Making Changes as a Senior Citizen

It was not until I retired and started gardening that I began to learn about permaculture.  What exciting opportunities for change in how I care for our new project of homesteading.  My learning curve is straight up.  As a 66 year old, I wish I had discovered permaculture  and homesteading sooner.  Looking for ways to make changes will be my priority, however, I need to figure out what steps to take first. Fun times ahead.

Welcome, Sue! I didn't start my adventure to become a farmer until I retired. For the past ten years or so I've been learning quite a bit, including permaculture methods. It's taken several years, but I now have a homestead farm that can supply us with all our food and numerous resources. I let other newly retired folks know that it's not too late to start gardening, growing food, raising livestock, whatever. If it's something you really want to do, then go ahead and do it!

It is so interesting and inspiring for me to read that you have achieved success in supplying yourself with food, Su Ba! And Sue, I'm delighted that you are also venturing into permaculture.

It seems like such an important thing to do -- to care for the soil and think about how to support it and the plants, rather than just thinking about how much The Garden can do for me. I have found it to be a profound mental shift.

It also helps me not to be quite as annoyed when Something eats my seedlings. Not quite. I do not think I have achieved permacultural equanimity quite yet, though.

Hi,
I think retiring from traditional work is a great time to start homesteading. I also started when I retired from paid work and have found that homesteading is change making as well as providing a grounding in creating other change in community. On a personal basis my health has improved through amazing food and reduced stress, and my sense of food security has increased. What a joyful way to live!