Ropho – Pleasure & Business After 60

Author: stevek

  • Life After 60: Why It Gets Busier, Not Slower

    Life After 60: Why It Gets Busier, Not Slower

    There’s a strange assumption about getting older, especially life after 60′ and it is that, somehow life becomes quieter, smaller and more predictable.

    This week proved the exact opposite.

    In the space of a few days I’ve gone from, looking forward to a relaxing weekend in Hampshire, catching up with family and friends, a baby shower, visiting a nice restaurant or two.

    The plan included driving down to Winchester on Friday, having a nice lunch, and then booking into a nice hotel for a bit of me and Sharon time before meeting up with family on Saturday.

    And if I’m honest!

    It didn’t go to plan.

    I had things I wanted to get done, posts I wanted finished earlier, a clearer structure in my head.

    But life had other ideas, and maybe that’s the point.

    Work and this website took over in a good way, extra meetings took place, website maintenance was required due to a significant increase in traffic which is fantastic.

    It all meant that Friday had to be cancelled and instead take the trip from our home in Hertfordshire to Hampshire on Saturday instead.

    Because what I realised this week is this:

    Life after 60 isn’t quieter — it’s fuller.

    It’s family, it’s memories, it’s still working things out, it’s still wanting to build something.

    And it doesn’t neatly fit into a perfect plan anymore.

    But here’s where it gets interesting, we spend years planning careers, families, businesses, finances etc.

    Yet very few of us ever step back and plan this stage of life, we think we have, a retirement plan, then we get there or close to it and everything seems to change.

    Or is that just me?

    Starting to re-jig my plan, not rigidly, but intentionally.

    Because if you don’t!

    Life just fills the space for you.

    This week wasn’t a mess.

    It was a full life.

    And maybe that’s the shift.

    After 60 isn’t about slowing down.

    It’s about choosing what matters
    and making space for it.

    Even when it doesn’t all go to plan.

    Part of the weekend that will go to plan

    Baby Shower

    The main reason for travelling to Hampshire this weekend will be to attend my son and his partners baby shower

    Baby showers still make me smile. Until fairly recently I only had a vague idea what one actually involved.

    Sharon and our daughters have been to a few and always came back smiling, so I assumed it was one of those mysterious events that men don’t need to understand too deeply.

    Then I got invited to my sister-in-law’s son’s baby shower, and I was hooked.

    Not a macho thing to say probably, but it gave me a sense that life and families always move forward.

    Sometimes chaotically and sometimes planned but always moving to new pastures, new adventures, sometimes loss and tragedy but always moving forward.

    I have even looked up the origins of baby showers thinking it was probably an american thing that has grown in the UK and Europe.

    Apparently, although gaining popularity in the US, it is a modern mix of old traditions, part advice-sharing, part “bring something useful”, and part excuse for cake and a good natter.

    As I conclude this post which is about how to balance life and family I guess.

    Please let me know how your me time or weekends get disrupted in your 60’s and how you plan a balanced life.

    Or is it just not possible.

    Please feel free to leave a message.

    Contact

    Life After 60 – Small business Ideas

    A few people have asked me this week:

    “Is there something small I could do, maybe online…
    something to get started again?”

    I’ll share some practical ideas next week — simple, realistic, no-nonsense.

    Because there are options.

    And they don’t have to be complicated.

    Coming up next week!

    Monday – Business Series – Dreams or Vision? Dreams or Vision? First in a new series on the fundamentals of running a business in your 60’s

    Wednesday — Fitness, Mindset & Balance
    Update on my planned skydiving fundraising challenge.

    Friday — Lifestyle & Frivolity
    Travel ideas, places to eat, walks, reflections and reminders that enjoying life is essential.

  • A Year of Perspective: Why I’m Changing Direction Now

    Ten Weeks That Changed My Thinking

    This Thursday will mark ten weeks since I published my first ROPHO post.

    What began as a small hobby with a vague idea of one day replacing my day-to-day consultancy work, has gradually grown into something much bigger in my thoughts.

