By Julie E 
Photo Credit ( Freepik )
Our senior years might provide difficulties, just like any other stage of life. But all of the positive features of aging shouldn’t be overshadowed by the challenging and unpleasant parts.
The Greatest Aspects of Getting Older
Here are ten wonderful things about getting older, ranging from the financial benefits of reaching 65 to the life lessons gained from decades of experience:
- A More Joyful Perspective
According to research, seniors are among the happiest demographics and are noticeably happier than their middle-aged counterparts, which may surprise some.
“This could be due to better coping abilities,” says Dr. Saverio Stranges, author of a study on the topic. Compared to younger people, older folks typically have internal coping mechanisms that help them handle adversity or bad situations better. Seniors may also be happy because they are “more comfortable being themselves” as they get older.
- Grandchildren
Gore Vidal, an American author, famously remarked, “Never have children, only grandchildren.” Grandparents frequently get to enjoy the pleasures of childhood without having to deal with sleepless nights and changing diapers. Grandparents’ affection for their grandchildren makes them feel better while also helping the grandchildren they care for.
The link between children and their grandparents is crucial, according to Dr. Karl Pillemer, a specialist in aging and intergenerational interactions. He states that “the grandparent/grandchild relationship is second in emotional importance only to the parent/child relationship” and that “research shows children need four to six involved, caring adults in their lives to fully develop emotionally and socially.”
- Spending More Time with Loved Ones
Retirement isn’t necessarily happy or restful; it’s about how you spend that time that makes it unique.
Spending time with friends, family, and other loved ones is one of the best things about retirement.
- The Chance to Follow Your Dreams
“It’s never too late to be what you might have become,” wrote Victorian novelist George Elliot. The extra time you have after retirement is a great chance to follow passions and dreams you may have placed on hold.
For example, you can create the novel that has been waiting to be written in your mind, take the trip you’ve always wanted to take, or learn a new language.
- Civic Engagement and Volunteering
As people age, they get a wider perspective and are more likely to devote a large portion of their time and energy to improving society and the planet for coming generations.
Retired seniors have more time to engage in civic and political activities, which they do, in addition to spending time with their loved ones and following their passions and personal goals.
For instance, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, the rate of voting among individuals over 65 is higher than that of any other age group. Additionally, they volunteer frequently. One in four Americans aged 65 and older volunteered in 2015, according to data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
- Knowledge
Numerous new research showing the cognitive and emotional advantages of aging were discussed in an article in Smithsonian Magazine. According to one study included in the article, seniors are more adept at managing their emotions than people in other age groups. In a gambling game “designed to induce regret,” researchers asked participants of all ages to participate. They discovered that, “unlike 20-somethings, those in their 60s didn’t agonize over losing, and they were less likely to try to redeem their loss by later taking big risks.”
- Increased Empathy and Improved Social Skills
Participants in a different study stated in the previously cited article were asked to offer suggestions to fictitious writers of “Dear Abby” letters. The results showed that elders have better social and empathy skills. According to the study:
“Those in their 60s demonstrated superior ability to envision various viewpoints, consider multiple solutions, and propose compromises compared to those in their younger years.”
Seniors are susceptible to loneliness even if they may have developed stronger social skills than their younger counterparts. To ensure that these abilities have an opportunity to shine, read our blog post about assisting elders in avoiding social isolation.
- Social Security, Medicare, and the Guaranteed Minimum Income
In a history of aging piece, we talked about how, before to the 20th century, elderly people who couldn’t support themselves were compelled to live in what were known as “poorhouses” or “workhouses.” This was the situation for elderly people without family members who could care for them or who were not financially secure on their own.
Even though poverty is still a major issue among the elderly, safety-net programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security ensure that all Americans should have health insurance and a basic income, even if they are not affluent or have no dependent children.
As he explained the significance of Social Security and other safety-net programs he helped implement in 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “We can never insure one-hundred percent of the population against one-hundred percent of the hazards and vicissitudes of life.” However, we have attempted to draft legislation that will provide a certain level of protection to the typical citizen and his family against job loss and poverty-stricken old age.
- Senior Savings
Even while senior discounts might not seem like much, you must have once envied them. Senior discounts can assist people save money during a time when income is typically fixed and constrained. Because these reductions are frequently for the very items that keep seniors active and involved, like dining, entertainment, medication, and transportation, they also give them a strong incentive to make the most of their retirement.
Seniors can also use websites such as SeniorDiscounts.com to find companies that provide senior discounts.
- A Feeling of Achievement
A healthy sense of pride in one’s accomplishments is common among older adults. These achievements don’t have to be outstanding achievements.
It’s aptly expressed in John Lennon’s line, “A working class hero is something to be.” A pleasant sense of fulfillment in old age can be built upon seemingly insignificant accomplishments, such as having a kid who is healthy and happy, being married and content, serving in the military, or retiring from a job in good standing after years of devoted service.