Four years ago I began publishing a list of the best blogs and websites on retirement and positive aging that I could find on the internet. I started it because I wanted to have a list of sites that I can continually refer to myself, and I thought it would be helpful to others as well. However, I am selective. I know that my time and your time is very valuable, so before I recommend another site, I want to make sure that they offer something I find worthy of our attention. I also tend to avoid sites that are more about making money than helping, are overly technical or financial, or put a focus on fashion, food or politics. Remember, SMART stands for Sustainable, Meaningful, Aware, Rightsized and Thankful. I do my best to suggest sites that I think fit those categories.
So, what I’ve found by looking (and I hope you do too if you look through them) is that there are lots to choose from. Some sites are stuffed full of information about dozens of topics. Others are more singularly focused, personal and thoughtful. But each offers a perspective on what it means to age well and/or retire. I’ll admit that there are likely far more sites out there that I haven’t found (yet)—but for the present time, here is my updated list for 2019.
In case you are wondering, here are my SMART criteria for including a site on this list:
- 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!
While some of the sites on this list were here last year, I’ve added a number of new sites that have caught my eye. Here is this year’s list.
Blogs & Websites For A Positive Retirement
A Satisfying Retirement Offers Bob Lowry’s passionate perspective about living a Retired life with purpose and joy.
Sightings Over Sixty Where Boomer Tom Sightings looks at health, finance, retirement, grown-up children and … how time flies.
Living Richly In Retirement A blog where Barb shares ideas about living and loving life and retirement on a fixed income.
(new) Picture Retirement A blog written by Suzanne and Malcolm where they share what they’ve learned since retiring at age 50 in 2006.
Retirement—Only The Beginning Offers ideas about how to create a fun and financially stable retirement by author Dave Bernard.
Retirement Reflections A blog where Donna shares aspects of her interesting life and what she “wished she knew before she retired.”
Retirement Confidential is a written by Donna Pekar, 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 One woman’s journey (Pat) as she transitions into the next part of her life without a plan in place.
Retirement Wisdom Blog—While this website promotes “Retirement Coaching” they also have an interesting blog that provides thought-provoking articles of interest to anyone before or after retirement.
Baby Boomer Retirement with useful information for ALL retirees and the 10,000 Baby Boomers who turn 65 every day.
Terri LaBonte—Reinventing Myself In Retirement shares thoughts and ideas from a woman who retired from the federal government and began writing about her retirement experiences—much of it with a great sense of humor.
(new) Rebel Retirement Here is another relatively new blog created by a “Rebel Retiree and Yoga Woman- A baby boomer couple who hope to inspire others to live a happy, healthy, productive retirement without worrying about the money.”
(new) 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?
(new) Think Save Retire—(TSR) This site offers a collection of posts from different writers with a focus on financial independence and freedom so you can live a life you design.
Retirementally Challenged A blog written by Janis who shares her passion for photography, travel and other insights into how retirement can be enjoyed and experienced.
Retire In Style is where Barbara share her thoughts on retirement and “out here where the rubber meets the road!”
(new) The Widow Badass is a blog where Deb (the widow) shares thoughts as she prepares for her immediate retirement. I’m looking forward to seeing how it unfolds!
Positive Aging No Matter What Your Age
Senior Planet Celebrates aging by sharing information and resources that support aging with attitude and helps people stay engaged and active by bringing focus to a range of topics.
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.
Next Avenue Where grown-ups keep growing. Their daily content delivers vital ideas, context and perspectives on issues that matter most as we age.
The Third Age—Healthy Living For Women + Their Families Health and wellness site targeted to women 45 and older.
AARP—While AARP (American Association of Retired People) puts a heavy emphasis on joining their membership they also offer a great variety of free articles about all aspects of retirement and aging.
WOW—Women’s Older Wisdom—A conversation started by Pat Taub for older women who are fed up with the ageism and sexism in our culture and are looking for cohorts to affirm their value as an older woman.
Agei.st—A site that celebrates living fast and dying old. Encouraging stories of people who are thinkers, creatives and researchers, dedicated to promoting a better understanding of an emergent 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.
Changing In Aging ChangingAging™ is a pro-age movement from Dr. Bill Thomas that challenges conventional views on aging. They believe aging is a strength, rich in developmental potential and growth.
Growing Bolder—A site that is attempting to “rebrand” growing older by changing the way the world looks at aging by smashing stereotypes and delivering hope, inspiration, and possibility to everyone who continues to age.
Defining Third Age—A blog written by Nancy Dobbins a retired educator who is sharing great information she finds about how to age well and happy–with some great travel advice thrown in there too.
