Aging
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Listen to the small concerns of children when they are young so they will share big concerns when they are older.
To them, the small things are big things; this builds trust for future disclosures.
one person who lived it
Start new endeavors immediately rather than waiting, recognizing that time will pass regardless of your action.
Time passes whether you act or not; age is not a barrier to starting school or hobbies.
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Limit buying takeaway food and coffee to once a week.
It adds up fast.
one person who lived it
Plant seeds today, recognizing that current actions bear fruit in the future.
Today's seeds are tomorrow's fruit trees.
one person who lived it
Avoid bringing up an older person's age unless they initiate the topic.
One older person stated they do not want others talking about their age.
- Some older people enjoy the reaction they get when discussing their age.
one person who lived it
Avoid asking others to guess your age.
It can make you appear childish or like you are fishing for compliments, and you may react negatively if the guess is incorrect.
- Unless you are at a 'Guess Your Age and Weight' booth.
- Only do this if you can deal with potential repercussions.
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Commit to practicing for a minimum of 15 minutes at the same time every day to build a habit.
Regularity leads to better results.
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Reframe aging as a process of gaining problem-solving and coping skills that reduce the shock of life's difficulties.
Maturity brings experience with bad things, so they no longer surprise you.
one person who lived it
Learn musical instruments or creative skills at any age, focusing on the joy of expression and improvement.
You can consciously notice improvement and find high satisfaction in picking up a new skill now.
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9 more on this
Compliment someone by saying they look great without mentioning their age.
Mentioning age reveals you are hyper-aware of it.
one person who lived it
Read 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear for tips on building consistent practices.
The book contains many good tips on this topic.
one person who lived it
Live like you're going to die tomorrow and learn like you're going to live forever.
one person who lived it
Allow yourself to act playfully or childishly at times, recognizing that maturity involves knowing when to do so.
Life is short, and you are responsible for your own entertainment.
- There are specific times and places where childish behavior is inappropriate.
one person who lived it
Focus on quality of life over quantity of life, while staying fit to support both.
one person who lived it
Communicate openly with others instead of trying to guess their thoughts.
They cannot read your minds, and guessing causes unnecessary suffering.
one person who lived it
Join community classes, clubs, or hobby groups to meet potential friends who share specific interests.
These settings provide semi-structured environments with people who already share at least one interest with you.
one person who lived it
View yourself as a 'free spirit' rather than a 'failed adult' if traditional milestones like marriage and children do not appeal to you.
one person who lived it
Continue engaging in activities that bring you genuine joy, regardless of whether they are considered successful or mature.
one person who lived it