Brought to you by Boomer Benefits:
Women have spent years developing their expertise, adapting to market shifts, and earning their respected place at the table. Today, more women aged 65 and older are choosing to stay active in the workforce than ever before. Whether running their own business, consulting, or continuing a fulfilling career, senior women are an essential part of today’s economy.
Working at this stage of life can come with its own unique challenges. You might be juggling professional responsibilities with new physical realities, discussing coverage options, like with Boomer Benefits – Medicare broker, or caring for a spouse or aging parents while also supporting your grown children. Finding the right balance between wellness and work isn’t about trying to match your past self; it’s about honoring your current self so you can keep sharing your wisdom and experience with the world.
Redefining Success: Energy Management over Time Management
For women over 65, sustaining success can require a shift in perspective. It can become less about squeezing more hours into the day and more about managing your energy levels.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the labor force participation rate for women aged 65 to 74 is projected to continue growing over the next decade. If you are a senior businesswoman, you are certainly not alone in wanting to stay engaged. But engagement shouldn’t come at the cost of stress and exhaustion.
Start by analyzing your energy levels regarding your work. Which tasks invigorate you, and which ones drain you? Perhaps you love high-level strategy meetings but find deep-dive data entry exhausting now. If you are in a position to delegate tasks, now is the time to bring in more help to lessen the strain on yourself. Your value today lies in your judgment and experience, not necessarily in your ability to execute every small detail.
Prioritizing the Physical Pillars
We often take our bodies for granted until they ask for our attention. After 65, prioritizing physical health is no longer optional; it’s the fuel for your professional life.
Movement as Medicine
You don’t need to train for a marathon (unless you want to!). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that older adults need a mix of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activities. Strength training is particularly crucial for women to maintain bone density and prevent falls. Even brief, consistent sessions can improve your stamina for demanding workdays.
Sleep is Sacred
Changes in sleep patterns are common as we age, but deep sleep is vital for cognitive function and essential for making those sharp business decisions. Try to create and maintain consistent routines and look into possible disruptors like sleep apnea if you are chronically tired, rather than just accepting fatigue or other unusual symptoms as a “normal” part of aging.
The Power of “No” and Setting Boundaries
Many women of this generation were raised to be accommodating, often putting the needs of families and employers before their own. At this stage in your career, “no” is a complete sentence and a necessary tool for wellness.
Setting firm boundaries might look like ending your workday at a specific time or turning down clients or projects that don’t align with your energy levels or values. Additionally, protecting your weekends for genuine rest and connection is what can help recharge you and set you up for tomorrow’s success.
Embracing the Mental Benefits of Work
It is also important to recognize that your work itself can be a source of wellness. Staying professionally active provides mental stimulation, social connection, and a sense of purpose, which are key factors in healthy aging.
Working during older age has been associated with better health outcomes, provided the work environment is positive and not overly stressful. If your current role is causing more stress than fulfillment, it might be time to pivot toward consulting, mentorship, or part-time roles that allow you to stay engaged without the full-time pressure.
Your Legacy Includes Your Well-being
You have worked hard to get where you are in life! Give yourself permission to enjoy it. By prioritizing your wellness, you’re not just being kind to yourself; you are ensuring you have the vitality to continue making a positive impact. Your experience is irreplaceable, but so is your health.
