Combating Loneliness for Women Over 60: Rediscovering Our Joy By Sheena Nancy Sarles Do you feel lonely? Many of us do, even if we don’t want to admit it. The Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released an advisory illuminating the dangers of loneliness. “It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.” Loneliness is a deeply human experience that can affect anyone, particularly wewomen over 60, as life transitions like retirement, empty nesting, or loss of loved ones can diminish our social connections. Loneliness is the emotional pain of feeling disconnected or isolated, even when surrounded by others. For many, it can feel like an invisible barrier to joy and fulfillment. Yet we can find meaningful ways to combat loneliness and rediscover our purpose and greater happiness. Understanding Loneliness Loneliness is not just about being alone but about lacking meaningful connections. It can manifest both emotionally and physically, leading to feelings of sadness, low energy, or even health issues such as higher blood pressure or weakened immunity. Recognizing loneliness is the first step in addressing it.Sometimes the hardest part is finding the self-motivation to make adjustments. Maybe give yourself one small commitment a week to try something, anything, that makes you feel just a little less lonely. The three keys to building to reduce loneliness: 1. Relationships keep us grounded and bonded to each other. 2. Service, from formal volunteering to informal small acts of kindness, is about helping each other. 3. Purpose gives our life a sense of direction and meaning. Together, these elements form the triad of fulfillment. Practical Ways to Combat Loneliness 1.Reconnect with Interests: Rediscover activities you enjoy or try something new, such as painting, gardening, or learning an instrument. I am taking beginner piano lessons. Engaging in opportunities you enjoy boosts confidence and provides places to meet like-minded people. 2.Join Social Groups: Community centers, book clubs, fitness classes, or religious groups are wonderful places to connect with others who share similar interests. 3.Volunteer: Helping others not only contributes to a sense of purpose but also introduces you to people with compassionate hearts. 4.Leverage Technology: Video calls, online classes, or social media can help you stay in touch with family and friends, or connect with others globally, such as Sixty & Me! 5.Adopt a Pet: Caring for an animal can provide companionship and bring daily joy, Finding Joy Joy can come from gratitude and connection. I start and end each day with three thoughts of gratitude. Start a daily gratitude journal, savor moments in nature, or seek out small pleasures like a favorite book or a warm cup of tea. Remember, building relationships and prioritizing self-care can reignite your sense of purpose and help combat loneliness. Life after 60 can be filled with many vibrant opportunities for connecting with others, embrace them!

