Reclaim, Renew, Revive: A Life Transformed After 60
When I turned 61, I didn’t just blow out my birthday candles — I made a wish, and not the kind that gets forgotten with the cake crumbs. My wish? To finally take control of my health. Fast forward nine months, and I’ve lost 141 pounds. Yes, you read that right — 141 pounds! I didn’t lose them in my couch cushions or the backseat of my car; I lost them through sheer commitment, a little accountability, and a lot of community support. And now, I’m here to share my journey, hoping to build a space where others like me can do the same.
Welcome to The Weight Is Over 60, a blog where healthy lifestyles after 60 take center stage. If you’re over 60, carrying extra weight (physically or emotionally), and wondering if it’s too late to change, let me be the first to say: the weight is over. Let’s reclaim, renew, and revive together.
Why I Started This Blog
When you’ve spent decades riding the weight-loss roller coaster, it’s easy to get dizzy. I’ve tried every fad diet under the sun — Atkins, Keto, South Beach, and even one involving cabbage soup that I’m convinced was a prank. Over the years, I was also a part of Weight Watchers, adding it to the long list of programs I tried in my quest for lasting weight loss. Each time, I’d lose weight, celebrate with a cheat meal (or seven), and find myself right back where I started, plus a few extra pounds.
But this time was different. At 61, I realized that my health wasn’t just about me. It was about showing up for the people I love, for the future I still wanted to build, and — let’s be honest — for my future grandkids. While I don’t have any yet, I plan to be ready to chase them around without needing an oxygen tank.
So, why a blog? First, accountability. There’s nothing like announcing your weight-loss journey to the world to keep you from sneaking that second donut. Second, community. Losing weight, especially later in life, can feel isolating. But here’s the truth: you are not alone. There’s a whole community out there ready to support you — and I want this blog to be a hub for that. And finally, humor. If we can’t laugh at ourselves along the way, what’s the point?
Reclaim, Renew, Revive
These three words have been my guiding lights over the past nine months.
- Reclaim: At 61, I decided to take back control of my life. No more letting food cravings dictate my day or avoiding the mirror like it owed me money. Reclaiming meant taking ownership of my health—every step, every bite, every decision.
- Renew: This journey wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about gaining a new perspective. Renewing my body, yes, but also my mind and spirit. It’s amazing how much lighter you feel (mentally and physically) when you stop carrying the weight of excuses.
- Revive: At 61, I felt like my life was on autopilot. Losing 141 pounds didn’t just revive my energy — it revived my belief in what’s possible, no matter what your age. And let’s be honest, it’s a lot easier to tie your shoes when your stomach doesn’t try to block the view.
A Healthy Lifestyle Over 60
Adopting a healthy lifestyle after 60 isn’t just about diet and exercise; it’s about embracing the fact that you can change, even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you.
For me, it meant saying goodbye to a 4XLT wardrobe and hello to clothes that fit, now XLT— like, really fit. It meant finding joy in movement again, whether it was walking, rowing, or even dancing in the kitchen (much to my wife’s amusement). It also meant learning to enjoy food in a mindful way, savoring every bite instead of inhaling it like a vacuum cleaner on overdrive.
I’m not here to tell you it’s easy. Some days, my cravings for potato chips felt like a WWE smackdown. But every small victory—every pound lost, every inch shed—was a reminder that I was worth the effort. And guess what? So are you.

The Power of Commitment, Accountability, and Community
The secret sauce to my success isn’t much of a secret. It boils down to three things:
1. Commitment: A Lifestyle, Not a Diet
When I decided to lose weight at 61, I knew this couldn’t be just another diet. Let’s be honest — diets and I had been through a whirlwind romance for decades, and they never ended well. So, I made a shift in mindset: this wasn’t about following a plan for a few weeks or months; this was about fundamentally changing how I lived my life.
Committing to Myself:
This journey started with a simple yet profound realization: I was worth it. I was worth the effort it took to plan meals, resist temptations, and show up for myself. This wasn’t about vanity or fitting into a certain size. It was about reclaiming my health, my energy, and my future.
Committing to My Future:
I imagined the life I wanted to live—not just the next year, but the next decade. I wanted to feel strong enough to enjoy long walks, travel with ease, and, someday, chase after grandkids without running out of breath. Commitment meant visualizing that future and using it as my north star when the going got tough.
Showing Up Every Day:
Let me be clear: commitment doesn’t mean perfection. There were days I didn’t feel like working out or sticking to my calorie goals. But commitment is about showing up anyway—whether you’re energized or exhausted, motivated or moody. It’s those little daily choices, stacked one on top of the other, that build the foundation for real change.
2. Accountability: Honesty Through Partnership
If commitment was the engine driving my journey, accountability was the GPS keeping me on course. It’s easy to let yourself off the hook when no one else is watching, which is why having someone to hold you accountable can be a game-changer.
