As another Friday rolls around, life feels like it’s in a bit of a “limbo land.”
We are currently as mentioned in last weeks Friday post, on standby for the arrival of my son’s first child.
Our May travel plans are on hold, and I’m ready to zoom down the M3 at a moment’s notice to offer that promised support.
On the professional side, the working week is closing out.
Most of my energy has been poured into Ropho.
What started in mid-January as a “new hobby” has quickly spiraled into an obsession,and is now officially, my new business alongside my consultancy work.
It’s becoming a real-life case study in taking an idea people called “mad” for someone at my stage of life, and slowly turning it into something I’m genuinely proud of.
As I have mentioned before it is an evolving thing, trying new ideas for me, far from perfect, but I did start after months, no years of thinking about writing a blog!. That I am proud of.
Next week: I’ll be continuing my business series on planning and growth, focusing on B2B Marketing.
This is the core of my consultancy, but I’ll be adding a fresh twist: Marketing strategy for new online businesses in your sixties (mine!).
Since my life is shifting in more ways than I ever expected, I wanted to share some reflections on why I believe this is our most exciting decade yet.
🌟 Our Most Exciting Decade Yet: A New Kind of Life Chapter
There’s a moment in your sixties when the rhythm of life changes. It’s not necessarily a slowdown, but a shifting of gears.
Responsibilities that once felt urgent start to loosen their grip, and the old definition of “retirement” as an ending begins to feel obsolete.
For many of us, this decade is an invitation to redesign our lives to be more intentional and aligned, or in plain English, do what we want, when we want and how we want.
The Changing Meaning of Work
Work in our sixties is less about the ladder and more about purpose. Whether it’s consulting, creative projects, or a “second act” business, there is a profound joy in autonomy.
You choose work that fits your values.
You set boundaries you once struggled with.
You turn passions into projects, refusing to sacrifice well-being for someone else’s “urgency.”
The Rebirth of Leisure
This isn’t about “killing time” or squeezing rest between commitments.
It’s about real leisure—the kind that replenishes the spirit. It’s morning walks, instead of morning meetings.
Travel and adventure, at a pace you choose.
“You’ve earned your time back, and now you’re the one who gets to call the shots on how you spend it.”
Balancing Purpose and Rest
Balance in your sixties isn’t something you find; it’s something you create. It might mean:
Three days of work instead of five.
A mix of volunteering and personal hobbies.
Time with grandchildren paired with dedicated time for yourself.
The Freedom to Redesign
After a lifetime of building plans around careers and family demands.
Finally you have the freedom to experiment. New classes, new routines, new communities, some will stick, some won’t. But the process of evolving is profoundly energising.
🥂 Here’s to Re-imagining
If there’s a theme for this stage, it’s having Purpose in your life not productivity.
Whether you are mentoring, building a community, or launching a “mad” new business like Ropho, purpose is personal.
Your sixties aren’t about winding down; they are a re-imagining.
It’s not about “staying young”—it’s about staying engaged and enjoying life.
Here’s to working when it feels meaningful, resting when it feels right, and embracing a decade filled with intention, freedom, and possibility.
Your sixties aren’t the final act—they’re a beautiful new chapter. And you get to write it.
Wishing you all a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend—and hopefully, for me, some very special news from the M3!
Wednesdays – A 60+ Lifestyle Update, where this week we discuss 3 things that are taking up a lot of my thinking time.
What to eat? Where to book my next, much needed break and why home is my “miserable sanctuary”.
The “Resting Face” Revelation
I know a person who can be perceived as being miserable.
Apparently it started from a young age his mother would often say Stephen what’s the matter with you?
” Even then, it got my back up because, in my head, I was perfectly happy!
Inside my head I am overflowing with happiness and positive thinking.
What’s been a revelation is my granddaughter in a moment of what can only be described as a hissy fit.
Flounced up our garden path, didn’t knock, just stormed in and deposited herself on our sofa.
Grandad can I come and live with you?
Why’s that I asked (i already knew her mum had just phoned, “you need to talk to your grand daughter she’s always miserable and just grunts at me”)
Well hallelujah!
I say “you were exactly the same” No I was not she says “ I was a happy child.”