    During that time, life has continued to do what life does, presenting challenges, unexpected pauses and moments of clarity.

    Trying to balance family worries, existing business commitments and my own health has forced me to think carefully about what I really want the next chapter to look like.

    ROPHO has gradually worked its way into my daily routine and, if I am being truthful, into most of my waking thoughts.

    Ideas arrive when I’m walking the dog, travelling to client meetings, or trying to switch off late at night.

    Like many people in their sixties, I am learning how to balance ambition with the realities of life.

    There is still my consultancy work to deliver, there are clients relying on advice and support.


    There is also the responsibility of being part of a large and close family.

    And over the past year there has also been something far more important than work or personal projects.

    When Life Presses Pause

    Our daughter has been fighting breast cancer.

    For many months our lives have felt as though they were quietly on hold.

    We tried to stay positive while, in truth, preparing ourselves emotionally for the worst.

    Recently we received the news that every family hopes and prays for, she has now been given the all clear.

    Relief does not feel like a strong enough word.

    The Moment Everything Felt Different

    Experiences like this change your perspective in ways that are hard to describe.

    They make you reflect deeply on time, purpose, and what you really want from the years ahead.

    Rethinking Work, Time and Energy

    For most of my working life I have been involved in running businesses and advising, mainly face to face with clients, often travelling and spending long hours away from home.

    It has been rewarding and has given me opportunities I am very grateful for.

    But it has also been demanding and at times all-consuming.

    Over recent months I have realised that I no longer want to structure my life in quite the same way.

    I will continue to support a small number of long-term clients, but increasingly in a more flexible way, working online rather than constantly being on the road.

    This decision is not about slowing down, It is about choosing how I spend my time.

    It is about creating space to build something I genuinely enjoy and believe in.

    That “something” is ROPHO.

    Choosing Purpose Over Habit

    What began as a small personal project is now becoming a clear part of how I want to spend this next chapter.

    Sharing experience, learning new skills, staying active, and hopefully encouraging others to make the most of their own time as well.

    Starting something new after 60 is not about having perfect conditions or endless energy.

    It is about commitment, belief and the willingness to keep moving forward even when life feels uncertain.

    Living through the past year has reinforced one simple idea for me:

    Contentment does not come from doing less, it comes from doing what feels meaningful and fun.

    For me, that now means building ROPHO with purpose and intention.

    What Happens Next

    As I look ahead, I know that changing direction now is not about slowing down, it is about being more intentional with the time and energy I have.

    Building ROPHO will require discipline, patience and belief, but it also brings a sense of purpose that feels increasingly important.

    Over the coming weeks I plan to develop the business, health, and lifestyle themes in a more structured way.

    I would like to share more of the practical lessons I have learned during my career and personal life.

    Because after sixty, the real opportunity is not to drift, but to choose your direction with clarity and confidence.

    If any part of this journey resonates with you, you are very welcome to subscribe, comment, or simply follow along.
    We are all still writing our stories.

    Contact
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  • Manufacturing Business Turnaround Strategy After 60

    Early morning walks help with manufacturing business turnaround, amazing what fresh air does for clarity.
    Early morning 5000 steps completed, tired after sleepless night thinking about Ropho new posts, head clearer after invigorating walk.

    ⭐ Monday Business Article


    Manufacturing Business Turnaround – How We Turned a Struggling Manufacturing Firm into a Sustainable Business

    Building Stability Before Growth

    Just over three years ago I met the owner of a small family-run manufacturing business.

    Like many companies I encounter, they were working incredibly hard but not necessarily moving forward.

    Cash flow was unpredictable, production procedures were inconsistent.


    Sales were largely dependent on general public enquiries using outdated marketing methods.

    Management structure was informal and reactive rather than planned.

    Covid lockdown had also taken its toll.

    At times it genuinely felt touch-and-go whether the business would survive.

    Yet there were also powerful strengths.

