The benefits of getting older, part 2

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later-life

Dr Denise Taylor

13 January 2025

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After creating a list of 20 benefits, I kept writing and listed 20 more. How many can you agree with?

  1. Improved ability to problem-solve: As we age, we often gain more life experience and perspective, which can help us approach problems with a more measured and thoughtful approach.
  2. Greater resilience: As we age, we may become more resilient and better able to cope with challenges and adversity, due to our increased life experience and perspective.
  3. A stronger sense of identity: As we age, we may become more self-assured and confident in who we are, which can give us a stronger sense of identity and purpose.
  4. Improved memory: While it’s true that memory can decline with age, many older adults are able to maintain good cognitive function and memory well into their later years.
  5. More time for self-care: As we age, we may have more opportunity to prioritize self-care and focus on our own well-being, which can improve our overall health and well-being.
  6. Greater understanding of our own needs: As we age, we may become more attuned to our own needs and better able to advocate for ourselves, which can improve our overall quality of life.
  7. A greater sense of accomplishment: As we reach key milestones and achieve our goals, we may feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in all that we have achieved.
  8. Improved mental agility: Many older adults maintain good mental agility and problem-solving skills, due to their continued learning and engagement with the world around them.
  9. A deeper appreciation for the present moment: As we age, we may become more aware of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living in the present moment, which can help us appreciate and make the most of every day.
  10. Greater opportunity for self-discovery: As we age, we may have more time and resources to explore our own interests and passions, which can lead to greater self-discovery and personal growth.
  11. Improved time management skills: As we age, we may become more efficient and effective at managing our time, which can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment and balance in our lives.
  12. Greater understanding of our own emotions: As we age, we may become more attuned to our own emotions and better able to understand and manage them, which can lead to improved mental health and well-being.
  13. Improved ability to set boundaries: As we age, we may become more confident in setting boundaries and advocating for our own needs, which can improve our relationships and overall well-being.
  14. A greater sense of accomplishment: As we reach key milestones and achieve our goals, we may feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in all that we have achieved.
  15. Improved sleep: Many older adults find that they sleep better as they age, possibly due to better sleep habits or a greater sense of relaxation and contentment.
  16. Greater financial security: As we age, we may become more financially secure through career advancement or the accumulation of savings and assets over time.
  17. Improved communication skills: As we age, we often become more adept at communicating with others, which can lead to stronger relationships and more effective problem-solving.
  18. Greater self-acceptance: As we age, we may become more accepting of ourselves and our own flaws, which can lead to improved self-confidence and self-worth.
  19. Improved decision-making skills: As we age, we often gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us, which can help us make more informed and thoughtful decisions.
  20. A deeper appreciation for the present moment: As we age, we may become more aware of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living in the present moment, which can help us appreciate and make the most of every day.

I had written this a good while ago, just found it languishing in my draft folder – it deserved a chance to come out and be read!

See also: The Benefits of Getting Older

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