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. 

Mountains, incredible scenery, Levada walks, flowers. 

Perfect for: nature, hiking, relaxation. 

Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹

Elegant, cultured, walkable.

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: