Best things about getting older

[JamesAC]

I'm into my early 60's, and retired. Yes, some bits of me don't work as well (or as often) as they used to, but mostly I think it's great being older.

I don't feel threatened by younger people, 'cos mostly I'm off their radar.

I've got vast amounts of free time, so I do a bit of studying; I've built a shed complete with stove, guttering and drainpipe; I walk and cycle much more than I used to - currently I'm exploring the river Lea northwards from London.

My finances, though less than they used to be, are secure and steady.

I've lived a fruitful life, and feel rounded (in more than one sense) and secure in myself.

The old testosterone is ebbing a bit, so I don't get wound up in confrontations as I did when I was a young chap.

People offer me seats on buses

 

[beanzontoast]

I would say the best thing is stopping worrying about acquiring stuff. New/bigger house, new car, latest gadgets, constant home improvements... all mean absolutely nothing to me nowadays (and they never did mean much in the first place). They are just things. Life is a state of mind, not a collection of objects.

Acceptance. Learning to make the most of what you have and be happy with it. I guess that's the best thing about getting older.

 

[PaulB]

Too many to mention. No financial worries. No dependent children. Money and stability to go where and do what we want. Not giving a f*ck about anything. Not feeling it's necessary to be impressed anymore. Experience showing the way. The two posts above say it much more eloquently BTW!

 

[Saddle bum]

Young women believe you are harmless.

 

[threefingerjoe]

Learning to laugh at yourself is the big thing for me. Self-assurance. Nothing to prove. Young people can be so sensitive and defensive...too worried about what impression they are making.

The big letdown for me, though, was my 50th birthday. I always related age to wisdom. I, somehow, fancied that I'd awaken on my 50th birthday as a wise, old sage! People would climb my front porch steps to ask me the meaning of life! Instead, I found that I was just as stupid as I was the day before! ;-)

 

[Aperitif]

Young women believe you are harmless.

...and people assume you are 'the responsible person'...

 

[rich p]

I was on a 'bacpacker' trip in Oz a few years ago and our group was being pestered by another group of lads. Our group of 20 something world travellers used to call me and my wife, Mum and Dad, but asked us to sort it out as we were the grown-ups!

 

[snakehips]

Grandchildren are rather nice to have , especially if you have one to stay at half term.

 

[Globalti]

Yes, nice posts, those first two. James, if you're interested in London's Rivers you need a book called The Lost Rivers of London by NJ Barton. Fascinating.

For me life really did begin at 40, I felt more relaxed and self-confident every day. One skill I don't regret learning, especially in my export job, is the art of saying No gracefully. Now I enjoy the easy-going confidence that comes with knowing the job pretty well and that projects well to customers.

 

[bonj2]

can't wait till i'm old... i'm gonna be a right cantankerous git

 

[dragon72]

When I was in my twenties, I didn't find women in their thirties/forties attractive. Now I find women in their twenties, thirties AND forties attractive. One day those 50's & 60's lasses will start to look great too. Life for a perv just keeps getting better.

 

[ChrisKH]

Grandchildren are rather nice to have , especially if you have one to stay at half term.

That clearly doesn't work with my in-laws. Lazy gits would rather walk out in front of a bus. Is of no odds to me, but it's their daughter who never gets a rest if I'm at work.

 

[postman]

I don't rush around trying to do things.Like i did when i worked.

Always someone to talk to in cafes.

Can always find time to sit and chat. More relaxed about things.