Turning 62: A Personal Reflection on Thriving Beyond 60
Debbie shares a personal reflection on turning 62, healthy aging, hiking, plant based flexitarian living, and the lessons learned while building the Plant Based Flex lifestyle.
March 17th is my birthday, and this year I turn 62.
Every year around my birthday I like to take a moment to reflect. Not just on age, but on the journey. The lessons. The things that changed. The things that stayed the same.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past few years, it’s this:
Growing older doesn’t mean slowing down.
In many ways, it means finally stepping into the life you were meant to build.
Life Looks Different in Your Sixties
When I was younger, I thought life after 60 would look very different.
Society tends to paint a picture of aging that focuses on limitations. But my experience has been the opposite.
Today I’m hiking some of the most beautiful trails in Arizona with my husband. I’m creating recipes, writing, building new projects, experimenting with technology, and sharing everything I learn with this community.
In many ways, I feel more energized and more curious about life now than I did years ago.
That curiosity has led me to explore new ideas, new tools, and new ways of sharing what I’ve learned along the way.
What This Past Year Has Been About
This past year has been incredibly full.
I’ve spent a lot of time building and expanding the things that matter most to me:
• Continuing to grow Plant Based Flex and sharing practical ways to thrive beyond 60 through a mostly plant based flexitarian lifestyle
• Creating and testing new recipes and nutrition ideas focused on energy, digestion, and longevity
• Spending more time hiking and exploring nature here in Arizona
• Writing new guides and resources to help people simplify healthy living
• Learning and experimenting with AI tools and digital creation so I can continue teaching and sharing knowledge in new ways
One of the things I’ve always believed is that learning should never stop, no matter what age you are.
And if I’m being honest, discovering new tools and creative projects has been one of the most exciting parts of this year.
A Few Things I’m Proud Of
Looking back over the past year, there are a few accomplishments that stand out.
Not because they’re flashy, but because they reflect the life I’ve been intentionally building.
I’ve continued publishing and expanding the resources on this site, which now includes hundreds of recipes, guides, and wellness articles focused on healthy aging.
I’ve spent time developing new projects around AI education and digital tools, helping others learn how technology can support creativity, business, and everyday life.
I’ve kept doing the things that keep me grounded and energized:
Hiking. Cooking. Creating. Learning.
And I’ve continued sharing the experiences, experiments, and lessons along the way.
Because that’s really what this site has always been about.
Not perfection.
Just real life learning in progress.
What Thriving Beyond 60 Means to Me
People often ask what I mean when I say “Thrive Beyond 60.”
It’s not about chasing youth.
It’s about staying curious, capable, and engaged with life.
It means taking care of your body with food that fuels you.
It means moving your body in ways that feel good.
It means continuing to learn, create, and explore new ideas.
And it means refusing to let a number define what you’re capable of doing.
Age can bring wisdom, perspective, and clarity that younger versions of ourselves simply didn’t have yet.
In many ways, it’s one of the most empowering stages of life.
Gratitude for This Community
One of the things I’m most grateful for is everyone who reads, follows, and shares the work on this site.
Whether you’ve been here since the early raw food days, or you discovered Plant Based Flex more recently, your support means more than you know.
Every comment, message, and shared recipe reminds me that these ideas are helping people live healthier and more vibrant lives.
And that’s the whole reason I started sharing in the first place.
Looking Ahead
As I step into my 62nd year, I’m excited about what’s ahead.
More recipes.
More learning.
More hikes.
More creative projects.
And more ways to help people flex their plant power and thrive beyond 60.
Life doesn’t stop evolving.
And neither do we.
So here’s to another year of curiosity, health, creativity, and adventure.
And if you’re on this journey with me, I’m grateful to have you here.
— Debbie
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or lifestyle, especially if you have existing conditions or take medication.
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