possible arenas. Not just online, but in the community. Tell your friends what you are looking for in a partner. Join clubs, groups, volunteer – there are numerous opportunities. Sitting home and only looking online may limit your choices. Widen your search criteria.
One caveat – It is essential to do the deep inner work on yourself first before you look for a new partner. Your own healing and looking at your own thoughts and beliefs has to have been taken place before you are in an excellent place to attract a partner.
I definitely had to do the healing and thought work before I met my husband. I had a ton of baggage from previous relationships that had to be unraveled and cleared before I was in a healthy place to meet the right person. I did the work and attracted my husband of now almost 15 years! When I was 53.
Myth #3 – There are less job opportunities out there after age 50. Yes, there are some jobs where employers may be looking for a younger candidate. But, not all. Some are looking for those people with a ton of life and work experience.
Fact – Until you have investigated all possibilities in the way of employment, such as part-time or even entrepreneurship, you haven’t looked at everything.
Solution – Again, get out there and start looking around! Go online and check out opportunities for older people. Tell people you know what you are looking for. Don’t assume all employers are looking for younger employees. Your life and work experience are part of your value to future employers. How can you use your previous experience to carve out something new for yourself? What about starting your own business? What do you love to do and can you turn it into a money maker? The possibilities are endless.
After I took early retirement from the State of Florida, I was able to help my daughter with twin babies who were on the way. Then heard about a part-time position at the FSU College of Medicine where I would be able to use my previous experience in health care administration. Eight years later, I am still working there part-time. Then I started my own business as a life and wellness coach. Still going strong with that and I am well past 50!
Now that we have busted some myths, are you ready to start thinking a different way about life after 50? Are you ready to move forward to that rich, happy and healthy life after 50? Let’s hop on a call and talk about how I can serve you in doing the inner work to getting healthy, finding a partner, or working doing your passion. Email me at jane@janespringer.com and let’s get started! 2020 is almost here!
To download my Divinely Inspired Weight Loss Guide, click here.
Jane Springer is a certified Life, Wellness and Style Coach who assists women in taking care of themselves, in body, mind and spirit. She coaches women who want to lose weight, avoid diabetes, and feel great. She also helps them thrive after divorce. She also helps them to clear their closets of old clothes and outdated attitudes, so they can shine and feel confident.