Category: Solo Living After 60

Somewhere along the way, I think a lot of us learned that being independent meant doing everything ourselves.

If something needed doing, you figured it out.

If something was heavy, you picked it up.

If a job took all day, you kept going until it was finished.

And asking for help? Well, sometimes it seemed easier just to do it yourself. 😂

But the older I get, the more I find myself asking a different question:

Does this really have to be this hard?

I still want to be independent. I still like knowing I can take care of myself and handle the things that need to be done.

But I’m starting to realize there’s a difference between being capable and making everything unnecessarily difficult.

If there’s a lighter tool, an easier way, a better system, or somebody who can help me with the part I shouldn’t be doing alone, I’m learning that using those things doesn’t make me less independent.

It just makes me smarter about where I spend my time and energy.

And after 60, I’m becoming a pretty big fan of easier. 😂

I Don’t Have to Finish Everything Today

This one has taken me a while to learn.

I can look outside and see five things that need doing, walk inside and see another five, and suddenly I’ve created an entire day’s worth of work in my head before I’ve even finished my coffee. 😂

I used to think that once I started something, I needed to keep going until the whole job was finished.

Now I’m getting better at breaking things into smaller pieces.

I can work outside for a while and stop when I’m tired.

I can clean one room instead of deciding the entire house needs to be done.

I can start a project today and finish it tomorrow.

The work will still be there.

I don’t get extra points for exhausting myself.

There’s a difference between getting something accomplished and wearing yourself out just so you can say you finished it.

These days, I’d rather have enough energy left to enjoy the rest of my day.

I’m Choosing Lighter and Easier When I Can

I used to think bigger and heavier automatically meant better.

Now one of my first questions is, “Can I actually handle this by myself?” 😂

Whether it’s yard equipment, something for the house, or even something I need to move or store, I’m paying more attention to weight, size, and how easy something is to use.

My electric lawn mower is a perfect example. I could have bought a bigger mower, but the smaller one works for me because I can lift it, move it, store it, and maneuver it around the yard without needing somebody else.

That matters to me.

I’m starting to choose things based less on what has the most power or the most features and more on what will make my everyday life easier.

Because the best tool for me isn’t necessarily the biggest one.

It’s the one I can actually use comfortably and confidently on my own.

I’m Getting Better at Asking, “Do I Really Need to Lift This?”

This is another habit I’m working on. 😂

If something is heavy or awkward, my first instinct has always been to figure out some way to move it myself.

Sometimes that works.

Sometimes I end up standing there thinking, “There has got to be a smarter way to do this.”

Now I’m more willing to use a cart or dolly, have something delivered closer to where I actually need it, move things in smaller loads, or simply wait until I have someone who can help.

There’s no prize waiting for me because I managed to drag something across the yard by myself.

And there certainly isn’t anything independent about hurting myself and then not being able to do anything for the next few days.

Sometimes the smartest way to do something yourself is knowing which part you shouldn’t do by yourself.

I’m Looking for Easier Ways to Do Everyday Things

Sometimes it isn’t the big jobs that wear you out.

It’s all the little ones added together.

Carrying groceries inside. Hauling laundry around. Cleaning things that are hard to reach. Dragging something from one end of the yard to the other. Going back and forth five times because I didn’t think ahead. 😂

I’m starting to pay attention to those little frustrations and ask myself whether there’s an easier way.

Maybe it means keeping supplies where I actually use them instead of carrying them around the house.

Maybe it means using a basket, cart, or something with wheels instead of making three trips.

Maybe it means rearranging something simply because the current setup isn’t convenient for me anymore.

None of these changes are dramatic.

But when you live alone, anything that saves a little time, lifting, bending, carrying, or aggravation adds up.

I’m learning that my home and routines are supposed to work for me.

I don’t have to keep doing something the hard way just because that’s the way I’ve always done it.

I’m Learning That Asking for Help Is Part of Being Independent Too

I’ve spent a lot of years being the person who handles things.

So asking someone else for help doesn’t always come naturally to me.

My first response is usually, “I can do it.”

And most of the time, I probably can.

But I’m learning that the better question is sometimes, “Do I need to do this alone?”

If someone can help me move something heavy, save me hours of frustration, or do safely in twenty minutes what might take me half a day to figure out, accepting that help doesn’t take anything away from me.

I’m still responsible for my own life.

I’m just not required to prove it every single day. 😂

Independence isn’t refusing help. It’s knowing you’ll be okay—and knowing when another pair of hands makes good sense.

Easier Doesn’t Mean Lazy

I think this may be the biggest thing I’m learning.

Making something easier doesn’t mean I’m lazy, incapable, or giving up.

It means I’ve reached a point in life where I don’t feel the need to make everything harder than it has to be.

