Joan Vassos once thought her love story had ended when she lost her husband, John. Like many women, she assumed that after years of marriage and raising a family, there were no new beginnings waiting for her. But fate had other plans. A leap of faith led her to The Golden Bachelor and later to her own season of The Golden Bachelorette, where she found not only love but a renewed sense of purpose. Now engaged to Chock Chapple, Joan is embracing her second act with confidence, adventure, and the belief that life after 60 is just the beginning.
Embracing a Bold New Chapter
Joan’s journey wasn’t just about finding love—it was about rewriting the narrative of aging. “I wanted to show that being in your 50s, 60s, 70s, or 80s can still be a great part of life,” she shared. “It’s not the end. In fact, it can be a beginning.”
Her decision to join The Golden Bachelor wasn’t just for herself but for other women who feel life has passed them by. “I wanted to prove that it’s not embarrassing to want more,” she said. “You shouldn’t feel guilty about wanting new experiences, new adventures, or even a new love story.”
How She Knew Chock Was ‘The One’
From the moment Chock stepped out of the limo on night one, Joan knew he was different. “He knew all about my family. He brought me the chicken noodle soup recipe I had shared on TikTok. I could tell he was there for me—not for the cameras, not for anything else.”
But there was one lingering question: Would they have fun together? To find out, Joan picked Chock for the first one-on-one date at Disneyland. “You need to explore the people you’re most interested in early on,” she explained. “I had a strong feeling about Chock from the beginning, but I wanted to keep an open mind.”
Her instincts were right. As the season progressed, Chock remained a steady presence, and their connection only deepened. Now, the couple is planning a future together—one filled with travel, family, and plenty of adventures.
Staying Active & Embracing Life’s Joys
For Joan, staying active is a key part of living fully. Whether it’s chasing her grandkids at the park, exploring new destinations with Chock, or doing YouTube workout videos at home, she prioritizes movement and wellness.
“We finally have time for ourselves,” she said. “After years of raising kids and putting everyone else first, now is the time to do what makes us happy.” She also credits her partnership with Aspercreme for helping her stay pain-free and ready for her next adventure.
Joan’s Advice for Women Ready for Their Next Chapter
For women looking to start fresh—whether in love, career, or personal growth—Joan has one mantra: Fortune favors the bold.
“You have to go out and make opportunities for yourself,” she said. “Take the big vacation. Join the club. Do the things that scare you. Life won’t come to you—you have to chase it.”
Her story is proof that it’s never too late to start again. Whether it’s finding love, embracing adventure, or simply believing in yourself, Joan Vassos is living proof that the best is yet to come.