    The owner, now in his late sixties, had energy and determination that many people half his age would struggle to match.

    His two sons were equally enthusiastic and keen to introduce new ideas, particularly around technology and modern sales channels.

    The challenge was not lack of effort.

    It was lack of direction.

    Manufacturing Business Turnaround — The Starting Point

    Before talking about growth, expansion or profit targets, we focused on stability.

    This meant addressing three critical areas!

    Cashflow control
    Understanding exactly when money was coming in and going out, simple forecasting replaced guesswork.

    Production discipline
    Clear procedures were introduced to improve consistency, reduce waste and protect margins.

    Defined management roles
    Family businesses often operate on trust and goodwill, but long-term sustainability requires structure.

    These changes were not dramatic or glamorous, but they created something far more valuable.

    Confidence.

    Management vs Leadership: The Difference That Drives Results

    A Shift in Thinking

    One of the most important turning points was a change in market approach.

    Historically, the company sold mainly direct to the general public.

    While this provided steady activity, it also meant unpredictable volumes and pricing pressure.

    We worked together to develop a second pathway.

    A structured move towards business-to-business (b2b) relationships.

    This created:

    • larger, repeatable orders
    • improved production planning
    • stronger pricing control
    • more predictable cashflow

    Importantly, the original direct sales channel was not abandoned, it remained a useful and profitable part of the business.

    The difference was that it became one stream of income rather than the only stream.

    Sustainable and Profitable

    Today the company is a very different proposition.

    It has:

    • solid operational foundations
    • clearer leadership roles
    • two distinct routes to market
    • managed, steady growth

    Perhaps most importantly, it has renewed belief.

    The owner continues to bring experience and drive, his sons bring energy and openness to change.

    Together they have built a business that is not just busy, but sustainable.

    A Lesson for Business Owners After 60

    Many people assume that later life is a time to slow down professionally.

    In reality, it can be one of the most powerful periods for building or reshaping a business.

    Experience allows better judgement, perspective reduces unnecessary risk.

    And motivation often becomes more focused, the key is not working harder.

    It is working more clearly.

    Strong foundations first.
    Growth second.

    That simple principle has saved more businesses than any clever marketing strategy ever will.

    If you are running or reshaping a business later in life and any of this resonates, feel free to connect or subscribe to Ropho for practical, no-nonsense insight drawn from real experience.

    Steve Kerton

    Contact
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    Read More – Dreams and Vision: The First Step in Building a Business

  • Why Small Business Cash Flow Matters More Than Profit

    “small business cash flow planning discussion”

    ROPHO — Practical Business Thinking

    You can have the busiest shop or contracting business in town or a full order book for months ahead.
    But if small business cash flow is tight when major bills fall due, the business quickly feels the pressure.

    If the bank account is empty when the rent, wages or VAT bill falls due, the business quickly grinds to a halt.

    It’s one of the hardest realities for small business owners to accept.

    Activity does not always equal stability.

    And in the current climate, with operating costs still high and interest rates no longer ultra-cheap, managing the gap between doing the work and getting paid has become one of the most important disciplines in business.

    The Gap That Creates Pressure

    On paper many businesses look profitable, when in reality, they are often funding customers.

    Money goes out first:

    • labour
    • materials
    • fuel
    • overheads
    • tax commitments

    But income may not arrive for weeks, even sometimes months,that timing difference is where financial stress begins.

    And if the gap widens too far, even a successful company can find itself in serious difficulty.

    When Growth Becomes a Risk

    It sounds counter-intuitive, but growth can actually increase financial pressure.

    More orders usually mean:

    • more stock to fund
    • more staff to pay
    • more working capital tied up

    All before the customer settles their invoice.

    I have seen businesses double turnover and feel poorer than ever.

    Not because they were, but because they were effectively acting as a bank for their clients.

    Why Small Business Cash Flow Matters More Than Profit

    Profit is an accounting outcome.