If I can use a lighter tool, I will.

If I can make two small jobs out of one exhausting job, I will.

If something can be delivered instead of me hauling it, that sounds pretty good too. 😂

And if I need another person’s help with something, I’m learning to be okay with that.

I still want to take care of myself, my home, and the things that matter to me.

I just want enough energy left afterward to actually enjoy my life.

Maybe that’s part of what getting older is supposed to teach us.

You don’t have to prove how strong you are by choosing the hardest way to do everything.

Sometimes the smartest thing you can do is look at a job and say:

“There has to be an easier way.”

And then find it. ❤️

Disclosure: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link. If you make a purchase through my link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

When you live alone, there are certain jobs around the house that you know are going to be yours.

For me, mowing the grass is one of them. 😂

I’ve had my Greenworks 40V 16-inch electric push mower for over a year now, and it has turned out to be one of those purchases that simply makes my life easier.

I don’t have to keep gas around. I don’t have to worry about getting a gas mower started. I charge the battery, put it in the mower, and go.

But after using it for more than a year, I’ve discovered there are several other things I like about it that matter to me just as much — especially as a woman living alone and taking care of things myself.

I don’t need the biggest or most powerful piece of equipment. I need something I can actually handle on my own.

And for me, this little mower has been exactly that.

It’s Light Enough for Me to Handle

This is probably one of the biggest things I appreciate about it.

The mower is light enough that I can actually pick it up myself when I need to.

That may not sound like a big deal until you’re the person who has to move, store, and take care of your own equipment.

The handle also folds down, which makes it much easier for me to carry and store without having this big mower taking up unnecessary space.

And because it has a 16-inch cutting deck, I can maneuver it around trees and tighter areas without feeling like I’m wrestling with the mower the whole time.

For me, easy to handle beats big and powerful every time.

I want equipment that works with me instead of turning a yard job into an even bigger job.

Charge the Battery and Go

This is the part that originally appealed to me about an electric mower.

There’s no gas to buy or store, and I don’t have to fight with a pull cord trying to get the mower started.

I charge the battery, put it in, start the mower, and I’m ready to go.

The battery charges fairly quickly, and if you need more mowing time, you can purchase additional compatible batteries. I like knowing I have that option rather than being limited to the one battery that came with mine.

For my situation, the convenience is worth a lot.

When I’m ready to mow, I want to mow — not spend half an hour trying to convince the lawn mower to cooperate. 😂

That simplicity is probably one of the biggest reasons I’ve continued to like it after more than a year of using it.

Who I Think This Mower Is Best For

I don’t think one lawn mower is going to be perfect for everybody.

A 16-inch mower is smaller than many traditional lawn mowers, and that’s actually one of the things I like about mine. It’s easier for me to maneuver around trees and easier for me to handle.

But if you have a very large open lawn and want to mow it as quickly as possible, you might prefer something with a wider cutting deck or more battery capacity.

For someone who values lightweight equipment, easy starting, simple storage, and not having to deal with gasoline, though, I think this type of mower is worth considering.

The smaller size that might be a disadvantage for one person is actually an advantage for me.

That’s why I think it’s important to choose yard equipment based on what you can comfortably manage — not simply which model is biggest or most powerful.

The Mower I Use

The mower I’ve been talking about is the Greenworks 40V 16-inch cordless push lawn mower with a 4.0Ah battery and charger.

I’ve owned mine for more than a year, and for the things that matter most to me — easy starting, lightweight handling, simple storage, and no gasoline — I’ve been very happy with it.

If you’d like to see the model I use, you can check it out here:

See the Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Mower on Amazon

Prices and availability can change, so check the current Amazon listing for the latest information and specifications.

One Less Thing to Make Complicated

At this point in my life, I appreciate anything that makes an everyday job a little simpler.

Mowing the grass is still mowing the grass. 😂 The electric mower doesn’t magically make the yard take care of itself.

But not having to deal with gasoline, pull cords, or a heavy mower makes the job easier for me.

And that’s really what I’m looking for more of these days.

Things I can comfortably use, take care of, and manage on my own.

After more than a year with this mower, I can honestly say I’d choose an electric mower again.

Living alone has taught me that independence isn’t about making everything harder just to prove you can do it.

Sometimes it’s about finding the tools that make doing it yourself a whole lot easier.

Living alone doesn’t mean sitting at home waiting for something exciting to happen.

But it also doesn’t mean I want to spend a fortune every time I decide to get out of the house. 😂

One thing I’m learning after 60 is that some of the best ways to enjoy my time don’t cost very much at all.

Sometimes I want to go somewhere. Sometimes I want a little project at home. And sometimes I simply need something different to break up the routine.

So I started thinking about inexpensive things I can do on my own that I would actually enjoy — not things somebody thinks a woman over 60 is supposed to enjoy.