My Nutritionist, My Coach:
Early on, I partnered with a nutritionist who didn’t just hand me a meal plan and send me on my way. She became my accountability partner, checking in on my progress monthly. Let me tell you, knowing someone else was tracking my weight alongside me made me think twice about those late-night snack cravings. It’s amazing how much more mindful you become when someone else is in your corner, cheering you on and holding you to your goals.
The Power of Tracking:
Accountability also meant being honest with myself. I logged every meal, every snack, and every workout. Some people dread stepping on the scale, but for me, it became a moment of clarity—seeing the numbers change (or stay the same) helped me understand what was working and what needed adjustment. It wasn’t about shame; it was about learning and growing.
Finding Your Accountability Partner:
Not everyone has access to a nutritionist, but accountability can take many forms. It might be a friend, a family member, or even a community like The Weight Is Over. The key is finding someone who will support you with kindness but also keeps you honest.
3. Community: Together, We’re Stronger
Losing 141 pounds wasn’t a solo mission. While commitment and accountability kept me grounded, it was the sense of community that gave me wings. There’s something incredibly powerful about knowing you’re not alone — that others are walking (or rowing!) a similar path, facing similar struggles, and celebrating similar victories.
The Weight Is Over 60 Blog:
This blog is more than just a personal diary; it’s an invitation to join a movement. I created The Weight Is Over 60 because I know how isolating a weight-loss journey can feel, especially for those of us over 60. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Together, we can build a community where we share our wins, laugh at our missteps, and support each other through the tough days.
Shared Wins and Struggles:
One of the most rewarding parts of community is the shared experience. Maybe you’ve found a workout routine that changed your life, or maybe you’re struggling with late-night cravings. Sharing these moments — both the triumphs and the challenges — reminds us that we’re in this together.
Why Community Matters Over 60:
Let’s face it: the world doesn’t always cater to those of us in our 60s and beyond, especially when it comes to health and fitness. That’s why creating a space for our age group is so important. We bring wisdom, resilience, and a lifetime of stories to the table. And when we support each other, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
Looking Ahead
As I approach my 62nd birthday this February, I’m more determined than ever to keep this lifestyle going. The weight may be over, but the journey is just beginning. I want this blog to be more than just my story — I want it to be our story. A place where we can inspire each other, learn from each other, and celebrate every step forward.
What You Can Expect
As The Weight Is Over 60 unfolds, I’ll be sharing insights, tips, and plenty of personal stories to inspire and guide you on your journey. Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming:
- Zepbound: My Miracle Drug
I’ll dive into why Zepbound has been a game-changer for me, curbing cravings and giving me the support I needed to stay on track. If you’re curious about this medication, I’ll share my experience and how it became a pivotal part of my journey. - What Worked for Me: Foods and Exercise
From the meals that kept me satisfied to the workouts that didn’t feel like torture (most days), I’ll outline the practical strategies that made this weight loss journey not just achievable, but sustainable. - Stories From My Past
Oh, and the stories—I have plenty of those. Some funny, some heartwarming, and some that might sound all too familiar. These moments from my past have shaped who I am and why this journey is so meaningful to me. - Key Topics to Empower You
This blog won’t just focus on my journey; it’s here to support yours too. I’ll cover topics like:- Commitment and Mindset: Building the foundation for lasting change.
- Exercise and Physical Activity: Finding what works for you and sticking to it.
- Accountability and Support: How to stay on track and lean on others for help.
- Health and Aging: Navigating the unique challenges (and opportunities) that come with being over 60.
- Lifestyles and Habits: Small changes that lead to big transformations.
This isn’t just a blog—it’s a space for all of us to connect, learn, and grow together. I’m excited to share my journey with you and, more importantly, to hear about yours. Together, we can reclaim, renew, and revive our lives.
Join the Conversation
What’s one step you’ve taken (or want to take) to reclaim, renew, and revive your life? Share your thoughts in the comments—I can’t wait to hear your stories and build this community together!
Let’s make this journey one of laughter, support, and transformation. After all, the weight is over—and the best is yet to come.
“Please share this with your friends, family, or anyone in your community who could benefit from joining us—let’s build a space where everyone can feel supported, motivated, and inspired to reclaim, renew, and revive their lives!”
#WeightLossJourney #HealthyLivingAfter60 #ReclaimRenewRevive #WellnessAndMotivation#TransformationStory
2 responses to “A Journey of Reclaiming, Renewing, and Reviving Life After 60”
Thanks Karl. This community sounds like what I’ve been looking for.
West, thank you so much for your kind words! It means the world to me that this community resonates with you. Building a space where we can share, inspire, and support one another is exactly why I started this journey. I’m excited to have you here and can’t wait to hear your story and insights. Together, we’re creating something truly special—welcome to the community!