Things That Don't Suck about Getting Older

By , SparkPeople Blogger
Yesterday was a pivotal day. I said goodbye to being a 20-something and today I woke up as a 30-year-old woman. 
 
I don't really feel different, but I also kind of do. Maybe because when I was growing up, 30 seemed so old (certainly I don't feel that way now). It also seemed so "grown up" when I was a kid, a teen, and a college student.  Turning 30 has been on my mind a lot these past few weeks.
 
My dad, now nearing 60, has always told me that mentally, he doesn't feel any different now than when he was 25; it's only our bodies that show and feel our age. I think I understand that more and more as I get older. Each passing year, whether it's New Year's Day, a birthday or an anniversary, is a chance to reflect, regroup and refocus. You can choose to change or start fresh. But no matter what, these life events remind me that I need to appreciate the passage of time more than I do. It goes SO fast, and I can say for certain that every year I get older, time seems to fly by even faster than it did the year before.
 
Everyone who is older than me says that life get better with age. But I'll be honest: I sometimes have trouble seeing the upside of things. When my husband threw me a surprise party last weekend to celebrate, I felt sad about all the people who didn't come instead of being happy to mingle with those who did. And now that I'm another calendar year older, I can't help but think of all the things I haven't done—rather than recollecting all of my accomplishments to date. And then there's the big elephant in the room: babies! I thought that by 30 I'd feel ready (I do want kids), but I don't feel any more "ready" than when I was 22. I guess that only shows how little I really knew when I was younger!
 
Of course, even a glass-half-empty girl 30-year-old like me knows that it's not all bad. I mean, personally, I've always looked way younger than my age, so I'm actually hoping I look old enough to be perceived as a person with experience and credibility. (When I first joined the SparkPeople staff at age 22, my boss thought no one would take me seriously as a fitness expert because I looked, in his words, "15 years old.")  But there are even things about your body, your mind and your life in general that get better as you get older. So to celebrate each day you wake up alive, and each year that passes—and you're still here living it—here's a big list of things to look forward to as you get older (as told by SparkPeople members!).
 
  1. You're wiser.
  2. You know who you are as a person better than ever.
  3. Insurance discounts!  
  4. You are more secure and confident than when you were younger.
  5. You better appreciate life and the people around you. You don't take anything for granted.
  6. Being carded is a compliment.
  7. You have stronger resolve.
  8. There's still plenty of time to try new things.
  9. You worry less about what everyone else thinks of you and focus more on doing what makes YOU happy.
  10. Love.
  11. Relationships.
  12. Sex.
  13. You're still on this side of the ground!
  14. You can spot "BS" much quicker—and you're less willing to take it.
  15. You see the bigger picture.
  16. You take better care of yourself physically and emotionally.
  17. People take you more seriously.
  18. You run faster. (This is actually true, especially for women whose speeds peak between 35 and 39.)
  19. Senior discounts.
  20. You have found yourself.
  21. You know there is so much more to come.
  22. You get smarter!
  23. You worry less about silly things.
  24. You discover your inner strength.
  25. You're more likely to try new things.
  26. Everything makes more sense.
  27. Having kids. Being a mom/dad.
  28. Having grandkids. Being a grandparent.
  29. In a hostage situation, you are likely to be released first.
  30. You are better able to learn from past mistakes and grow from them.
  31. You're more likely to stand up for yourself.
  32. Perspective.
  33. You know how to work smarter, not harder.
  34. Your earning potential increases the longer you are in your profession.
  35. New doors continue to open.
  36. Your attitude and gratitude.
  37. You care more about having your style than being in style.
  38. Making a life becomes more important than having a life.
  39. You get more relaxed about getting older.
When I was younger, I thought I'd have everything "figured out" by the time I was 30. Now I know that's not true; but I do expect that I'll figure more things out each passing day. I also know and fully believe that getting older can be great when you take care of yourself nutritionally, physically and mentally. When you are healthy, you can slow down the effects of time—and get more out of each passing year.
 
"Do not regret getting older. It is a privilege denied to many." -- Unknown
 
Let us all embrace our ages and be grateful to be alive another day!
 
Do you think that everything gets better with age? What do you think is the best part about getting older? 