    Healthy cash flow gives a business options:

    • the ability to respond quickly to market changes
    • buying stock at advantageous prices
    • investing in new systems or technology
    • simply sleeping better at night

    In a fast-moving economy, financial agility is often the difference between opportunity and anxiety.

    Lenders understand this too.

    Banks and FinTech providers increasingly look at real-time data.

    Predictable, well-managed cash flow can significantly improve access to funding and borrowing terms.

    Five Ways to Improve Small Business Cash Flow

    1. Use a 13-week rolling forecast
    Instead of relying on annual budgets, project your bank position weekly for the next three months.
    Sudden bills become expected events, not unpleasant surprises.

    2. Invoice promptly and professionally
    Delaying invoices is effectively offering free credit.
    Automated reminders and easy payment options can dramatically shorten payment cycles.

    3. Align supplier terms with customer payments
    Where possible, aim to be paid before major supplier commitments fall due.
    It requires negotiation, but it can transform financial breathing space.

    4. Look for small but constant “money leaks”
    Subscription creep is now common.
    Regularly review software, services and standing costs to ensure they are genuinely adding value.

    5. Plan financing before you need it
    Facilities such as invoice finance or flexible credit lines are far less stressful when arranged calmly rather than in crisis.

    A Modern Advantage

    Technology is now making this easier.

    Integrated banking feeds and forecasting tools can highlight potential pressure points weeks in advance.

    Used properly, they allow owners to act early, not react late.

    Final Thought

    Small business confidence often comes from being busy.

    Phones ringing.
    Teams working flat out.
    New opportunities appearing.

    But real security comes from something less visible.

    Knowing the business has the financial space to breathe.

    Because long-term success is rarely about being the busiest business.

    It is about being the most resilient

    Before closing the laptop for the day, it’s worth asking a simple question.

    How confident do you feel about the small business cash flow position in your own company right now?

    Is it something you actively manage and plan…
    or something you only think about when pressure starts to build?

    Many owners learn, often the hard way, that staying busy is not the same as staying financially secure.

    I’d genuinely be interested to hear how others deal with this.

    What systems or habits help you stay in control…
    and what lessons has experience taught you?

    Over the years I’ve developed a simple 13-week cash flow forecast template that I still use with clients.

    It’s not complicated, just a practical way of seeing financial pressure coming before it becomes a problem.

    If you think it might be useful, feel free to message me or join the newsletter and I’ll happily send a copy.

    Contact

  • Style Over 60: Why Attitude Matters More than Age

    Ropho – Lifestyle, Identity & Ageing with Confidence

    Sometimes I catch myself looking in the mirror and wondering

    Did I ever truly have a “style”…
    or was I just wearing what life expected of me?

    In our twenties many of us dressed to belong, to impress.
    to attract attention, or even sometimes to avoid it.

    Later, work often took over, uniforms of one kind or another, suits, overalls, boots, branded shirts, these became our identity whether we liked it or not.

    But now, in our sixties, something much more interesting happens.

    Some men become much more comfortable in their own skin,
    others become less sure, and quietly start to disappear into safe, neutral choices.

    So what actually happens to style as we get older?

    The Sunday Best Years

    My earliest memories of “style” weren’t fashion magazines or designer labels, they were village life.

    I grew up in the Hampshire village of Swanmore, my father was a butcher, part of a family business serving local farms and families.

    During school holidays I helped deliver meat and vegetables in an old van, simple yet very happy days, a slower world more contented it seems in my rose tinted memories.

    Style back then was practical, flat caps, wellies, thick jumpers, practical clothes for work, not for show.

    But Sunday was different.

    From our bungalow beside the church I would watch neighbours arrive.

    Men who had spent the week in mud-stained boots suddenly appeared in pressed suits and polished shoes,women adjusting their hats,children tugging at stiff collars.

    That weekly transformation fascinated me.

    It wasn’t fashion,it was dignity, it was pride, it was people choosing how they wanted to be seen.

    Then Came Influence

    As I got older, style came from somewhere else entirely.

    Films.
    Music.
    Heroes.

