Viva Fifty

I’m currently sick in Madrid and today I had to cancel seeing two of my best friends, whom I’ve thankfully already seen on this trip. (Español más abajo) After coughing all night, my ribs hurting and my chest being on fire, I told them how I was feeling and neither of them thought of saying let’s call it off. Quite the contrary! 😂I really had to make the case for my staying home and resting. One of them offered to come spend time with me and I was like no, that’s not the point. I should not be talking at all and you should not be with me in case you get whatever I have too, lol.Nobody cares if you’re sick here, it’s normal to go out with friends and just live your life unless you have one foot in the grave 💀.I also had to think “what would I do in the US.?” Well, even if I just had a sore throat, I would most likely not go to the gym, to improv or meet with friends. Furthermore, they would definitely not want to hang out with me!The way I am, I immediately thought of making this reel before I go back to bed for the rest of the day. I need to catch a plane on Saturday (hopefully it lands ok!), and take care of myself.If you’re bicultural, can you relate? 😂#bicultural #Spainisdifferent #Spanishculture #sickinSpain #comedy #sarcasm #funreel Estoy enferma en Madrid y hoy tuve que cancelar quedar con dos de mis mejores amigas, a quienes, por suerte, ya había visto en este viaje. Después de toser toda la noche, con las costillas doliéndome y el pecho ardiendo, les conté cómo me sentía y ninguna pensó en decirme "mejor lo dejamos". ¡Al contrario!Tuve que insistir para quedarme en casa y descansar. Una de ellas incluso me ofreció venir a hacerme compañía, y yo en plan: no, eso no es. No debería estar hablando en absoluto, y tú no deberías estar conmigo por si te contagias de lo que sea que tengo, jaja.Aquí a nadie le importa si estás enferma, es normal salir con amigas y seguir con tu vida a menos que estés con un pie en la tumb

I am honestly so grateful that @phildiederich takes care of himself. Taking care of yourself sends a clear message to your partner: it shows you care about them, too. On the other hand, if something happens to you due to neglecting your health, your partner is the one who bears the burden of caring for you when you choose not to take care of yourself. It’s simply not fair. Of course, accidents happen, and illnesses can arise unexpectedly—that’s life. But making an effort to be proactive about our health is an expression of love, or at least I see it that way.As we get older, I find it even more disheartening to hear people say they don’t care about their health or would rather not know if something is wrong. I can’t help but think of how that mindset impacts the people who love them, leaving others to face the consequences of that indifference.I’ve been in relationships where my partner didn’t prioritize their health—in fact, they did the opposite—and it was tough. It’s no fun at all. I stay on top of my own checkups and health routines, yet I know that aging still brings its share of challenges.How do you feel about your partner taking care—or not taking care—of themselves, especially as we grow older?#midlifecouple #midlifehumor #skit #comedy #midlifeinfluencer #healthinfluencer #lifeat60plus #lifeat50plus #grandfluencer #granfluencer

I’ll never forget when another woman said this to me—thirteen years ago, back when I was in my 40s!We were on a press trip (she was the organizer), and out of nowhere, she casually mentioned that she could tell I’d been beautiful when I was young. I was so taken aback that I froze. She kept going on about how graceful and stylish I was, but I was completely stuck on that “you must have been…” line.My Abuelita didn’t like it either whenever people said things like that to her—not in her 80s, 90s, or even in her 100s (she passed just shy of 102 six years ago).So, older women, what would your comeback be? I’m building a list for future use. �And younger women, have you ever said this to someone? What do you think: compliment or insult?PS.- I’m wearing a @clarasunwoo top and sequin jacket both of which I love. Use code LCL for discount!🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸Nunca olvidaré cuando otra mujer me dijo esto —hace trece años, cuando yo estaba en mis 40!Estábamos en un viaje de prensa (ella era la organizadora), y de repente, mencionó casualmente que podía notar que había sido guapa cuando era joven. Me quedé boquiabierta.Siguió hablando de lo elegante y estilosa que era, pero yo seguía atascada en esa frase de “debiste de haber sido…”.A mi abuelita tampoco le gustaba cuando la gente le decía cosas así —ni en sus 80, 90, ni siquiera en sus 100 (falleció poco antes de cumplir 102, hace seis años).Entonces, mujeres de mi edad, ¿cuál sería vuestra respuesta? Estoy creando una lista para usar en el futuro.Y mujeres más jóvenes, ¿alguna vez habéis dicho esto a alguien?¿Qué opináis: cumplido o insulto?PD: Llevo una blusa y una chaqueta de lentejuelas de @clarasunwoo que me encantan. ¡Usad el código LCL para un descuento!#ageismisneverinstyle #thisis61 #skit #sketch #comedy #coupleshumor #proage #proagemovement #clarasunwoostyle #clarasunwoo #weareageist #flyageless #fiftyplusandfabulous #sixtyplusandfabulous

