Does life get better as you get older?

Question

I have recently been speaking to a 50yr old lady at my work (who has just completed her degree too!). She says she feels in the prime of her life and we were talking about Lifelong Learning and various other topics.

Anyone over 40 (and older) find that life get's better?

NB: I do realise that Life is what you put into it. So if you have done nothing your whole life and lived on benefits......

I am 25 (For info.)

dblohseven7 - Are you talking about your mother? That's not nice...

Answer 1

I think its pretty good at any age

Answer 2

You're tootin right it does ! when ya get older, things start to be paid off, like your car, home, all stray bills from when you were starting out, ect:
and now you have the experience to think in a "better manner". For some the grand kids come and fill your life back up, which was lacking from when the kids moved out. Now you have money. simply put is , ya start out, you go into debt buying toys and such,you pay it all off, and then you get to use them because you have the money to use them instead of paying for them. Kids move out, your lonley, g-kids come, you are no longer lonley, so you spoil them with the extra money ya have now....haven't gotten to the next level yet. the 1 bummer i do see is that as you get older, the ones you love are leaving to a higher calling, and the circle goes on., But all in all yes life is good. I worked for my retirement, so I should be happy then too. I say life is good @ all ages. so if'n you are young..cherish it, it doesn't last forever.

Answer 3

There are certainly more opportunities and options around for people of all ages, in this country, now, than there were 30 or even 20 years ago.

I'm 53. I don't think life gets better, exactly. Things change, and keep changing, more than you could ever appreciate when you were younger. A lot of things that used to be CRUCIAL simply stop mattering - like feuds, and embarrassments, and what books and music you're permitted to enjoy. That dispels a lot of anxiety, and frees a lot of energy for things that do matter - like other people, and taking care.

Answer 4

i think life gets better in many ways... I am over 40 and I would not want to go back and re-live my 20's or even my 30's ...my life is MUCH better now than it has ever been, I am happily married, have a great job live in a nice place, I travel a lot I enjoy and appreciate so many things more than I was ever capable of when i was younger.

Answer 5

I think it gets easier in many respects. Yes, you have more reponsibility but you have that much more experience under your belt that situations come up and they don't even phase you anymore. If you can be conscious of how you would have responded to the same thing in the past it is a giggle to think how you would have freaked out before and appreciate how far you have come. I wish I could fast forward to 50 somedays. Of course, being mindful, I know I'll look back and regret I ever said that lol!

Answer 6

Yeah, I think it does. Things get more comfortable, is one way to put it. You've pretty much dealt with life's issues so far making you a little more prepared to deal with whatever else it throws at you. Hopefully by the time you get there you've paid your dues and are at a place in your life that affords you some sense of peace and tranquility. As you said though, life is what you put into it. Hopefully you've put into it what's needed to live that comfortable life. Just don't go through life thinking the world owes you something. Go into it thinking you owe the world something. Then give it your all! Thanks for the decent, normal question!

Answer 7

I think the benfits bit is a little unfair and some people are lucky but you need to understand the changes in society and more. In the last 30 years we have seen a population change, more balance in male/female status, large industry decline and and education system that has had more change than ever before, These all effect society. Good luck to the Lady however she has the ability to afford her education. Most of us live in a box in which it is difficult to change.

Answer 8

You've already answered your own question, it's what you put into your life, I am soon to begin a starter course at the OU, to me knowledge is better than gold! I am 61yrs old and apart from a sad/bad childhood, I am attempting to write my memoirs, just to lay a few ghosts. My philosophy is 'as long as I keep my sense of humour and can wipe my own bum' that's two things to be thankful for !!! To me the glass is half full !I have just thought of another benefit to growing older, I don't blush anymore (I was told I'd grow out of it!)

Answer 9

It most certainly has done for me, I've done things this last year alone that I've only ever dreamt of, I think you become a lot more chilled and relaxed about life as you get older and don't let things get you down, all I know is things are getting better and I hope they continue too.

Answer 10

I think it does ,I think women have so much more that they are
willing to do such as education, work,since the women's lib
there was allot more things made available to women and some the older women are just now starting to take advantage of this vast world of education.....
Happy Birthday Sharonlee....mine is tomorro I'll be 42

Answer 11

Definitely yes. At 65, I find life more exciting, love more satisfying, work more rewarding, and leisure pursuits more stimulating than ever before. And if we keep all those plates full, we don't have time to dwell on the unavoidable aches and pains that crop up to remind us of our mortality.