    A band on Top of the Pops could change hairstyles across the country overnight.
    James Bond made suits look powerful.

    Steve McQueen made denim and leather look effortlessly cool.

    Like most young men, I followed along, maybe you did too.

    We weren’t just choosing clothes, we were choosing our identities.

    Fast Forward to Now

    So where does that leave us today?

    Some men I know now live almost permanently in trainers and polo shirts.

    Others still enjoy the sharpness of a casual blazer and good shoes.

    One friend recently bought himself a leather jacket at 65, and looks better than he did at 40.

    And then there are those who quietly feel unsure, not wanting to look like they’re trying too hard, not wanting to look old either.

    Perhaps style in later life isn’t about fashion at all.

    Perhaps it’s about confidence.

    Fashion Changes. Style Stays.

    Fashion is seasonal.
    New colours,new cuts, new rules.

    Style is different, style is personal.

    It’s what makes you feel comfortable, but also makes you like yourself.

    By the time we reach our sixties, we’ve earned the right to ask a different question:

    What do I actually enjoy wearing?

    Not what should I wear.

    My Own Small Goal This Year

    To think about style as expression again, something to think about and not just clothing as a necessity.

    Maybe refresh a few things, maybe stop saving the “good clothes” for special occasions.

    Maybe decide that ordinary days are special enough.

    Because if not now… when?

    I’m curious…

    Do you care more or less about how you dress these days?

    Have you developed your own style over time
    or simply stopped worrying about it?

    I’d genuinely love to hear how others see this.
    It’s a conversation worth having.

    Contact

  • 🚀 The “Bionic” Daredevil: How to Chase Adrenaline at 60+

    How Could I Become a Superbike Rider at 65

    Crazy question right!

    We were at a very special ladies 65th birthday party recently and one of our more lunatic friends a keen motorcyclist, and track racer in his earlier years, asked this question in all seriousness, admittedly after the sinking of a few alcoholic beverages.

    It made me start thinking, the whole purpose of this website is to encourage people to push their limits and wherever possible follow any dreams they may still have.

    My dream isn’t to ride a superbike, although I do love speed,I have been lucky in my life, I have driven fast cars, skied and many, many years ago did a toboggan run.

    One thing on my to do list, is to sky dive and get back on the ski slopes. I have been thinking about the possibility of jumping for charity http://bhf.org.uk who have been a great source of help and information.

    You’re 64. You’re fitter than you were at 40. You have the dream of leaning a Superbike into a corner, jumping from a plane, or hitting Class IV rapids.

    Then you remember: “I have a pacemaker.” Most people think that’s the end of the conversation.

    I’m here to tell you it’s just the beginning of a different strategy. If you can afford it and you’re fit enough—do it before it’s too late.

    So if there are any readers who would like to join me.

    Or (and I really hope there are) any of you, who already do crazy things in your sixties or older, I would love to hear and share your stories.

    I am currently researching the realities, this is what I’ve found so far, I will keep you updated.

    Here is how to navigate the physical, mental, and “insurance-shaped” hurdles of senior adventure.

    1. Start with the “Why” (and the “Why Not?”)

    Ask yourself why you want this. Is it the thrill? To show the grandkids you’re cooler than their TikTok idols? Or simply to prove that a medical device isn’t a “stop” sign? Whatever the reason, hold onto it. It’s the fuel you’ll need when the paperwork gets boring.

    2. The “Pre-Flight” Physical: Science over Superstition

    Adventure sports are physically demanding—balance, core strength, and reflexes matter. Before throwing a leg over a 1000cc rocket or a ski lift:

    • Get a Full Check: Make sure your body is ready for the G-forces and the heart rate spikes.
    • The “Old Pro” Training: Pilates (so I am told) is there any group in Hertfordshire who would take me on?.
    • Swimming (which I do sometimes) work wonders for the posture and core strength needed for high-octane sports.
    • The Cardiac Data: If you’re fitter than at 40, prove it. Know your Resting Heart Rate and VO2 Max. High-performance engines need data, and so do you.