And then my granddaughter said it.
In all seriousness.
“It’s ok grandad!
“It’s a common thing I have a resting bitch face inside I’m singing along to Taylor Swift.”( she’s only 13).
Well in that moment everything became clearer.
Apparently I’ve been living in a cave it’s a well known saying.
But literally I knew what she meant.
Not sure what the male equivalent is?
Comment Below?
But this is an important lesson, maybe I should have learnt it years ago.
It is this, you can never know what someone is thinking or feeling inside.
But equally if I’m feeling happy I should smile more and share it with someone,who knows it may make them smile or laugh. You never know.
It was a lightbulb moment.
But it also made me reflect on a funny irony, In my professional life, I’m the one promoting positive thinking and smiling with clients – it’s a major driver of how I do business.
Perhaps I spend so much energy “radiating” at work that by the time I get home to the people who support me most, my face just decides to take a break!
The truth is, as a family, we laugh a lot and have an enormous amount to be grateful for.
It’s part of life’s rich tapestry, but it’s a good reminder: even if you’re “singing on the inside,” make sure the people in your inner circle know they’re appreciated.
Share the smile with them first.
Why Laughter and Smiling are Essential After 60
1. Physical Health & Pain Management
Boosts Immune System: Aging often brings a weaker immune system. Laughter increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, helping to defend against viruses.
Improves Heart Health: A hearty laugh increases blood pressure initially, but then lowers it, relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation, which reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Relieves Chronic Pain: Laughter releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Studies have found it can significantly reduce pain levels for those dealing with arthritis or other chronic discomforts.
“Inner Jogging”: Laughter acts as a light workout, engaging the diaphragm and abdominal muscles. This improves oxygen intake and aids respiratory function, which is particularly helpful for those managing asthma or bronchitis.
2. Mental & Emotional Well-being
Combats Depression & Anxiety: Laughter lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and adrenaline while increasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which boost mood and ease feelings of depression.
Reduces Stress: It acts as a “natural safety valve,” reducing physical tension for up to 45 minutes after a good laugh.
Boosts Cognitive Function: Studies have shown that humor and laughter can improve memory and learning abilities in older adults, offering a vital mental boost as we age.
Lifestyle Update: My Favourite European Breaks:
As we get older, for me travel is the ultimate smile creator.
Doing things we want to, when we want to without any pressure, is truly relaxing, enjoying the different scenery, history and culture of a place and its people.
I still love the family holiday with the kids and the grandchildren and all the excitement and fun that brings.
Now though i want to experience my breaks and holidays with Sharon at a different pace.
It becomes less about squeezing everything in and more about enjoying where you are. Less about distance, more about quality.
For me, holidays are about shared experiences.
Walking, talking, eating well, laughing, and creating memories with the people who matter.
Those moments have a way of bonding us that everyday life rarely does.
And you don’t have to go far to find them.
Within four hours of the UK are cities, coastlines and cultures that deliver everything from romance to relaxation.
Without the fatigue that can come with long-haul travel.
Here are a few of my favourite, fantastic destinations you can reach quickly, ideal for relaxed travel in your 60s and beyond.
Madeira 🇵🇹
Technically Portugal but completely unique, it is the perfect destination because of its year round temperate “eternal spring” climate.
It has a sophisticated, slower pace of life feel that is fantastic for recharging the batteries.
Easy Transportation:
While hilly, the island is easily navigable with an extensive taxi service, comfortable tour buses, and cable cars, ensuring you can see the sights without driving.
It has fantastic restaurants and bars, covering the whole spectrum, from my favourite traditional snack bars to fine dining, it has it all.
Madeira was my mother’s favourite destination and had to be on my list.
Coffee houses, palaces, classical music, Christmas markets, pure charm.
Vienna holds a special place in my heart, as this was our very first overseas trip together 24 years ago celebrating my wife’s 40th birthday.
Like everywhere places change, but for me Vienna takes Number 1 spot as one of the nicest cities, I’ve been lucky enough to visit.
Since our first visit 24 years ago, Vienna has mastered the art of staying “grand” while becoming one of the world’s most liveable modern cities.