If you’re tempted to say this to an older woman, bite your tongue, trust me. It may sound like a compliment, but most women don’t enjoy this kind of comment. To tell you the truth, I don’t think I looked better when I was younger. I just looked younger. I know my kids love seeing those old pics of me, but to me the photos with smooth plump skin just remind me of how deeply insecure and messed up I was back then.At 61, don’t miss my youth - I don’t even miss being in my 50s. My neck may be sagging, but I am thoroughly enjoying the self-confidence doing life-long work physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually has brought me.Don’t hate on poor @phildiederich - I’m the one scripting these skits, to illustrate a point.�Has anyone ever said this to you? How did you react?Have you said it to someone else? How did the recipient respond?My clothes are all by @clarasunwoo - use code LCL for a discount. Right now they are donating 20% of proceeds to Hurricane relief. (We filmed this the day before evacuating for Hurricane Milton, which put a tree through our roof, amongst other things).#clarasunwoostyle #humor #coupleshumor #lifeat60plus #skit #sketch #ageismisneverinstyle #AgeIsJustANumber #agepositive #proage #proaging

Age is not just a number! If it were, my eyesight wouldn’t be shot (I had 20/20 vision until my late 40’s and now I wear contacts or glasses for everything).If it were just a number I would not have gone through menopause which I did not enjoy. If it were just a number I would not potentially have fewer years ahead of me than behind me …BUT … if I’ve learned one thing, it’s that age is relative!�So the days I get up feeling stiff, or when my fingers hurt (maybe arthritis?), etc, etc. I remind myself that in 10 more years I will think of myself now at 61 as a young person.And THAT alone keeps me grateful and shaking off any feeling of getting old and rusty!To anyone of any age, please please try to enjoy your age NOW.I was “blessed” with elders who complained so much about their age, that I vowed not to do that and so far I have managed to make the best of each and every decade.�What about you?�Clothes by @chicwish #thisis61 #flyageless #artinaging #chichwishstyle #chicwish #over30 #over40 #over50 #over60 #fiftyplusandfabulous #ageismisneverinstyle

When people ask how old I feel, I feel 61—exactly my current age. I don’t feel young, middle-aged, or old; I just feel like I’ve finally become the person I was always meant to be.I don’t feel like time has flown by. I’ve been fully present for every trial and triumph, every win, and every moment of pure joy.In my 61 years, I’ve lived many lives—and I hope there are more to come. I don’t feel like I’m done yet.I’ve worn many hats: book author (18 times and counting), speaker, translator, interpreter, journalist, writer, dancer, fitness instructor, yoga teacher, runner, editor, business owner, daughter, mom, stepmom, sister, wife, digital content creator, and so much more.I’m not done exploring new things, like improv, acting, and sketchwriting—and who knows what else might come.Like everyone, I still have struggles and shortcomings. Life has its ups and downs, and there are days that leave us feeling overwhelmed, with our heads spinning.But it also offers moments of strength and resilience.I can’t stop time from passing, nor do I want to. I choose to lean into it, to learn, and to keep evolving as a human being.How about you?#yogaeverywhere #yogaover50 #yogaover60 #yogateacher #fiftyplusandfabulous #thisis61 #srqlife #ageismisneverinstyle #trinaturk #mujeresmas50 #proage #proaging

