So much changes as we age. What's the best part of getting older?

Question

I'm noticing that the older I get, the more honest I am. I feel that if someone asks me a question, they want an honest answer. I'm kinda enjoying this because I'm being true to myself and those around me. I would (obviously) never intentionally hurt anyone but as my daughter says, "Don't ask mom unless you want the truth". Getting older definately has its drawbacks but it's not as bad as I feared it would be!

Answer 1

The changes are always happening--we keep maturing physically, mentally, and emotionally. When you ask an old person what is the most important thing, they always answer the same: Family.
Few people over ninety really remember their high-school classmates. You won't either.
Few people over ninety rarely worry about how much money they made growing up. You won't either. They will remember that they always had just enough. You do too.
Few people over ninety remember why they used to yell at their children. You won't either. But, interestingly, they will remember that they did so. So will you.
Few people over ninety can figure out why having sex was so important in their youth. Most will remember the kids they had as a result of the sex, however.
Old people aren't mean. They aren't vengeful, or arrogant, or selfish.
As we age, we learn that we go through stages naturally. Each stage is more wonderful than the last.
I once thought a twenty-year old girl was the prettiest thing I'd ever seen. Now she's fifty, and she's still the prettiest thing I've ever seen. I can see that she's changed. Her body is softer, her smile is brighter, she's smarter, she's more in love with me than when we were kids. Amazingly, she says the same things about me.
As we age, we begin to realize what really is important. Truth, as you said, is one of those things. So is happiness. Now I know better how to be a man. Now I know better how special a woman is.
I'm starting to "get it."
Life is precious. I'm anxious to become sixty, when I'll see how little I knew now, and how my priorities will change from this moment to that one.
My dad once gave me this bit of advice when I first got married. I didn't get it then, but I tried to understand it: "Have all the kids you can. When you are my age," he said, "that is all that will matter."
My dad is now dead, but I think he "got it."
I wonder how much more he knows now!

Answer 2

KNOWING just how profoundly the decisions we make (even the little everyday ones) will affect us through the rest of our lives, but feeling free to make them anyway because our families are grown and don't need to be considered in quite the same way.

Having enough life experience to realize that it really is important to treat others as we would want to be treated, becauses that kindness REALLY DOES come around again.

As you say, being able to give a true honest answer when asked a question...but also knowing that your true, honest answer is actually the best way to handle ANY question. We are doing our loved ones no great service to feed them lies about issues that affect them directly.

But for me, the absolute best part of growing older is knowing that, although it is NICE to have loved ones close by, it is not necessary for my psyche. I am complete within myself. I don't require others to give me validation. So my interaction with others is much more relaxed, because it won't affect my personal psyche to be judged by them.

Answer 3

Retirement. Now I can do all the things I wanted to do. I really like not worrying about time. I just retired last August and I love being able to stay up and watch TV, clean-up in the middle of the night if I want to, or stay on Yahoo until 3 in the morning.

I don't sweat the small stuff too much and am much more relaxed. I don't hurry like I use to when I was working. I can take the time now to smile, talk to a stranger, and help others.

The main thing to remember is to stay healthy. When you have your health, you've got it made.

Answer 4

You are so right about the being able to express yourself without the "old" hang-ups which comes from our youth. I too find it easier to be very open with people. Like you, I do not want to hurt them but, i will not lie to them either!! So, I understand exactly what you are saying.

However, the most wonderful thing of all, to me, has been to grow more in my faith. Watching loved ones and friends pass has not been easy. But, it sure has caused me to look deeply within myself. I think at 52, I know more about me than I ever have. God has allowed me to walk a road that has not been easy; however, I have gained much through my walk! Yes, there have been too many losses as I am the baby in my family and both siblings have passed away as well as both parents! However, it has been my faith and looking deeply within myself which has carried me through these times...especially, my faith!

So, I would have to say above all, getting older allows me the freedom and wisdom to honestly look at my person instead of the image in the mirror! The lessons which come from living and aging have deepened my faith and have created a wisdom which only comes from life's experiences.

Blessings

Answer 5

Lots of perks:
1) You don't have to hold in your stomach if you don't want to.
2) You can get a discount on meals.
3) You can get a discount at hotels.
4) Your kids are grown
5) You can pretty much do what you want. No obligations.
6) You are retired or soon to be retired.
7) You can answer honestly. (I agree).
8) You can decline being an officer in a club.
9) You can spoil grandchildren and send them home.
10) You can travel.

Answer 6

Yeah, I remember when I was a freshman. I used to be scared of being in High School, but as years passed by, I actually enjoyed it. I had friends that I will never ever forget. And I had a lot of memorable experiences that can't compare to anything.

But the best part is, you learn something- and that something can't be taught by books alone. I think in my opinion I have matured, the way I think and I act towards others. In my years in High School, I have experienced things that really taught me a lesson, and that is the value of friendship, trust, and yeah-- honesty.

It feels great... I wsih I could go back, but all I have are memories..:-)

Answer 7

I am only 35 but I was very "adventurous" after I moved out of my parent house. Now that I am married with 3 children of my own I can give some of the best advice. For the most part they listen (because they know a lot of my experiences) and so far haven't made the mistakes I've made.
Also, my kids say it sucks because they have to do what I say but I don't have to do what they say.

Answer 8

You are fortunate to be regarded as you are. As we age we gain knowledge and wisdom, some go beyond and become self aware and even spiritual.

There are many things we really know how to do much better than the young, but no one cares..

Dr Ruth really knows how to make love, but no takers.

Wisdom is using the knowledge we have gained and guide our young. As our physical prowess dwindles our minds and spirits grow. The vision to see and the love to give is the best of all.

Answer 9

Mentally, feeling stronger, more relaxed, more confident. Physically, you have to learn to live with all the aches, pains and discomforts. Life is a package deal: the good comes with the bad. You have to take both, weigh in the balance and then decide which way it tilts.As for me, I will still say 'Grow old with me the best is yet to be.'

Answer 10

As people get older they learn what values are important in life. They have been through it all. Ups, and downs. You learn to put lifes challlenges in its proper perspective.

We have gone through it all. We don't have to hide anymore to know who we are, we have learned what our priorities in life are.

I feel good who I am today, even though I had a very hard life raising my children alone. I have learned that the most important thing in life is ones health, and having a loving warm family.

Money comes, and goes. But love, and caring stay forever.

I am 66 years old. I am disabled but extremely content. I won't say I don't have bad days. But the more mature you get the better life gets.