Hindsight might be 20/20, but some things stand the test of time.
When older people look back on their lives, there are a few things they’re almost always glad they did when they were younger. These choices are ones that pretty much no one regrets making, which is all the more reason to make them in our own lives, don’t you think?
1. Travelling whenever they could
Whether it was backpacking through Europe, taking a road trip, or hopping on a last-minute flight, older people rarely regret the adventures they had. Travelling exposes you to new cultures, perspectives, and unforgettable experiences. It reminds you that life is more than just the daily grind—and the memories last forever.
2. Saying “yes” to spontaneous plans
Those nights when they said “yes” to an unexpected invite or a spontaneous trip are often the stories they cherish most. Sure, it’s easier to stay home, but stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to some of the best memories. Sometimes, the most fun moments are the ones you didn’t plan.
3. Taking risks on things that mattered
Whether it was switching careers, starting a business, or confessing feelings to someone, taking risks often pays off—if not in results, then in lessons learned. Playing it safe is fine, but older people often wish they’d taken more chances. The “what if” is often harder to live with than the risk of failure.
4. Prioritising friendships
Old friends are like time capsules. Making time for mates, even when life got busy, is something older people rarely regret. The laughter, support, and shared history become more valuable with age. Those friendships you nurture now? They’re often the ones who’ll still be there decades later.
5. Investing in their health
Whether it was hitting the gym, eating well, or just staying active, taking care of their health pays off in the long run. Older people who stayed active often enjoy more independence and fewer aches and pains. You might not think twice about it now, but your future self will thank you for those morning jogs and salad choices.
6. Learning new skills
Picking up that guitar, learning to cook, or taking that art class? These are the things older people look back on with pride. Even if they didn’t become experts, the joy of learning something new and challenging themselves is something they’re always glad they did.
7. Speaking up for themselves
Whether it was in relationships, at work, or just in life, standing up for themselves is something older people rarely regret. Knowing their worth and setting boundaries helped them create a life where they felt respected. Silence might seem easier in the moment, but speaking up often brings peace in the long run.
8. Falling in love, even when it hurt
Sure, love can be messy and heartbreak is no fun, but older people rarely regret taking a chance on love. The highs, the lows, and everything in between taught them about themselves and the world. Even the loves that didn’t last helped shape who they are.
9. Spending time with family
Those Sunday lunches, family holidays, or even just phone calls with Mum and Dad—these are the moments older people treasure. When loved ones are gone, the memories of time spent together become priceless. Even if family time sometimes felt tedious, it’s often something they’re glad they prioritised.
10. Trusting their gut
Older people often say their biggest regrets came from ignoring their intuition. When they trusted their gut, even if it went against logic or what other people thought, they rarely regretted it. That little voice inside you usually knows what’s up—listening to it can save you a lot of “I wish I’d known” moments.
11. Letting go of grudges
Holding onto resentment is exhausting, and older people often find that letting go brought them more peace than holding on. Forgiving someone (or themselves) freed up emotional energy for better things. Life’s too short to carry grudges around like extra baggage.
12. Saving and spending wisely
Splurging on things that mattered and saving for the future? That balance is something older people appreciate. They’re glad they set aside money for rainy days and invested in experiences that brought joy. Financial choices made young can give you freedom and security later on.
13. Laughing at themselves
Taking life too seriously is a fast track to stress. Older people who learned to laugh at their mistakes, quirks, and awkward moments often found life a lot more enjoyable. Self-deprecating humour and a good belly laugh never go out of style.
14. Saying “I love you” often
Expressing love, whether to partners, friends, or family, is something older people never regret. Even if it felt vulnerable or awkward, telling people how much they mattered left fewer “I wish I’d said it” moments. Life is short, and love is always worth sharing.