Which of us loves birthdays more? Heheh.We’re one year and 3 days apart. This year we celebrated both birthdays on the same night although @phildiederich’s birthday is today! Welcome to your 60s!In our soon 15 years together I’ve been the Master of Ceremonies both for us and for the kids. Phil is as laid back with celebrations as can be, and my celebratory spirit is more than extra.Thanks to my dad @carbonelldelfin I will always put this kind of enthusiasm into a birthday whether it’s just us, or even if I’m alone! Heck, I sang to myself in the car on Sunday on MY birthday!I guess it balances us out, and I think deep down Phil does enjoy my 100% Birthday Joy Level :-DWhen it comes to birthdays, are you all in or all chill like Phil?Happy happy birthday @phildiederich!Tiara by @theeventlady#fiftyplusandfabulous #thisis60 #thisis61 #srqlife #birthdayreel #artinaging #flyageless #ageismisneverinstyle

I've been searching for ways to save time and energy when doing my hair, and heatless curls are the easiest, simplest, and most effective method yet!While I love the results of using a curling wand, it’s a hassle to wake up early just to style my hair when traveling or for content creation. Even at home, there are times when I rush from the gym to an event or an improv class, and I need a quick solution.That's when heatless curls come in handy. Instead of spending 20-30 minutes with a curling wand, I spend just 5 minutes wrapping my hair (I sleep in it or leave the curler in for 4 hours), and then it takes less than a minute to unwrap, tousle, and apply some hairspray.For the past month and a half, I've been trying different curlers. My favorites are the velvet black one, The Sway, by @manelabelhairco (available in my Amazon storefront - link in bio), and the midi curler by @eternalmuse, which is super comfy to sleep in. I'm waiting on the mini for tighter curls, perfect for the humid Florida summer when my hair can go flat quickly.The biggest difference I’ve noticed between heatless and heated waves is that heatless look more natural and beachy, while heated curls are more composed. Sometimes, if I have time, I touch up the front with a wand even after using a heatless method.To wrap my hair, I ensure it’s dry and spritzed with products like Color Fanatic by @Pureology or the new leave-in conditioner spray by @HeyHoney, followed by a light hairspray. Second-day hair curls more effectively than freshly washed hair, and I also use texturizers by @olaplex and @mixedchicshair. Recently, I've tried @colorwowhair Dream Coat for curly hair and liked it. Everything is in my Amazon storefront (link in bio).The more I practice wrapping and unwrapping, the better I get, so don’t lose hope if it doesn’t come out perfect the first time!Have you tried heatless curls yet?#heatlesscurls #manelabel #longhairover50 #longhairover60 #hairblogger #proage #hairinfluencer #wavy

Presbyopia set in for me at 48, prompting me to get progressive lenses with no prescription on the top. This way, I didn't have to constantly hunt for glasses. Already working online and unable to read my phone, I went straight for progressives.When my distance vision also began to deteriorate, my doctor suggested multifocal contacts, so I decided to give them a try. What helped me most in adapting to both progressives (varifocals in other countries) and multifocal contacts was accepting that my eyesight would never be 20/20 again. Once this was out of the way, I knew I had to compromise with each option.The contacts give me more freedom of movement and a wider field of vision. I wear contacts for everything from applying makeup (with the help of a magnifying mirror) to going to the gym. The only downside is needing more light to read with them, so when others pull out their readers at a restaurant, I use my phone flashlight. With multifocal contacts, I sacrifice a bit of clarity either up close or far away. I chose to prioritize close-up vision because of my online work, so if I'm driving long distances or at night, I wear my glasses instead. I am extremely happy with both options and want others to know they don't have to rely solely on readers, especially if, like me, you've experienced general eyesight loss.I've been getting my progressive glasses with @transitions at @visionworks for the past six years and have been ordering my @acuvue moist multifocal contacts from @1800contacts, and I couldn't be happier.How do you manage presbyopia if you already have it?None of this is sponsored btw, just a PSA.#presbyopiaawarenesss #1800contacts #visionworks #presbyopia #thisis60 #fiftyplusandfabulous #eyehealth #midlifeinfluencer #clarasunwoostyle #readingglasses #multifocalcontacts

