Life After Divorce At 60: How To Rebuild And Thrive
Divorce in your 60s can feel like life is turning upside down, but it’s far from the end of the story. Sure, it’ll be hard at first—starting over when you thought the pieces of your life were settled—but there’s also an incredible opportunity to have a fresh start.
Whether it’s rediscovering old passions, making new friends, or simply carving out a life on your terms, life after divorce can be made into an exciting and fulfilling journey. Read on and discover how to rebuild and thrive after a split and how to make the most out of this next chapter.
Acknowledge Your Feelings—and Let Them Pass
Divorce is a tough and emotional journey at any age, but it carries a set of unique challenges in the later years. Many people feel a sense of loss, anger, or confusion, and these emotions are completely valid. One of the first and most important steps in rebuilding after divorce is permitting yourself to feel. You’ve lost what was once a big part of your life, and grief is part of the process.
But here’s the key: acknowledge these emotions, then let them pass. Don't allow them to dictate the rest of your life. It’s okay to feel sadness or frustration, but it’s equally important to remember that those emotions are temporary. Day by day, the heaviness lifts, and slowly you’ll start to see the possibilities that lie ahead. Give yourself the grace to feel without getting stuck in the past.
Reconnect with Who You Are
For many, a long-term marriage means that much of your identity gets wrapped up in the relationship. Now, post-divorce, it’s time to reconnect with you. What were the things you loved doing before marriage? Maybe you loved hiking, painting, or reading historical novels but stopped somewhere along the way. Take this time to reconnect with those passions or even try something new.
You are more than just a spouse—you’re a complete person with unique talents, interests, and quirks. Rebuilding life after 60 can be about rediscovering who you are when you’re on your terms. Take a pottery class, join a book club, or simply spend time reflecting on what makes you happy. This is your time to invest in yourself, perhaps for the first time in years.
The Joy of New Routines
It might sound simple, but creating new routines can be incredibly powerful after divorce. The routines you once had—shared breakfasts, watching TV together in the evening—may now feel empty. Instead of letting that empty feeling grow, replace those old routines with new ones.
Start your mornings with a brisk walk through a park, have coffee at a café you love, or dedicate time to a new hobby in the evenings. Creating routines helps you feel anchored during a time of major change and gives you small joys to look forward to each day.
Build Your Support Network
One of the hardest parts of divorce can be the feeling of isolation. Friends might feel divided or unsure of how to help, and it’s common to feel like the social circles you once had are slipping away. But this is an opportunity to build a new support network—one that’s all your own. Reaching out might feel intimidating at first, but there are many ways to form new connections. Consider joining a local group that matches your interests, like a gardening club, yoga class, or an Independent Living community.
Volunteering is another fantastic way to connect with others while doing something meaningful. Helping out at a local charity or shelter introduces you to people who share your values and gives you a sense of purpose beyond your challenges. The friendships you form now will be based on shared passions and experiences, helping you feel more rooted in your new life.
Give Online Dating a Try—Only If You Want To
If you feel ready and interested in meeting someone new, online dating is more common for older adults than ever before. Whether you’re looking for companionship, friendship, or even romance, dating apps tailored for older adults make it easier to meet others.
Keep an open mind and approach it with a sense of adventure, but remember—there’s no pressure. Your happiness isn’t dependent on finding a new partner; it’s about doing what feels right for you.
Find Financial Independence
Financial worries are a common stressor after a divorce, especially if finances were primarily managed by your ex-partner. It’s never too late to educate yourself on managing your finances independently. Speak to a financial advisor who can help you make a plan, whether it’s budgeting, managing investments, or understanding your retirement benefits. Empowering yourself financially can reduce stress and give you a renewed sense of control over your life.
If you want to bring in some extra income or keep yourself busy, consider a part-time job or freelance work that aligns with your skills and interests. Many seniors have found a new sense of fulfillment by working a few hours a week at something they enjoy, be it consulting, retail, or even tutoring. Financial independence goes hand-in-hand with personal independence, giving you the confidence to thrive.
Rediscover the Joy of Traveling
Divorce in your 60s may mean freedom to explore in ways you couldn’t before. If you’ve always dreamed of visiting Paris, taking a cross-country road trip, or simply spending time at the beach, this is your chance to make it happen. Traveling alone can be incredibly liberating, allowing you to make your own choices without compromise. You could also join group travel excursions specifically tailored for seniors—these are fantastic ways to see new places while meeting new people along the way.
Travel doesn’t have to be extravagant. It could mean visiting a nearby town you’ve always been curious about or spending time exploring a favorite city with fresh eyes. The point is to give yourself experiences that remind you of the beauty and joy still out there in the world.
Self-Care Without Guilt
After divorce, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to keep busy or prove something. Remember: it’s perfectly okay to take time for yourself and rest. Self-care can mean reading a favorite book, watching a movie that makes you laugh, soaking in a warm bath, or spending time with a beloved pet.
This time is about you, and you deserve to treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s what makes you stronger and more resilient as you rebuild your life.
Learn Something New—Stay Curious
One of the best parts of starting over is that you can continue learning and growing. Enroll in a course at your local community center or take an online class. Whether it’s learning a new language, a cooking skill, or how to play an instrument, keeping your mind active helps you stay engaged with the world around you.
Learning new things adds layers to your life that can be deeply fulfilling and can lead to unexpected friendships and opportunities.
Celebrate Your Strengths
You’ve been through a major life event, and you’re still here. That takes strength and courage. Take a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come and the resilience you’ve shown.
Rebuilding life after divorce is not without its challenges, but every small victory—be it a new friendship, a day spent feeling happy, or simply a good cup of coffee enjoyed in peace—is worth celebrating.
Discover Independent Living with Supportive Services in Glendale, AZ
Life after divorce at 60 isn’t the end—it can be a beginning. At our Glendale AZ Senior Living, we offer a vibrant and supportive community where you can embrace your next chapter with joy, independence, and adventure.
Picture yourself enjoying engaging activities, building new friendships, or simply relishing a maintenance-free lifestyle where the little things are taken care of for you. Whether you’re rediscovering old passions or trying something new, our community is ready to welcome you with open arms. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a senior living tour.