    3. The Elephant in the Room: The Insurance “Boss Level”

    The biggest hurdle isn’t the mountain; it’s the underwriter’s spreadsheet. Insurance companies see a “60+ with a pacemaker” and want to run. Here is how to win:

    • Skip the Comparison Sites: They are built for “average” people. You aren’t average. Go to Medical Travel Specialists or Adventure Brokers.
    • The “Specialist Review”: Get a letter from your cardiologist stating you are “Clinically Stable” and “Cleared for High-Intensity Activity.”
    • The Exclusion Pivot: If they won’t cover your heart, ask them to cover everything except the heart. You’ll be covered for the broken leg or the lost gear, which is often the bigger statistical risk anyway.

    🛠️ Where to Call First (The “Non-Standard” Specialists)

    If you are in the UK or looking for international coverage, skip the “Big Name” TV insurers and try these:

    Company TypeExamplesWhy them?
    Medical SpecialistsStaysure / AllClearThey have built-in algorithms for pacemakers.
    Adventure SpecialistsCampbell Irvine / DogtagThey understand that “Extreme” doesn’t always mean “Dangerous.”
    Sports BrokersManning UKThey provide tailored cover for amateur racing and high-risk sports.

    💡 Pro-Tip: The “Medical Exclusion” Pivot

    If a company refuses to cover your heart, ask for a “Pre-existing Condition Exclusion.” This means they cover you for broken bones, lost luggage, and air ambulance for non-cardiac issues, but they won’t pay if the pacemaker fails. For many fit 64+ -year-olds, this is the “sweet spot” that allows them to get out there legally and affordably.

    4. High-Tech Protection for High-Tech Hearts

    We live in the future—use the gear to your advantage.

    • Mechanical Protection: If you’re worried about impacts to your device site, invest in a Pacemaker Guard (Vital Beat). It’s a specialized shield that disperses impact energy.
    • Airbag Technology: Whether you are skiing or riding a Superbike, Airbag Vests are game-changers. They reduce chest and rib injury risks by over 90%.
    • Electronic Aids: Modern bikes have Traction Control; modern parachutes have Automatic Activation Devices. Use every “safety net” the 21st century offers.
    • Vital Beat is available in the UK, and it is widely considered the gold standard for active “bionic” athletes. They actually have a dedicated partnership with the UK charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), which makes them very reputable in the British medical and sports community.
      Here is the breakdown of what you’ll need and what it costs to get it to your door in 2026.

      💰 Vital Beat UK Pricing & Kits
      The system works as a “Shield + Shirt” combo. The shirt has a precision-placed pocket, and the D3O shield (the “impact-reactive” part) slides inside.
      Item
      Est. Price (Inc. UK Shipping)
      Best For…
      The “Sport” Full Kit
      £185 – £200 (€219)
      Everything. Includes the base shield + an extra “Sport Shield” for high-impact activities like biking or rafting.
      Basic Comfort Kit
      £160 – £170 (€189)
      Everyday protection. Includes one shirt and one D3O shield.
      Extra Shirts
      £85 – £95 (€99)
      Spares for multi-day trips (e.g., a skiing week).

    5. The “Golden Rule” of Adrenaline

    Start Small, Then Go Big. Jumping straight onto a Ducati Panigale or a double-black diamond run on day one? Maybe not.

    • Book Advanced Training days.
    • Use Private Coaches who understand the mechanics of an older (but fit!) body.
    • Build your skill first, horsepower later.

    🏁 The Bottom Line

    Living with a pacemaker or being “over the hill” doesn’t mean you have to stay in the valley. It means you have to be smarter, better equipped, and more persistent than the youngsters.

    The goal isn’t just to add years to your life, but life to your years.

    If anyone is interested I have an insurance checklist of questions they will ask including what information they will need from your doctor/cardiologist.

    Contact

    Read More – It’s Never Too Late to Become Your Own Hero

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