I’ve gotta admit, when I turned sixty a few years back, the number stuck in my throat. Here I was writing a blog, Feisty Side of Fifty, and I didn’t want to admit exactly how far on the feisty side I was. Then I met Barbara Rose Brooker.

Barbara is an inspiration in a number of ways: she’s an artist, author, university instructor, and has her own one-woman show. But Barbara is even more than that—she’s an activist and a role model for celebrating life fully no matter how old we are. To these ends, Barbara launched the first ever Age March held last August in San Francisco.

Now this revolutionary idea is really taking hold. Barbara is heading up the second Age March, which will take place this Saturday (May 21^st) in Los Angeles. All are invited and age is definitely not an issue. I got a preview of the festivities on Feisty Side of Fifty Radio so you’ll want to tune in to hear all about it. Also, Barbara will be a featured guest on The Talk this Wednesday, May 18^th. Check your local CBS listings for the time in your area. And, for specifics on the March, go to AgeMarch.com.

For those of you who live in the LA area, be sure to come on down to join Barbara, Hollywood notables, and us regular revelers—all celebrating our age by claiming it. I’m 63 and I’ll be marching. How about you? As Barbara says: Aging well isn’t about Botox—it’s about spirit!

So show up and show the world just how feisty and spirited a woman over fifty can be!

But we all realize that real life is different. Surprisingly enough, life can be all too real… even for a soap star. One of the brightest and longest shining stars told me all about it recently on Feisty Side of Fifty Radio. Tina Sloan, who played Nurse Lillian Raines for 26 years on Guiding Light, has written a wonderful new book, Changing Shoes. It deals with Tina’s experience of growing older using footwear as a metaphor for the multiple transformations that take place with age.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is: “No one knows more about aging than a soap star who started out as the star; then become the mother of the star; and then became the grandmother of the star.” Tina writes with great candor about how her role began to change, how her character moved from the center of the action to more supporting plotlines, and what she ultimately did about it.

But Tina also shares some intimate and profound lessons she’s learned from personal experience. She writes of a number of ups and some big-time downs, her various real-life roles, and her insights into growing older (but not old!) with style, humor, and grace. There’s plenty of solid information and practical steps we can take to make our lives better. Tina covers everything from make-up for the mature face, to adding a touch of the frisky to your love life, to getting your affairs in order.

Also, the book offers it’s share of delightful, laugh-out-loud anecdotes as Tina gives us the inside story of some of the more memorable moments in the sudsy world of soap operas. She also shared some rollicking tales with me in our 15-minute interview. So I invite you to take a break, take a listen, and then head over to Tina’s website and check out Changing Shoes.

Why not celebrate the Feisty Side of Fifty with some feisty new footwear? If it’s good for nurse Lillian Raines, you can bet it’s just the prescription to cure any of your ills!

I battled, I groaned, I even starved (well, not too much!) but that doggone roll displayed properties similar to industrial strength super-glue. No matter what I tried, it seemed forever bonded to its perch. At least by naming it my “muffin top,” I could refer to it with some levity. Inside, however, I certainly didn’t consider it a laughing matter.

But then I found Kathy Smith’s new video Ageless with Kathy Smith: Staying Strong. This amazing woman is approaching sixty and possesses more energy and a better body than most women half her age. Looking at Kathy makes you realize that exercise truly is the fountain of youth.

But back to us regular folk. If you’ve got areas of you body you want to improve (and at our age, who doesn’t?) you’ve gotta check out this video. Unlike most of the exercise routines aimed at women of maturity, this one challenges you. Even if you’re in relatively good shape, I doubt you’ll be able to complete all the exercises the first couple of go-rounds. I’ve been at it for a few weeks and have moved from being able to master about two-thirds of the reps to lasting though about three-quarters of them without shouting “uncle!”

Better yet, I’m feeling inspired and motivated to get stronger and push harder each time I workout. And, although the routine is challenging, Kathy has carefully chosen exercises so that you won’t injure yourself. I’ve got a bum shoulder (result of an inexperienced trainer) and back issues. Neither has given me any pain.

So, if you want to look great in your summer wardrobe, take a listen to my interview with Kathy and hear what she has to say. Then head over to her website and check out all she has to offer. I’m pleased to report that, thanks to Kathy, my once doughy muffin-top has finally begun to deflate. Best of all—it’s a lot easier to look and feel feisty without all that back fat!

