When you hit the half-century mark, did you begin to think differently about certain topics?
Did you also begin to worry about retirement and paying off any remaining debt?
How about ways to look good and stay in shape?
Well, you are not alone. This is a time in history when people are living longer, but it is still the information era. So, it shouldn’t be any surprise that over the past few years, websites for those over 50 have increased and spread throughout the Internet with boomers browsing them on their laptops, phones, tablets, and sometimes even PCs (yes, they are still around for some of us).
Now, please understand that while most of these sites are age specific, there are a few that are not, but given the topic, it wouldn’t hurt to bookmark these sites or at least know about them. If you are like me, you’ll be checking back often enough. It is almost embarrassing how often I check two of them.
Well, Then What Are These 15 Websites?
They are listed below in alphabetical order.
AARP – This site known as the American Association of Retired People or just AARP is basically the “granddaddy” (no pun intended) of all sites when it comes to websites for those over 50. A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that was founded in 1958 by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired high school principal in Ojai, California. Dr. Andrus’ goal was to make the organization as a way to help people age and find resources.
The AARP actually evolved from the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA). Today the AARP offers its members ($16 a year for a single person or a married couple) discounts on insurance, hotels, restaurants, cell phone service, and a host of other benefits.
BetterAfter50 – This is an online magazine for women who are over 50 and are both excited and scared about what is coming next. It is an online magazine that helps women not only embrace who they are, but what all they can still do with their lives. Whether it is setting a new goal, reinventing a career, rekindling an old romance, redefining roles and relationships, traveling with purpose, finding new purpose or setting out on a totally new adventure—these are all true stories of women who have done it.
Also, there are truly inspiring stories on the site about women giving back. There is plenty of good humor available and the enjoyable writings of web influencer, Felice Shapiro, who founded the website in 2013.
Boomer Places – This blog has just about everything for 50 and older. It is broken down by state then goes into detail about places to eat, shop, and just have fun at. It even has a Boomer Cafe concept where you can share ideas.
DisneyOver50 – See article – This website sets out prove that loving Disney has no age limit. Founded by Paula Brown Kennedy, the site helps those over 50 find less expensive entertainment as well as navigate the activities and parks. The site came about when her sister wanted to come to Disney with the kids and grandkids, but knew very little about Disney and began asking her questions.
Paula soon realized if the information helped her sister it could help others too. She also has a book, Dining at Walt Disney World: The Definitive Guide, which is available through Amazon. The site can also really be used by those not over 50, since as the site’s tagline says, “Because there is no age limit on loving Disney.”
Hot and Flashy – When Angie Wright turned 50 she became frustrated with the lack of makeup tips for women in her new age bracket. She also wanted to maintain her skin for as long as she could, so she started Hot&Flashy as a way to help herself and other women as her tagline says, “Maintain a Little Hotness in Their Hot-Flash Years”.
She has her own YouTube Channel with makeup videos to downplay those wrinkles or raise those “hooded” eyelids. Featured in Woman’s Day magazine in 2018, she now has her own Amazon store of recommended beauty products as well as tips and videos on exercising and eating healthy.
LivingBetter50 – This is a website for women over 50 who have “spirit” and want to continue in their Christian faith as well as the second half of their lives. Founded in March 2011 by Carol L. Doyel, the online magazine and blog seeks to cover everything woman from beauty to business.
Midlife Boulevard – This is an online publication which publishes approximately 20 posts a week geared towards women over 40. Anne Parrish strives to offer a wide range of original curated content from hundreds of writers on life, style, health, travel, technology, entertainment, and blogging—all for women over 40. There are also a lot of good recipes for gluten-free and vegan cooking.
Next Avenue – This is a news site for those over 50 whose motto is, “where grownups keep growing.” The news is curated daily for those over 50 with an ongoing emphasis on topics that matter to baby boomers such as health for their age bracket, money and policy, work and purpose, caregiving and technology.
The writers are a team of journalists and experts in their field who strive to bring the best news to those over 50. Next Avenue is part of the Twin Cities PBS network with tips for finding a job, starting a business or even starting a new career.
Our Time – This is probably the most well-known website for dating after 50. There are chat rooms and profiles to browse. DatingScout gave it a review of 4 out of 5 stars. You can certainly read the review for yourself. The site was released by People Media in 2011. It is a part of both SeniorPeopleMeet and SeniorsMeet, and when people join they will be part of both of these sites working together.
Real Self – While Real Self is not specifically for people over 50, it is a place to come and find a board-certified cosmetic surgeon in your area. Anything from tummy tucks for that “menopot” (belly fat after menopause) to face lifts to hooded eyes desperately needing a lift (blepharoplasty). Learn about the procedure you are planning on having, the risks involved, the procedure itself, the cost, and a surgeon in your area.
If you are hesitant, you may sign up for email updates on your desired procedure and read about individuals bold enough to talk about their procedures and surgeon—good and bad—and leave a review. Many readers even share the before and after pictures along with how they looked coming right out of surgery—scars and all.
Red Hat Society – While many have heard of this site, it is just a fun site for women 50 and older to get together and just have fun. Members 50 and older wear a red hat that they have selected for themselves as well as younger members 40 to 50 wear a pink hat.
It is really just a time to get out of the house and forget about being a wife, mother, grandmother, employee, etc. and just concentrate on yourself and your peers while having fun. Sometimes just plain silly fun! It is an international society where Red Hatters and Pink Hatters find a local chapter near them and join.
Retired Brains – This is a website for both retirement advice and retirement jobs. Retirement here is not just about money, but about the quality of life as well as personal growth and fulfillment.
There are many work-from-home jobs and freelance jobs that are sure to be a fit for those wishing to supplement their retirement income and keep their minds active. Founded in 2003, it also offers advice on those wishing to be their own boss—no matter how old they are!
Stitch – This is a social network for those 50 and older who want to find friends, romance, and activities to try. Most of the members are satisfied with family, finances, and career but want to be part of a community of peers. Marcie Rogo founded this worldwide network, and Stitch is the winner of the TC Radio Pitch-Off contest 2015. Stitch is headquartered in Australia, but spanning several continents with a $60 a year membership.
Viva Fifty – This is a bilingual community that celebrates turning 50 and beyond. Published by Lorraine C. Landish in both English and Spanish, Viva Fifty celebrates not only the age itself but the mind and wisdom, grace, books, and culture. Emphasis is also on empowerment after a crisis by those who have lived through the same situation.
Workforce50 – This is a job site for those over 50 broken down by state. There are traditional jobs as well as freelance jobs. There are jobs in all industries as well as tips for your resume. Each company has signed an agreement not to discriminate based on age no matter what the job is. Workforce50 was first introduced in 2007 at the Boston Convention during an AARP convention.
What Do All of These Websites Have to Do With Your Own Work/Life Reinvention?
Because part of what you want to be when you grow up and retire is about having a good idea about what you want your life to look like in the second half. Once you have decided that then you can go to work on designing your work out around that. So before we really can get to work on that freelance career, gig or side hustle or income stream, we need to be armed with information. Not a lot of information, but just knowing where to look as we begin this journey.
Also, many of these websites will also help us decide how we want to not only reinvent our life and work after 50, but also how we want to look, feel, relate, serve, and just enjoy ourselves. The more ideas you have, the more you will begin to see which ones are a fit for you. Just remember to stop when you go into information overload.
My Coaching Two Cents Worth
Knowing what you want your life and leisure to look like will definitely point you to an independent livelihood. A livelihood where you create work that is in alignment with your interests, passions, and deep desires. A livelihood that will allow you to live and work like no one else can.
Best of luck! Enjoy them!
