"One of the biggest surprises is how much my health improved after 55."
a Midlifer in Profile: Mary Beth Simon
Mary Beth Simon is an American born in West Philly. She’s been married for 25 years, and this year (2024), she and her husband are taking a dream vacation to celebrate this and other milestones.
Often with her two senior rescue dogs by her side, Mary Beth loves to cook. She loves experimenting with recipes and adapting them to gluten and dairy-free versions of the original. Mary Beth is also very much into fitness and is an avid Les Mills enthusiast.
Mary Beth and her husband reside in Phoenixville, PA. You can connect with Mary Beth on LinkedIn.
IN WHICH GENERATION DO YOU BELONG?
Gen Jones: 1955 - 1964
DO YOU WORK? IF SO, WHAT DO YOU DO?
Yes, my post-corporate retirement career is a consulting practice, Niche Partnership Consulting. I guide women CEOs through creating contingency plans for their personal lives and businesses that keep the money flowing in their absence.
WHAT WOULD THE 25-YEAR-OLD VERSION OF YOU THINK OF YOU TODAY? HOW ARE YOU MOST DIFFERENT FROM HER?
If the 25-year-old version of myself could see me now, she would be surprised by my healthy lifestyle. I didn't grow up with those kinds of influences, but over time adopted healthy elements and kept building on them. The 25-year-old version of myself was obsessed with the bad genetics in our family tree, and today, I'm much more relaxed and confident.
WHAT HAS NOT CHANGED ABOUT YOU?
One thing that has not changed through the years is prioritizing self-care. A non-negotiable since my thirties has been monthly massages. It is the key to maintaining a reliable energy level, bouncing back from illness, and maintaining a strong body.
GOOD OR BAD, WHAT ABOUT MIDLIFE HAS SURPRISED YOU SO FAR?
One of the biggest surprises is how much my health improved after 55. I became a certified Les Mills BodyBalance instructor (before the pandemic). And, since then, it's continued to improve. Such a pleasant surprise!
WHAT ONE HABIT ARE YOU ACTIVELY WORKING ON THESE DAYS?
I continue to explore and practice intermittent fasting. It seems to be one of the best weight loss hacks for me. I've been doing it for the past couple of years, and I'm slowly getting closer to my ideal BMI.
WHAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU HEAR THE PHRASE ‘FULFILLING LIFE’. HOW HAS YOUR PERSPECTIVE ABOUT THIS CHANGED AS YOU GOT OLDER?
I feel like I didn't have time to focus on a fulfilling life while I was building my corporate career. Now that I'm in midlife and retired from corporate, fulfillment comes in the form of value. Can I bring value to the situation, and do I find value in the experience? If yes, then it's fulfilling.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT THESE DAYS?
I am excited that this year, I'm more focused on having fun. Last year was very busy in my consulting practice, and this year, I have more downtime planned.
IF YOU COULD GIVE SOME WORDS OF WISDOM TO SOMEONE 20 YEARS YOUNGER THAN YOU, WHAT MIGHT IT BE?
Live below your means and save as much as you can for early retirement.
AND THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION: WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE SINGER/BAND GROWING UP?
This is a hard one because I'm a big music lover. I have two. Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young (I just saw Graham Nash live for the first time last year.) And, Bonnie Raitt.
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