As we age, we realize life isn’t about expensive material things. It’s about simple life joys and being grateful for the things that matter to us. We swap buying expensive items for simple things that bring moments of pleasure. We’re mindful of our budgets, choose wisely, and are less materialistic to make life richer.
Senior living isn’t for sissies, so here are a few budget-friendly comforts that my over 60 friends and family have told me they love that enhance their lives. What are the things in your life that bring you joy? Share in the comments.
Effortless Happiness of Eating or Drinking Your Own Personal Treat Without Sharing
Remember when you were at kindergarten level in school, and learned to share things with friends? Well, not today! Sometimes, the simplest pleasures come from having a treat that is yours and yours alone. Maybe it’s an Asian pear, dark rich chocolate, salty snacks, or a sugary pastry to add to your day. I’m always up for chocolate.
Whatever your go-to indulgence is, keep a stash for those moments when you need a little something.
The Simple Life Joys of Free Vitamin D: Go Outside Your Health
I can still hear my mom: “…go outside and get some fresh air…” That advice is still good today.
Take yourself outside and have a walk, run or bike ride. While you’re moving your body, you’ll clear your head, get a dose of free Vitamin D from the sun, and get a boost of energy at the same time.
Who knows, maybe you’ll solve all the world’s problems too! Just don’t forget sunscreen.
Light Your Way for Comfort at Home
Good lighting becomes more vital as we age, especially for those of us with cataracts and night blindness. Lighting doesn’t have to break the budget. It can give you peace of mind from falls in the dark, too. The simple life joy of safety comes first, always.
Buy yourself some inexpensive lighting solutions to make a big difference. Here’s a few ideas:
- String battery-operated fairy lights around a door frame in a dark hallway. They usually stay on for six hours.
- Use dusk to dawn night lights in wall plugs to illuminate your way around your place and prevent falls.
- Install automatic solar-powered garden lights to brighten dark driveways, walkways, and porches. And bring them inside your house at night during power outages.
- Add USB motion sensor lights under your cabinets for better kitchen and bathroom lighting.
- Keep outside porch lights on or use motion detector lights for added safety.
The Simple Life Joys of Relaxation in a Cozy Corner
Create a little sanctuary just for you, whether it’s a favorite chair, a floor cushion with a soft throw blanket, or a sunny window seat. Grab a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of wine, open a good book, and enjoy the peace of your own company. A dedicated space to unwind, reflect, or nap is necessary for a calm mind and to keep the daily stress from getting away from you.
Sometimes I just have a “sit and stare” and allow the moment to relax me before heading back towards the rest of my day.
Prepare Some Food That Brings You Joy
Everyone should have a budget-friendly go-to recipe in their back pocket. This recipe should be so delicious that when you freeze the leftovers, you are excited to reheat it. For me, it’s homemade bread.
Share your favorite budget-friendly recipe in the comments below. Be sure to give credit if you use someone else’s recipe.
The Simple Life Joys of Dressing for Yourself Without Society’s Opinion
Let’s forget about what society thinks is “practical” for women over 60 to wear. If you have clothes that you don’t feel good wearing, donate them! Then wear what you love without apology or worrying about other’s opinions.
And, if you have items that you only wear for special occasions here’s a thought; you woke up this morning, so today IS A SPECIAL OCCASION! Put on that long flow-y (Stevie Nicks style) dress with cowboy boots or your Rolling Stone T-shirt with sweatpants and go shopping for groceries. Life is too short. Dress in clothes that make you happy and you’ll be even more beautiful than you are right now.
Do you have any affordable clothing ideas you’d like to pass along? Visit the comments below and help us out.
Clear Vision: Reading Glasses and Magnifiers Make Life Easier
At some point in our lives, we’re going to need them. The text on everything keeps getting smaller. Affordable reading glasses are easy to find and purchase at pharmacies, big-box stores, and even the Dollar Store.
Sister calls them “cheaters” but whatever you call them, they help you to see the fine print more clearly, they’re fashionable, and necessary. You’ll be more beautiful in your new reading glasses, I promise. Just be sure to check with your eye doctor for the correct strength so you don’t hurt your precious eyes.
Look for small magnifying glass that is the size of a credit card to carry around in your wallet for times when you forget (read: can’t find) your glasses. I still use mine even at home when I need to. The magnifier below has a light and costs about $5.00. Kohl’s isn’t an affiliate of this blog.
Simple Life Joys of Reading: Using E-readers Makes Me Happy
While I love the feel and smell of a physical book, an e-reader adds some valuable simple life perks:
- Adjustable font size to see better while reading. (My favorite feature)
- Lightweight and gentle on arthritic hands. (My second favorite feature)
- An e-reader can hold your own library of books, (thousands), in one small device. (Right now, I have over 600 books)
- It is compatible with library apps like Libby and Hoopla services. You can borrow e-books from your public library without worrying about having to return them in bad weather. Once your borrowing time is up, the library service automatically takes the books back; which means no late fees.
If you’re considering buying an e-reader, ask friends and family or check the interweb for reviews before purchasing. You’re bound to find one that meets your needs and is within your budget.
The Joy of Not Burning the House Down: LED Safe Candles
The warmth and scent of a soft flickering candle can set a cozy mood. But open flames aren’t always ideal. I knew someone who forgot a candle burning while she was at work and came home to a scorched plate. She was lucky she didn’t cause more damage.
LED candles are safe, long-lasting, and available at most retailers, making them budget friendly and safe. These give you that soft flickering glow without being fire hazards, making them a great alternative.
Have you used LED candles? Let us know which ones and what you thought of them in the comments.
https://dollartree.com Look for flameless LED candles at a dollar store near you.
Have Peace of Mind: Use a Check-In System for Solo Seniors
Having a regular check-in system with a friend or relative provides peace of mind for solo seniors. I knew a woman who, along with her sister, checked in every night with each other. They had a system set in place to call on each other. If one of the ladies didn’t answer the phone, her adult children would be alerted. And while they never had to implement their safety plan the lady told me she felt safe knowing she and her sister would check on each other every day.
You could do this too with trusted friend or family member and a well thought out and agreed safety plan.
Whether it’s a quick text or a nightly phone call, knowing someone has your back is a comfort that costs nothing.
Budget-Friendly Plants Adding Simple Life Joys to Your Home
I love flowers in the house all year round; however, I don’t have a green thumb. My sister grows many herbs and other plants all year long and I get to reap the benefits of plants without killing them. 😉
If you don’t have a green thumb either, maybe consider some succulents or buy a small bouquet of fresh flowers for a pop of color. You could buy artificial flowers and plants and not have to worry about watering them.
In what ways do you enjoy incorporating flowers or plants in your home?
Joyful Songs for Better Senior Living: Dance to the Music!
Oh, the wonderful things music can do for us. It can lift our spirits, keep us company when fixing a meal or going outside for some exercise and fresh air, and it can signal to your tired mind and body that it’s time for bed. Whether it’s a fun and loud playlist in the morning, smooth jazz with dinner, or classical songs before bed, play what makes you happy. And maybe sing loudly and dance around, too.
Let music fill your life.
Simple Life Joys: Wrapping It Up
Life doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be fulfilling. It’s the little things like soft lighting or a favorite song that can bring any woman over 60 the simplest joy.
What budget-friendly daily comforts make your life better? Share your ideas in the comments. I’d love to hear from you! Thank you for your time.
Choose kindness for others and yourself
JoAnn
I would appreciate if you read: Gray Hair: Embracing the Beauty You Grow Love Your Silver