The Coffee House Culture: It’s actually protected by UNESCO. Places like Café Central or Sacher are iconic, but for a local feel, try Café Sperl – it looks exactly as it did in the 19th century.
The Belvedere: If you love art, the Upper Belvedere houses Klimt’s The Kiss. The gardens between the Upper and Lower palaces offer one of the best free views of the city skyline.
A Modern Twist: The Prater district has seen a culinary revival, blending the old-world ferris wheel charm with high-end dining.
Perfect for: romantic weekends, culture lovers.
Greek Islands 🇬🇷(3–4 hrs depending on island)
Santorini for sunsets, Crete for beaches & food, Rhodes for history, Corfu for greenery.
Having visited a number of the islands as a family and as a couple the diversity of the islands is amazing.
With over 200 islands, from beautiful beaches and coastline views to iconic historical landmarks.
Crete (The Foodie Peak): It’s famous for “Cretan Dakos” a traditional rustic Greek salad. It is often described as the Greek version of bruschetta, although it has its own unique character and historical roots. Crete is also famous for its high-quality olive oil. The White Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the turquoise waters of Elafonisi.
Rhodes (The Living History): The Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Walking the moat at sunset is a must.
Travel Tip: Many islands are now connected by high-speed catamarans, making “island hopping” much easier than it was two decades ago.
Warm seas, wine, slow evenings by the harbour.
Perfect for: sunshine, relaxation, lazy dinners.
Italy 🇮🇹 (3 hrs average)
Average flight times from the UK/Central Europe sit right at that 2.5 to 3-hour sweet spot.
Italy has always been a favourite destination of mine, whether it’s the bustling cities like Milan,Florence and Rome the tourist hot spots or the lesser known gems.
There are too many for me to list here.
My son and daughter have an Italian heritage from my first wife’s father who was born in Milan.
As a result we have visited Italy a lot over the years and will continue to do so.
Sicily: Currently seeing a huge surge in “slow tourism.”
The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is world-class.
But the real joy is a granita and brioche for breakfast in a sun-drenched piazza.
Rome for history, Florence for art, Venice for romance, Sicily for food & coast, Lake Garda for scenery.
Lake Garda: For a relaxed pace, the northern town of Riva del Garda is dramatic and alpine, while Sirmione in the south offers Roman ruins and thermal baths.
Italy fits every mood, and the food alone is reason to go.
Perfect for: culture, pasta, wine, passion.
Meal of the Week: The “Director’s Menu” for Heart & Bone Health
I’ve talked about laughter being “inner jogging,” but your engine needs the right oil.
As we navigate our 60s, our diet shouldn’t be about “denial”—it should be about Capital Investment.
We are investing in our heart and our bone density so we can keep walking those Levadas in Madeira or the cobbles of Vienna.
I asked for your favourite healthy recipes recently, and while there was no single winner, these four are the “Core Assets” I’m keeping in rotation:
The Top Performer: Pan-Seared Salmon & Wilted Kale. This is my personal gold standard. The Omega-3s keep your arteries flexible, and the Kale provides Vitamin K—the “glue” that keeps calcium in your bones.
The “Lean & Mean” Turkey Chili: A fantastic way to get high protein without the saturated fats. It’s heart-health in a bowl.
The Energy Booster: Grilled Chicken, Quinoa & Kale: Quinoa is a “super-grain” providing the magnesium we need for steady energy and bone strength.
The Quick Fix: Cottage Cheese & Spinach Omelette: When time is tight, this is a calcium powerhouse.
Steve’s Tip: Just like in business, quality in equals quality out. I’ve started sourcing my fish and meat from a local butcher and fishmonger. We’re at the stage of life where we should eat less “stuff,” but much better quality.
The Final Word: Life’s Rich Tapestry
Whether you’re trying a new Turkey Chili recipe, boarding a flight to Porto, or just sitting on the sofa singing Taylor Swift on the inside.
The goal is the same: to live a growing, fulfilled, and desirable life.
We manage our business cash flow and our 13-week forecasts (see Monday’s post!).
Not because we love spreadsheets, but because we love the freedom they buy us.
They buy us the “Presence” to be with our families and the “Peace of Mind” to enjoy those European sunsets.
What’s taking up your thinking time this week?
