A Woman's Global Guide to Thriving in Her Encore Years

Remastering Your Encore Years: A Path to Self-Actualization

You have navigated careers, nurtured families, and built legacies. Now, as you step into your encore years, the vibrant chapter from 55 to 70 and onward, it is time to channel that same passion and wisdom toward your own well-being. This is not about slowing down or hitting pause; it is about creating the life you have always dreamt of and living with intention, purpose, and vitality. Albeit, a change of pace can be part of the plan.

Across the globe, from the coasts of Australia to the heart of North America, women are rewriting the script again; now on aging. We are entrepreneurs, mentors, adventurers, and caregivers. This guide is for you, the visionary woman who wants to lead this next phase of life with strength and grace. This blog explores our shared challenges and opportunities, drawing on insights from around the world to help you build a life that truly thrives with a roadmap to self-actualization.

A Global Sisterhood: Our Shared Realities

Women over 55 are a powerful and growing demographic. Yes, we are still "growing". In Australia, women aged 65 and over are one of the fastest-growing population groups. In the UK, nearly one-third of the female workforce is over 50. Meanwhile, in the United States and Canada, women in this age bracket are increasingly influential consumers and community leaders. We are known for the "Power of the Purse".

While our accents and postcodes may differ, we share common ground. We are often balancing our ambitions with significant responsibilities, such as caring for aging parents, supporting grandchildren, and mentoring nieces. We are a rich natural resource. Recognizing these shared experiences is the first step toward navigating them with self-trust at both the personal and global levels.

The Caregiving Juggle: A Universal Challenge

The role of a caregiver is one many of us step into, and as in other roles throughout our lifetime, without a manual. It is an act of love, but it can take a toll on our own health.

• In the UK, 58% of unpaid caregivers are women, with many feeling the strain on their mental and physical health.
• In North America, women bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities. In the USA, around 61% of unpaid caregivers are women, often balancing work, family, and care for aging relatives. Similarly, in Canada, women make up a significant share of caregivers and face challenges that affect their careers, health, and personal well-being.
• In the Southern Hemisphere, across the Tasman Sea, a familiar narrative emerges. In New Zealand, women shoulder the majority of informal caregiving for their loved ones, often balancing this role alongside other demanding responsibilities.

It is easy to let our own needs slip to the bottom of the list. You've heard this before: you cannot pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing your own well-being is not selfish; it is essential for you and for those who depend on you. Setting boundaries, seeking support from family or community services, and scheduling "quality" time for yourself are acts of strength.

Key Takeaway: Your well-being is the foundation for effectively caring for others. Protect it fiercely. Don't jeopardize your well-being. It's a non-negotiable.

Financial Wellness as a Pillar of Health

Our financial health and physical health are deeply intertwined. Stress about money can directly impact our bodies, while unexpected health issues can strain our finances. For women, this connection is particularly important.

On average, women in Western countries live longer than men. This "longevity bonus" means our financial resources need to last longer. Furthermore, due to career breaks for maternity, caregiving, and historical pay gaps, women often reach their 60s and 70s with less savings. In Australia, for example, women retire with significantly less superannuation (retirement savings) than men.

Building Your Financial Resilience for Peace of Mind

Thinking about long-term finances can feel overwhelming, but taking small, proactive steps can create immense peace of mind.

• Conduct a Financial Health Check: Just as you schedule a physical, schedule a meeting with a financial advisor to review your retirement plan. Discuss potential healthcare costs and long-term care options.
• Budget for Wellness: Frame expenses for gym memberships, healthy food, and preventative health screenings as non-negotiable investments in your future.
• Understand Your Pension and Benefits: Whether it's Social Security in the U.S., the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP), the State Pension in the U.K., or Superannuation in Australia, know what you are entitled to and plan accordingly.

Don't leave money on the table. Don't jeopardize what you have built for yourself.