Embracing Our Well-Being ~ Movement, Meditation, and Motivation for Women Over 60 By Sheena Nancy Sarles As we age, maintaining our holistic approach to health becomes increasingly vital. For women over 60, integrating movement, meditation, and motivation into our daily routines can lead to many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. These pillars of wellness are essential for enhancing quality of life, promoting longevity, and ensuring a vibrant and fulfilling existence. There is a great deal of information on healthy aging as we ‘boomers’ are meeting the challenges of growing older. We want to live fully and enjoy our blessings. While we know that the are more days behind us than ahead, let’s keep moving forward as best we can. There is no magic elixir for aging, if there were, we would all be drinking it, A LOT! My journey in this fascinating and sometimes challenging chapter has taught me that Movement, Mediation, and Motivation are a lifestyle choice. These are not new concepts, but they are worth repeating in a renewed perspective Movement ~ The Foundation of Physical Health We are in these physical bodies and we need to move. We might not have the energy or the knees to do what we did 20 years ago, but we can still move. It doesn’t matter if you walk five minutes a day or run a marathon, your bones, muscles, heart, and cells are calling you to move, move, move!!! Regular physical activity is crucial for women over 60 to maintain muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular health. As our bodies age, we naturally loses muscle strength and flexibility and have a higher risk for falls and fractures. With regular movement, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, we can meet these age-related changes. Many people have found that their aches and pains may be present, but moving seems to diminish those trouble spots. I do believe that many of our aches are just our bodies telling us that our sedentary choices are not serving us to our highest good. So stroll, walk, run, dance, swim, kayak, bike, practice yoga, or find something (ANYTHING!) that you enjoy and immerse in it as often as you can. Strength and Flexibility: Strength training exercises a few times a week can markedly improve your muscle mass and strength.Weightlifting or resistance band exercises are great choices. Flexibility exercises, such as stretching or yoga, help maintain the range of motion in joints, reducing stiffness and discomfort. Cardiovascular Health: Brisk walking, cycling, or swimming enhance cardiovascular health by improving heart function and circulation. Regular aerobic exercise lowers the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, which are more prevalent in older adults. Mental Well-being: Physical activity is a powerful mood booster. It releases endorphins and oxytocin the body's natural feel-good hormones, which help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Regular movement also promotes better sleep, which is crucial for overall mental health. The very best exercise is the one you will do! Meditation ~ Nurturing the Mind and Spirit Meditation offers amazing benefits for mental and emotional well-being, making it an invaluable practice for women over 60. As life slows down, the mind often remains busy with worries about health, family, and the future. Meditation provides a sanctuary of peace and clarity amidst the noise. So many of us think: I can’t sit still. I have too much to do. My mind is too busy. My favorite is, I tried meditation once and it didn’t do anything for me. That is like going to the gym once and saying I didn't lose five pounds, it doesn’t work for me. Practice is the key! Stress Reduction: One of the most significant benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. Regular meditation practice lowers cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone. This reduction in stress helps decrease the risk of stress-related illnesses, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Cognitive Function: Meditation has been shown to improve cognitive function, enhancing memory, focus, and mental clarity. It encourages the growth of grey matter in the brain, which is associated with processing information and emotions. Cognitive decline is a common concern. Emotional Balance: Meditation cultivates emotional resilience and balance. We observe our thoughts and emotions and witness without judgment, fostering a sense of acceptance and inner peace. This can be particularly empowering for women over 60, as it helps us navigate the emotional challenges that often accompany aging. Meditation takes practice, so start a gentle, short, breath and stillness session today! Motivation ~The Drive to Thrive Motivation is the driving force that propels any of us to achieve our goals and live life to the fullest. For women over 60, staying motivated is essential, although not always easy, for maintaining an active and engaged lifestyle. Goal Setting: Setting small, realistic and achievable goals is a powerful motivator. Whether it's learning a new skill, pursuing a hobby, or committing to a fitness routine, having clear objectives provides direction and purpose. Celebrating small victories along the way reinforces the motivation to keep going. Remember “The Little Red Engine’… I think I can!” Social Connections: Maintaining social connections is a key factor. Participating in group activities, such as fitness classes, book clubs, or volunteering, fosters a sense of community and belonging. Our social network can provide emotional support and encouragement, making it easier to stay committed to personal goals. Positive Attitude: Cultivating a positive mindset is crucial for motivation. Practicing gratitude, appreciation for the even the smallest blessing, focusing on strengths, and embracing a can-do attitude can help overcome challenges and frustrations. A positive outlook not only boosts motivation but also enhances overall happiness and life satisfaction. A gratitude practice I recently cultivated is not only to name what I am grateful but to add the why. I am grateful for my body that can walk with ease because I get to smell the flowers along the way. “The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha In Conclusion ~ For women over (and under!) 60, the combination of movement, meditation, and motivation forms a powerful triad for holistic well-being. Regular physical activity ensures a strong and healthy body, while meditation nurtures the mind and spirit. Motivation drives growth and engagement, fostering a fulfilling and vibrant life. By embracing these practices, women can navigate the challenges of aging with grace, resilience, and joy. “Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” Betty Friedan

