Let me introduce you to a movement method that is not only gentle on your joints and muscles, but also supports better breathing, circulation and metabolism while calming your mind and soothing your spirit. Sound too good to be true? This 1000-year-old “moving meditation” is practiced by millions of people around the world today.

It’s the ancient art of Qigong.

Pronounced “chee-gung” and sometimes written as Chi Gong, Qigong is rooted in East Asian culture and medicine. This holistic health practice is composed of simple postures, nasal breathing, focused awareness and deep relaxation techniques.

Qigong is easier to learn than Tai Chi, yet provides many of the same sought-after benefits.

How to Cultivate Qi – “Life Force Energy”

More than 20 years ago, I learned from Grandmaster Huang Chien-Liang that at the beginning Qigong is simple. His first instruction was just to “breathe in and breathe out” as we moved through the postures. Slowly he added details, “Breathe in and out through the nose.”

Nasal breathing filters and warms air as it enters the body, in addition to helping to increase circulation and decrease stress. Next, Grandmaster explained that Qi enters the body through the inhaled breath. While exhaling, Qi moves throughout the body, increasing health and vitality.

Now, as a Qigong and Tai Chi instructor with decades of practice and teaching, I observe a wide range of benefits in myself and my students. They say they feel “energized,” “relaxed,” “centered,” “balanced,” and “stronger” with regular practice.

While you can find videos of popular Qigong forms such as the Ba Duan Jin, learning is enhanced and nuances of the practice revealed when you are guided by a qualified teacher, whether in-person or online.

Although Qigong is gentle enough for most people of all ages, body types and health conditions, as with any exercise program, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before you begin.

Health Benefits Confirmed by Scientific Studies

In 2017, Harvard Medical School published “An Introduction to Tai Chi,” which surveyed more than 500 scientific studies of Qigong and Tai Chi.

This research was conducted on healthy people whose goals were to stay balanced, mobile and strong as they aged as well as people with conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and osteoporosis.

94.1% of studies found positive effects such as:

• better balance,
• fewer falls,
• fewer injuries from falling,
• decreased fear of falling,
• less muscle and joint pain,
• stronger bones,
• better posture,
• more flexibility,
• greater range of motion,
• better circulation,
• better proprioception,
• better breathing,
• clearer thinking and focus,
• less stress and anxiety and
• uplifted spirits.

These benefits were observed when people practiced Qigong or Tai Chi one to two hours per week for 8-12 weeks.

A Holistic Exercise Gentle Enough for Cancer Survivors

As Head Tai Chi Instructor at a martial arts school in northern California, I was asked to teach a weekly Qigong class for cancer survivors. The school director pointed me to clinical studies showing that participation in Qigong and Tai Chi had a positive influence on quality of life and psychological health for cancer survivors in Randomized Control Trials.

Prior research showed that regular physical activity was associated with a reduced risk of developing cancer. And, also, a reduction in the risk of recurrence of breast, prostate and colorectal cancer and improvement of long term survival.

Yet, during and after completion of treatment, survivors often experience debilitating fatigue that is a barrier to participation in physical activity, even though studies show that engaging in light intensity physical activity reduces fatigue.

It’s a conundrum, and yet many health professionals such as Susan Yaguda, RN, MSN, recommend holistic health practices for cancer survivors. “Tai Chi and Qi Gong are ancient forms of exercise that fit the bill for helping patients with cancer get moving and improve their overall sense of wellbeing.”

Our Friday afternoon Qigong sessions at the school were attended by survivors of all ages dealing with many types of cancer. Some were still in treatment and others had achieved remission. They practiced standing or seated and sometimes alternated between the two.

Although we didn’t study our participants in a clinical way, the anecdotal evidence became clear. Here are two testimonials from survivors:

“I believe that because of the deep breathing and body strengthening aspects of the practice, I recovered faster each time I received a treatment. I felt I slept better than I would have because I was getting exercise.”

