As I approach my 50th year above the grass, that milestone number the one that used to feel so far away is fast approaching. But instead of dreading it or seeing it as a slowing down point, I see it as a fresh chapter, one that I intend to fill with energy, passion, and purpose.

After almost 30 years of marriage, raising a family, building a career, and now stepping into the joy of grandparenthood, I know one thing for certain: life doesn’t lose its snap unless you let it. That crisp, vibrant feeling—whether it’s in my mind, body, relationships, or emotions—is something I’m fiercely committed to maintaining. Here’s how I’m doing it.

Mental Snap: Keeping My Mind Sharp

The older I get, the more I realize that staying mentally sharp isn’t just about intelligence; it’s about curiosity and purposeful focus. I see too many people settle into autopilot as they age, going through the motions (sometimes I do that, to be honest), sticking to what they know, and letting routine replace discovery and I absolutely refuse to be one of them.

I believe our minds thrive when we continue to challenge them and that means staying engaged, adaptable, agile, flexible, and open to new ideas. This means going cold turkey, running a bulldozer over my comfort zone, reviewing old habits, tossing the bad ones, questioning negative thoughts, and embracing lifelong learning and reading. It is not just about preventing cognitive decline, it’s also about keeping that spark of enthusiasm and awareness alive in everyday life.

What I Do to Keep My Mind Engaged:

• Learning Something New – I make it a point to stretch my thinking by reading articles, watching lots of YouTube shorts, documentaries, and of course the news cycle. I do indulge now and then in an odd romance with the same tired plot, but I am a sucker for a handsome billionaire. When I am not doing the intellectual bit and I find humor in every comedy, reality TV, podcast and God knows what else passes for entertainment these days – gossip.
  Surrounding Myself with Different Perspectives – I love meaningful and shitty conversations with my girlfriends, we are always discussing the odd news cycle or events from our communities and families. I relish sparring with my kids and giving them hugs and most importantly kissing and hugging my grandson and helping him reach his milestones such as counting and identifying colors. His latest fascination is the color yellow. What can I say everyone sees the world a little differently, and I love learning from them. Surface-level chitchat is fine, but deep, stimulating conversations with people who challenge me? That’s where the real magic happens. Like politics – now don’t get me started.
• Practicing Purposeful Focus – In a world of distractions, I make a concerted effort to slow down, take stock, and be present in the moment. It is almost like blinking or squinting your eyes to thread a needle. I find that I have to be mindful to focus, for example when engaging in conversations, listen, and connect. It could be concentrating on a task or several tasks. Being intentionally focused and purposeful helps me be organized and mentally sharp.

Physical Snap: Strength, Energy, and Vitality

I won’t pretend my body feels the same in my 40s as it did at 25—but I also refuse to let age define how I feel. Staying physically strong and mobile means I get to enjoy my life fully—whether that’s keeping up with my grandkids, traveling with my husband, or dancing all night with my girlfriends.

I believe we must Move Something, Do Something, Do Anything – I have come to realize that it is imperative to move my body, get up, and do something instead of being a couch potato. I don’t need to rehash what is well-established in science and medicine physical activity keeps the brain strong. A good walk, some yoga, or even just dancing in the kitchen does wonders.

How I Keep My Body in Motion (and Where I Need to Improve!):

• Swimming for Energy and Mobility – It’s one of the best full-body workouts, and I need to make time for it more often. Plus, the water always makes me feel refreshed and recharged.
• More Walks, More Fresh Air – Walking is simple, but it’s powerful. Whether it’s solo, with my husband, or catching up with a friend, I’m making an effort to get outside more.
• Fuel, Not Just Feed – I still indulge (because what’s life without a great meal and a glass of wine?), but I also prioritize real food that makes me feel good.
• Sleep is Sacred – If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that nothing works right if I don’t get enough rest.
• Hydrate Like It’s My Job – Because dehydration makes me feel sluggish, look older, and generally just less “snappy.”
• Strength Training Needs to Be a Priority – I know I need to do more of it, and I’m committing to building strength so I can stay active for decades to come.

Sexual Snap: Keeping the Spark Alive

Let’s talk about it, because, yes, sex and intimacy still matter (and can be better than ever). I love my husband even more now than when I just met him, and I really appreciate him for being the good man that he is. However, after almost three decades of marriage, I know that connection doesn’t just “happen.” We have to nurture it, prioritize it, and sometimes reinvent it and that means being innovative in our relationship to avoid monotony and boredom. Let us face it and embrace it, Sex is good, it is good to release the sex hormones that keep us feeling good after our coupling.

How I Keep the Fire Burning:

• Flirt Like We Just Met – A simple text, a lingering glance, an unexpected kiss. It’s the little things that keep things interesting.
• Talk About It – Desire changes, bodies change, life changes. But keeping communication open ensures we evolve together, not apart.
• Confidence is Sexy – Feeling good in my own skin—at any age—makes all the difference.
• Say I love you every day – show our love every single day

Emotional Snap: Joy, Resilience, and Deep Connection

At this stage of life, I know what (and who) truly matters. I don’t waste energy on negativity, and I don’t take for granted the relationships that fill my soul. My girlfriends, my family, my passions—these are what keep my heart light and my spirit full.

How I Protect My Emotional Well-Being:

• Surrounding Myself with Good Energy – My relationships are my lifeline, my friendships are gold. Whether it’s a deep conversation or an afternoon of laughter, my girlfriends are my sanity. Whilst I cannot do anything about my family, I choose to maintain healthy respectful boundaries.
• Letting Go of What No Longer Serves Me – If it doesn’t bring me peace or joy, I don’t give it space in my life. Simply put – if it causes me stress it has got to go.
• Celebrate Everything – Small wins, big milestones, random Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, any night, life is too short not to toast to the good stuff, host parties, barbeques, go on vacations etc.
• Keep Laughing – Nothing keeps you young like laughter. Period.
• Ugly Cry – Oh I do this too, ugly cry over a good movie or when it is time to show empathy.

Taffy Musings: Chew On This
Turning 50 isn’t about winding down—it’s about leveling up. I am more confident, more grounded, and more excited about life than ever before. Snap Isn’t About Age—It’s About Attitude, the snap in my celery isn’t going anywhere, because I’m committed to keeping it fresh. And you? You have the power to do the same. Keep moving, keep learning, keep loving, and most of all—keep snapping.

Taffy