DO YOU SHOW SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE DELICATE SKIN AROUND YOUR EYES? BY SHEENA NANCY SARLES MARCH 20, 2024 BEAUTY As we age, we notice how our skin changes in appearance and texture. We can attribute the look and feel of our skin to our lifestyle, our nourishment, our genetics, and our skin care regimen. Wrinkles around the eyes may develop as the skin ages, due to it losing the ability to renew itself. Certain essential oils and products may help to diminish those wrinkles in the eye area. However, whatever product you use, remember to apply it by very, very, very gently dabbing or patting. Never rub, pull, tug, or use anything stronger than a light touch from your middle or fourth finger. Your index finger is just too strong for delicate application. Wrinkle Categories We may have one or more types of creases under and over our eyes, each of which occurs due to a different cause. Dynamic Wrinkles Dynamic wrinkles form from repeated contraction of muscles underneath the skin. They typically develop between the eyebrows and on the forehead. Crow’s feet, which are wrinkles near the outer corners of the eyes, are also an example of dynamic wrinkles. Static Wrinkles Static wrinkles remain visible even when the facial muscles are at rest. They form as a result of exposure to the sun, smoking, and poor nutrition. Wrinkle Folds Another type of wrinkle is the wrinkle fold. This is the age-related sagging of facial structures that usually develop in the grooves between the nose and mouth, but they may also occur underneath the eyes. Prevention Wrinkles are an inevitable part of aging, but people can take steps to prevent them. Home remedies such as placing slices of cucumber on the eyes or applying banana face masks, are popular, but there is no scientific data to support these, although they feel good and can ‘plump’ those areas of delicate skin for a short period of time. Other methods include: Wearing sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day. Avoiding sitting in direct sunlight. Moisturizing gently with organic products every day. Only gently patting the under and over eye area. Quitting smoking, if relevant. Eating a healthful, balanced diet. The Good News The good news is that some studies suggest that polyphenols, chemical compounds found in foods and essential oils, can diminish the appearance of eye wrinkles. The four main categories of polyphenols are: Flavonoids, found in colorful fruits, vegetables, tea, and wine. Phenolic acids, found in the seeds, skins, and leaves of fruits and vegetables. Lignans, found in whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Stilbenes are abundant in peanuts, grapes, and berries. We can all do our own research, experimentation, and applications to see what enhances our particular delicate eye area skin texture. From my own experimentation, I found that combining certain organic essential oils reduces my dry, creased, and loose eye area skin. My Organic Growing Younger Gracefully Eye Serum GYG Organic Eye Serum is a unique formula of: Castor Oil Rich in polyphenols, Castor Oil penetrates the skin and has been shown to stimulate the body’s own production of collagen and elastin. Castor oil is a humectant, meaning it helps the skin hold onto water molecules and helps to sustain hydration over a longer period of time. Grapeseed Oil Grapeseed Oil rejuvenates the skin naturally, nourishing while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles under eye area where dark circles appear. Coconut Oil Coconut Oil carries antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can hydrate the under eye area, reduce inflammation, and potentially lighten dark circles. Almond Oil Almond Oil can help to lighten the dark circles under the eyes and reduce puffiness thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also contains retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin K, which can keep the delicate skin under your eyes smooth without irritating it. These naturally occurring ingredients may also help contract the dilated blood vessels that are causing the discoloration. Avocado Oil Avocado Oilcan help reduce dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles. It can be used morning and evening to reduce the appearance of signs of fatigue or skin sagging. Gently dabbing (never tugging or rubbing) helps to stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, and has a draining effect. Avocado oil is suitable for all skin types. Helichrysum Oil Helichrysum Oil tightens and tones the delicate skin around the eyes, quickly absorbing to remove puffiness, and supports plumping to give your eyes a fresh vibrant look. We have all tried different eye care regimens over the years. Some worked, others didn’t. Whatever you decide to do for your eye area, just remember – always be gentle!

