My Favorite Productivity Tools (And Why They Work for Women 50+)
- Michele Andorfer
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Let’s be honest—productivity in your 50s (and beyond) looks a lot different than it did in your 30s.
Gone are the days of juggling kids, career chaos, and trying to do it all at once.
These days, we’re still busy—but we’re also craving balance, clarity, and a sense of purpose. We want tools that work with our lifestyle, not against it. We want ease, not hustle.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve tested a lot of productivity tools, and I’ve found a few that truly support the way I want to work—and live. Whether you're building a business, managing a household, or chasing a dream you finally have time for, these tools can help streamline your days and boost your peace of mind.
1. Trello – For Visual Planning and Brain Dumping
Trello is a free project management tool that uses boards and cards to organize ideas, to-dos, and deadlines. I love that it’s visual and easy to use.
For women like us who often have a thousand ideas at once (hello, post-it notes everywhere), Trello helps capture everything in one place. I use it to:
Plan blog and soon-to-be podcast content
Track household projects
Manage goals without overwhelm
Trello is also easy to share with others if you collaborate with a virtual assistant, business partner, or even your spouse!
2. Google Calendar – For Structure Without Stress
I used to resist digital calendars—until I realized how freeing they actually are. Google Calendar lets me color-code different areas of my life: business, health, fun, family, and even time to relax.
Women in this phase of life are often balancing caregiving, grandkids, volunteering, or a passion project. A well-structured calendar gives us boundaries and breathing room.
3. Pomofocus.io – For Staying Focused When You Can’t Focus
Let’s talk about focus. With hormones shifting and energy levels fluctuating, it’s common to feel foggy or distracted. That’s where the Pomodoro Method comes in.
Pomofocus.io is a free website that uses 25-minute work blocks followed by 5-minute breaks. I use it when I need a gentle push to get started—especially on tasks I tend to avoid.
This works beautifully for women 50+ because it honors our natural energy rhythms and encourages progress, not perfection.
4. Insight Timer – For Mental Clarity and Emotional Reset
Productivity isn’t just about getting more done—it’s about feeling grounded while doing it. Insight Timer is a free meditation and mindfulness app with guided sessions for stress, sleep, anxiety, and focus.
Some of my favorite meditations are under 10 minutes and help me transition between tasks or unwind at night. For women going through transitions, grief, or uncertainty, this is a tool for the soul, not just the schedule.
5. A Simple Notebook – Yes, Paper Still Works
Even with all the digital tools, I still rely on a good old-fashioned notebook. There’s something therapeutic about writing things down—lists, ideas, and reflections.
I keep a notebook beside my bed, in my office, and in my purse. Sometimes, clarity comes the moment pen meets paper.
Final Thoughts: Find What Works for You
The right productivity tools aren’t about doing more—they’re about living with more intention. As women 50+, we’ve earned the right to do life our way. Let’s embrace tools that support our values, protect our time, and fuel our dreams.
Do you have a favorite productivity tip or tool? I’d love to hear it. Leave a comment and share what works for you!
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