Blog posts about living in, understanding, and finding the best of mavenhood.
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At 42, I have more flexibility, balance in my mind, and tools to navigate life’s great challenges than I did in previous decades of life. All of this is greatly attributed to my yoga practice.
Yoga has been weaving in and out of my life for more than a couple of decades, starting in college at the University of Arizona. The first class I attended felt earthy, out of my comfort zone, and didn’t speak to me at all! In my 20s, I found Bikram yoga, which was a great workout, but it felt a bit like a cult with its structure and rules (which was later validated when all sorts of issues about Bikram came to light).
In my 30s, after tragically losing my brother, I found myself in a hot vinyasa class. I was miserable, overworking myself, and lost in grief. I didn’t know how to turn off my phone out of fear of missing a work call. This 75-minute class was my first experience learning how to fully disconnect from my work, life, and commit to myself.
Another thing that developed during these 75 minutes was my acceptance and comfort in my body. It was extremely hot in there, and I needed to wear minimal clothing for comfort. I grew up in the era of extremely thin supermodels, had a career in fashion, and was always self-conscious about my weight after years of swim sports, a love of food, and bulking up as a result. The yoga environment taught me how to disconnect from the surface and go within. I fell in love with it and never looked back.
Fast forward to 2020. The world shut down due to the pandemic, and after several months of homeschooling my ex’s kids, preparing countless meals, cleaning, and drafting business recovery plans, I found myself in a Zoom yoga class. My teacher, who I had been following for several years and learned so much from, mentioned yoga teacher training. Yoga had saved me from losing it years earlier, and I couldn’t sign up fast enough for the teacher training!
Teacher training was the best gift I could have given myself. I literally learned how to heal myself both physically and mentally.
By trade, I am a fashion stylist in the fields of advertising and entertainment marketing. This means that I am walking miles per day for work, either on set or shopping and sourcing products for shoots. My job requires me to lift very heavy equipment, work long hours, and my body suffers from it. By the age of 27, my back was going out monthly, and there were days I was crawling on the floor trying to get to some ibuprofen so I could get back on my feet and to work.
I felt too young for such extreme pain and feared what that meant for my body in the future. Rarely does this happen to me these days, and I’m now 42! Thanks to my yoga practice, I am stronger, more flexible, and leaner than ever before. This summer, I had a six-pack for the first time in my life.
Yoga works on both the body and mind from the inside out. It is a beautiful balance of breathwork, moving meditation, strength, and flexibility. Learning yoga is like learning how to build the vehicle that you ride on your life’s journey. It teaches you the building blocks that guide you to go within and learn the intricacies of your mind and body so you can steer your ship in the best way possible.
Through my yoga practice and teacher training, I have been able to dive into the Ayurvedic sciences and how they weave through diet, seasonal changes, and the effects on the body. I am writing this at the start of fall. Several of my friends have thrown their backs out, one daughter’s shoulder is broken, and my neck was out of alignment in the last couple of weeks. In Ayurveda, this is the Vata season, which is dry, airy, and not very grounded.
To balance this out, it helps to eat and drink warm fluids, do hot yoga practices, use saunas, and add warmth to the body. After adding some extra yoga to my busy schedule, calming my nervous system with heating pads, tea, and mindfulness, my neck is 90% better, my posture is upright again, and I’m on the mend. Ten years ago, I would have been in pain for days, if not weeks!
I could go on and on about my lessons in yoga for a lifetime because I see myself exploring yoga throughout my life. I know it will continue to evolve because there are so many layers to the practice, and the more I dive into the process of learning the sciences of yoga, the more I uncover about myself. That’s a wonderful gift to give myself! As our teachers say at the end of class, “I am grateful for those who came before me to share this practice,” and I am always happy to share my experiences and gains from yoga with others, as it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Supportive steps for planning your future as a childless woman with clarity, connection, and ease.
There comes a point when thinking about the future shifts from an abstract idea to a personal, necessary step. That moment can feel heavy, especially without the default support others may assume you have.
The good news is, you can manage this. You get to shape a plan that reflects who you are, what matters to you, and how you want to be supported. Knowing where things stand and having made thoughtful decisions can bring both peace of mind and a sense of strength.
To get you started, this guide breaks the process into phases: it covers what makes sense to think about in your early 40s, what becomes more important in your 50s, and what really matters later on.
The steps ahead are not about doing everything at once. They are about starting with what feels manageable and building from there. It’s okay if you haven’t started planning earlier. You are not behind. You are exactly where you need to be to begin.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, we receive small commissions that support this site.
Steps to Take from 42 to 52
Lay your foundation with trusted professionals, legal clarity, and financial habits that support your future.
1. Identify trusted professionals to support your planning
Look for a financial advisor experienced in advising solo agers, and an estate planning attorney familiar with your area. Keep contact information for local senior services or a care manager you could call if needed. Even if you do not need these professionals right now, knowing who they are and what they offer makes everything easier later.
2. Choose a health care proxy and financial power of attorney
Decide who will make key medical and financial decisions for you if you’re ever unable to do so. This person could be a trusted close friend, relative, or someone in your chosen circle. Once you know who that person is, meet with the estate planning attorney to provide the legal documents. The attorney will guide you through your options and make sure everything is done correctly. After the documents are signed, give a copy to your proxy and your attorney. Keep an extra copy in your own records.
