Growing older isn’t all that bad. There are a few positives to aging that you might not have imagined when you were young. Of course, not the wrinkles, grey hair, etc., but a few things that make the journey more comfortable. Here are some ideas about getting older, including what actually changes for the better, any wisdom you might earn, the freedom you might discover, and the resilience you might have never known you had.
First, let’s be real. No one wakes up thrilled to spot a new gray hair or creaky joint. Growing older isn’t something you particularly celebrate, unless you like birthday cake! But there are some unexpected gifts of growing older that you might appreciate.
As I move into my late 50s, now 57, this old dog is finding some genuine upsides that make the ride worth it.
The Unexpected Gifts of Growing Older: What Actually Changes for the Better
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This isn’t about pretending wrinkles are cool; it’s about the stuff that you can enjoy despite them. To anyone out there feeling stressed about leaving all signs of your youth behind, hang tight, you’re not alone!
All of us at this age know and hopefully feel this: Inside, we’re all young souls looking through older eyes. Our faces are just a mask, designed to be a mile marker gauge reminding us of the limited journey we are set here.
The Young Soul Behind The Eyes
When I was a kid, I’d see older folks laughing in public and think, “How are they so carefree? Don’t they know they don’t look ‘cool’?”
Youth’s brutal like that. Not because we are mean, but because aging isn’t particularly flattering, more so for those who are just starting out in life and mostly surrounded by smooth, rubbery-faced people.
Now, years later, still balancing the grind, I get it. Aging’s not a choice; it’s a timeline you have to travel with mile markers you have to endure.
It doesn’t matter if we drink rain water and live on kale, folks, we are going to age.
The secret? Inside, we’re still us. The same spark, same dreams, and often the same youthful thoughts. That twenty-something spirit doesn’t just disappear.
Hard-Earned Wisdom
Aging gives you wisdom, whether you feel particularly accomplished or not. We earn wisdom and understanding thanks to our spectacular failures, unexpected wins, and everything in between. Hopefully, with all of these experiences, we can gain some sort of idea of what truly matters to us, and what brought real fulfillment or what didn’t have the effect we were expecting.
Because we’ve experienced a longer journey, we might learn to make smarter calls, less swayed by wild emotions than when we were younger.
Having said that, you might be of the mind that remaining child-like is the way to go. Either way, hopefully, you have a better understanding of what makes you tick and what you really need.
We can think of wisdom as a kind of mental toolbox. By old age, you’ve collected tools for stress, heartbreak, a really bad day, and many other things. Each wrinkle on our faces marks a lesson learned, and each gray hair a problem solved. I’m keeping the glass half-full here!
What life lessons have you picked up that your younger self would not have expected?
The Beautiful Freedom of Not Giving a Damn
Youth’s obsessed with looking cool. Even more so in this social media age. That’s fine. I get it.
At schools where I work, I don’t get the hair flicks anymore, and no one asks me about my weekend plans. It’s all good (for the most part). Although we have no choice, I’m comfortably over it.
Aging forces you to drop the performance and games. It’s time for new chapters.
We can’t be forever young, virile, or the center of attention? Fine, we can channel our energy into things that help us and matter more going forward.
This “letting go” is like a secret skill. Studies show that older adults worry less about trivial stuff and focus more on practical things.
Happiness
Many people find they get happier with age. Your brain literally filters out the negative noise. I’m reminded of it when teaching in Japan. Younger students stress about status. I stressed about stuff too at their age. Now, I’m just happy to make a connection, serve others, and maintain a role or sense of purpose.
Dating
Some older people stop dating, feeling “past their sell-by date”. Others just find charm in not trying so hard. Either way, if dating isn’t constantly on your radar, it allows you to focus on more productive endeavours and find fulfillment in other areas of your life. This freedom might be one of the unexpected gifts of growing older that would surprise your younger self.
What social pressure have you stopped caring about?
Battle-Tested: The Resilience You Never Knew You Had
Life throws punches at all of us. Relationship endings, loved ones facing illness, physical changes that arrive uninvited. Yet we bounce back in ways we never expected we could.
People in their fifties and beyond often stay active by exercising regularly, and staying mentally sharp. We can adapt, and we can overcome and keep moving forward.
Aging builds toughness. A 2022 Harvard study found people who feel good about aging live longer, with less depression and sharper minds. Why? Because the years of getting through life’s ups and downs teach you how to handle whatever comes next.
What life challenges made you realize how tough you are?
Time Well Spent
Although youth seemed to rush by, aging encourages you to slow down. Retirement or fewer obligations later in life mean time to choose and chase what makes you happy.
For me personally, at 57, I still work two jobs to keep the lights on, but I welcome the activity of it all. Taking enough time out for hobbies keeps me balanced and fulfilled.
I respect the struggle to survive more now. I pause to watch birds in the fields, actually enjoy conversations instead of rushing through them. The journey has built an empathy for nature and most living things in it.
