Living with Purpose at 80 | Peg Doyle on Lifelong Wellness

In following Herself360 for some time, it’s clear we each have a story to tell. Thank you, Cathie Briggette, for offering me a chance to share mine.

I am from the first official year of the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), so if you do the math, you’ll see that I am turning 80 in February.  It’s a stunning reality and so different from what I expected 80 to look and feel like.  Many surprises come with this big number.

I’d say the biggest surprise is the freedom to engage in the world of work and to follow one’s passion without regard to age. Sadly, in years past, older women felt invisible, irrelevant, and not sought out for their ideas, perspectives, and wisdom.  But today, by sheer numbers, we are a large enough cohort for people to listen to us, even seek us out. I’m frequently invited to give my signature talk on the 5 Pillars of Lifelong Wellness at various organizations and through corporate wellness workshops.

A pivotal moment came for me at age 50. My doctor uncovered some typical midlife health issues and prescribed treatment for each. Instead of filling those prescriptions, I looked at my food and lifestyle and realized I needed to make some changes.  Today, as I approach age 80, I love to cook and eat simple meals. I am medication-free and work to stay that way. As for lifestyle

I sought happiness instead of muddling along in an unfulfilling but well-paying job. I made a major career change,  immersing myself in the world of wellness as a solo practitioner. It was a calling, a need to help myself and other women feel better about themselves and their relationship with food and lifestyle. I saw how very important self-care is, not only in preventing illness but also in giving women time to develop and grow. I learned how delicious it is to never dread going to work.  The work I do is a blessing, bringing deep connection with so many wonderful women. It also gives me time with family, enjoying my 6 grandchildren and their parents. 

This post may be the last time I focus on my age.  One friend told me years ago that I have no idea how old I am.  I kind of like that.  I prefer to put my focus on more important things. The years ahead must be used wisely, as there are fewer ahead than there are behind.  I want to keep my focus on living life with love, compassion, and pursuing my interests. In being a good listener and a good companion to my husband of 6 years,

If I can say only one thing, it is to say,  don’t wait to be happy.  Seek out what makes you happy and build that into every day of your life. When you do that, you will find the hard things that inevitably come along will pack less punch.  Let happiness be your anchor. Find it inside yourself.  

Peg Doyle is founder of Wellness and You, situated in Westwood, MA. She speaks, writes and coaches women of all ages on the importance of lifelong wellness. Author of two books, Food Becomes You and Joyful Old Dames. Visit website wellnessandyou.com for contact information.