Your Body, God’s Temple: How I Found New Energy After 60 (Without Diets, Guilt, or Gym Memberships)

I used to think energy was something you just lose with age. Like eyesight. Or waistlines. Or the ability to stay awake past 9 p.m.

But something shifted in me not long after I turned 60. I started asking deeper questions—not just about how I looked, but about how I felt. Was I moving through life with strength? Could I walk without aching? Could I keep up with my grandkids—or even my own calling?

Most importantly, was I treating my body the way God intended me to?

Because here’s the truth that hit me hard one morning as I sipped my coffee and stared at a reflection I didn’t quite recognize:

This body is God’s temple. And it’s still worth honoring.

The “Temple” Perspective Changed Everything

Let me take you back a bit.

I grew up thinking that caring about your body too much meant vanity. And after years of caregiving, church ministry, stress, and busy days, my body became more of an afterthought than a priority.

But then I read 1 Corinthians 6:19 in a new light:

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.”

It stopped me in my tracks. Because I realized—I don’t have to worship my body,but I do have to steward it.

That means listening to it. Nourishing it. Moving it. Resting it.
Not for vanity—but for vitality.
Not to be admired—but so I can stay available to whatever God is calling me to in this season.

What “Energy” Really Looks Like at 60+

Let’s redefine something right now:
Energy is not about youth—it’s about alignment.

• Alignment with how your body was created to move.
• Alignment with how your mind was created to think.
• Alignment with how your spirit was created to rest.

When I began to align my daily rhythms with that truth, energy followed. Not the kind that makes you feel like running marathons (although, more power to you if that’s your thing!)—but the kind that helps you wake up refreshed, move through your day present, and go to bed fulfilled.

So I made three key changes: movement, nourishment, and mindset.

1. I Moved—Gently, Consistently, Joyfully

I didn’t join a gym. I didn’t hire a trainer.
I started with a walk around the block.

One lap. Then two. Then around the whole neighborhood. Some days I prayed. Some days I called a friend. Some days I just listened to the birds.

Then I added light stretching. Ten minutes in the morning, a few in the evening. I found a 10-minute YouTube video for “stretching over 60” and followed along in my pajamas.

Before I knew it, my body responded.

I had less stiffness. Less pain. I could bend more easily. I stood up straighter. My back didn’t groan when I got out of bed. I even started dancing in the kitchen again!

Movement became more than exercise. It became worship.

2. I Nourished My Temple Without Rules or Guilt

I’ve tried diets. I’ve counted carbs and cut sugar. And I’ve felt the shame when I “messed up.”

But this time, I asked a different question:
“How can I feed my body like it’s a temple?”

Not a trash can.
Not a punishment project.
Not a weight-loss experiment.
A temple.

That shift changed everything.

I started adding instead of subtracting:

• More greens, not fewer calories
• More water, not fewer meals
• More real food, not fewer treats
• More protein to keep me strong
• More teas, soups, herbs, and colorful veggies

Yes, I still have chocolate. Yes, I still enjoy my morning coffee. But now I eat with love, not rules. I eat to be strong, not small. I eat so I can serve well, think clearly, and feel alive.

3. I Changed My Mindset From Fixing to Flourishing

The biggest change wasn’t in my body. It was in my mind.

I stopped trying to “fix” myself.
I started learning how to flourish.

The world tells us that after 60, it’s all downhill. Slower, saggier, weaker, tired. But the Word of God says something different:

“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” – Psalm 92:14

I’m not here to shrink. I’m here to bear fruit.

I’m not here to fade. I’m here to shine.

I’m not here to decline. I’m here to align my temple with the presence of God—so I can have strength for the journey ahead.

My Simple Daily Temple-Renewing Routine 

I keep it simple. I’m not rigid. But this rhythm works for me:

Morning

• Thank God for the breath in my lungs
• Drink a full glass of water
• Light 5–10 minute stretch with worship music
• Eat a nourishing breakfast (protein + greens)
• Take a walk or move gently

Midday

• Check in: Have I moved? Breathed? Drank water?
• Eat something colorful + energizing
• Take a short break—sit outside, read, or pray

Evening

• Light dinner (veggies, fiber, soup)
• Gentle stretch, maybe with tea or a podcast
• Gratitude journal before bed
• Early sleep—no guilt!

You don’t have to do everything. Just do something.
Start with one small shift. Build from there. Grace over guilt.

Final Thoughts: Your Body Is Still Good. Your Life Is Still Sacred.

I want you to know something, dear sister in Christ:

You are not too old.
You are not behind.
You are not a project to fix.

You are a woman of God—strong, wise, deeply loved.
And your body? Still sacred.
Still worthy of care.
Still capable of joy, movement, strength, and new beginnings.

This is your temple. And you get to live in it every day.

So move gently.
Eat kindly.
Speak life over it.
Stretch your arms wide and say, “Thank You, Lord, for this body that still carries Your Spirit.”

Because life after 60 isn’t about slowing down.

It’s about showing up—stronger, wiser, freer than ever before.

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New to The Best-Life Project?

Please read these foundational posts:

Best Life Dream Story

Best-Life Definition

Read More from This Author:

Dr. Stephanie M. Carter

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Stephanie is the owner and host of her podcast called Reveal, a biblical Insight life coach, ordained minister and author. She has over 10 years of experience in biblical counseling to married couples and women. She holds certificates of teaching in Old Testament history, biblical counselling, advanced biblical counselling & marriage and family studies.

She lives in Atlanta, GA where she loves to cook for dinner parties, quilt, write books, read and write in journals. When not doing those things, she enjoys her two adult sons and her black mini schnauzer Kyrie.

Connect with her at: www.stephaniemcarter.com

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