People have a lot of complaints about getting older, and you may dread it, but there are plenty of benefits that come with age. Instead of worrying about aging, read this list of some positive aspects of getting older.
In your 40s:
Your priorities are clearer.
There are fewer questions about what you can do and what you need to do with your life. Things are laid out for you, and you have a clearer idea of where you're going in life. You have a career, a family, and you know what you need to do when you need to do it.
You realize everyone else is just like you.
Everyone has their own devils that nag them in their head. At 40, you being to see that everyone else is in the same boat. Comparing yourself to others becomes unnecessary, and you become much more comfortable in your own skin.
You don't mess around.
When it comes to love, service, or anything, you don't mess around. When someone messes up your order, you say something. If you want to date someone specific, you tell them what you're looking for right off the bat. You're up front, and you don't mess around. There's no unnecessary drama needed in your 40s.
In your 50s:
AARP discounts are everywhere.
In your 20s, you notice that senior citizens get everything at a lower price. Not only are movie tickets cheaper, but meals are more reasonable, and car insurance drops drastically in price. When you turn 50, you can sign up for AARP, which gives you discounts just about wherever you go.
You're much, much smarter.
Now that you're 50, you've lived half your life, and you've grown more intelligent because of it. Studies show that people age 50 and over perform better on cognitive tests compared to those of a younger age group. Plus, people listen when you talk, rather than blowing you off because you're young. You know you're stuff.
You'll probably never look dangerous.
Hear me out. When you're 50, you don't seem dangerous to the police. You're less likely to get stopped at police roadblocks, and it seems to become easier to get out of tickets. Something about being 50 tells people that you're harmless.
In your 60s:
You can retire!
Okay, so maybe not everyone can retire, but there is a much higher chance that you can retire in your 60s. That retirement account you've been putting money into is eligible for withdrawal without fees. As of now, you can also start receiving part of your Social Security benefits at age 62 and full benefits at age 66.
You'll have more free time.
Have you ever wanted to learn to do something but never had the time? If you have the ability to retire, you can learn knitting, carpentry, coin collecting, model building—whatever your heart desires, you can do it.
You can take free classes at colleges and universities.
While it's different for every college or university, most allow you to take college courses for free when you’re in your 60s. You don't have to worry about grades, as most seniors decide to opt out of assignments. This perk is about learning and keeping your mind active.
In your 70s:
You get more Social Security benefits.
The longer you wait to file and collect your Social Security, the better off you are. If you wait until the age of 70 to file for Social Security, your benefits will be 76% higher than if you collected at age 62. This percentage increases by 7–8% each year you postpone after age 62, although 70 is the cutoff date.
You're happier.
At the age of 70, you're comfortable with who you are. You get to see those around you living their lives, and better yet, you can help them along. Studies also show that people who are above the age of 70 are much happier with their lives. At 70, you have decreased stress and anxiety, so live it up!