Are you a fellow “Resting Face” sufferer? Comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
📬 The Deep Dive
If you want to go deeper into the “Physical Forecast,” I’ve put together a comprehensive Heart & Bone Health Recipe List and a Healthy Eating Checklist specifically for us over 60’s.
I’m also sharing the full breakdown of my Ropho Business Template to help you secure that 90-day freedom.
It’s all available in my new weekly newsletter. Join the circle here:
As I was driving to my appointment today, I found myself thinking something potentially controversial:
I enjoy being a grandparent so much more than being a parent.
There, I said it! But why is that?
Is it the lack of “ultimate responsibility” that we carried as parents?
Is it the pure, unadulterated joy of watching their achievements from the sidelines?
Or is it simply the license to spoil them rotten and then hand them back?
It’s a different kind of love – one that feels a bit lighter but just as deep.
The “Big” Question: Who’s the Favourite?
Of course, it wouldn’t be a family gathering without the age-old drama.
This week, they’ve all been at it—from the youngest to the eldest:
“Who is the favourite grandchild?” It’s the one problem I’m not sure I can solve with a cash-flow spreadsheet!
I want to hear from you:
Do you find the grandparent role more rewarding than the parenting years? And how on earth do you answer the “favourite” question without starting a riot?
My role always seems to be taxi driver, taking, watching and sometimes joining in with their activities.
What’s your favourite grandchild moments, is it holidays or being there for their achievements. Let us know.
Leave your tips (and your recipes!) in the comments below.
A stroll after lunch or a hike up a steep mountainside—it doesn’t matter. Once we pass 60, the most important thing is simply moving.
I’ve said it many times: walking is the most underrated exercise of all.
Whether you are recovering from an injury, recuperating from an illness, or healing after an operation, the first piece of advice is almost always: “Get moving.”
Even if it’s just a slow lap around the lounge or the garden, those steps matter.
The Ultimate Multi-Tasker
One of the best things about walking is its accessibility. It costs nothing and you can do it almost anywhere. But the benefits go far deeper than just convenience:
Physical Health: It boosts cardiovascular health, improves circulation, and increases your lung capacity.
Joint Mobility: It keeps the “rust” off our joints, keeping us fluid and flexible.
Mental Wellbeing: This is the biggest win for me.
Currently, I’ve been feeling unusually stressed.
This website has been having technical issues that made posting a nightmare for two weeks straight—my cortisol levels must be through the roof!
However, today I took myself for a countryside walk. The sun was out, spring was blooming, and suddenly, my mood lifted.
I felt an immediate wave of optimism. Time flew, and I’m already well on my way to my daily step count!
Safety First
As always, safety is paramount. Before you level up, ensure you have:
Supportive Footwear: Choose shoes designed for your specific terrain.
High Visibility: If you’re walking at dusk or night, wear reflective clothing or carry a light.
Shifting into a “Walking Workout”
Walking has become such a staple in my life that it now falls into two categories:
Functional Movement: These are the small habits, like choosing the stairs over a lift or walking short errands. These “tiny wins” often provide the most noticeable long-term benefits.
The Scheduled Workout: This is my dedicated 30 to 60-minute session. I always start with a quick 5-minute full-body warm-up to ensure my ankles and knees are ready for the road ahead.
But here is the catch: As humans, we are creatures of habit. It is all too easy to fall into the pattern of taking the exact same route at the exact same pace every single day.
Why Variety is Your Best Friend
To truly challenge your muscles, joints, and heart, you need to break the routine. If you walk the same intensity every session, your body adapts, and those benefits—like building bone density and burning calories—can start to plateau.
Here is how to spice up your stride:
Change the Scenery: Try a new path! Checking out new sights and sounds keeps your mind engaged while new terrain challenges your balance.
Find an Incline: Seek out hills or stairs. This is one of the most effective ways to build lower-body strength and increase your heart rate without needing to run.
Play with Pace: Add “up-tempo” songs to your playlist to naturally encourage a faster gait.
The Interval Method: After your 5-minute warm-up, add 10–30 seconds of “power walking” or even simple bodyweight exercises (like standing calf raises or squats), then return to your regular pace for 5 minutes. Repeat this throughout your walk.
