Getting Started At 60 - Choices And Possibilities

Every time we start a new project, we always ask ourselves the same question: What can we do better and different?"

Ricardo Guadalupe

Life over 60 is like a new project. It is full of possibilities to stay engaged - pushing forward, scaling back, seeking a more meaningful path,starting afresh and even going back to the old! There is a hint of challenges looming ahead, the frisson of apprehension and the realization that we need to tackle life with  passion and enthusiasm. We spoke earlier of how to get started on second chance careers- Click here to read about it.

We also shared a list of resources for second chance careers- Options For Second Chance Careers

Often, we like what we read and if inspired we decide to act on it. But we still don’t know how and where  to get started. Here now is the final push on taking that second chance, owning it and building  a new life that is meaningful and creates value.

Raman spoke to us last week. His mother had retired 15  years ago and was not very computer savvy. They had recently shifted to another city and his mother felt bereft when he and his wife left  for work as they were out for most part of the day. He wanted to know if we could suggest some resources for her. Here is what we found and what you can get started with.

1. Get started to become computer savvy

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These are online sites where you can get started and learn as well as brush up your computer skills. Try Out - Learn Basic Internet Skills | Internet simplified

2. There are Online forums and Chat rooms for seniors to remain connected online.

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You can connect to like minded folks, exchange notes, ideas and stories.These are like Senior Citizen clubs in the comfort of your home. A great resource for those who cannot be up and about. Try Out - Senior Forum | Senior Mag | Seniors Only

3. Spend your time in Third age learning and adding to your skills.

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This is for those who want to do more than just chat and connect online. Learning is a never ending process and the internet is a large classroom. Try Out - Karmayog Organization | 50 Plus Voyagers| Indiamart hobby Clubs | Senior Citizens Distance Learning Course

4. You may want to pursue a passion or hone your creative skills
 

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Products, Services Engagement - Senior World

Instrumental Music - India Parenting

Art Classes - Key Art Classes

Dance Classes - Sangeet Vidhalaya

Photography Workshops - Nikon School

Creative Writing - Stage Creative Writing For Senior Citizens

Yoga and Tai Chi - Youtube

Gardening - Agri Horticulture India , Kitchen Garden

5. There are Advocacy groups for Seniors where you get information on finances, legal matters and support groups.

You may need a support structure and it is perfectly all right to reach out for help. Becoming a member of your local neighbourhood Senior Citizens club or RWA is always a good idea as you can reach out to a readily accessible like minded support group. Here are some helpful sites.
 

Try Out - Helpage India | Dignity Foundation | AISCCON Org | Ashvasan Foundation | IGNOU | Pension Portal | Senior Citizen Associations | Hindustan Times | Legal Aid
 

60 and beyond  can be the most fruitful time of our lives if we make the effort to make it so. Using our experience and continuing the upward learning graph can lead to productive ageing. A richer and more engaged a life is not only fulfilling,it evokes respect and shows others  the way forward. At the end of the day it helps us contribute towards building richer, mentally stronger and more  diverse communities.