Publisher’s Note
2026 wow! It’s official: I turn 60 this year!
I’m turning 60. Saying the number out loud still surprises me. Part of me wants to shrug and say, “It’s just a number,” and honestly, it is. But another part pauses and wonders: What does being 60 actually mean? What is it supposed to feel like? There’s no handbook. No universal milestone. No single definition. For me it simply signals the start of a new chapter — one I get to shape, intentionally, thoughtfully and with a bit more wisdom than before.
Many of us start this kind of deep self-reflection around age 50. Something shifts — an awareness of time, of priorities, of what truly matters. But the gift of life is that each decade offers its own possibilities. Our 60s are not the end of anything; they are the beginning of a stage where clarity often becomes sharper, values become sturdier and choices become more our own.
Even the way we talk about “aging” is changing — for us and also for our pets. We’ve long known the health benefits of owning a dog: They lower our stress, provide companionship, encourage us to move more and may even help us live longer. And interestingly, the anti-aging playbook for our dogs mirrors the lifestyle experts recommend for us: daily exercise, nutritious food, annual checkups, new experiences, mental stimulation and strong social connections. It turns out that living well, for creatures of any age, isn’t complicated. It’s about consistency, curiosity and care — habits that keep us healthy, engaged and open to new experiences.
And speaking of new experiences: Where do you want to travel next? Travel often becomes more meaningful as we get older. It’s not just about checking places off of a bucket list; it’s about experiences, connection, comfort and seeing the world with a wider lens. Our first-ever Travel Supplement is designed to inspire those possibilities, and it also serves as your introduction to this winter’s free in-person Travel Series, where you can learn from experts, explore new options and start planning your next chapter of adventures.
Whether you’re dreaming of a river cruise, curious about small-group tours or looking to explore destinations you’ve always wanted to visit, you’ll hear from the experts at Blue Skies Travel as they share real-world insights, pros and cons, what to look for, what to avoid and insider tips that make all the difference when planning a trip. Come to one, two or all three in-person events. Each session offers something new, and you may even meet fellow travelers who are charting their own next adventures.
Top image source: TrueCreatives via Canva.com