Here are 10 simple ideas for getting out, trying something different, and enjoying your own company without spending a lot of money.

1. Take Yourself on a Little Day Trip

You don’t have to go far enough to need a hotel for it to feel like an adventure.

Pick a small town you’ve never explored, a state park, a beach, a river, an old historic area, or even a back road you’ve always wondered about.

Pack some snacks and drinks from home, fill up the car, and go see what you find.

One advantage of going by yourself is that if something catches your attention, you can stop. There’s nobody sitting beside you asking why you’re pulling over to look at some old building. 😂

A simple day trip can give you that feeling of getting away without the expense of an actual vacation.

2. Explore Somewhere Local You’ve Never Really Seen

Sometimes we know more about places hundreds of miles away than we do about what’s right around us.

Look for walking trails, local parks, historic sites, farmers markets, small museums, gardens, old cemeteries, festivals, or interesting little places within an hour of home.

Many are free or inexpensive, and you might be surprised by what’s been sitting practically in your backyard all along.

I especially like places that make me curious — somewhere I can walk around, look at things, and wonder about the stories behind them.

You don’t always have to travel far to feel like you went somewhere.

3. Spend a Morning at the Library

Libraries have changed a lot over the years. They’re not just shelves full of books anymore.

Many libraries offer free classes, craft groups, book clubs, computer access, movies, community events, and other activities that don’t cost anything.

And even if there’s nothing going on that day, wandering through the shelves and finding a book or magazine that catches your attention can be a pretty nice way to spend a quiet morning.

It’s also somewhere you can go by yourself without ever feeling strange about being there alone.

Free entertainment, air conditioning, and nobody expects me to buy anything? That’s hard to beat. 😂

4. Start a Small Garden or Container Garden

Gardening can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it.

You don’t need acres of land or an elaborate garden. A couple of pots with herbs, tomatoes, peppers, or flowers can give you something to tend and look forward to every day.

There’s something satisfying about watching something grow because you planted it and took care of it.

And if you grow something you can eat, even better.

A tomato somehow tastes better when you’ve spent three months checking on it like it’s one of your children. 😂

5. Pack a Lunch and Spend the Day Outside

A day out doesn’t have to include a restaurant bill.

Make a sandwich, pack some snacks and drinks, grab a chair or blanket, and head somewhere pretty — a park, beach, river, lake, or picnic area.

Bring a book, take a walk, listen to music, or just sit there and enjoy being somewhere different for a while.

I think we sometimes feel like we need to do something for an outing to count.

Sometimes sitting somewhere beautiful with nowhere else you need to be is the activity.

6. Try a Craft or Project You’ve Always Been Curious About

There are so many things I’ve thought, “I’d like to try that someday.”

Painting, photography, sewing, refinishing something old, making decorations, learning a new recipe — it doesn’t have to become a serious hobby.

You can start small, use things you already have, and find free tutorials online before spending much money on supplies.

And if your first attempt looks absolutely nothing like the person’s in the tutorial?

Congratulations. You made an original. 😂

The point isn’t to become an expert. It’s to give yourself permission to be curious and try something new.

7. Have a “Tourist in Your Own Town” Day

Pretend for a day that you’ve never been to your own area before.

Look up the places visitors are told to see. Walk through a historic downtown, stop at a local landmark, take pictures, visit a little shop you’ve passed a hundred times, or find somewhere new to have a cup of coffee.

It’s funny how easily we overlook things simply because they’re close to home.

And going alone means you can spend twenty minutes somewhere or two hours. Nobody else gets a vote. 😂

Sometimes seeing a familiar place with fresh eyes is enough to make an ordinary day feel different.

8. Learn Something New for Free

One of the things I like about this stage of life is that learning doesn’t have to have anything to do with a job.

You can learn simply because something interests you.

There are free videos, tutorials, podcasts, library resources, and online classes covering almost anything you can imagine — gardening, photography, cooking, history, crafts, technology, languages, and plenty of things I probably don’t even know I’m interested in yet.

Pick something that makes you curious and follow it for a while.

You never know when “I wonder how they do that?” might turn into something you really enjoy.

9. Take Yourself Out for Coffee

Going somewhere alone can feel a little strange if you’re not used to it, but I think there’s something nice about learning to enjoy your own company in public too.

It doesn’t have to be an expensive meal. Find a little coffee shop, order something you enjoy, and sit for a while.

Bring a book, people-watch, write in a notebook, or just enjoy being somewhere different.

You don’t need another person sitting across the table for an outing to count.

Sometimes taking yourself somewhere simply because you want to go is its own little form of independence.

10. Give Yourself Permission to Do Absolutely Nothing

This one might be the cheapest activity on the entire list. 😂

We spend so much of our lives feeling like we should always be accomplishing something.

