People often have a negative perception of getting older. However, research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry suggests otherwise.
In fact, older adults are often much happier than younger generations.
The benefits of growing older are often underrated. Life after retirement can be significantly more enjoyable, fulfilling, and rewarding than earlier working years.
From financial benefits to being able to truly immerse yourself in the things you love doing, the advantages of getting older may far outweigh the drawbacks.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most rewarding aspects of getting older and how you can fully embrace the next chapter of your life.
The Freedom of Time
Whether you’re fully or partially retired, not having to focus on a career or raising a family gives you more freedom and time.
During this unique phase of life, having more time means you can engage in interests and hobbies that may have taken a backseat in your younger years.
A common misconception about aging is that without work and family to focus on, you may lose your ambition.
On the contrary, leisure time provides the opportunity to find one’s real life purpose. Not only will you be able to focus more on the things that matter to you, but you’ll also be able to:
- Discover new interests.
- Further your personal growth.
- Accomplish new goals.
- Build stronger connections with friends and family.
Also, having the gift of time means you can truly savor the simple pleasures of life that you may have overlooked in the whirlwind of your youth.
You have the freedom to witness sunsets, cherish special moments with loved ones, find stillness in nature, and appreciate life’s beauty.
A Wealth of Knowledge to Pass Along
Beyond the new and exciting experiences that lie ahead of you when you have the luxury of time, being older also allows you to make an impact on society and future generations.
Over the years, you’ve learned, grown, and experienced both life’s highs and lows — through this, you’ve likely gained a wealth of knowledge and wisdom.
This lifetime of learning has prepared you to pass on valuable insight and knowledge — possibly to your children, grandchildren, and other younger people.
Aging adults can become mentors, confidants, and guides who can build intergenerational connections that enrich the lives of everyone involved.
Passing on knowledge benefits both you and society as a whole. Older adults play a vital role in preserving history and traditions by ensuring future generations inherit the invaluable lessons you’ve learned.
Spending time passing on knowledge gained from your life experiences to family members also gives you the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world.
Financial Perks and Discounts
As an aging adult, you can qualify for a variety of discounts and allowances that often make it less expensive to enjoy all that life has to offer.
Retail, dining, and travel discounts
Many retail stores — including Kohl’s, Ross, Walgreens, and Rite Aid — offer discounts to aging adults, providing up to 20% off regular prices.
Restaurants and fast-food chains also offer discounts for older adults. Examples include IHOP, Denny’s, and McDonald’s. You may be able to get discounts like 10% off your order or a free drink with your meal.
Older age groups are usually also eligible for certain travel and public transport discounts.
American Airlines, Avis, and Best Western all offer discounts to aging adults on travel-related expenses such as airfare, rental cars, and hotels.
Transport systems like New York City’s MTA and Chicago’s CA also offer discounted fares for older adults.
These discounts make it more accessible to visit the places and see the sights you’ve always wanted to, at a reduced cost.
Entertainment discounts
From museum visits to theme park rides and movie theatres, various entertainment venues offer discounts to older adults, allowing you to explore life’s pleasures for less.
For example, AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art all provide cost benefits for people who are getting older.
Health and wellness benefits
As an aging adult in the U.S., you also get access to federal health insurance called Medicare, if you contributed to it while you were employed.
This program provides financial coverage for hospital stays, medical services, and prescription medications.
This is designed to help you save money on medical costs and enjoy benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
These health benefits can give you peace of mind knowing you’ll be looked after as you age.
Greater Empathy, Perspective, and Social Skills
With the passage of time, older adults have witnessed and experienced life’s triumphs, challenges, and lessons.
As a result, they often have a broadened perspective, more empathy, and advanced social skills— which can only be gained through a lifetime of learning.
Researchers at the University of Michigan gave 200 people ‘Dear Abby’ letters and asked them what advice they would give as a response.
Participants in their sixties and older delivered multiple resolutions, suggesting compromises and different viewpoints than younger respondents.
They also showed better social skills and a more mature perspective.
In another study, researchers had older people play a gambling game designed to create a sense of regret.
Compared to the younger age group, older participants spent less time worrying about losing the game and took bigger risks despite their losses. The study found that aging adults showed more empathy and better social skills than younger participants.
A Sharper Mind
A study conducted by the University of Illinois found that a number of vitally important abilities become sharper as you age.
Despite some loss in short-term memory and visual-spatial processing, the research revealed that older air traffic controllers performed far better in their cognitively taxing jobs than their younger colleagues.
These older controllers proved to be far more effective at navigation and juggling multiple aircraft simultaneously to avoid collisions.
This research shows that old age and gray hair don’t equal cognitive decline.
A Healthy Sense of Pride
As we age, we can look back on our lives and all that we have experienced, which allows us to recognize just how significant our achievements have been.
Many aging adults have accumulated a wealth of accomplishments and milestones throughout their lives.
Whether personal, professional, or recreational, getting older might give you the perspective to reflect on your accomplishments with a sense of pride and satisfaction.
With the benefit of being able to reflect on their life journey, older adults can truly acknowledge the challenges they’ve overcome, the goals they’ve achieved, and the impact they’ve made in the lives of others with greater happiness and satisfaction.
Embracing Your Grandchildren
Perhaps one of the most rewarding experiences that come with getting older is spending time with grandchildren.
You’ve experienced the miracle of bringing new life into the world earlier in your lifetime. Now, you can celebrate this again — but without the enormous responsibility of being a parent.
Researchers at Boston College discovered that the tight bonds between grandparents and their grandchildren could improve symptoms of depression.
Another study found that the relationship between aging adults and their grandchildren can reduce emotional and behavioral problems in younger children.
Your golden years can mean having more time to forge deep bonds with your grandkids through quality time and fun activities.
This new chapter of your life has the potential to be filled with joy, love, and opportunities to create new memories that you’ll cherish forever.
Plus, you get to make an impact on the lives of the next generation by passing down family values and traditions and providing priceless guidance to your grandchildren.
How Can I Enjoy Life to Its Fullest as I Age?
Getting older is filled with remarkable benefits and aging shouldn’t be feared.
From heightened empathy, a deeper appreciation of life’s beauty, and the freedom to pursue new passions, the advantages of aging are immeasurable.
Having peace of mind that you will get the assistance you need in the event of an emergency can help you enjoy your older years even more, which is LogicMark’s main aim.
The medical alert devices we offer have been specifically designed to help aging adults and their loved ones rest assured that they are safe in the event of an emergency.
Visit our website and explore our range of devices that give you peace of mind knowing that you can get help from emergency responders whenever you need it.