“During recovery from surgery I would lay in my hospital bed and breathe while imagining doing the form. This helped me relax and exercise my breath in a body forever changed.”

Many found relief from ‘chemo brain,’ the neuropsychological difficulties following cancer treatment, such as lack of concentration and short-term memory loss. Survivors told us they were energized by moving together with a group of people who understood and appreciated the complex nature of their healing journeys.

Qigong Supports Healthy Aging for Body, Mind and Spirit

Qigong is the holistic practice of cultivating Qi, the “universal life force energy.” Qigong is a physical exercise and so much more. Modern Qi master Dr. Roger Jahnke explains that this energy is “free and everyone has direct access to it through simple methods that are easy to learn and practice. Qi can be cultivated purposefully to resolve any challenge or enhance any function.”

As you strengthen your body by practicing Qigong, you will learn to connect with a deep sense of wellbeing in each breath and every movement.

As shown through modern research, the ancient art of Qigong has been proved as an effective support for health and longevity. Just look at that long list of benefits above!

With practice, anyone can enjoy what Dr. Jahnke describes in his book, The Healing Promise of Qi: Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi.

“Exploring Qi and Qigong is like opening a marvelous Chinese puzzle box – boxes within boxes, secrets within secrets. Think of yourself as just having reached a gateway where, only a moment ago, no gate was visible. According to Chinese tradition, if you open this gate and enter the realm of Qigong – with sincerity – a multitude of practical benefits will be yours.”

Let’s Have a Conversation:

In what ways have you embraced movement as part of your healing process after illness, injury or major life changes? Have you been searching for a daily mindfulness practice for reducing stress and increasing vitality?

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For decades, beautifully maintained nails have been considered an essential part of a woman’s overall appearance. From classic red polish to elaborate acrylic enhancements, nail trends have evolved alongside fashion, beauty, and cultural expectations. Yet today, a different movement is quietly gaining momentum among women over 60: the return to natural, healthy, bare nails.

Far from appearing unfinished or neglected, bare nails are increasingly being viewed as sophisticated, elegant, and even luxurious. What was once considered a simple, understated look has become a powerful statement about wellness, confidence, and personal style.

As beauty standards continue to evolve, many women are discovering that natural nails offer something acrylics and elaborate nail enhancements often cannot – freedom, authenticity, and a renewed focus on health.

When Simplicity Becomes Sophisticated

The perception of bare nails as chic and aspirational is not a new phenomenon. In fact, women who frequented luxury resorts, spas, and high-end salons have long embraced the clean, polished appearance of natural nails, soft color selections of a French manicure, soft pastel colors that enhance the wardrobe and natural nails. 

Throughout the early 2000s, many affluent and professional women intentionally chose natural nail services over dramatic enhancements. Their preference wasn’t based on trends but on a timeless appreciation for elegance and refinement. A healthy, well-maintained natural nail has always communicated confidence and attention to detail.

Today, what was once a subtle preference among sophisticated women has become a broader beauty movement. The modern bare nail is not about neglect or lack of effort. Instead, it represents intentional beauty – choosing health, simplicity, and quality over excess.

For many women over 60, this approach feels especially appealing. After years of following changing beauty trends, many are finding comfort and confidence in embracing a look that feels authentic rather than performative.

How Beauty Maintenance Has Changed

Beauty maintenance today looks very different than it did 20 years ago. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, have helped reshape beauty culture by embracing bold self-expression through nail art, vibrant colors, intricate designs, and creative aesthetics.

Social media has further accelerated this shift, turning nails into miniature canvases for personal expression. Nail technicians now create elaborate designs that often rival works of art.

While these trends continue to thrive, many mature women are choosing a different path.

Women over 60 often prioritize beauty practices that align with their lifestyle, comfort, and values. Rather than viewing beauty as a constant pursuit of the latest trend, they increasingly focus on what enhances their natural features and supports their overall well-being.