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Comments

RREDFORD5 12/17/2020
"Old age is not a tragedy, it is a triumph!" (don't know whose original quote; my older friend used to tell me this every year.) Report
SABLENESS 11/13/2020
Any milestone birthday is a good time to reflect and be grateful. Report
TURQUROISE 10/24/2020
Thank you Report
FISHGUT3 10/5/2020
thanks Report
MUSICNUT 10/4/2020
Thanks for the great article! :) Report
ARCHIMEDESII 10/2/2020
I'm looking forward to reaching 65. That's when I can start taking advantage of senior discounts. LOL Report
GYORGYB 6/28/2020
Happy Birthday Nicole!!!!
I enjoyed reading your take on getting older. Report
GRAMDEB16 6/20/2020
Funny article, especially from a 30 year old. I was shocked this week to get mail saying that in less than a year I have to choose a Medicare plan! Am I really that old already? My mom used to say that getting old is not for sissies! Report
ROBINRS 6/1/2020
with a broken hip at age 12 and increasing arthritis and other health problems - my Dr. always said I had an old body for my age. But I've learned to push through and make needed accommodations to keep active physically, mentally and socially. I feel like a much stronger person and generally enjoy life. Plus one thing about getting older is I can do "weird" things and people excuse it because I am old (past 60). but I often still feel like a college age student at heart. Report
KATHYJO56 5/29/2020
Getting older doesn't bother me at all Report
GERRTIE 2/22/2020
Pish posh, 30 years old is still a baby! I would love to read the article you will write when you're staring down 60. lol Report
ROSSYFLOSSY 2/22/2020
Old is a mindset. Report
CECTARR 2/1/2020
This does make me laugh coming from a 30 year old Report
JUSTMEOK66 2/1/2020
I enjoy being around senior citizens. .they make me feel young!! Awwwwww! I do pray a lot more for folks older than I am who may be suffering from arthritis . .since I am starting to feel pains of arthritis myself. .yiikkess! ! Moving and exercising as much as possible. .seems to help with the arthritis pain. Also taking 3 flaxseed oil capsuls, 1000 mg to 1200 mg daily seems to really help me with the arthritis pain. Always check with your doctor before starting anything though. Report
CD25341307
I think at any age it is a perfect time to evaluate & motivate for yourself & even for others, those younger & older, regarding "Things That Don't Suck about Getting Older"; it's through helping ourselves that we are, in turn, able to help others. Keep Sparking at any age! Report
NASFKAB
Great. Report
CECTARR
One day you'll realize how young you are right now. Enjoy it Report
ZYNDALL
Great article Report
2BDYNAMIC
I celebrate each and every year I am privileged to live! God has certainly blessed me in countless ways, and never do I dread another birthday. Besides, when this life is over I know where I will be living for all of eternity and that is good! No regrets! Report
KOALA_BEAR
How silly to have this article written by a 30 yr old! Maybe it should have been co-authored with some one 60. And get her to update what her observations are now, 7 yrs later. My husband is older & had some health issues the past couple years. His back problems limit mobility so I am on my own for many activities. They say youth is wasted on the young, physically that's true. Looking back I realize I had no idea what older people I knew were going thru. Didn't really care then either. Still feel & think young, act a bit more responsibly. In my head I am still young looking but the mirror is showing that is now a delusion. Age spots more than grey hair, but no wrinkles yet. I am taking off weight & hope I can accept that when I get to my goal, it won't magically turn back the clock & make me young again. Now that would be motivation if diets/lifestyles worked that way.
I never paid much attention to my age once I hit the milestones of 16 & 21 until 65 when I could retire from a very stressful job. Waiting on Medicare coverage like many others. I am in good health, financially secure tho far from rich. Report
KOALA_BEAR
How silly to have this article written by a 30 yr old! Maybe it should have been co-authored with some one 60. And get her to update what her observations are now, 7 yrs later.
I never paid much attention to my age once I hit the milestones of 16 & 21 until 65 when I could retire from a very stressful job. Waiting on Medicare coverage like many others. I am in good health, financially secure tho far from rich. Report
TISTYEN
