The following list of sites (compiled at the end of 2021) are the best on the web that share information and personal insights about positive aging and retirement. Besides offering current and interesting news on an ongoing basis, most offer glimpses into the life of those living these experiences. While these are certainly not all the sites you can find on these topics, they are personal favorites that I believe are noteworthy, informative and often fun to read. Thank you to each of the authors and creators who put in the time and effort to provide such helpful ideas and information to all of us throughout the year.
What are my SMART criteria? I have attempted to focus on sites that:
- Share thoughts that I personally believe engage, inspire, or encourage us as we age and/or retire.
- Puts the perspective on the benefits, latest research, good news, and opportunities surrounding aging and retirement.
- Offer a distinctive perspective on living, saving and/or traveling as we age.
- Aren’t overly technical or financial—and instead shines the light on the mental, physical, emotional and sometimes spiritual evolution of aging.
- Avoids commercialism along with annoying ads or lots of self-promotion.
- Regularly and consistently adds content (If a blog hasn’t posted anything in a month or more—it won’t be on this list.)
- Avoid sites that focus on fashion, food or politics!
Blogs & Websites for A Positive Retirement
My Satisfying Retirement. Bob Lowry regularly shares content that raises questions and provides answers about life, retirement and aging while he does his best to “make the most of today and what is still to come.”
Sightings Over Sixty Where Boomer Tom Sightings offers his insights as he looks at health, finance, retirement, grown-up children and how time flies.
Retirementally Challenged A blog written by Janis who shares her passion for photography, travel, relationships, gratitude and whatever else pops into her head (even, sometimes, issues surrounding retirement and aging).
Retirement Reflections Donna retired in 2015. To document this transition, Retirement Reflections was born. Over six years later, Donna retains her focus on new discoveries, healthy living and gratitude.
Picture Retirement A blog written by Suzanne and Malcolm where they share what they’ve learned since retiring at age 50 in 2006.
Retirement Confidential is a written by Donna, writer and speaker, who is a two-time cancer survivor in hot pursuit of a long, healthy and happy life.
U.S. News On Retirement provides planning ideas and advice from a number of personal finance and lifestyle bloggers.
A Retirement Blog by Caree Risover Caree is from the U.K. and writes about retirement—from planning to implementation to the eventual enjoyment.
Retirement Transition Follow Pat’s journey as she transitions into retirement while envisioning and implementing life’s next stage.
Retirement Manifesto is a blog founded by Fritz with a heavy emphasis on finances but also offering articles that provide a meaningful voice to the retirement journey.
Living Richly In Retirement A blog where Barb shares ideas about living and loving life and retirement on a fixed income.
(new) I’m Retired—Adventures of a Simpler Life comes from Cynthia who lives in South Carolina and shares the adventures, actions and photos of her retired life.
(new) And We Plant. This blog is where Amanda and Darrel share their stories, adventures, and interests as we go about their 60+ living. Along with aging comes hindsight, the regret of past mistakes, and missed opportunities. They have decided while they can, to live intentionally, enjoy where they are right now, and to stay positive.
(new) Retires Great A Blog/website where Debbie and Shannon focus on helping everyone achieve a retirement (and life) filled with passion and purpose.
(new) Annie’s Journey Is a site where Annie’s path is one of the mind and time rather than miles. Her content is an attempt to take over the challenge her job previously provided her brain. She loves science, gardening, nature, art, spirituality, books, music, my family, and my friends. No topic is off limits!
(new) Cresting the Hill Follow Leanne’s (early) retirement journey. This is a great place to find inspiration, toss out Midlife crisis and replace it with Midlife contentment and connection.
(new) A Retirement Blog –The Summer House Years A blog and podcast where Peter explores the psychology of retirement and finding a new identity while maintaining my self-esteem.
(new) Raven & Chickadee Laurel and Eric share stories about their active life in Florida and take us along as they explore the backroads of North America.
Positive Aging No Matter What Your Age
Blue Zones The Blue Zones Story is a website devoted to sharing insights into ways we can all stay healthy, happy and active as we age.
Boomer Café Now in its 20th year, Boomer Café is the original digital magazine (ezine) for baby boomers with active lifestyles and youthful spirits.
Sixty and Me Produced to empower and motivate women to find their own voice and value in a transitional time of life that offers so much new opportunity.
Boomer Highway According to Beth life is like a buzzing highway: adult children, grandchildren, aging parents–your own age. How can we slow it down and keep it safe on that highway?
The Widow Badass is a blog where Deb (the widow) shares thoughts and activities as a newly retired woman. You never know what she will do next!
Galen Pearl is a site written by Galen who is a Spiritual director, guide, teacher and student, martial artist, writer, explorer of the Dao De Jing and other wisdom teachings, embracer of life’s mystery —who along the way points out that the “no way” is often the way.
(new) Life Lived Forward features a variety of guest authors who do their best to inspire us to live our best life—no matter what our age!
(new) So What? Now What? Christie is a self-professed goal setting, list making, self-improvement addict. Her blog is her way of (publicly) sorting out the answer to the question ‘What Now?” Her mission is: live, laugh, learn and love.
(new) Muddling Through Middle Age Author Anne Coleman writes about the changes and issues found in middle age along with learning to recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of aging.
(new) Deb’s World A blog about midlife, travel, adventure – and all things in between. Enthusiastic, energetic and always seeing the positive, Deb’s goal with her blog is to make readers smile, inspire each other and connect.
We all have many choices about what we do with our time. But if we are going to be reading or staring at any “screen” then let’s be reading things that are positive, uplifting and life-affirming–especially when it comes to getting older or living in retirement. I think all these websites fit those needs. So, please accept this list as my year-end gift to all my SMART Living 365 readers for 2021.
Please Note: I also provide links to other SMART sites I read and enjoy regularly HERE. Be sure and check these out as well.