Written by: Naomi Brown - 7/1/2026
Editor's Note: We love sharing stories from our community. This article was submitted by one of our email subscribers and reminds us that adventure doesn't have an expiration date.
What options exist for retirement-age single women?
The list seemed pretty predictable:
- Play cards
- Get lazy
- Complain
- Bird watch
- Gossip
- Volunteer
- Eat out with other "seniors"
Not just no... but hell no.
A Different Kind of Retirement
Retirement involves a lot of soul-searching.
The reality is that society often places little value on people over 50 and even less on older women. The "successful retirement" stories featured in magazines usually showcase people with unlimited financial freedom, perfect health, and endless smiles.
My reality was different.
I had a modest retirement, was healthy, widowed, and enjoyed spending time on my own.
After years of public service, I tried many of the activities that seemed expected of retirees camp hosting, learning dominoes, book clubs, free babysitting, volunteering, and other senior activities. For me, they felt too sedentary, too focused on gossip, and too often centered around unhealthy food.
I simply didn't fit in.
The Plan: Kayaking
One day, I read about an introductory kayaking class near my home.
I was hesitant, but I went.
My instructor was an experienced gentleman who helped me navigate every challenge that came with learning a completely new sport.
Knowing I wanted to remain independent and do everything myself, he advised me on choosing a trailer, installing a hitch, transporting my kayak, selecting a PFD, finding the right paddle, and understanding the safety equipment I would need. He also strongly encouraged me to join a local kayaking club dedicated to safe paddling.
A New Identity
I bought a trailer.
I installed a hitch.
I practiced backing it up.
I purchased a quality PFD, a lightweight paddle, a kayak transport device, and then...
I went kayaking.
Good Fortune
Years earlier, I had paid a premium for a home with access to a lake in my Houston community.
Now I realized what a gift that truly was.
All I needed was reliable transportation for my kayak, proper safety gear, and a sense of adventure.
Learning the Right Way
At the tender age of 70, I knew that kayaking deserved proper instruction.
I invested in several courses to learn the skills needed to paddle safely. Although I could swim, wasn't afraid of the water, and had an optimistic outlook, I also understood that kayaking demands physical skills and sound judgment.
Professional instruction gave me the confidence to learn safely.
Finding My Community
My local kayaking club met once each month. It was welcoming, social, organized paddle trips, and always emphasized safety.
When I looked around, I noticed something surprising.
Everyone looked like me.
In fact, I was younger than many members who had been kayaking for decades.
Paddling alongside experienced men and women boosted my confidence, strengthened my skills, and introduced me to an incredible community.
It's Never Too Late
Kayaking didn't just give me a new hobby.
It gave me confidence, independence, adventure, and a fresh outlook on retirement.
You are never too old.
And it is never too late to begin.
