A woman has documented her journey completing 60 different challenges before her 61st birthday – and has ended up inspiring thousands along the way. Tina Langdon, 60, moved to Devon in the South of England in October 2022 after she retired and made the decision to leave her home in Jersey.
She had previously spent more than 30 years working in financial services, followed by a further two and a half years in consumer support. After reaching the milestone age of 60 in 2025, she resolved to push herself while making the most of life.
"Many people I know dread the 'Big 0' birthdays, but I have always embraced them as a great excuse to celebrate what you have achieved so far, and look forward to what is to come," Tina said, revealing this was the initial spark behind her self-imposed challenges.
She went on to explain: "So, last year, aged 59, I decided to set myself the challenge of doing and learning 60 new experiences and/or skills, or 'Firsts' as I have called them. I realised that achieving them in 12 months was almost impossible, so I gave myself two years to complete it."
It was her eldest daughter who coined the tagline '60 firsts by my 61st', with Tina describing it as the 'perfect' title for her adventure. The phrase has since become her social media handle, where thousands of followers have tuned in to watch her tackle each new feat.
Although her initial aim was to learn 60 new things, the list of challenges quickly evolved into a collection of fresh experiences that would incorporate some new skills. Tina said: "My family and friends gave me ideas, and I've even had followers suggest a few, which is great."
So far, her 'firsts' have tested her in various ways, from backpacking for 12 days around Scotland and mastering the art of packing light for a three-day trip to Faro in Portugal, to conquering her fears by riding an e-scooter in Oslo while visiting her daughter.
However, she said the most unforgettable experience has been her trip to Tromsø in Norway, where she completed six different firsts. Tina said: "I think I spent most of my time with tears of joy in my eyes, as it was a city I had dreamed of seeing for decades where I saw some incredible sights - the Aurora Borealis, whales, and a husky sled drive."
She added: "Another two really memorable ones were childhood dreams of riding a horse on a beach, and glass blowing (yet to be published)."
Yet regardless of the nature of her first, whether close to home or abroad, Tina said the most crucial aspect of her challenge is that each first represents something entirely new to her, ultimately giving her 'a sense of joy and achievement from it'. She added: "Now I know that 60 isn't young, but doing this challenge has truly released the younger me that yearned to have the time to do exhilarating and fun things."
She revealed that her mother was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 60, leaving her seriously unwell for the following 20 years due to numerous different treatments, with Tina adding that she wanted to make the most of life and travel while she still had the opportunity.
"None of us know what's around the corner, particularly when you reach my age. So, whatever age you are, set yourself a challenge or experience new things," Tina said.
She added: "I know it's cliché, but life is for living. However, it's easier said than done, as life gets in the way of living. All sorts of things can stop us from trying something different - work, family commitments, and chores taking up vast amounts of our time. I know, as I was a single parent who worked full time, but, when I wasn't exhausted, I made the effort to do something challenging with my girls, or if possible, something on my own."
"I realise I am now in a far better position in my life and have a lot more time to do things, and I don't want to waste it," she added. "So many of us are held back by a lack of time and/or funds, shyness, social anxiety, a fear of the unknown, or doing something on our own, but I truly believe that breaking the rut and pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone is hugely beneficial and makes us look at things differently."
She added: "At 60, I really am living my best life, and I can't wait to experience and share the final twenty-one [firsts]."
