15 Perks That Come With Growing Older That Make Life Better

What are some of the perks that come with growing older? After someone polled an online 55+ community for things that make life so much better, here are their honest confessions.

1. You Learn to Stop Caring About What Others Think

older couple reading newspaper
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Sure, you may spout this sentiment when you’re younger. However, you don’t fully understand the weight of not giving a beep until you’ve lived a little longer. It’s liberating and one of the best parts of growing older.

2. This Too Shall Pass

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

You discover that huge problems, mistakes, or challenging situations are rarely as big, complicated, or impactful as you think. Ultimately, we make it through everything. One woman shares her grandmother’s wisdom, “Troubles aren’t as big as you feared, and great times don’t last as long as you hope. Everything balances out.”

3. Senior Discounts

elderly couple
Image Credit: Deposit Photos – pressmaster.

Depending on the services and your location in the U.S., businesses offer senior discounts on everything from getting into the national parks to dining out at restaurants.

4. The Cat-Calling Decreases and Ceases

middle aged smiling
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Do you enjoy being catcalled? Most women do not, and the older ones are here to assure you that as you grow older, it declines in frequency.

5. Retirement

older couple dancing
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

One of the greatest perks, according to many, is retiring. One expresses, It’s just really nice not to have to go to a crummy job five days a week and know that you can rest instead. Another user states, “Retirement. It’s what you thought being a grown-up would be like when you were a kid. Stay up as late as you want. Get up when you want. Eat when and what you like.”

6. Greater Empathy

grateful empathy hand over heart
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Greater empathy is something one user rejoices in experiencing. They note that because you’ve been there and done that, you can relate to everyone because you’ve already experienced the life stages they have gone through. It makes it easier to be insightful and helpful, and you want to help others in life.

7. Grander Knowledge

intelligent senior pointing at head
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Due to life experiences, you’ll gain greater knowledge, understanding better how the world works and how people operate. It allows for more straightforward navigation in life’s situations. For example, you’ve learned skills, including how to cook a Thanksgiving feast, hang curtain rods, fix a flat tire, etc.

8. Medicare and Social Security

older couple laughing
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Numerous older people agree that Medicare and Social Security are fantastic. One goes as far as to suggest Medicare is almost as good as the U.K.’s National Health Service, except for all the extra paperwork, doesn’t cover as much, and has co-pays. One laments they’re sad for the next generations, as they believe it won’t be there anymore.

9. Financial Security

Image Credit: Deposit Photos -Goodluz.

While it was noted that not everyone is fortunate enough to achieve it, the best part of growing older is the financial security that comes with it. They elaborate that having your credit cards, vehicles, and houses paid off is a beautiful feeling.

10. More Free Time

seniors happy swings
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Having more free time to explore interests and develop hobbies is a significant part of getting older. Numerous people note it’s another perk of retirement. From gardening to bowling to volunteering, your time becomes yours for the first time.

11. No More Periods

older woman laughing
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

No more periods means much more than being done with risking pregnancy. It also means no more mood swings, period poos, acne, and cramps. Finally, you no longer need to check your menstrual calendar to plan around your monthly visitor.

12. Naps

senior nap dog
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

One of the best parts of growing old is the unlimited nap time you can take advantage of wherever you like. Be it in bed or your favorite recliner.

13. Spending All Day With Your Best Friend

older couple on bike ride
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Spending every day with your best friend doing whatever you like together is an experience many in the thread say is lovely about growing older.

14. Grandchildren

grandpa grandkids
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Spending time with grandchildren is echoed by many older people in the forum. One elaborates she enjoys teaching them things like coloring and animals. Finally, she loves seeing those lightbulb moments when they connect on how to do something, say something, or sing a thing.

15. Watching Your Kids Take the Lead

Old People Sitting with dog watching world go by
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A mother says she adores seeing her kids take the lead – especially on holidays and birthdays. “I spent decades planning, shopping, prepping, cooking, decorating, cleaning, stressing… Now they do it all. I only had to wash my coffee mug the day after Thanksgiving. Love it.”

15 Most Successful Lies in the History of Man

woman eating carrot
Image Credit: Deposit Photos – poznyakov.

What is the most successful lie in history? Recently, a man took to an internet forum with this question, and the subsequent discussion provided these answers.

15 Real Things Men Confessed They Want More Than Anything

Image Credit: Deposit Photos – karinclaus.

Are you confused or curious about what men want? Then, we got you covered (ish), right? Of course, not all men can be stereotyped as a monolith. I know that, and you know that. However, after someone surveyed a men’s online forum, asking what they desire, these are the most discussed confessions.

15 Things You Do That Signals to Everyone Around You That You’re Insecure

excited woman crazy eyes
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Are you able to pick up on signals from people that indicate their insecurities? You’re not alone. Someone recently asked a popular online community for …

25 Real Reasons People Have Turned Their Back to Religion and Church

woman stretching cheeks
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Recently, I encountered an interesting (and sad) discussion about what ruined religion for people and why they turned their backs on the church. The answers range from abuse to science denial.

15 Signs That Deep Down You Are a Terrible Person

creepy psycho face
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

According to the internet, some undeniable signs signal to others when you are a terrible person. Someone asked a popular forum, “What are signs someone is a horrible person deep down?” And here is how the online community responded.

Website |  + posts

Elizabeth Ervin is the owner of Sober Healing. She is a freelance writer passionate about opioid recovery and has celebrated breaking free since 09-27-2013. She advocates for mental health awareness and encourages others to embrace healing, recovery, and Jesus.