To think that at 59 years of age it's too late to turn my life around

[RiveterRosie]

and even if it's not, I don't know how to.

I've made so many bad decisions that have left me jobless, living in a rented flat when I used to own my own home, lost me my life savings and left me struggling with debt. I've lost confidence that I can do anything to improve things.

Its never too late.

What do you want to do OP?

Think about what turning your life around means.
If that means having every single thing you’ve lost - no, you probably can’t.
If it means learning to no longer make bad decisions - yes, you can!

Try thinking about good decisions.
You’re struggling with debt.
You can decide to:

• lament all you used to have, materially (not very useful decision)
• spend money you haven’t got to cheer yourself up (bad decision)
• call Stepchange this week for free advice about managing your debt, either how you spend or more formal debt management action (good decision)

Good luck!

As above, what do you want to do, is it achievable, can you work towards it in small chunks?

"Turn my life round" sounds like a huge task but it is always possible to do things to improve your life at any age. Perhaps make a list of what you want eg, more social contact, to get back into work, get fitter, whatever are your priorities and under each heading list small steps you could take towards the goal. It may not be possible to get back to exactly where you were but at least things would be better than tey are. Take small steps in the right direction. Do you have any ideas what you would most like to do?

I think having a job or earning money through self employment are absolutely key here. There's nothing wrong with living in rented property - millions of people do it! How is your health?

Hard though it sounds, there is absolutely no point in spending time and energy regretting the decisions you have made in the past, as you can't do anything to change them now, but you can learn from them so not everything is wasted! So write everything you regret down and burn the piece of paper. Then pour yourself a glass of wine and celebrate your future!

Money gives you freedom and choices.
How is your health and fitness?
Are you working?
If not, do you have the ability to earn - or increase your earnings?
If you are healthy, you could potentially earn up to the age of 70 or so.
In fact I know a 72 year old who works in a shop in the morning , has a 2.5 hr break, then picks up three primary school siblings, gives them a snack, helps them with their hwk (English isn't their mother tongue) and then serves them dinner until their mother (a lone professional parent) picks them up around 7.30/8 pm four days a week.

Agree with PPS that "turning your life around" is too broad and woolly so write a priority list. 1. Find job to pay off debts. 2. Pay off debts. 3. Concerted effort to save a nest egg once debts paid off. And alongside those priorities a. Lose weight and get fit? b. Start a new hobby/ meet friends ?? c. Anything that makes your life happier, such as getting a group of women in the same position as you together and setting up a fortnightly support group ?

There is no such thing as an overnight quick fix but with luck and serious commitment you could aim to turn things around in 15 years. Make yourself a three times five year goal plan. And your confidence will return with each step you achieve

put the past behind you & don't compare - for your own sake
So
Can you find work? What kind of thing can you do & that you can find opportunity to do? Is your rented flat OK - can you afford it & can you keep warm & eat? Could you work in a shop - or somewhere where you meet & mix with people? & take up a hobby or volunteer -this might give you a bit of confidence