Michelle Obama Focusing on ‘Joy’ in Her 60s While ‘Getting Out of the Way’ for the Next Generation

Michelle Obama is embracing life in her 60s, now that she believes her and her husband, former president Barack Obama, have their hardest years behind them.

The former first lady, 62, spoke with presidential biographer Doris Kearns Goodwin at a HISTORYTalks event on Saturday, April 18, where she explained she plans to make this decade of her life all about her own needs as well as passing off her legacy to a younger generation.

“I really feel fully in myself in my 60s now,” she said, per People. “My kids have grown, my husband [former president Barack Obama] is finished with the hard things and so I move with an intention of doing things that bring me joy and leaving the other things behind.”

When it comes to work that fulfills her these days, Michelle noted that podcasting — she and her brother host IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson — has been a good outlet for her. The podcast is part of her and Barack’s Higher Ground audio platform, which is in the process of becoming an independent operation after spending 8 years at Netflix.

These days, Michelle says she hopes to let that be a platform for young people.

“We’re really focused on getting out of the way and nurturing the next generation of leaders,” she explained, per People. “I just met with a group of young podcasters that our Higher Ground audio platform is supporting.”

“That’s one of the reasons why I started my podcast is because it’s a way to attract a base of younger voices in culture and in music and art,” she continued. “Having me there as a face and a platform gives them a little light. So I think, you know, another decade of work, and then I’m gonna sit on a beach somewhere.”