Yahoo Lifestyle 18 Things People Over 40 Are Actually Excited About For Their Golden Years
Recently, I asked BuzzFeed Community members 40 years or older what they're looking forward to the most about aging. Here are some of the best responses:
1."Quite frankly, not being afraid to speak my mind. Old people say it how it is, with little fear of recrimination."
—41, London
2."I am living from my values instead of in reaction to my childhood or what I'm 'supposed' to do."
—Anonymous, California
3."I'm just excited for my grey hairs to completely come in."
4."Finally being comfortable in my skin and no longer caring what others think about how I look."
5."For me, by far, the best thing is no longer caring what people think about me. How I used to obsess over whether people were staring at me, judging my hair or my fashion sense, or talking about me behind my back. When I was in my late 40s, something just clicked in me, and I realized that most people have far better things to worry about than some random middle-aged woman. It was so freeing. Life has been better ever since."
6."At my age, I’m so content with where I am and enjoy being single. If I meet Mr. Right, great. But, I don't need a man to feel fulfilled. I don't look to others for happiness. If I choose to get into a relationship at my age, it will be with a keeper. I know what I want in a partner and I refuse to settle for anything less. And if I don’t find him, I'm not losing sleep over it."
7."Retirement. I'm already post-menopausal, so the only big 'I'm old' milestone left is retirement. I cannot wait to stay up late playing video games, wake up at 11 a.m. on a Tuesday and day drink on the porch, and go out and garden. Then there's the traveling and hiking! I want it all right now!"
8."I think I’ll enjoy being able to relax more. Emotionally, spiritually, financially. I don't know how to explain it, but a lot of older women just seem more secure in themselves and at peace with who they are."
9."I think not having to worry about getting pregnant will be a weight off my mind!"
10."I'm just waiting for menopause hoping that that'll be the end of my endometriosis."
11."Being a grandma! I'm still at least a decade away from that (if my kids choose at all to be parents), but I'm still excited."
12."Being able to just fiddle fuck about with no need to hurry at all."
—68, US
13."This is maybe kind of shallow, but I think aged women who have an established style and identity are super attractive and I look forward to being one myself."
14."More knowledge and just a better understanding of the world."
—Anonymous
15."The IDGAF attitude! My grandmother just says anything that’s on her mind with no fear of judgment. It might be blunt, but damn it must feel so good!!"
16."Traveling and seeing more of the world!"
—Anonymous
17."At 42, I've finally reached the age where I'm not looking for validation from others."
18.And finally, "I don't know for sure just yet, but I sure am looking forward to all those senior discounts kicking in next year."
What things are you looking forward to most about aging? Let us know in the comments below!
Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
