Top 17 Things That Actually Get Better With Age
As we face middle age and senior years of life, it’s not unusual to start feeling old and decrepit — leaving us wondering what gets better with age. Even though it’s sometimes difficult to see, there are many things that actually get better with age, so don’t despair.
Truthfully, there are more things than cheese, wine, whiskey, leather boots, and blue jeans that get better with age. In this article, we are going to explore 17 great things that get better over time so you can change your mindset and enjoy the aging process! Read on!
Key Takeaways
- There are many things that get better with age but we need to maintain a positive mindset to see the greatness of getting older rather than the negative issues like aches and pains, and memory loss.
- With each passing year, we have the opportunity to grow, learn, and develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of life.
What Gets Better with Age?
We all have choices about how to think about the aging process. We can choose to think about the negative stereotypes of aches, pains, vision, hearing, and memory loss, or we can choose to focus on the positive aspects of aging. Many things actually improve as we become older adults!
Sometimes we just need a slight attitude adjustment. We get in a funk and our minds spin around and around with nothing but negative thoughts. We have sleepless nights; we don’t want to spend time with friends; we just want to crawl in a hole and pull it in behind us. We constantly compare ourselves to our younger counterparts who always seem to have good things happening.
But the good news is we just need to adjust our mindset to focus on all the great things that get better with age.
Remember, some people don’t get an opportunity to experience old age, so we need to appreciate these years. Even with the wrinkles, broken teeth, gray hair, and sore knees, there are many things to cherish as we get older.
Who is Chip Conley?
Chip Conley is an entrepreneur, author, and speaker who has contributed significantly to the understanding of aging, particularly in the context of the hospitality industry. He emphasizes the true value of midlife.
Through his work, Conley emphasizes the importance of embracing aging as a period of growth, learning, and contribution, rather than simply a stage of decline. He’s known for his insights into how individuals can approach aging with a positive mindset.
Conley has presented a short but profound Ted Talk, An Alternative to the “Midlife Crisis,” that encourages people in their 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s to look at aging as a transitional stage that’s full of grace and beauty.
You may want to check out Conley’s work, as well as his TED Talk, because he provides great insight about what gets better with age.
Now let’s learn to embrace these 17 great things that get better with age instead of worrying about the things that present us with problems. This is called developing and maintaining a positive mindset! You can do it!
17 Things that Get Better with Age
These improvements can vary from person to person, but it’s always important to embrace the positive aspects of aging and make the most of the opportunities that come your way.
We’ll unlock some hidden treasures that come with the passage of time. This is just a short list of things that get better with age; but with the right mindset, you will find many more!
1. Self-Confidence and Self-Acceptance
As you age, you’ll notice a remarkable improvement in your self-confidence and self-acceptance–both part of your emotional well-being. Embracing new experiences and challenges in life allows you to discover your strengths, overcome limitations, and develop a deeper understanding of who you truly are. You no longer need to worry about what others think of you because you have developed more confidence in yourself.
2. Wisdom and Expertise
Aging provides many opportunities for continuous learning and growth. With each new chapter, you gain valuable wisdom and expertise from life experiences — good and bad. As you adapt to different situations, you acquire a broader perspective, enabling you to make better decisions and navigate life’s complexities with greater ease, wisdom, and expertise.
3. Peace of Mind
Aging often brings a sense of inner peace and tranquility, as well as fewer challenging emotions. Many women actually learn to love midlife. By embracing the aging process, you learn to let go of the past and live in the present moment. This shift in mindset allows you to release unnecessary worries and learn how to protect your peace of mind.
4. Happiness
Aging can be a catalyst for happiness. By stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new experiences as you age, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities. As you grow and evolve, you’ll find joy in the progress you make, the connections you form, and the fulfillment that comes from living a life aligned with your true desires. Achieving happiness becomes easier with fewer complications because you have developed a clear idea of what brings you true joy and happiness through a lifetime of experiences.
5. Another Candle on the Birthday Cake
Celebrating another year of life is always a special occasion. Each birthday represents another milestone, filled with memories, accomplishments, and new opportunities. It’s a time to reflect on the past year, set goals for the future, and appreciate the journey you’ve taken. Birthdays bring joy, love, and the chance to celebrate with family members and good friends. They remind us of the beauty of life and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
6. Allergies
Did you know your allergies may tend to get better as you grow older? While it’s true that allergies can vary from person to person, studies suggest that as you age, your immune system becomes less reactive to certain allergens, leading to a reduction in allergy symptoms. New allergies may develop as you age, but many will get better!
7. Problem Solving Skills
As you age, you are faced with typical life challenges that help you learn to think critically, make decisions, and problem-solve more effectively. In general, your cognitive abilities and emotional intelligence improve. Each new situation helps you develop the ability to analyze, strategize, and find creative solutions. These problem-solving skills become invaluable assets in both personal and professional aspects of your life.
