The following list of sites (compiled at the end of 2020) 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
A Satisfying Retirement In A Changing World Offers Bob’s passionate perspective about living a Retired life with purpose and joy in our changing world.
Sightings Over Sixty Where Boomer Tom 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 and other insights into how retirement can be enjoyed and experienced.
Retirement Reflections A blog where Donna shares those things that help her create her retirement life, along with ideas about what she “wished she knew before she retired.”
Living Richly In Retirement A blog where Barb shares ideas about living and loving life and retirement on a fixed income.
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 One woman’s journey (Pat) as she transitions into the next part of her life without a plan in place.
Retire In Style Blog Too is where Barbara share her thoughts on retirement and “out here where the rubber meets the road!”
(new) Retirement Voices is a blogsite written by Roxanne and Leslie written with a focus on bringing women together to help other women navigate the financial, social and emotional aspects of retirement.
(new) 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.
(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) Granny Gear comes from Nancy as she initiates conversations about life and travel after retirement.
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.
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.
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.
Baby Boomster is written by Rebecca 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.
Women Living Well After 50 A site that aims to help women 50+ embrace life with an ageless attitude!
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!
(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) Muddling Through Middle Age is written by Ann where she writes about “recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of aging: a stronger sense of self, learning to overcome old fears, ditching at least a few of my bad habits, and most of all, realizing that there is still so much good in the world if we are only willing to look for it.”
(new) No Way Café is a site written by Galen who invites us to join in discussion by bringing our whole selves and awareness to the present moment—pointing out that the “no way” is often the way.
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 of these websites fit those needs. So, please accept this list as my year-end gift to all my SMART Living 365 readers for 2020.
Please Note: I also provide links to other SMART sites I read and enjoy regularly HERE. Be sure and check these out as well.
Kathy, thanks for including Dr Sock Writes Here on your “other” list. Sorry to hear 2021 is off to a tough start.
Jude
Hi Jude. You’re welcome of course…I’ve had you on that list for several years now but I think it is always good to remind my readers of the blogs (and bloggers) I follow. And yeah, so far 2021 hasn’t been good but I am still an optimist and hopeful things will get much, much better. ~Kathy
I stumbled across your blog after seeing a Tweet from Fritz @ Retirement Manifesto. Appreciate the list of retirement resources you provide. My husband and I have a retirement blog and are always interested in gaining new perspectives.
Your site has some great information and I’m so happy I found you. You can bet I’ll be subscribing!! Take care and Happy New Year!!
Hi Debbie! Thanks for stopping by SMART Living. I’m always on the look out for more retirement blogs so I will have to check yours out. Happy New Year and here’s to a great 2021!! ~Kathy
Wow, I am truly honored to be recognized as one of the best retirement Blogs of 2020! Thank you!
Hi Fritz! Oh good…I love surprises and am happy to give them to others. I enjoy your site because you offers such a wide range of topics for us all. Thank you for the work you do. ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy — Thanks for the list, and thanks for including my blog! I’ve really enjoyed your weekly posts this year, ever since I discovered your site about this time last year. It’s exciting (most of the time) to translate private thoughts and experiences into relatable public form, isn’t it?
Hi Nancy! I’ve been enjoying your blog too–so that’s a big reason you’re on the list. I don’t always get around to read everyone’s post (and I’m sure the same goes for all of my readers) but try! I agree that it is rewarding and yes, exciting (most of the time!) to share our insights with the world. But isn’t that the definition of “art” anyway? Just grateful that some people read and find it helpful too. That is always a gift. Here’s to a good 2021 for us all. ~Kathy
Actually, I added four new (to me) blogs to the sidebar based on your list, as well as your very nice award badge at the top.
Hi Bob! GREAT. I’m glad you liked my design this year. Thanks for posting it on your page. Happy New Year! ~Kathy
Thank you for inclusion of my blog and I am also very grateful to you for pointing me in the direction of some other sites I have not previously encountered. I think that means my reading material for the next few days is now sorted.
Hi Caree! You’re welcome. I really appreciate your perspective AND writing so I am happy to include your voice in my list. Like others on my list I know your year has been challenging but you still put out a thoughtful and insightful blog that deserves to be recognized. May 2021 be a more peaceful, content and yes healthier year for us all. ~Kathy
A very heartfelt thank you for including Satisfying Retirement on your list.
There are several blogs I am not familiar with, but will change that right away!
Hi Bob! You are most welcome! I’m happy to do a shoutout for your blog because I read nearly every post and love your insights. But I am surprised that you don’t know every one of the blogs listed here because I routinely look at your sidebar on your blog where you list a lot of blogs (to make sure I’m not missing anyone who really appeals to me.) Thanks for all you do and may you and Betty have a wonderful New Year and may 2021 be a better one for us all. ~Kathy
What a great list, Kathy, and thanks for including my blog. I really appreciate it. I will make sure to follow all of them.
Hi Rebecca! It’s always a difficult choice when it comes to what blogs to include (or not!) because I realize how much effort every one takes…especially to consistently put out ideas and information when going through a year like 2020! (or any year with challenges!!) I also know that they are all different so I’m guessing that some may or may not appeal to you–but I don’t doubt there is something for every one of us in my list. Thanks for all you do and may our 2021 be better in so many ways! ~Kathy
Thank you Kathy for the list. As someone who turned 60 during the pandemic and retired early to provide caregiving to family, I enjoy inspiration from many perspectives.