According to the subjects interviewed in this film, you likely have a while to wait before the best years of your life roll around. These feisty folk are adamant that life begins at ninety! Yep, you read that right—ninety!

Over 90 and Loving It is one of those shows that will touch your heart and lift your spirits.  Susan Polis Schutz, acclaimed poet, author, activist, and filmmaker has gifted her audience with a film for the ages… literally! Acting as director, executive producer, and interviewer, Susan sought out and spoke with nonagenarians who shared their thoughts on living a happy and productive life well into old age.

You’ll recognize Pete Seeger (well-known to boomers for such songs as If I Had a Hammer and Where Have All the Flowers Gone?), but Susan also interviewed a ninety-plus year-old cabdriver, a newlywed couple, a recent college grad, and a social activist who mounted a solo march across the country to make her point.

Aside from the belief that their tenth decade on earth is a total blast, these amazing individuals share certain traits in common: they keep a positive attitude, don’t dwell on aches and pains, nor do they worry about much of anything. They keep physically active and stay as healthy as possible. They choose to be around happy people and avoid the nay-saying, negative downer types. They’re curious, engaged, and want to make a difference in the lives of others. And, given this positive and uplifting outlook on life, these senior citizens aren’t afraid of death—rather a great way to live I’d say.

So do yourself a real favor and take the brief 15-minutes to listen to Susan share her experience interviewing these inspiring role models. After that, check your local PBS listings for the next showing of Over 90 and Loving It. If ever there were a show to put a smile on your face, this is the one.

And I thought being over 50 was great—now I can’t wait ‘til I hit the big 9-0—it’s gonna be amazing!

However (in one of Mother Nature’s less than optimal ironies) even as our self-concept grows, we begin to be plagued by those nagging aches and pains. As my friend Caryn Leschen once noted: “When you finally get your head together, your body starts falling apart!” For me, and scores like me, it’s my back. It’s prone to injury and anytime I’m under stress, the tension insists on residing in my lower lumbar region. So, whether I lift something too heavy or encounter a hassle-filled day, my back makes its presence known.

Enter Kathi Casey, aka the “Healthy Boomer Body Expert!”  Kathi is a wellness coach and popular author and speaker. She’s shared her tips for healthy living on The ABC Evening News, Fox 23, The Connecticut Style Show and even has her own weekly TV show called “To Your Health.” Kathi’s also written a humor-filled exercise book Get Off the Couch, Potato! and created several exercise DVDs.

On Tuesday, March 8^th at 8:00 p.m. ET, Kathi is offering a free teleseminar filled with tips and exercises which will include the #1 way to relax all the muscles in your back. I interviewed Kathi on Feisty Side of Fifty Radio; she explained the details and gave a preview of some of the techniques she’ll be sharing. Like most of my shows, the broadcast only lasts 15-minutes. Believe me, this one is well worth the small investment of your time.

It’s hard to be your best when your back is hurting and, for so many women in midlife, this truly is our time to shine. You don’t want to spend your days suffering from the agony of a bad back. So take Kathi’s advice, learn how to release tension, and tame your spinal gremlins once and for all. Sign up for her free teleseminar, and you’ll stay fit, fabulous, pain free, and feisty well into your fifties and beyond.

Those of you who are regular readers of the Feisty Side of Fifty already know about The Transition Network. This fine organization was created to meet the needs of women over 50 who wish to celebrate the second half of life by “channeling their skills, energy, and education in new directions.” TTN began in New York City and now has 11 chapters across the country, with 4 new chapters forming as I write this post. Members enjoy a wide range of benefits—not the least of which is making a new circle of like-minded friends, meeting in small groups to explore areas of particular interest, and celebrating their age with perspective and pride.

The second bird I’m stoning is a fabulous new online magazine called NYCityWoman.com. Yes, New York City is in the title and there are some pieces focused solely at Big Apple dwellers. But, by far, the articles travel well and appeal to women our age throughout the country. The title of this post and above mentioned quote came from just such an article. Written by Deborah Harkins, well-known writer/editor and enthusiastic member of TTN, “Savoring the Second Half of Life” showcases the numerous benefits of belonging to The Transition Network.