Load the Movement: If you’re ready for a real challenge, try a weighted vest. Unlike hand or ankle weights, which can strain your joints, a vest keeps the weight near your centre of gravity. It’s a fantastic way to build bone density and strength as you progress.
Staying Motivated
Consistency is the secret . Many people tell me they “walk regularly,” but when we dig deeper, it’s only “when the weather is nice.”
The “Podcast” Rule: Only allow yourself to listen to your favorite show while walking. It becomes a reward!
The Buddy System: I stole this term from an american friend of mine.A friend or family member acts as an accountability partner. You’ll find the miles disappear much faster when you’re chatting.
Gear Up: Don’t let the rain stop you. Investing in high-quality, weatherproof clothing means you can enjoy the unique beauty of every season, regardless of the temperature.
“I’d love to hear from you! Do you have a favourite local route that keeps you motivated, or a trick you use to get your steps in when the weather isn’t playing ball? Drop a comment below and let’s inspire each other.”
Following the Easter weekend where my priority was to get some order to my gardens.
Lawns mowed, patio and barbecue clean and ready to go.
This weekend was supposed to be a visit to one of my favourite destinations Bath.
However disaster struck this week, I had a full week of client visits booked for my business advisory service.
3 Post’s already to go for Ropho – Tuesday morning site, crashed.
Managed to post in the evening however, page speed has nose dived this week.
As previously explained, I am learning as I go, this is my not giving up, part of starting something new and learning a new skill,.
I could easily ask one of my friends, several are web designers, but for me this is part of the process.
Once I have reached my goals for reader numbers etc, I will employ someone to maintain the site.
However until then I appreciate my current readers patience and hope this helps to inspire some of you not to give up or accept defeat and take the easy route.
Today I will hopefully get the site back up to speed.
So next week will be a visit to Bath and surrounding areas, tomorrow I will plan another couple of long weekends for the rest of April and May.
What examples do you have of not giving up in your 60’s or 70’s.
Please let me know, hearing your stories motivates me to keep going, even when it gets tough.
A Couple of my Favourite UK Weekend Break Destinations
So as we plan for our weekend breaks in May, I have listed a few of my favourites
York, North Yorkshire
York is truly one of my favourite cities, maybe because it has such a rich history in one of my forbidden pleasures. Chocolate!
And what a history it is, while other Northern UK cities built their wealth on coal, steel, or wool,.
York built its fame on chocolate. For nearly 300 years, the city has been the UK’s confectionery capital, home to global icons like the KitKat and the Terrys Chocolate Orange.
York Minster – One of the world’s largest and most magnificent Gothic cathedrals, featuring incredible stained glass and stone architecture.
The City Walls – As the longest medieval town walls in England, you can walk a 3.4km circuit for scenic views.
The Shambles: A beautifully preserved medieval street with overhanging timber-framed buildings, frequently cited as one of the prettiest streets in Britain.
Viking & Roman Heritage – Explore the city’s roots at the immersive JORVIK Viking Centre and discover remnants of a Roman fortress
The River Ouse runs through the city, offering relaxing boat trips and picturesque riverside walks.
Proximity to Nature – What makes York such a great place for a long weekend is its location near both the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors national parks.
Independent Shopping & Dining: A vast array of independent boutiques, tea rooms (like Bettys), and local pubs.
Another destination which is one of my favourite long weekend getaways is Cornwall which has many gems.
St Ives and Mousehole are two of my favourites and are relatively close together.
The Vibe: St Ives – Turquoise water and world-class art.
What’s new: The Tate St Ives has some incredible 2026 exhibitions focused on coastal light.
Mousehole, Cornwall
The Vibe: The “prettiest village in England.”
What’s new: It remains the ultimate retreat for 2026, with the Mousehole Rock Pool being a top spot for a chilly “wild swim.”
The Lake District, Cumbria is an obvious choice for a long weekend with many different destinations.
Key Areas & Lakes
• Keswick & Derwentwater – The “Queen of the Lakes” and the northern hub for hikers. It’s the base for the Mountain Festival and the famous Catbells climb.
• Windermere – The largest natural lake in England. Bowness-on-Windermere is the most popular tourist town, offering iconic steamer boat cruises.
