Reinvention After 50: Start with What You Love About Yourself
Rosie, my retirement sidekick, on our first morning of this new chapter.
I keep seeing that more and more women are interested in reinvention after 50—and I get why. “Reinvention” is a powerful word. It signals a fresh start, a bold leap, a new version of life.
But I’ll be honest: the word has always rubbed me the wrong way.
What Does “Reinvention” Even Mean?
When I hear reinvention, it sometimes sounds like a complete do-over—as if we’re supposed to toss out everything we’ve built, all the experiences and wisdom we’ve gathered, and start from scratch. But at this stage of life, isn’t part of the beauty that there are parts of you worth keeping? Parts you love, that have served you well, that you want to bring forward?
To me, reinvention isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about reconnecting with the best of who you already are—and letting that take center stage.
Start with What’s Already True
If I’m going to reinvent myself (and I am!), it has to begin with a few simple questions:
What do I love about who I am?
What values matter most to me now?
What strengths or passions have always been there—even if they’ve been quiet for a while?
Those are the threads that weave my story together. I don’t want to cut them out—I want to build on them.
Reinvention That Fits This Stage of Life
As I write this, it’s my first morning of retirement. I’m sitting in my living room with my cat Rosie curled up in my lap, and I’m looking around thinking: I like the bones of this room, but it could use a refresh. Maybe new drapes. A different coffee table. Something that fits this new chapter of life better.
And it hit me—reinvention at this stage is less about changing who you are and more about reshaping your life to reflect your current needs and values. You keep what works, and you try new things to see what feels aligned with your retirement lifestyle. It’s about creating a life after retirement that brings joy, energy, and meaning.
This is not my living room but I really want this coffee table.
Try It. Feel It. Adjust.
When we’re redesigning this next chapter, it’s okay to experiment.
Curious about art? Take a class.
Wondering if writing might light you up? Try journaling.
Love animals? Volunteer at a rescue.
Thinking about growing vegetables? Buy a few seeds and see what happens.
Pay attention to how you feel. Were you energized? In flow? Or totally drained and muttering “never again” on the drive home? There’s no wrong answer. That feedback is gold.
Bring Your Values With You
When I’m coaching my clients, we always begin with values. Because values help shape a life that feels true—not just full.
So ask yourself:
What do I value most right now? (Adventure? Authenticity? Freedom? Connection?)
Which parts of my life feel aligned with those values?
Which ones need a little love or attention?
Let’s say one of your core values is authenticity and you’re feeling unsatisfied in your relationships. Reinvention might look like creating more honest conversations or showing up as your full self with old friends—or making space for new ones.
Whether you're recently retired or just beginning to imagine life after retirement, this stage offers a powerful opportunity to design a lifestyle that reflects who you really are—and what lights you up.
A Question to Start With
What is one core value you love about yourself—and how could it guide you in building a more meaningful life after work?
That’s not a radical reinvention. That’s a bold remodeling. And it’s often the perfect place to begin.
Ready to Start Crafting Your Bold New Chapter?
If you’re craving a taste of what life after retirement could be, you’ve got options—just like an ice cream menu:
One scoop: Grab the free Retirement Vision Starter Kit. It’s packed with simple prompts to help you reconnect with what lights you up.
👉 Download it hereTwo scoops: Book a $97 Retirement Clarity Session. In just 45 minutes, we’ll get you unstuck and moving forward—with a clearer sense of what your next chapter might look like.
👉 Book your sessionFull sundae (with all the toppings): Let’s talk about working together through my 12-session program, A Bold New Chapter: A Woman’s Path to Fulfillment.
👉 Schedule a free 30-minute consultation to explore whether it’s the right fit for you and learn more about it here .
Whatever you choose, this chapter is yours to create—and it can be your most meaningful one yet.
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If this post resonated with you, I’d be honored if you shared it with a friend who might also be navigating life after retirement. Sometimes, just reading a different perspective can open up a whole new way of seeing what’s possible.
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Rosie, the now famous cat.
About Elaine
I’m Elaine Belansky, PhD, a retirement transition coach who helps women in their 50s and 60s design a bold, fulfilling next chapter. After retiring from a 30-year career as a professor and public health researcher—with a background in social psychology—I now support women navigating the emotional, social, and identity shifts that come with life after retirement.
When I’m coaching with clients, I bring together science-backed tools, real-life experience, and deep empathy to help you create a lifestyle filled with connection, growth, and purpose.
👉 Learn more at elainebelansky.com