I was able to snag both Deborah Harkins and Betsy Werley, Executive Director of The Transition Network, for an interview on Feisty Side of Fifty Radio. As with most of my broadcasts, it’s a brief 15-minutes and I encourage you to take a listen. This particular interview just might give you some tools for positive change. I’m also excited to report that I interviewed Barbara Lovenheim, Founding Editor of NYCitywoman.com, several days ago—so be sure to check that out as well.

As you know, I’m fond of saying we boomers are “revolutionizing the spirit and style of aging.” With resources like The Transition Network and NYCitywoman.com, it’s a sure bet we’ll succeed. The pen (or, in this case, the digital media) is mightier than the sword and you can’t stop a group of menopausal women on a mission—so I’d say we’ve got two surefire ways we’ll be savoring the second half of life… and you can’t get much feistier than that!

A few weeks ago, I purchased Jane’s latest exercise videos. No longer being such a fan of “no pain—no gain,” I’m happy to say her latest routines are of the gentler variety—much kinder to mature joints, knees, and backs than her more energetic renditions from the 1980s. In fact, I actually find myself loving the workouts—and, believe me, my ardor is born from recent experience.

You’d think I’d have learned by this point…but in early January (as part of my New Year’s resolutions), I dove headfirst into an array of muscle-building exercises promising to melt the years and the jiggles away. Rather than deflating my muffin-top, however, these overly strenuous visits to the gym only served to line the pockets of my chiropractor. I seemed to be going to her every-other-day with a new pull or strain. Instead of feeling rejuvenated, I suffered from throbbing hamstrings and an angry lower back.

I was ready to give-up and give-in to my destiny as a roly-poly grandma when I spotted an ad for Jane’s Prime Time  exercise videos. Having a longtime history as an ardent fan, I decided to give them a try. That’s when things began to turn around: I started to feel better in my clothes and my middle-aged spread became much less noticeable. I have a wee way to go before Jane and I can shop for the same sized dress but, hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither were my hips. I’m aiming for late spring/early summer to unveil the new me in a saucy, warm weather wardrobe that highlights my newly sleek look.

So why not do the same for yourself? Why not spend a few minutes a day and become Jane Fonda’s new body double? In fact, if you help spread the good news, you can enter a drawing to win a copy of her brand new DVDs!

Jane wants to know how Prime Time is working for you. Simply share your story on Twitter using hashtag #PrimeTimeStories or tag Jane on a Facebook post with a video of your thoughts. And, if you were a devotee of her earlier routines, be sure to let her know how the new ones are working for you at this stage of your life.

To enter the contest, email me at mew@feistysideoffifty with the particulars of your tweet/Facebook post, your name and address, and subject line: JANE FONDA GIVAWAY. The drawing will take place on March 31^st so you’d better get crackin’!

Isn’t it time to give yourself the gift of feeling energetic and fit? Even if your own muffin-top seems to be stuck like glue to your middle, you just might be surprised at what a little time spent sweating with the remarkable Jane Fonda can do for you. Check out her videos and become a shadow of your former self in time for swimsuit season. There’s no better way to strut your stuff and show-off the feisty side of fifty than by feeling and look great. Hands down, that combo is a contest winner for sure!

There’s one special club that embodies our celebrated joie de vivre and legendary spunk, and this remarkable organization has become the largest women’s social club in the world. Although attendance at this group’s events will have you seeing red, members are encouraged to pursue the five F’s: fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment, and fitness. (I might suggest a sixth F—for feistiness. That particular descriptor may have been officially omitted, but it’s certainly implied.)

The Red Hat Society is dedicated to reshaping the way women are viewed in today’s culture and, in pursuit of this mission, has created an impressive legacy of achievements. One of the most recent accomplishments this legendary club can boast is inclusion in the premier cultural collection of the land: The Smithsonian Institution! Yes, the original red fedora purchased by founder Sue Ellen Cooper as well as her purple-feather boa are now nattily displayed in all their colorful glory.

Sue Ellen, the Exalted Queen Mother herself, and Debra Granich, CEO of the Red Hat Society, have graciously shared their thoughts on what it means to wear the eye-catching combo of red and purple in a recent interview on Feisty Side of Fifty Radio. Be certain to tune in to this very special broadcast with these two remarkable women.