• Ullswater – Often cited as the most beautiful lake, home to the Aira Force waterfall and the heritage “Steamers.”
• Grasmere – The heart of the “Poet’s District,” where you can visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage and buy world-famous Grasmere Gingerbread.
The Vibe: Epic fells and literary inspiration.
What’s new: In 2026, the Keswick Mountain Festival (May 15-17) is expected to be the biggest yet.
I am always looking for ideas, for new long weekend destinations, please do not hesitate to let me know your favourites.
I didn’t intend to write a post today, as this being a Monday bank holiday.
My next instalment of building or reviving a business series for over 60s.
Will be posted tomorrow, when hopefully our thoughts will have turned from holiday mode into how, can I make some money mode and still enjoy myself in my sixties.
I felt compelled to write this post because of a sporting event and a developing rivalry with my 11 year old grandson.
If you have been following my story you may know I love sport and love following Southampton FC.
With all the emotional ups and downs following your favourite sports team brings.
Which brings me to this Saturday evening when I sat down with a lovely glass of Rioja by my side.
Ready to watch Southampton take on Arsenal in the quarter finals of the FA cup.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of a Sports Fan
I am like a lot of people I know, a curious mixture of optimism and pessimism.
The type laced with hope and fear, sheer joy when your team scores the first goal, makes that early try or the batsman takes the fast bowler to the cleaners in the opening couple of overs.
Only for that veil of pessimism to slowly draw over you and create a feeling of impending doom.
“That’s it we will sit back make a self inflicted mistake they will sore then we will get hammered.”
“The batsman is going to get carried away, and will nick the ball to first slip.” etc, etc.
Well for some unknown totally irrational reason I had a feeling we could create an upset and beat the Premier league leaders.
A House Divided: Southampton vs Arsenal
What made this even more interesting than usual, my 11 year old grandson is an Arsenal fan.
We actually now live in close proximity to arsenal’s training ground.
I have always made a thing with him, that you should if possible support your local team, and as his dad is a North Londoner who supports Arsenal it was inevitable that he would follow that path.
I also made it very clear, it is an unbreakable rule that once you’ve made that decision you have to support them through thick or thin.
So to the match.
The match started reasonably from my point of view.
Arsenal whilst creating a bit more than us, weren’t making me that worried, and we indeed had a couple of clear chances.
When Support Turns to Rivalry
In the 35th Southampton scored the first goal, my phone rang it was my grandson, I was going a little crazy with happiness.
” Ha lucky goal” says grandson, don’t worry we will equalise soon and beat you 3-1.
Now that’s it!
For once I didn’t have that veil of impeding doom coming over me, it was something quite different.
A stirring feeling of rivalry that felt a bit strange.
This is the boy, that, every Sunday for the last four years I have been getting up early to take him to watch him play.
In all weathers shouting encouragement at him, delighting when he makes a great tackle or goes on a marauding run down the wing.
Well I must say this was totally different no we are going to win.
Even when arsenal equalised I felt sure we would win, and sure enough in the 85th minute we scored the winning goal.
My grandson had gone quiet and ignored my phone call.
The Beauty of the Game (and the Banter)
So it’s begun, he came to our house for the traditional family Easter lunch.
I started to tease, him or do I thought, I don’t want to upset him.
Then he said he wasn’t upset because it was only the FA cup and Arsenal were going to win the premier league and champions league anyway.
So maybe the rivalry is only building in my head because Southampton aren’t a threat, as he sees it.
But this just shows how fantastic following a team is.
Grandad and grandson are both happy and very optimistic for now,.
Or though you know the inevitable losses will come at some point in the future.
But it just doesn’t matter because this weekend has been a great weekend.
Next week back to shouting encouragement to grandson.
Sport, wow fantastic.
Now to finish that gardening I promised to do at the start of the weekend.
Let me know if you are ever unexpectedly happy or unhappy at sports events, or is there something else that makes you glad to be alive, all comments are very welcome.
“That same spirit of ‘irrational optimism’ I felt during the match?
It’s exactly what we need when starting a new venture.
Tune in tomorrow for the next instalment of my business series for the over 60s!”