The result is a growing appreciation for timeless styles such as soft pinks, cream shades, sheer finishes, clear polish, and the classic French manicure. These choices never truly go out of fashion because they emphasize healthy nails rather than covering them.

Redefining What It Means to Be Polished

Some beauty experts have suggested that consumers are rejecting salon culture altogether. However, the reality may be more nuanced.

Women are not necessarily abandoning nail care; they are redefining what polished and feminine means.

For many women, particularly those who are health-conscious, excessive length, heavy acrylics, and dramatic designs no longer align with their personal aesthetic. Instead, they seek treatments and services that support the health of their natural nails while still maintaining a polished appearance.

The modern version of elegance is often understated. A neatly groomed natural nail can communicate professionalism, confidence, and sophistication just as effectively as any elaborate enhancement.

This shift reflects a broader trend occurring across the beauty industry. From skincare to makeup to hair care, consumers are increasingly embracing authenticity and natural enhancement rather than dramatic transformation.

The Wellness Connection

One of the most significant drivers behind the bare nail movement is wellness.

Today’s consumers are more informed than ever about the ingredients found in personal care products. Conversations surrounding nail damage, ingredient transparency, and long-term health have encouraged many women to take a closer look at their beauty routines.

As awareness grows, many women are actively seeking salons that offer non-toxic products, cleaner formulations, and treatments designed to support natural nail health.

For women over 60, this focus on wellness often becomes even more important. Healthy nails can be an indicator of overall health, making nail care about much more than appearance alone.

Many women are choosing to reduce their exposure to harsh chemicals, synthetic ingredients, and products that may weaken the natural nail over time. This has created increased demand for healthier alternatives and professional services that prioritize both beauty and well-being.

The result is a beauty philosophy that treats nails as an extension of self-care rather than merely a fashion accessory.

Is It About Cost or Convenience?

The popularity of natural nails is sometimes attributed solely to economic concerns. While cost may play a role, the story is much deeper than simple budgeting.

Many women have grown weary of high-maintenance beauty routines that require frequent salon appointments, constant upkeep, and ongoing financial investment.

Acrylic fills, repairs, removals, and replacement appointments can consume both time and money. For women seeking a more flexible lifestyle, natural nails offer an attractive alternative.

The appeal lies not only in affordability but also in simplicity.

A healthy natural manicure allows women to spend less time maintaining their nails and more time enjoying their lives. Whether traveling, pursuing hobbies, spending time with family, or focusing on personal wellness, many women appreciate beauty routines that support their lifestyle rather than complicate it.

Why Nail Care Still Matters

Despite the movement toward minimalism, nail care remains an important aspect of personal grooming.

Just as women care for their hair, skin, and wardrobe, maintaining healthy nails continues to be an essential part of presenting oneself professionally and confidently.

The difference is that today’s approach emphasizes maintenance over enhancement.

Women increasingly view nail care as an ongoing investment in themselves rather than an occasional luxury. Clean, healthy nails support professional standards, good hygiene, and overall confidence.

For many women over 60, the goal is no longer perfection but consistency. Well-maintained natural nails can look elegant, polished, and intentional without requiring elaborate enhancements.

Also read, Can You Hide Your Age by Improving the Health of Your Nails?

The Influence of Quiet Luxury

The rise of “quiet luxury” has further contributed to the popularity of natural nails.

Unlike trends that rely on logos, bold statements, or overt displays of wealth, quiet luxury emphasizes quality, craftsmanship, and understated sophistication.

Bare nails fit perfectly within this philosophy.

A woman with healthy, beautifully maintained natural nails projects confidence without needing to make a dramatic statement. The look feels effortless, yet it often reflects a thoughtful commitment to self-care and wellness.

For many women, this understated elegance is far more appealing than chasing ever-changing beauty trends.

Rather than seeking validation through appearance, they are embracing beauty choices that align with their personal values and lifestyle.

