My daily outlook, the manner in which I lead my life, my philosophy that keeps me in the hunt, is knowing that my age is just a number. I decided to muse on this topic because when reading your marvelous messages, some of you, label yourself by a number, unfortunately, in a negative manner.

Age Is Just A Number: Is It Just a Number for You?

Are you permitting your age to hold you back? Do you allow a number to stop you from exploring? Have you started to feel invisible and irrelevant? Society often imposes expectations and stereotypes based on age, which can make people feel invisible or irrelevant, especially when they reach a certain age.

Dear readers, it becomes a vicious cycle if you let it. As we embark on a new year, I implore you to be proud of all your accomplishments. Walk tall as an older, wiser, wonderful woman, and feel exuberant, lively and excited about your life. For older adults, embracing the idea that age is only a number can help lead to a more fulfilling and active life.

Don’t let a number hold you back this year. Remember, ‘age is just a number’ means it simply reflects the years you have lived, not your worth or abilities.

Reaching a certain age can trigger these societal pressures, but these labels are arbitrary and should be challenged.

Our Age Shouldn’t Be Etched in Stone

Do you know the definition of age? It’s a measure of time set in stone.

As a lively group of women over 50 we are definitely not women set in stone. We are the wisest of women on the planet because we have earned our Ph.D. in life. We are wise because we know age is just a number. Too often, age is reduced to numbers, but these numbers do not define our identity or what we can achieve.

A very popular online magazine wanted me to write for them. Though I was honored, I turned them down. Why? Because at the end of each of my stories I was required to disclose my age.

The incident got me thinking: Does my age define me or my lifestyle? Society often assigns milestones to certain ages, like graduating from high school, but these are just constructs and don’t determine our personal growth.

I started to smile as I thought about a day in the life of Honey Good…In the course of a day, I may feel many different ages depending on what is thrown my way. I may feel from 30 to 50 to 100 depending on what is taking place in my life. The years I have spent on earth shape my experiences, but they do not limit my outlook.

My Age is an Attitude

Here is an example of how my age can feel fluid:

I looked into our refrigerator. Empty. I had been very busy being busy, so busy, I forgot my husband and I needed to eat! Therefore, I had no choice but to drag myself to the market. After I parked my car, I yanked a stuck cart out of the rack, and pushed it into the market feeling 1,000 years old because I was bored with my task. As I get older, I notice how these everyday events feel different—my perspective on even simple chores has shifted with time. Then, my iPhone rang. It was one of my grandsons needing my advice. Suddenly, darlings I was dancing down the aisle, feeling like I was 30 years old. After I hung up I said to myself, smiling, “Age is just a number.” What happened in that moment shifted my perspective and brought fun back into my day.

And for the most part, I know age is just a number.

I am a rebel with a tendency to step outside the box. It is an intoxicating feeling. I have one life to live and I intend to live each day on my terms. Each bit of experience shapes the person I am becoming.

That is my wish for you as you step into a fresh calendar year. Remember, your perspective on age is what truly matters—not the number itself.

The Power of a Healthy Lifestyle at Any Age

Darlings, one of the most important things we can do for ourselves as we grow older is to embrace a healthy lifestyle. No matter our age, making choices that support our physical and mental health can transform the way we experience life. Regular physical activity—whether it’s a brisk walk in the morning, a swim at the local pool, or a gentle stretch on a yoga mat—helps keep our bodies strong and our spirits high. These simple habits can lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and help us manage our health with confidence.

Let’s not forget the power of nourishing our bodies with wholesome foods. Filling our plates with colorful fruits, crisp vegetables, and hearty whole grains gives us the energy to live life to the fullest. And, of course, getting enough restful sleep and finding moments to relax are just as vital. Practices like deep breathing or meditation can help us manage stress and keep our minds clear.

By choosing a healthy lifestyle, we show ourselves—and our loved ones—that age is just a number. We can remain independent, connected, and joyful, proving that the aging process is about living well, not counting years. So, let’s celebrate our bodies, cherish our health, and continue to thrive at every stage of life.

Here Are My Terms for Living Life in My Golden Years

1. Age is not a number. It is an attitude. The way I feel young is by keeping a youthful attitude full of wonder. At every stage, I reflect on what I have achieved and accomplished, knowing that age does not limit my ability to grow or succeed.
2. Practice gratitude. Grateful women are happier women. Seeing the world with appreciation, not cynicism is the fountain of youth.
3. Explore and be challenged. Put fear on the back burner and leap into new hobbies and travel. Stay involved in meaningful activities to maintain mental and emotional well-being.
4. Choose vital and visible friends. Darlings, avoid dull people. You can’t choose your family, but you can choose your friends. So align yourself with girlfriends you revitalize you.

Strong social connections, families, and the support of aging parents all play a vital role in healthy aging and happiness.

5. Be an independent thinker, a nonconformist. Do you march to the beat of your own drummer?
6. Spread love and kindness.
7. Resolve to live through the ebb in the tides of life. You can’t earn a PhD in life without making it through challenges. I’ve had mine, and you’ve had yours. Choose to be a survivor and thriver! Successful agers tend to focus on positive habits and strong social connections, which help them navigate life’s ups and downs.
8. Take care of your body so you can use it for a very long time. Drink water. Walk daily. Stretch. Maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for promoting healthy aging. Remember, we have a certain amount of control over our health through our choices, but we must also accept physical changes, gray hair, and the possibility of chronic disease as natural parts of aging.
9. Be passionate. Always ride the wave of whatever sparks joy in your heart.
10. Have time for solitude, to connect with the inner you. To stay connected spiritually, I recommend journaling, meditating, and walking in nature. Read more about my favorite spiritual tools. Stimulating the brain and seeking lifelong learning fosters wisdom and keeps the mind sharp.

Adopting these habits can lead to a more fulfilling life. Most people believe age limits them, but the most important thing is to live authentically and pursue what brings you joy. The process of aging may slow certain functions, but a positive attitude helps manage these changes. People of the same age can have very different experiences—aging is a universal process, but your journey is unique. Older people and young people alike can benefit from these principles, and by leading by example, you can inspire others. I live in Chicago, and these beliefs shape how I approach every day.

Mindfulness: Finding Calm and Clarity as We Age

As we journey through life, darlings, it’s easy to let worries about the past or the future cloud our days. But one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is the practice of mindfulness. By focusing on the present moment, we nurture our mental health and create space for peace and clarity, no matter our age.

Mindfulness can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths in the morning, enjoying a quiet cup of tea, or practicing gentle yoga or tai chi. These moments of calm help us manage stress, improve our sleep, and foster a positive attitude—essential ingredients for healthy aging and aging gracefully. Studies show that regular mindfulness practice can even help reduce the risk of age-related conditions like dementia, keeping our minds sharp and our hearts open.

When we live life with intention and stay present, we find joy in the little things and a sense of purpose in each day. No matter what number is attached to our age, we can choose to be active, engaged, and fulfilled. So, let’s embrace mindfulness as a daily ritual, allowing ourselves to savor each moment and continue to grow, thrive, and live life with meaning.

You Are More Than Your Age

Darlings, stand tall in positive territory without any number (age) attached to your persona. Begin this year with an examination of your life and your lifestyle. Are you living within the confines of your age? Social norms often dictate how we should act at a certain age, but you can choose to live differently. Carve out time to nurture your love of yourself. Then, pat yourself on the back and say: “My age is just a number, my attitude is what matters.”

What are your feelings on age? How do you keep a “young attitude”?

Lets chat in the comments!

If you are feeling invisible, I recommend downloading my FREE eBook all about banishing invisibility!

DOWNLOAD HERE