In fact, you won’t want to miss a single word. With advice such as “gaudy is good” and “give yourself a title and call yourself a queen” you know these women are celebrating the feisty side of fifty. In the oh-so-colorful fashion befitting the boomers’ spirit and style of aging, the Red Hat Society is one fabulous group. And, better yet, there’s not a single invisible shrinking violet in sight!

The name Sigrid Olsen conjures up all sorts of vibrant colors and joyous thoughts. Speaking for myself, I know every time I wear one of her beautiful outfits, my day goes incredibly well. The happy hues give me energy, add a spring to my step, and put a blush in my cheek. I seem to smile more and, since like attracts like, I’m greeted with scores of welcoming looks from passersby.

Sadly, Sigrid is no longer in the apparel industry and countless of us have mourned that loss. But, take heart! Sigrid is now turning her considerable talents to her new business and her fabulous wares are only a click of a mouse away.

This famous fashion icon ditched the stress-filled corporate life for one of balance, serenity, and a return to her roots as an artist. Happily ensconced in her own studio located in the Rocky Neck artist colony of Gloucester, Massachusetts, she’s busily creating her new line of ceramics, stationary, original, art, and a host of other products.

Sigrid is also blogging and sharing her personal thoughts and experiences—including a double mastectomy that transformed her life. She now practices yoga and focuses on achieving a healthy lifestyle. One of her latest ventures promotes just that and she’s inviting us to join her.

Along with her sister, a yoga teacher, Sigrid is leading retreats. And, believe me, these aren’t just any old retreats. They’ve taken place in such magical destinations as Tulum, Mexico and Tuscany. And Sigrid is considering holding new ones in Provence, Sedona, Sonoma, Martha’s Vineyard, and Vermont. The idea behind these inspiring journeys is to step out of your daily routine, travel to an exotic local, renew your life force, and get in touch with your creativity. To find out more, visit Sigrid’s site and sign up for her newsletter.

I had the great fortune to interview this lovely and inspiring woman on Feisty Side of Fifty Radio. She’s a boomer just like us, has weathered the ups and downs of life, and come out the other side to return to her true calling. Do yourself a real favor and take a 15-minute break from the cold and dark of winter to experience a ray of sunshine. Sigrid creates her art from the heart and she speaks from her heart as well. And, yes, as a boomer feeling her true flower power, Sigrid loves being on the feisty side of fifty!

Not knowing the best way to go about bedecking myself, I’ve asked two well-known leaders of post-fifty health and beauty to give me their thoughts. I interviewed each of them on Feisty Side of Fifty Radio and you’ll want to catch both broadcasts—only 15 minutes of your time and great information that will have you gracing parties with your holiday flair and personal panache.

The first, Kim Johnson Gross, is the co-creator of the bestselling series, Chic Simple and the author of one of my favorite books: What to Wear For the Rest of Your Life: Ageless Secrets of Style. Kim has been a former model, fashion editor, and fashion expert for more than thirty years. In our interview, aside from great tips to help you wow the room, Kim gives you ideas to shop your own closet for super ways to light up your style—all at no additional cost!

The second, Barbara Hannah Grufferman, a former magazine executive for many years had an epiphany when she turned fifty: she realized there was a need for a comprehensive guide to help women remain healthy, fit, stylish and happy. So she wrote one! The result was The Best of Everything after 50: The Expert’s Guide to Style, Sex, Health, Money, and More. And, to make certain we’re getting all the latest and greatest information, Barbara has become a regular columnist for the Huffington Post. Barbara shares her thoughts on, not only looking fabulous for the season, but keeping fit, healthy, stress-free, and avoiding those unwanted holiday pounds.

So, in between the shopping, the wrapping, the baking, and all the rest—give yourself a break and tune in to two pros who know whereof they speak. After all, you’ve earned it—who better to be a fa-la-la-la fashionista than a woman on the feisty side of fifty?

If you are looking for work and worried you may be missing out on important job opportunities because you don’t know the ways of the marketplace today, be sure and check out Land the Job You Love. I’m continuing my 20% discount through the end of December. So go to Create Space and enter 4923LVK5. You’ll learn the insider tips and strategies to move forward with confidence and shave weeks and months off your job search. It makes the perfect gift for your job seeking boomer friends!