Opportunities for the Beauty Industry

The growing popularity of natural nails is also creating exciting opportunities for nail brands and beauty professionals.

Consumers are increasingly looking for products that support nail health while delivering professional-quality results. This has inspired brands to develop cleaner formulations, strengthening treatments, nourishing oils, and wellness-focused nail care systems.

Marketing messages are evolving as well.

Instead of focusing solely on glamour and transformation, many brands now emphasize simplicity, health, sustainability, and self-care. These values resonate strongly with mature women who appreciate products that support both beauty and wellness.

As a result, the bare nail movement is helping build stronger communities between beauty professionals, brands, and consumers who share a commitment to healthier beauty practices.

What Does the Future Hold?

Will natural nails continue to dominate, or will bold nail art eventually return to the spotlight?

The answer is, likely both.

Beauty trends tend to move in cycles, and there will always be consumers who enjoy creative nail art and dramatic designs. At the same time, there is a growing segment of health-conscious women who are committed to low-maintenance, wellness-focused beauty routines.

Rather than one trend replacing the other, the future of nail beauty may become increasingly personalized.

Women will choose the approach that best aligns with their lifestyle, priorities, and self-expression.

For women over 60, however, the growing embrace of natural nails represents something meaningful. It signals a shift away from beauty expectations imposed by others and toward choices that prioritize health, confidence, and authenticity.

In a world that often encourages more, many women are discovering the beauty of less.

And perhaps that is the ultimate luxury of all.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What do you think about the bare nails movement? Does it sound like quiet luxury, where you get well-maintained, healthy nails? What other bare luxury movements sound interesting to you?

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Most people count down the days until retirement, imagining a time when they can finally leave the stress, commute and long hours behind. They imagine a time with no commitments or schedules to keep and nothing taking all their time. At first, this life may feel like freedom, but for many people who have spent decades working, the drastic change can be hard to get used to.

In the final years before retirement, many begin to disengage emotionally. They are not exactly quitting, but they start to yearn for peace and tranquility. The pace of working becomes exhausting, and they often want to ride out the next few years with as little drama and stress as possible.

Just as some couples focus more on the wedding than on being married, many seniors approaching retirement spend more time thinking about not working than what it’s like to actually be retired.

What Do You Want to Do in Retirement?

When asked what they plan to do in retirement, the same pastimes rear their heads: gardening, reading, hiking, or spending more time with family. Activities they never had enough time to fully enjoy when working. Part of what makes these activities so enjoyable is that they exist as a break from our busy lives.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to travel, your trips will last two to three weeks, and you will take a couple of trips a year. Even with planning and recovery, vacations still only take up only a fraction of the year.

Many people are surprised to discover that retirement does not immediately switch off the stress patterns built over decades of deadlines, responsibilities and constant demands. The nervous system becomes accustomed to pressure and routine, so the sudden absence of structure can feel disorienting at first.

Work gives people a reason to get up, a place to be, others who depend on them, and clear evidence that they matter. Even stressful jobs can provide momentum and identity.

The Years of Transition Are Often the Hardest

The first few years of retirement can be a period of great transition. New retirees report feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially those who live alone. Married retirees also report having a hard time adjusting to spending significantly more time together.

Men often find it more difficult than women early on in their retirement possibly due to the fact that women often maintain social connections whereas men often let work friendships fade once they retire. Men also have a greater part of their identities tied to work where women’s identities are often tied to their families.

Are You Prepared to Retire?

Preparing for retirement takes some personal insight, planning and imagination. How would you answer the following questions:

• Where will you spend your time?
• Who will you spend it with?
• What will your days look like?
• What kinds of challenges do you want?
• How will you fill your days?
• How do you see yourself in the future?

One of the best ways to prepare for retirement is to slow down a few years prior to retiring. If possible, reduce your work hours to create more time for fun. You may discover that although you love golf, you enjoy it more in moderation. Easing into retirement is definitely the way to go rather than just coming to a dead stop.