3. Complete your advance directive and living will
These documents outline the type of medical care you would or would not want in a serious or end-of-life situation. They allow you to communicate your choices clearly and prevent confusion later. An estate planning attorney can help you complete the correct documents based on the laws in your state. You can also find official forms through your state’s website or trusted health organizations. Once completed, keep a copy in your personal binder and give one to your proxy.
4. Create a personal folder or binder
Consolidate important information in a clear and easy-to-understand way for your proxy and any future caretakers. You can buy a pre-made kit or make your own. We like Nokbox, if you’re looking for a pre-made option. Include a current list of medications, allergies, emergency contacts, legal documents, insurance cards, and a summary of your health history. You may also want to add instructions for bills, account access, or anything else that would be useful if someone needed to step in temporarily or long-term. Keep this folder in a secure but accessible location, and let your proxy know where it is.
This is the decade to put structure in place. It is not about urgency. It is about making things easier for your future self.
Steps to Take from 52 to 62
Gain clarity about what you want in the next stage of life. Build flexibility into your plans while there is still time to explore.
5. Stay current with your healthcare
Being proactive about your health is one of the most important ways to maintain independence as you age. Without adult children who may advocate for you in the future, staying involved in your care now becomes even more essential.
Begin with the basics. Schedule your annual physical and age-appropriate screenings. Ask questions. Keep notes. Establish a relationship with a primary care provider who listens and treats you with respect.
Beyond appointments, look at your daily routines. Are you moving your body in a way that supports balance, flexibility, and strength? You do not need an intense program. Walking, Pilates, yoga, light strength training, or a combination of these can help you stay strong and steady.
Pay attention to sleep. Prioritize hydration. Build meals around protein, fiber, and whole foods.
Monitor your emotional health too. If anxiety, loneliness, or mood changes start to affect your daily life, talk to a professional or reach out for support.
Keep a list of what you take, including supplements. Make sure any new prescriptions are checked for interactions. If you ever need care, having this information organized will help others support you more effectively.
Take time to consider the kind of care you want if something changes. Would you prefer home support over a facility? What are your non-negotiables when it comes to comfort and dignity? These are personal questions, and they are worth answering before they become urgent.
6. Review Your Savings Habits and Long-Term Financial Plans
If you haven’t already, take the time to review your savings habits and long-term financial plans. Work with the trusted financial advisor you identified to whatever degree you’re comfortable. You may want someone to manage your investments, or you may need help creating a concrete retirement plan and budget. Make sure you are on track to meet your future goals and that your financial picture is clear and manageable.
7. Nurture your relationships
Stay close to the people who support and understand you. Make time for connection, even in small ways. If your social circle feels limited, explore new ways to meet people. Groups for solo agers, classes, or local events can open new doors. Many childfree women find strength in their chosen families, such as friends, neighbors, or community members who become people to count on and care for. These relationships matter and deserve time and attention.
This is a time to map out what your 60s and 70s might look like. You don’t need every answer, just a sense of what’s ahead.
Steps to Take from 62 Onward
Focus on the daily systems that make life smoother, safer, and more connected.
8. Review your home through a long-term lens
Look at your space and ask whether it would support your needs in ten or twenty years. Walk through each room and consider how easy it is to move around, reach essentials, and feel safe. Make note of very high shelves, steep staircases, narrow doorways, or areas with poor lighting. These may seem like minor inconveniences now, but they can become major obstacles later.
Identify changes that would make things easier, such as improved lighting, a first-floor bedroom, grab bars in the bathroom, or a more accessible layout. Having a list of potential changes will make it easier to decide whether to implement them or relocate at the right time.
9. Research future housing options
Even if you plan to stay where you are, it is important to understand what resources are available in your area. Are there home care agencies, transportation services, or senior support programs nearby? Talk with trusted friends or relatives about their expectations too. Is there someone who assumes you will live with them later in life, or someone you imagine supporting in return? These are sensitive but essential conversations. The earlier you have them, the easier it becomes to make thoughtful choices and avoid misunderstandings later on.
If you’re open to moving, take time to explore different possibilities. Co-housing communities, independent living residences, and intentional neighborhoods designed for aging in place can offer support, connection, and peace of mind. Even if you are years away from making a change, knowing what is out there helps you make better decisions when the time comes.
10. Choose an Annual Review Date and Share Plans
Choose a specific date each year, e.g. your birthday or the first Saturday in October, and set an annual reminder on your calendar. Use this date to review your important documents, update emergency contacts and health information, and assess if any changes are necessary to your files, forms, or binder. An annual check-in helps keep your plan relevant and your peace of mind intact. Share your plan with someone you trust. You don’t need to go into every detail, but ensure they know where your key documents are stored and who to contact if needed.
This is when your plans begin to support your real life. Let them serve you, not burden you.
Being childfree brings with it the opportunity to shape a future that feels right for you, and to keep redefining it as your needs evolve. This isn’t about what’s missing. It’s about building a life that reflects your values and supports your independence. Making thoughtful choices and communicating them is a key part of long-term self-care. Planning ahead isn’t about predicting every detail; it’s intended to help future you feel steady, even when circumstances shift or life feels uncertain. Plan and look ahead with confidence, knowing the path forward is fully your own.