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.
Still The Lucky Few A blog written by Diane Dahli about what made “the greatest” generation unique, why their place in history is so important, and what they still have to offer.
Baby Boomster is written by Rebecca Okowski with a focus on active women over 50 who like to have fun, explore the world, be healthy and want to stay vibrant for as long as possible. One of her goals is to help make the world a better place for future generations.
Squared Away Blog is written by Kimberly Blanton who is a veteran financial and economics reporter. She writes about anything related to financial behavior, psychology and our U.S. money culture as we age.
Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond– A site that aims to help women 50+ embrace life with an ageless attitude!
As I have said many times before, I realize we are all very busy these days. 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. I think all of these websites fit those needs. So, please accept this list as my year-end gift to all my SMART Living 365 readers for 2019.
Please Note: I also provide links to other SMART sites I read and enjoy regularly HERE. Be sure and check these out as well.
Hi Kathy! Thank you for a wonderful New Year surprise! I hadn’t a clue about your list or SmartLiving365 until I Googled myself a few days ago. I’m familiar with a few of the sites, but not many. I plan to visit all of the sites you’ve mentioned, and have bookmarked your page for future reference. I’ve read several of your articles and have enjoyed them very much! Your perspective on life is so relatable! You piqued my interest with James Hollis, hadn’t heard of him, and intend to dive into his videos. Peace and Love!
~Marlene, Yoga Woman
Hi Marlene! Nice to meet you 🙂 And you are welcome for the inclusion because you have a great site and I’m happy to have found you. And yes, I find that many of us have very similar thoughts and perspectives on life (so it’s no surprise to me why I liked your site.) Thanks for stopping by and I hope to hear your thoughts (comments) in the future. ~Kathy
So very helpful sites listed here. Thanks for the great compilation. Glad to see some of my favorite gals/bloggers mentioned.
Happy New Year to you and Thom! Thanks for the list. There are some on it that are new to me and I am looking forward to checking them out.
Jude
Hi Jude! Thank you. Aren’t there so many great websites out in the blogosphere to read, yes! Your’s is great too! I hope you enjoy these and that your NEW YEAR is happy and meaningful in every way. ~Kathy
That’s an impressie list! I do remember you providing your readers with this nice gift every year. Happy New Year to you and Thom. May 2020 bring you good health, good times with Kloe, and a bunch of travel.
Hi Liesbet! Thank you! And one of these days I’m putting your blog on this list too even though you say you aren’t retired and are younger. In some ways you are sort of like Thom and I–semi-retired. That’s because you create work the way you want when you want/need to. And isn’t that freedom wonderful! Happy 2020 to you and may good health, good travel and happiness be part of your coming year. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy, thank you for including Picture Retirement among some very worthwhile blogs. It’s encouraging to know that our positive approach to retirement is coming across in our posts. I have plans to step up frequency in 2020, and I have a ‘guest’ lined up to debut her travel posts at the end of January. Also, Malcolm MAY actually write a post instead of ‘contribute’ this year. I’m very excited about sharing more behind the scenes stuff. Thank you for compiling this list. I tend to use similar criteria for blogs I follow and read many on your list. Will check out the others during my spare time this week. Thanks again for the encouragement. You are the best!
Hi Suzanne! You’re welcome. Always fun to connect with new sites from people walking the path in their own unique way. And I LOVE that you have some “changes” planned to mix things up a bit. I really believe that is important for us all. I look forward to seeing/reading the changes and especially a post from Malcolm! ~Kathy
Thanks so much for including Satisfying Retirement in your list. Your list includes several blogs that are new to me that I can investigate as the new year begins.That is a tremendous present.
Hi Bob! You’re welcome. I actually peruse the list of blogs you have on your website every now and then to make sure I discover new and noteworthy authors myself so I’m surprised I have some new ones you didn’t know about. Thank YOU for all the ongoing good information your provide AND I also appreciate your new direction. Change is good and I hope Betty and your 2020 is fulfilling and good in every way. ~Kathy
Wonderful, Kathy! Thank you for providing me with more bloggers to check out as I venture into retirement myself. I echo your sentiments about spending our time online with positive people. If we are what we eat, we are also what we consume digitally, I am finding. Too much time spent on Twitter only seems to bring me down these days, so I am severely limiting my time on that particular platform, for a start.
Wishing you all the best for 2020!