If you are not sure whether you can retire on time but hate your job, consider changing fields and working part time before taking full retirement. There are a lot of career fields that lend themselves to senior workers with more autonomy and a greater sense of accomplishment.

You can also find joy in the following:

Cultivate New Friendships

Join a chess club, cooking or pottery class. Add one or two activities to your calendar each month to see what works for you. Stay curious and be willing to try new things.

Make Sunday a True Day of Rest

Even if it means doing more on Saturday, give yourself one day with no agenda so you can get used to a slower pace and having a whole day to fill with no appointments.

Create a Side Gig

Is there something you always wanted to do, but could not pursue it because you needed to support your family? Retirement may be your chance to become an entrepreneur without the same pressures. Explore a business idea that you love and can work part time.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to feel useful and maintain a sense of purpose in retirement. It can also help you build new friendships and get you out of the house.

Hobbies

This may be a good time to invest in hobbies, especially ones that get you out of your comfort zone. Start off by visiting farmers’ markets, parks, Flea markets or just walking in your neighborhood.

The important thing to remember is that retirement does not have to mean the end of your working life unless you want it to. For many people, it is a transition into a different time of engagement. One that incorporates the kind of life you want to live and the kind of person you want to be. This may be the first time in your life that you actually have to do the things you have always seen yourself doing.

For additional insights, read The Retirement Schedule That Actually Works.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How do you see yourself in retirement? If you are already retired, how did you adjust to the new pace? Did you ease into it, and how did you know you were ready to explore something new?

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When life gets quiet (and quiet it will), 
When noise fades away and the world holds still, 
When chatter goes soft and the rush disappears, 
And you’re left with your thoughts… and your questions… and fears—

Most folks get uneasy. They reach for a sound, 
A screen, or a voice, or some busyness found. 
They fill up the silence, they turn up the noise, 
Distracting themselves with a thousand small toys.

But what if that quiet—that pause in the day— 
Was not something to fear, but a doorway, a way? 
A place you could enter, not run from or fight, 
But sit down beside, and stay for a while?

For quiet’s a space where the truth likes to land, 
Not shouted or forced, but gently and grand. 
It doesn’t arrive with a bang or a shout— 
It slips softly in when the noise has gone out.

You carry your worries, your doubts, and your strain, 
The stories that circle again and again. 
“What should I do?” and “What if I’m wrong?” 
They spin in your mind like a well-practiced song.

But quiet can loosen that tight little knot, 
Not by solving it all—but by giving you thought. 
Not frantic, not fearful, not chasing a fix— 
Just sitting with what is, without any tricks.

You don’t need a method, a rule, or a plan, 
No guru, no system, no “yes, you must can.” 
Just sit for a moment, let thinking grow still, 
And feel what you’re feeling—no push and no will.

At first it feels awkward. Your mind wants to race, 
To jump in with answers, to quicken the pace. 
But stay just a moment, then stay just a bit— 
And something quite subtle begins to unknit.

The noise starts to settle, the urgency slows, 
A space opens up—and something new grows. 
Not answers all perfect, not plans carved in stone, 
But a sense that you’re not in this struggle alone.

For underneath thinking, beneath all the sound, 
Is a quieter knowing that waits to be found. 
It doesn’t push loudly or beg to be heard— 
It speaks in a feeling, more soft than a word.

You’ve known it before, in a moment so slight— 
A sense that things somehow will turn out just right. 
Not because reasons are lined up in rows, 
But because something deeper already knows.

So next time life quiets, don’t rush to escape, 
Don’t fill every silence with noise you create. 
Sit down with the stillness, let everything be— 
And see what arises… quite naturally.

Let’s Reflect:

Do you enjoy quiet times or do you rush to fill up the silence with various sounds? What do the quiet times bring along?

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