But there’s nothing wrong with having an afternoon where you sit outside, watch a movie, listen to music, read, take a nap, or wander around the yard doing absolutely nothing productive.

Living alone means you get to decide what a good day looks like.

It doesn’t always have to involve going somewhere, finishing a project, or checking something off a list.

Resting and enjoying your own home counts too.

You Don’t Need a Big Budget to Have a Good Life

I think one of the best things about this stage of life is realizing that enjoyment doesn’t always have to come with a price tag.

A good day might cost a tank of gas. It might cost a cup of coffee. And sometimes it doesn’t cost anything at all.

What matters is continuing to give ourselves things to look forward to — places to explore, things to learn, projects to try, and ordinary days that feel good.

I’m still figuring out what life after 60 is going to look like for me.

But one thing I know for sure:

I don’t want to spend the next chapter waiting for someone else to come along before I start enjoying it.

If I want to go somewhere, try something, learn something, or simply enjoy a beautiful day, I can.

And maybe that’s one of the nicest things about learning to enjoy your own company.

One thing nobody tells you about living alone is that sooner or later, you become the person who has to figure out what that noise is. 😂

The faucet starts dripping. The toilet does something strange. The lawn mower won’t start. Something falls off the wall. The car makes a sound you’re pretty sure it wasn’t making yesterday.

And there’s no automatic second person in the house to say, “Hey, can you come look at this?”

You are the person.

I’ve learned that living alone comes with a strange little cycle:

First, I stare at the problem.

Then I mess with it a little.

Then I search the internet.

Then I watch somebody on YouTube fix it in four minutes and think, “Well, that doesn’t look too hard.”

And somewhere around that point, I have to decide whether I’m about to learn a new skill… or make the problem considerably more expensive. 😂

Living alone has taught me that independence isn’t knowing how to fix everything. Sometimes it’s simply knowing what you can handle — and when it’s time to put the tools down and call somebody.

I’ve Learned More Than I Ever Expected To

There are plenty of things I never planned on learning how to do.

But when you live alone, necessity has a funny way of turning you into a beginner plumber, furniture assembler, yard worker, appliance investigator, and general household detective. 😂

Sometimes all I really needed was a screwdriver, a YouTube video, and enough patience to try.

And I’ll admit, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes with fixing something yourself — especially when you started out looking at it thinking, “I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing.”

Every little thing I figure out makes the next problem feel a little less intimidating.

I may not know how to fix it yet, but I’ve gotten pretty good at figuring out where to start.

And sometimes that’s all you really need.

I’ve Also Learned When to Leave Things Alone

Confidence is great.

Overconfidence can get expensive. 😂

There are some things I’m perfectly willing to try myself, especially if the worst possible outcome is that I have to start over.

But electricity, major plumbing, complicated car repairs, or anything where I could hurt myself or cause serious damage? That’s when I’m much more willing to say, “Nope. Somebody else can handle this one.”

I don’t consider that a failure.

Part of taking care of yourself and your home is knowing your limits.

The trick is learning the difference between “I’ve never done this before” and “I really should not be doing this.”

Those are two very different things. 😂

Being independent doesn’t mean proving you can do everything alone. It means being able to make a good decision about what happens next.

Having a “Who Do I Call?” List Matters

One thing I’m learning is that living alone is a lot easier when you know who to call before something goes wrong.

A good mechanic. A plumber. Someone who can handle electrical work. A handyman you trust. Even a neighbor or family member who can give you a second opinion when you’re not sure what to do.

Finding those people during an emergency is a lot more stressful than already having a name and phone number tucked away somewhere.

I’m starting to think of that list as another tool in my toolbox.

I may own the screwdriver, but sometimes the most useful tool I have is my phone. 😂

And asking for help doesn’t make me any less independent.

The goal isn’t to do everything myself. The goal is to know that when something happens, I can handle it — even if handling it means knowing the right person to call.

Apparently, I’m the Handyman Now 😂

Living alone has definitely pushed me to learn things I probably would have handed off to somebody else years ago.

Sometimes I surprise myself and actually fix the problem.

Sometimes I spend an hour messing with something only to discover the solution was ridiculously simple.

And sometimes I take one look at it and decide my greatest DIY skill is knowing how to use the phone. 😂

But I think that’s part of becoming comfortable with living on your own.

You stop assuming you can’t do something just because you’ve never done it before.

You try. You learn. You make mistakes. You ask questions. And little by little, you build confidence in your ability to handle your own life.

I still hope things around the house will simply behave themselves.

But when they don’t, I’m getting pretty good at figuring out what comes next.

And if the answer happens to be, “Call somebody who knows what they’re doing,” I’m perfectly okay with that too. 😂