I’m not sure about all parts of the world, but in Asia, grandparents become central to family life. In Ethiopia, older women create thriving craft groups. These are some unexpected gifts of growing older. You can take time to mentor, volunteer, or simply enjoy that morning coffee without rushing to the next thing.
When do you actually slow down and enjoy the moment?
Appreciating the Simple Things
Aging makes you appreciate things more. For example, I’m not rich. I still cycling to work. There’s no flash car. I still dream about another motorcycle at this age. However, I’m here, alive, with students and colleagues who smile, and a schedule with activities to be grateful for.
Gratitude And Keeping It Real
Studies show gratitude makes older adults happier and less stressed.
Living is not all roses, but we can always find things to be grateful for.
I’m thankful for my teeth (even if they’re wearing down), faith in the universe, a friend’s nod or look of understanding. I’m incredibly grateful to my bosses – something I should probably express more openly.
Selectively choosing things to be grateful for isn’t denial. Yes, needing glasses since my mid-40s sucks. But focusing on what’s good (a happy customer, a smile on a stranger’s face that hits just right) makes everything worth the journey.
What did you enjoy today?
Getting On With It: Staying Active, Feeling Young
We can benefit from healthy eating and regular exercise to keep us sharp. It’s not about looking twenty again, obviously, it’s about feeling alive in the body you have now. I personally like to think of today’s exercise as being an investment for this week’s or even next week’s happiness.
As for food, research suggests that Mediterranean diets (lots of vegetables, fish, olive oil) are great for heart health. And staying active isn’t just physical; it helps you fight against aging mentally too.
I don’t nap yet, but early nights are becoming more non-negotiable nowadays. Sleep makes a huge difference to mental health. It’s like a premium fuel. Studies show people who feel good about aging exercise more, sleep better, and avoid diseases like diabetes.
My younger self scoffed at “boring” older people and their early nights! Now, I can see the error of my ways. Older folks are just taking care of themselves. The older body and mind are less forgiving of a late night binge.
One of my 80-something-year-old students has a full schedule six days a week. She’s hungry to learn and as energetic as ever. It pays to keep active, do sports, stay social, and keep the adventure alive.
For those who might forget, here are a few basics that could help to keep us steady.
How do you keep the adventure alive?
Being Around People: Deeper Connections
Aging changes your social circle. If we stay busy, we can meet new people. Of course, we might lose touch with some people, too.
In my case, living solo doesn’t mean being alone. Having reliable colleagues who share your work ethic, or a reliable friend or two, adds real connection and substance to your life.
These strong connections, these people you respect who all understand each other’s journey, are people you can reach out to when life gets hard. This kind of support builds over decades and becomes one of the main unexpected gifts of growing older.
Studies show that strong friendships reduce dementia risk and help you live longer, too.
I teach one-on-one and in groups. In those classes, we spend time, hearing and discussing people’s dreams and fears. As I mentioned, it’s not the hair-flicks of youth, but it’s still very real. A 2025 program paired teenagers with seniors for craft projects where both groups lit up and excelled. This showed that age gaps can create great connections and prove to be valuable.
Am I the only one who always felt more comfortable around older people?
Who are your people? Which ones actually see you and not just your age?
Finding Purpose in This Chapter
For the most part, aging doesn’t bench you unless you let it.
It’s not always easy. It helps to have a sense of purpose. In my case, I farm, teach, try to serve others. It can be disappointing to be living paycheck-to-paycheck at this age (compared to when I was young), sure, but having a purpose (and dreams) keeps the curiosity about what’s next.
I think purpose matters at any age. I was happy to learn that there are many entrepreneurs launching successful startups between the ages of 55-64.
Apparently, in Mozambique, 70% of farmers are over 45, eagerly trying new technologies. I’m no tech mogul, but my 626-day Japanese learning streak is a small victory.
What gives your days meaning recently?
Eternally Young: The Soul That Never Ages
Here’s the truth maybe us older peeps can agree on. Aging’s a mask, not the real you. Just listen to some great music: Does it make you feel young or old?
The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes. If you foolishly ignore beauty, you will soon find yourself without it. Your life will be impoverished. But if you invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life.
Frank Lloyd Wright
Music, faith, friends, serving others. They all help us feel eternally young. A 2024 study found 88% of older adults feel “comfortable with themselves,” while 65% say life’s better than they expected.
No, we don’t look “cool” like in our 20s, but who cares? We’re still here, still us, just with better stories and hopefully less nonsense.
Closing Thoughts
Let’s be real, aging isn’t all joy, wisdom and freedom. Aches might arrive uninvited, joints can remind us of yesterday’s effort, and your body often requires a stretch before it complies with your mind.
But there’s an unexpected grace in these limits. They force a slower pace that lets you see details you once rushed past. They make you take better care of yourself. They remind you to make better investments for tomorrow. They help you to let go of what doesn’t serve you.
These physical challenges build empathy for others’ struggles too, and gratitude for the good days.
What are you thoughts about growing older?
