Aging is inevitable, but how we evolve with it is entirely up to us. If you’d told me fifteen years ago that I’d be more interested in comfort than brand names or that I’d spend more money on fresh organic produce than the latest designer dress, I would have laughed. But here I am, a 50-something-year-old blogger, enjoying the freedom that comes with embracing change—and perhaps a little wiser for it.

Shifting Priorities as We Age

I think it’s important to talk about how our relationship with money, style, and life itself transforms as we age. I’m a firm believer in active aging, and part of that involves how I now allocate my time and resources. Gone are the days of chasing trends or splurging on high-end brands just to stay in vogue or look the part. Instead, I focus on spending money in ways that bring me comfort, joy, and peace of mind. Staying stylish is still important to me, but it’s now about practicality and quality over simply keeping up with appearances.

Comfort Over Brand—But with a Twist of Style

When I was based in Shanghai and Hong Kong, shopping became a weekend ritual. With the manufacturing hubs of leading labels and major distribution centers practically at my doorstep, it was easy to indulge. I often found myself picking up dresses and shoes from top brand names, swept up in the allure of luxury. I didn’t think twice about spending serious money on a wardrobe full of outfits and shoes for every season. Back then, it wasn’t just about fashion—it felt like staying on trend and wearing those brands was almost a badge of honor.

Fast forward to today, and I’m happy to say that my approach has changed. It’s not that I’ve abandoned style—oh no, I still love a well-crafted piece—but I’m more interested in how something feels on my feet or how functional it is rather than what it represents in terms of status. I’d rather my clothes and shoes be a reflection of how they fit into my life, rather than how I fit into a brand’s identity.

A New Perspective on Chinese Fashion Brands

A recent trip to Guangzhou solidified my evolving perspective on functionality and comfort. While exploring the city, I stumbled upon a Chinese lifestyle shoe brand called Duo Zuo Lu When translated from Mandarin, Duo Zou Lu means “More Walking”—a fitting name considering how much I’ve embraced a more active lifestyle. Admittedly, I’ve been skeptical of products made in China, especially when it comes to food. However, this brand has made me reconsider my stance, particularly in the fashion department.

I bought two pairs of shoes from Duo Zou Lu, both with stylish yet simple designs, and decided to give them a test run. To my surprise, these shoes quickly became my go-to footwear. The quality is excellent, offering both comfort and durability, and the designs are modern and elegant. Best of all, the price tag was refreshingly affordable, proving that good quality doesn’t always have to come at a premium. It was a reminder that evolving with age means being open to new choices and opportunities, even in areas where you least expect it.

You Are What You Eat: Investing in Organic Produce

Another area where I’ve seen a big shift in how I spend is with food. Ten years ago, my pantry was filled with packaged snacks and processed foods. I wasn’t necessarily unhealthy, but I wasn’t paying much attention to where my food came from. Fast forward to today, and I find myself paying that extra bit for organic produce. I know it’s pricier, but I firmly believe in the “you are what you eat” mantra. My body, especially as it ages, deserves the best fuel I can give it.

I had an eye-opening realization about the preservatives and insecticides used to prolong the shelf life of perishable produce. That awareness marked a significant turning point in how I viewed food, and it led me to make a conscious shift toward more organic options. Back then, my pantry was a mix of packaged snacks and processed foods. While I wasn’t necessarily unhealthy, I hadn’t given much thought to where my food was coming from or what was in it.

Fast forward to today, and I now make it a priority to invest in organic produce, even though it costs more. I wholeheartedly subscribe to the belief that “you are what you eat.” As I age, this has become even more important to me—my body deserves the best fuel, and I’m willing to pay that extra bit to ensure I’m putting something good into it. Organic food has not only become a health choice but also an investment in my long-term well-being.

The Shift from Material Goods to Experiences

I used to love accumulating “stuff.” New clothes, handbags, shoes—you name it. I loved the thrill of owning something new and showing it off. But now? I find myself less interested in material possessions and more drawn to experiences. I spend less money on things and more on doing things, especially activities that help me stay active and engaged with the world around me.

Rediscovering the Joy of Solo Experiences

While I’ve always been comfortable traveling solo, I typically avoid participating in events alone. However, the annual Swing Event at Hua Lampong Railway Station in Bangkok had been on my to-do list for years, and this time, it felt too good to miss. When the opportunity finally came, I wasn’t going to let anything stop me—not even the fact that my friend, who was supposed to join me, had a fall and couldn’t make it. Determined, I decided to go by myself, reminding myself of my mantra: never wait for tomorrow what you can do today. In the past, I might have hesitated, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve become more open to embracing new experiences that make me feel alive and connected.

Attending the event solo at such an iconic venue was exhilarating. The atmosphere of Hua Lampong, with its vintage charm, added an extra layer of magic to the night. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and found immense joy in trying something new. Plus, I met some incredible people, which only enhanced the experience.

In fact, the whole evening was so inspiring that I’ve now added swing dance classes to my to-do list. I’m excited to incorporate dance into my healthy aging regime in the future. Swing dance is such a fun way to stay active, and I can’t wait to make it a regular part of my lifestyle!

Why Experiences Matter More Than Things

It’s funny how we evolve over time. The things that seemed so important in our younger years—status, material wealth, expensive brands—become less significant. Now, it’s all about functionality, comfort, and experiences. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or quality. You can still enjoy life’s finer things, but with a bit more discernment.

As I continue to age, I find myself embracing change, even when it comes to how I spend my money. Whether it’s on a well-made pair of shoes from a brand I never would’ve considered before or organic vegetables from my local farmer’s market, I’m more thoughtful about where my money goes. And this, I believe, is a key part of active aging—being intentional with how you live and what you invest in, whether it’s comfort, quality, or memorable experiences.

Active Aging is a Journey, Not a Destination

As I wrap up this little heart-to-heart, I want to leave you with this thought: active aging is a journey, not a destination. It’s about continually adapting, learning, and growing. Our spending habits are just one aspect of this journey, but they can have a big impact on our overall well-being.

So, I encourage you to take a look at your own spending patterns. Are they supporting the active, vibrant life you want to lead? If not, don’t be afraid to make some changes. Trust me, your future self will thank you!

Remember, age is just a number. It’s how we choose to live our lives that really counts. So here’s to evolving, to trying new things, and to making every day count. After all, we’re not just aging – we’re aging actively and beautifully!