• Invest in Yourself: Consider taking courses or attending workshops to increase your skillset and marketability. This can open up new income opportunities or lead to higher paying roles.
• Explore Passive Income Streams: Look into ways to generate passive income, such as rental properties or investments in stocks, bonds, or real estate investment trusts (REITs). These additional streams of income can provide a safety net during retirement.
• Be Aware of Scams and Fraud: Unfortunately, no matter how wise and diligent, we are often targeted by scammers and fraudsters looking to take advantage of our financial vulnerability. Stay informed about common scams and be cautious when sharing personal information or making financial decisions.

Empowering yourself with financial knowledge reduces anxiety and gives you the freedom to make choices that support a long, healthy, and independent life.

Movement and Mind: Your Tools for Longevity

As our bodies change, our approach to fitness and mental well-being must evolve too. The goal is not to defy aging but to embrace it with strength and vitality. Functional fitness, exercise that supports your daily activities, becomes paramount.

Movement for a Vibrant Life

Staying active is one of the most impactful ways to enhance your health and improve your overall quality of life. It is not about running marathons (unless you want to!). It is about joyful, consistent movement.

• Strength is Stability: Lifting weights or using resistance bands is crucial for maintaining bone density and muscle mass, which helps prevent osteoporosis and falls. Studies show that regular strength training can dramatically improve a woman's quality of life post-menopause.
• Flexibility is Freedom: Activities like yoga and Pilates improve balance, reduce joint stiffness, and calm the nervous system.
• Walking is a Wonder: Never underestimate the power of a daily walk. It boosts cardiovascular health, improves mood, clears the mind, and helps keep our bodies and minds in balance (physically and mentally). In fact, research consistently links daily walking to a longer, healthier life.

Nurturing Your Mind and Spirit

Your mental and emotional health are just as important as your physical condition. The transition from a full-time career or to an empty nest can sometimes feel like a loss of identity. This is your chance to find new sources of purpose.

• Combat Isolation. Build a Healthy Network: Social connection, especially with strong bonds, is a potent health elixir. In the U.K., campaigns to combat loneliness among older adults highlight its serious health risks. Join a book club (inquire about the Encore Book Club), volunteer, mentor younger professionals, or reconnect with friends, young and old.
• Embrace Lifelong Learning: The brain, like any muscle, thrives on exercise. Learning a new skill, a language, or a musical instrument builds new neural pathways and keeps your mind sharp. Bust the outdated myths about our ability to learn. Embrace "It's never too late to learn something new".

Your Journey, Your Story

You have decades of wisdom, resilience, and achievements behind you. Now is the time to apply that expertise to your own well-being. Your encore years are a canvas waiting for you to create your masterpiece. By taking intentional steps to manage your health, finances, and personal growth, you are setting the stage for your most powerful chapter yet.

I invite you to join the conversation. What does thriving look like for you in this new chapter? Share your experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the comments below. Your story could be the inspiration someone else needs to begin their own journey of empowerment.

Ready to design a roadmap for your next chapter? Explore the Executive Encore Network for Women and our Executive Encore programs, designed to support and guide women navigating the complexities of life transitions in their encore years. Let’s build a future filled with vitality and purpose, together.

Call to Action

Ready for more insight on remastering your health and wellness from Lisa Goldberg? Listen to “The Missing Piece for Sustainable Weight Loss for busy, accomplished women in their encore years!" on Executive Encore via Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Check out Lisa's Crack the Code to Stop Emotional Eating workshop. The promo dates are November 28th to December 7th, 2025. Visit Lisa's website to learn about future programs.

Executive Encore subscribers and members of Executive Encore Network for Women receive added bonuses. Subscribe now!    Become a member now!

Next Steps

You don't need to tackle transformation in your Executive Encore alone. Learn about a different and more effective way to take charge of your Executive Encore experience. Learn about consulting and coaching for women-owned businesses to accelerate sustainable growth. Contact me on my website's Contact Page or schedule an Executive Encore: 30-Minute Complimentary Call.

Are you ready to redefine your encore chapter? Join the Executive Encore Network for Women, a community of supportive women prepared to uplift and inspire. Subscribe to the Sunday Encore and register for the next Tour to learn more about the Executive Encore Network for Women membership and community. Together, let’s turn uncertainty into unstoppable momentum and build the Executive Encore movement!