Are Your Eyes Sparkling? The delicate skin around our eyes needs special care and attention As we age, we notice how our skin changes in appearance and texture. We can attribute how our skin looks and feels to our lifestyle, our nourishment, our genetics, and our skin care to our mature skin. Wrinkles under the eye may develop as the skin ages, due to it losing the ability to renew itself. Certain essential oils may help to diminish wrinkles in the eye area. Most importantly when applying anything to your under or over eyes, always use very, very, very gently dabbing or patting. Never rub, pull, tug, or use anything stronger than a light touch from your middle or fourth finger. Your index finger is just too strong for delicate application. Wrinkle Categori es.We may have one or more types of creases under and over our eyes, each of which occurs due to a different cause. Dynamic wrinkl es form from repeated contraction of muscles underneath the skin. Dynamic wrinkles typically develop between the eyebrows and on the forehead. Crow’s feet, which are wrinkles near the outer corners of the eyes, are also an example of dynamic wrinkles. Static wrin kles remain visible even when the facial muscles are at rest from exposure to the sun, smoking, and poor nutrition. Wrinkle folds are the age-related sagging of facial structures that usually develop in the grooves between the nose and mouth, but they may also occur underneath the eyes. Home Remedies such as placing slices of cucumber on the eyes or applying banana face masks, are popular but there is no scientific data to support these, although they feel good and can ‘plump’ those areas of delicate skin for a short period of time. Prevention Wrinkles are an inevitable part of aging, but people can take steps to prevent them. These include: Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day Avoiding sitting in direct sunlight Moisturize gently with organic products everyday Only gently pat the under and over eye area Stop smoking, if relevant Eat a healthful, balanced diet The Good News The good news is that some studies suggest that polyphenols, a chemical compound in foods and essential oils can diminish the appearance of eye wrinkles. Polyphenols are a micronutrient found in many plant-based foods. The four main categories are: Flavonoids found in colorful fruits, vegetables, tea, and wine. Phenolic acids found in the seeds, skins, and leaves of fruits and vegetables. Lignans found in whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Stilbenes are abundant in peanuts, grapes, and berries. We can all do our own research, experimentation, and applications to see what enhances our particular delicate eye area skin texture. From my own experimentation, I found that combining certain organic essential oils reduces my dry, creased, and loose eye area skin. Since necessity is the mother of invention, I created GYG Organic Eye Serum, https://www.growingyoungergracefully.com, with all organic essential oils to diminish lines, reduce puffiness, increase hydration, and bring a vitality to my dull delicate skin that I am eager to share with you. GYG Organic Eye Serum is a unique formula of: Castor Oil, rich in polyphenols, penetrates the skin and has been shown to stimulate the body’s own production of collagen and elastin. Castor oil is a humectant, meaning it helps the skin hold on to water molecules and helps to sustain hydration over a longer period of time Grapeseed Oil rejuvenates naturally, nourishing while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles under eye area where dark circles appear. Coconut Oi l carries antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can hydrate the under-eye area, reduce inflammation, and potentially lighten dark circles. Almond Oil c an help to lighten the dark circles under eyes and reduce puffiness thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Almond oil also contains retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin K, which can keep the delicate skin under your eyes smooth without irritating it. These naturally occurring ingredients may also help contract the dilated blood vessels that are causing the discoloration. Avocado Oil can help reduce dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles It can be used morning and evening to reduce the appearance of signs of fatigue or skin sagging. Gently dabbing (never tugging or rubbing) helps to stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, and has a draining effect. Avocado oil is suitable for all skin types Helichrysum Oil tightens and tones the delicate skin around the eyes, quickly absorbing to remove puffiness and supports plumping to give your eyes a fresh vibrant look. As a woman over 60, solo entrepreneur, and creator of GYG Organic Serums, I am proud to offer GYG Organic Face, Eye, & Body Serums with no chemicals, no preservatives, and no corporate overlords . GYG Organic Serums is just me creating plant-based, clean, organic, handmade, blessed, and made with love. For more information, pleas visit https://www.growingyoungergracefully.com.

Now is the season of warm sunny days, sand in your toes, lots of outdoor fun and.....SUNSCREEN! Here are a few hints to keep you safe from the harmful effects of the sun's rays that can damage the skin on your lovely face and body: First apply GYG Organic Facial Serum and GYG Organic Body Serum as a base so your skin is nourished with organic ingredients and let your sunscreen sit on top, not in your pores. No product is truly “waterproof,” and none protects your skin for more than 40 to 80 minutes. Don’t forget your lips. If you put lipgloss on your lips that does not have sun protection, you’re sizzling them. Always opt for a sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB to protect your skin from ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays, which cause sunburns and skin damage, as well as ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays that increase your risk for skin cancer. Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen. For best protection, apply one ounce of sunscreen to every part of your body exposed to the sun. Invest the time and care in yourself. Reapply, reapply, reapply. That’s paramount! Liberally apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside as your skin can take up to a half-hour to absorb the protection. The best protection is a hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, and shade! To keep your skin protected, nourished, and GLOWing, wear GYG Organic Body Serum under your sunscreen.

Here is my recap of my experience of diagnosis, surgery, and recovery from melanoma.

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We all experience some type of stress, anxiety, and frustration these days. A simple release can come from listening to joyful, peaceful, melodic sounds be it music, sounds of the waves, birds singing, or whatever delights you. The ways that your body reacts to various sounds and vibrations can have an uplifting and calming impact on your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Sound frequencies can slow down the brain waves and bring about a deeply restorative state that activates the body's own self-healing. A few benefits from sounds that heal .... Deep Relaxation Clears emotional blockages Boosts your health Supports mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being LISTEN HERE

Here is fantastic message about ANTI anti-aging from my friend Margaret Manning at Sixty & Me. Margaret appeals to influencers and others to celebrate our aging, not hide just as I do in my book "GROWING YOUNGER GRACEFULLY: Your Guide To Aging with Vitality, Resilience, and Pizzazz." https://www.growingyoungergracefully.com/ Aging doesn't need a 'cure', it is to be honored, cherished, and revered!