Deb
Hi Deb! I think I must have had a brain freeze when I didn’t put you on the list to begin with. You are now. And although you haven’t written a post in “nearly” a month, I’m sure you’ve been busy moving and getting ready for your RETIREMENT! Looking forward to the details of how your life goes once you get moved and things are more settled for you. I ALWAYS enjoy your perspective. Happy 2020 and keep writing! ~Kathy
Wow – Thank you Kathy, for the shout-out and the addition to your great list. I’ll try to earn my spot…hehehe!
Yeah, I’ve been kinda silent for December but there will a post coming out later today that will explain why – nothing dramatic, nothing alarming or of great import to anybody but me ?.
Thank you Kathy for the list. As I approach my 60th birthday this coming April, I have been thinking if I am living right…logically I know there is no one way and everyone’s path is unique. However I can learn from other’s perspectives, not compare rather enjoy my journey.
Best wishes in 2020.
Jamie
Hi Jamie! You’re welcome. And I believe you said it very well when you said that although we are all unique and can’t walk anyone’s path but our own–we CAN learn and appreciate one another. May your New Year be wonderful in every way. ~Kathy
Thank you for sharing your list, Kathy. I follow and read some of the blogging sites on your list and I agree how they enrich my life. I look forward to discovering and reading the websites new to me:) Happy New Year to you and Thom! I look forward to connecting in 2020!
I Erica! Here you are! Sorry to hear that things have been challenging lately. I’ve wondered about you and meant to send an email. Thanks for checking in and Happy (and Healthy!) New Year to you and Chuck. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy! I just made my way through your list… there are some blogs that are new to me and I always enjoy your recommendations… so thank you! Also, thank you for including my blog. I am honored to be part of your “positive, uplifting and life-affirming” group. Best wishes to you and Thom for a fun and healthy New Year, full of great adventures!
Hi Janis! I always love your photos no matter where they take you. And I believe they are a reminder that retirement and getting older looks very different to us all–but there are ways to make is special and wonderful. May you and Paul have a Happy & Healthy 2020 and Thom and I look forward to getting together with you once or twice? this year! ~Kathy
Kathy, thank you so much for including me. Maybe 2020 be a good writing year for all of us, Beth
Hi Beth! Yes! I think we both are hoping and praying for a BIG and wonderful change in 2020! May it be a good one for writing, health and living in general. ~Kathy
A great, useful list. Some I know; others are new to me. So I’m going exploring! Thanks!
Hi Tom! I think one of the best things us bloggers can do is to help point out and share each others good work. I know I appreciate your recommendations too so it goes both ways. May 2020 be a great year in every way for you and “B!” ~Kathy
Thank you so much for providing this great and valuable information! There’s a lot out there and am happy to have your recommendations.
Wishing you and Thom a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Hi Susan! You’re welcome. I hope you find some favorites on my list. So many great resources on the web that it’s nice to have some recommendations, isn’t it? Happy & Healthy New Year to you too! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
So honored to find my blog among your selections…reiterating Donna’s sentiments, thank you so much for the thoughtfulness in preparing this list. I too value the criteria that you use and have discovered new websites through your recommendations. I look forward to exploring even more writers on your list.
Happy and Healthy 2020 to you and Thom!
Hi Nancy! I actually love sharing blogs that I read with my readers…but there is always a bit of hesitation about not including others that are also good blogs. That’s why having my criteria helps to rein it in some. And those that I read that don’t quite fit this list I do attempt to keep on my other list of good reading. I suppose I should publish them too rather than just add the link on my side bar??? Hmmm…. Anyway, it is always enjoyable to find other bloggers who offer an interesting perspective on the topic and I always appreciate yours. Happy and healthy 2020 to you too! ~Kathy
Some great sites that I just looked at. Thanks for the suggestions!
Hi Haralee! You’re welcome! And let me know if you start blogging more regularly again. I always appreciate your perspective too. Happy New Year! ~Kathy
What a great list for a great community of readers and writers. It’s an honor to be included!
Hi Donna! I enjoy your blog because you have a unique perspective (of course I guess we all do if you think about it!) So many interesting ways to look at retirement and life. Keep writing and Happy New Year to you and yours! ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – Thank you so much for all of the work and thoughtfulness that you do in preparing this list. I value the criteria that you use. In previous years, I have discovered new websites through your list that I still faithfully read today. I look forward to checking out the websites on this year’s list. Thank you for including me.
Wishing you a Thom a wonderful New Year ahead!
Hi Donna! You’re welcome. It is actually fun to go through the list and search out new ones. I also sometimes need to eliminate some of the older ones who aren’t posting or have stopped for one reason or another. As you know, bloggers come and bloggers go. Most of these on the list have been at it a while. And it helps when your blogger friends help you connect with new ones through the year.
Happy 2020 to you and Richard! ~Kathy