My mom (who just turned 82) always says, "It's hell to get old, but it beats the crap out of the alternative!" I like the one about the hostage situation (but hope I never have to put it to the test). Still, I sometimes can't help feeling old when I have coworkers who weren't even born when I graduated from college.
Report
FROLICINFLORIDA
This is great article. Helps me learn to enjoy my age now. Report
XREPHA
I'll be 60 next year! Bring it on!!! Report
TRIMNUP
In her 80's my grandmother was telling me, "You're not old til you can't get the rocking chair moving anymore." I don't worry or fret about getting older. I'm 65 this month. I can still move the rocking chair but my grandchildren think I'm "ancient". LOL Report
PAMBROWN62
Whenever someone complains to be about getting older, I always ask them to think about the alternative. If you are not getting older then you are not alive. I want to be alive as long as I can and I want to enjoy whatever I can about getting older. Report
LIVELYGIRL2
the comments are interesting here also. Well I'm in the older group. I mean past 40 plus and such. My mom lived to be in her 90's. I saw that most of it is ones health and attitude. Also use it or loose it. I probably do more activity, exercise, conscious of food choices . The ones who complain the most, mostly don't do those things at all . To me it's all about having energy, and a decent attitude. However, if one had bad health, it probably would be way harder to maintain ones outlook. Report
BABY_GIRL69
I enjoyed being almost every age I was I think but I enjoy getting older that means I'm still alive..... Enjoy everyday. Report
REJ7777
When my son turned 23, he told me: Mom, I can't think of a single advantage to growing older anymore. LOL! Report
KATHYJO56
I laughed at this article-well most of it. I don't mind being 65. Report
KHALIA2
As I use to tell my children and the children in my classroom, when you stop getting older you are no longer in this world. Report
NELLJONES
In another 30 years you'll look back on 30 as being practically childhood. Don't forget to enjoy every moment! Report
KHALIA2
I used to tell my students when I was in the classroom, when you stop getting older, you are no longer in this world. Be happy and live, Coach! Report
EMGERBER
Good article, getting older is not so bad there are many great things about it. I am not waiting to die I am living every moment to its fullest. Report
CLEOALLEN
I think it is funny that you are talking about getting old when you are only 30. You are still just a kid. Relax. Report
ADIRONDACKMOM1
Young at heart!!! Report
GMAM48
At 70, I can't say I feel old, but I am aware that many doors seem to be closing that used to always be open. Treasure everyday because you don't always have unlimited choices. Report
KITTYHAWK1949
age is just a number but I agree a lot of things (not everything) get better as the number goes up. i'm 68 years young Report
LYNCHD05
I will be 73 in a month and as I look back over my past decades I have to say my 50’s were the best. My kids were grown up and doing well, my hubby and I were both still working and loving our jobs and life was just pretty great.
I still love my life but health issues are changing the things I took for granted previously. I still love working out and go to the gym four times a week. L love walking, golfing and managed to hike a few times a year. It just makes me feel better. Some things now hurt so you just make adjustments.
We need to enjoy every minute because they are all special. Report
KMILLER31
Thanks for the optimistic approach to getting older Report
_CYNDY55_
Thanks! Report
KHALIA2
Thanks, Coach Nicole. I feel so much better now after reading your list. Report
CAROLYNINJOY1
I'm 70 and grateful for every day I wake up breathing. Gravity is tough but my mind is young. Report
PATRICIA-CR
I dread getting older. I try and wish to change this, but haven't been able.
There are a couple of things I can say I love about aging, not having to deal with my period and hormones in that sense; and having my children gone. Report
KATHYJO56
This is all true. I can vouch for them all. Report
FLAXENPOET1961
This may be true until you reach about the age of 50. Then people start to treat you like you are just old. Also job opportunities seem to disappear and hormones play Havoc with your weight emotions and sometimes your overall health. American Society fails to see the wisdom that experience can bring. Maybe I'm just another girl that views the glass as half empty. Report
LARGELIVER
Dumbest graphic ever to use on a weight loss blog entry. Trigger much? Report
COCOSCHAFER
Hahaha!!! That's cute Report
SPUNOUTMOM
Good article. As I get older having more aches and pains. So good points to remember. Report
CHERYLHURT
Thanks Report
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