Wishing you a Happy New Year
Jamie
Hi Jamie! Thanks for checking out my list. And you have a great blog too. It’s really, really hard to decide who to include on my list every year but I so appreciate the time, effort and love that we all put into our blogs. Your input about dementia is so valuable for those who need it and I will definitely be considering you for next year. Meanwhile, my your 2021 be everything you hope for. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy – thanks for your inclusion of CTH on your “other” blogs page – as retirement progresses, I may end up writing more about it – there’s so much to discover in this new phase of life. x
Hi Leanne! Your blog Cresting The Hill was another one besides Liesbet’s that I wrestled with because I do read your’s quite often as well. I always have to make some hard choices just because I don’t want the list to get so long that people don’t take the time to check it out. I’m guessing that next year you’ll be right in the middle of it! Meanwhile I hope my readers take the time to check out your blog too. Happy 2021! ~Kathy
Quite a few I recognize in your list here, Kathy! 🙂 Thank you for including Roaming About in your “Other SMART & Favorite Blogs I Read”! It must have been mentioned there for a while, yet I had never noticed it. Wishing you and Thom a wonderful end of the year and a positive 2021!
Hi Liesbet! Yes I mentally wrestled with whether to add your blog Roaming About to this list but your still a “young” woman so you’re not quite there yet! Haha…still you do have things others will find valuable at any age so I hope people use the link to explore your blog too. ~Kathy
Do you recommend any that a non retired person could pull inspiration from? Or one that offers a more unique perspective?
Hi Mary! Tough question because I believe all of these blogs offer something unique that is pretty individual. Some I read every single post because I just love either their writing, their photos or their take on things. Others I pick and choose when I see a topic I like. Some are more introspective. Some more “action” oriented. Ultimately they are all “inspiring” in their own ways but for different reasons. That’s why I can’t just pick one. If you have the time I would invite you to check out each one….read at least 2 or 3 posts and see who resonates with you. And then to confuse you even further, I have another list of blogs that I enjoy that don’t quite fit the “retirement” or positive aging theme at: Other favorite Blogs I Read Have fun! ~Kathy
Kathy, Thanks for including me! I’m off to explore a couple of new blogs now as well.
Hi Pat! I am actually in awe of all the energy you put into being retired in a way that works for you. I always thought of myself as a planner until I started reading your blog. While I know that not everyone approaches this phase in the same way–for those that do you are a standout! ~Kathy
Thanks so much for including my website Women Living Well After 50. I’m honored to be included with these inspiring women. Best wishes for 2021 xx
Hi Sue! You’re welcome. You have a great site and it is a benefit to women all around the world. Thanks for the work you do. ~Kathy
I always enjoy your annual blog recommendations… and thank you so much for including mine! I will check out the new (to me) blogs on your list as I always find new ones to follow. We get to choose how to spend our time and, I agree with you, why not surround ourselves (even virtually) with those who are positive, uplifting, and life-affirming?
Hi Janis! I know we all have our personal favorites but I do my best to search around and provide ones that offer unique and helpful voices to getting older AND retirement. And yes, I count you in ALL those categories. And your photos are always good too! ~Kathy
What a nice surprise! Thank you so much.
Hi Donna. No surprise really. You have a great blog with a unique perspective that others can benefit from! ~Kathy
Kathy, thanks for including us again this year. After 15 years of retirement, we are still learning. I am looking forward to checking out some of your new recommendations. All the best for 2021.
Hi Suzanne! I know you’ve had a pretty busy year but I enjoy your photos about travel AND life and always look forward to what will happen next. Keep writing! ~Kathy
Thanks so much for including my blog in your list. I’m honored! I’m familiar with several of the excellent blogs on your list and I look forward to checking out some others.
Hi Galen. You are welcome. I’ve followed you on and off for a while and realized I wanted you on my list. Every one of them offers a little different twist but I love yours for sure. ~Kathy
Thank you very much for the shout-out, Kathy!
I could argue that I don’t deserve to be in such esteemed company, but that would be rude. ?
Thank you for including me with such notable bloggers, including yourself!
Deb
Hi Deb! And you are NEVER rude…hahaha…I enjoy your photos, your thoughts and yes your often irreverent humor. Something we all need these days. ~Kathy
HI, Kathy – Each December, I look forward to this list coming out. Several blogs that I regularly follow I first discovered here. I love that this list is always fresh with new entries. I am off to check out many of them right now.
PS – Check my updated sidebar!
Hi Donna! I always have choices to make because there are TONS of good blogs in the blogosphere so I can’t list them all. But I enjoy your perspective, your photos and you thoughts on so much so of course you are included. And thank you for linking my “award badge” to your page. I am happy to recognize good blogs. ~Kathy
Kathy, thanks so much for including Retirement Voices in this great roundup–there are so many terrific resources out there! Leslie and I are grateful for your recognition.
Hi Roxanne! You and Leslie have a great blog and soon to be published book right? Happy to share the word. ~Kathy
Thanks, Kathy! We’re still working on finding a literary agent for the book; fingers crossed that it’ll happen in 2021…
haha…we ALL have our fingers crossed for various reasons don’t we? YES to them all!
Hi Kathy! I second Roxanne’s thanks for including Retirement Voices on your list. Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Hi Leslie! Thanks for stopping by! And I appreciate what you and Roxanne are creating. Looking forward to where it goes in 2021! Happy New Year to you too! ~Kathy
Thanks for including my blog . . . and some others that are new to me that I will definitely check out. Here’s to a Positive 2021!
Hi Tom! You are very welcome. You know I read your blog regularly and enjoy your thoughts on things. Thanks for all you do. ~Kathy