8. Empathy and Compassion
As you experience growing older, you develop a deeper sense of empathy, compassion, and understanding towards others. You come to realize the importance of these positive character traits and the impact they have on your own mental health and that of others. By going through your own transformative journey and life experiences, you become more compassionate, patient, and accepting of what others may be going through.
9. Stress Levels
Your stress levels can potentially decrease with age. As you gain more life experience and develop better coping mechanisms, it becomes easier to handle stressful situations and negative emotions. Additionally, as you progress in your career and/or personal life, you tend to feel more control over your environment and circumstances, allowing you to better manage stress, prioritize self-care, and live a healthy lifestyle.
10. Relationships
Aging often leads to the growth and development of good relationships and better marriages. As you evolve over time, your relationships evolve too. You may find that your connections become more meaningful, as you learn to communicate better, understand and respect others’ perspectives, and embrace the changes happening within yourself and those around you. With experience, you come to realize that toxic people only bring chaos to your life, and you value positive relationships and deeper friendships.
11. Special Memories
Memories play a significant role in the aging process. Whether it’s reminiscing about past experiences or sharing stories with others, memories help shape your identity and provide a sense of happiness. They allow you to relive joyful moments, learn from past challenges, and maintain a strong connection to your life story. Embracing and preserving memories can bring comfort, happiness, and a deeper appreciation for the journey of life.
12. Your Home
Home is a place of comfort and familiarity, and as you age, it becomes even more important. Your home is where you can create a safe and personalized environment that suits your health needs, desires, and preferences. It’s where you can surround yourself with cherished belongings, create a peaceful sanctuary, and enjoy the company of loved ones. Your home can be a haven that provides a sense of stability and belonging. In midlife and beyond (when children are grown) you can make your home the home of your dreams and bring more coziness into your life.
13. Technology
Technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, offering numerous benefits as you age. From smartphones to smart home devices, technology can enhance your daily life. It can help you stay connected with loved ones through video calls, access information instantly, and even monitor your health with wearable devices. Embracing technology can open new opportunities for learning, entertainment, health, and convenience, making it an exciting opportunity for older individuals.
14. Work-Life Balance
Your work-life balance can often improve as you age. With more experience and knowledge, you may become more efficient in your work, allowing you to accomplish tasks more quickly and effectively. This increased productivity can create opportunities for a better balance between work responsibilities and personal life. This would leave you with more leisure time to pursue activities that bring you joy. Additionally, you may also learn to see the value of a well-balanced life as you get older.
15. Senior Citizen Discounts
Senior citizen discounts are one of the best things about your golden years. Many businesses and organizations offer discounts specifically tailored to seniors, ranging from reduced prices on travel, entertainment, dining, and more. These great senior discounts can help stretch your budget, allowing you to enjoy various activities and experiences without having to dig into your retirement nest egg. These discounts can help you maintain your financial well-being if you take the time to learn about what’s available.
16. More Time and Freedom
Aging can provide you with more time and freedom. When you retire or transition into different life stages, you should find yourself with more free time to explore hobbies, travel, and spend quality moments with loved ones. Younger adults typically do not have these luxuries. This newfound freedom can allow you to engage in activities that bring fulfillment and create lasting memories. Time and freedom become cherished commodities in midlife and senior years.
17. Adaptability, Flexibility, Emotional Stability
The process of aging helps cultivate adaptability, flexibility, and emotional stability–all crucial skills in today’s fast-paced world. As the world spins around you, older people realize that open-mindedness and flexibility is important because it causes you less stress and creates less conflict. Younger people don’t always see that adaptability and flexibility make it easier to navigate unexpected situations and seize new opportunities. They are often too busy trying to do things their own way.
Conclusion: What Gets Better With Age?
As you can see from the examples above, there are many things in life that get better with age. Just like a fine wine, personal experience and wisdom can enhance your understanding of the world and yourself.
With each passing year, we have the opportunity to grow, learn, and develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of life. Relationships can deepen, skills can sharpen, and perspectives can broaden.
As a result, you learn to take better care of your physical health, social health, mental health, emotional health, and spiritual health. A lot of things become clearer; the actions of others become less important; and you become more comfortable in your own skin.
So, I hope you will embrace the journey of aging. It holds the promise of a richer, more fulfilling existence. Remember, age is not a limitation, but a gateway to a world of endless possibilities.
You may also enjoy these articles related to aging:
- How to Embrace a Life of Sass and Confidence Over 50
- The Ultimate Guide of Hobbies for Women Over 50
- 9 Important Daily Wellness Tips for Middle-Aged Women
- How to Make and Nurture True Friendship over 50
Love to ALL! ~ Susan