My filming skills were not top-notch while loopy, but I’m super grateful that my colonoscopy results were all clear—no polyps for the first time! My next one is in five years if everything stays okay.I had my first routine colonoscopy at 50, and other than a polyp or two, I was good for another 10 years. But at 54, I developed symptoms like bloating, pain, and constipation. After visiting several doctors, I was diagnosed with IBS due to parenting anxiety (parenting teens is no joke). The symptoms led me to request another colonoscopy.When I woke up, the GI doctor who will remain nameless said, "Thank goodness we did this, or we’d be having a very different conversation a few months from now." A large, extremely dysplastic polyp embedded in the colon wall required a colon resection.I chose Dr. Wexner at Cleveland Clinic in Weston instead of a general surgeon in Sarasota, FL. He said I might not need surgery, and I didn’t! Several colonoscopies took care of it, and I’m so grateful because I’ve never had major surgery.This latest prep with SUTAB, prescribed by Dr. Murchie in Sarasota, FL, was the best I’ve tried, and propofol RULES, lol—I look forward to that moment before I'm out like it’s Christmas! Comment “video” for a video on making my preps a cleansing and recharging experience. The procedure is easy because, at least in the US, you’re completely out and comfortably so.Colon cancer runs in my family (my dad had it), and it often shows no symptoms until it’s too late. Someone I know missed theirs, and by the time they booked it, the cancer had spread with no symptoms.This is a PSA to schedule your colonoscopy if you’re of age (the US lowered it to 45). Have you had your routine colonoscopy?#coloncancerawareness #colonoscopy #healthawareness #healthblogger #thisis60 #healthinfluencer #medicalscreenings #getyourscreeening #coloncancer #fiftyplusandfabulous #sutab #colonoscopyprep

When I shared my latest MRI experience in stories, a lot of you told me you are claustrophobic and are not getting or are postponing important tests because of this. �I get it! I’m claustrophobic too. That’s why every time I need an MRI, even if the nurse doesn’t ask, I tell them that I am claustrophobic and request either an open MRI machine or one that is designed for larger bodies. I also take something for anxiety, use my meditation and breathing techniques, and avoid opening my eyes during the process.Some people can’t handle it and that’s why there are options. The easiest and least unpleasant option for me is an open MRI, but the larger circumference one is the second best as there is way more space between my face and the top of the MRI device.Sometimes insurance won’t cover it and I have paid out of pocket, putting it all on my @carecredit credit card that I use for medical stuff, including the vet. This is not sponsored, just something I felt called to share because I had no clue that it wasn’t common knowledge. I don’t even know when I became aware of this option, many years ago.Did you know this? I hope it helps - pass it on to anyone putting off this medical test!#claustrophobia #healthblogger #healthover50 #healthover60 #thisis60 #healthawareness #midlifeinfluencer

We booked and paid out of pocket for a snorkeling shore excursion at the SS Sapona Shipwreck in Bimini, Bahamas while on our sponsored cruise with @virginvoyages. The SS Sapona is a few miles away from Bennett’s Harbour in South Bimini. If you're on a Virgin Voyages cruise, there are several excursion options available. One option, the "Sapona Shipwreck Swim and Snorkel" under the Shore Excursions tab, focuses solely on the shipwreck and lasts 2.5 hours.We opted for the "Sapona Shipwreck and Shark Snorkeling" excursion, which lasts 4 hours. I was glad we booked the 1:30 PM slot because the water is warmer than at 10:30 AM (the other available time), there were fewer people, and the light was better for seeing and recording beautiful ocean life underwater.The tour provides fins, a snorkeling mask and tube, water, and a fun boat ride with Captain Alonzo and his crew. More on our swim with sharks in a different reel! :-DThis was my first time snorkeling in a shipwreck at 60! @phildiederich had been there before with his family, who vacation in Bimini often, so he knew what to expect.If you’re not a strong swimmer, you are still encouraged to snorkel. You'll be given a buoy to hold onto, allowing you to safely peek underwater. The crew is always around the snorkelers in case anyone needs help, and we were all drilled on safety signs before jumping into the water.Have you snorkeled in a shipwreck before? Ask me anything about this experience!#sssapona #VirginVoyages #bimini #bahamas #snorkeling #shipwreck #emptynestertravel #Emptynesters #thisis60 #adventuretravel