Let's face it—the media loves to paint aging as a slow descent into irrelevance, filled with nothing but aches, pains, and early bird specials. But what if we told you that getting older actually comes with some seriously awesome perks that nobody talks about?
Real people over 60 shared what they genuinely love about their age—and their responses might surprise you.
Forget the doom and gloom—these folks are living their best lives, and they've got receipts to prove it.
According to recent research from Harvard's Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on happiness, people actually tend to get happier as they age.
The study, spanning nearly 80 years, found that life satisfaction often increases after 65, debunking the myth that aging equals misery.
1. The Sweet, Sweet Taste of Financial Freedom (Sometimes)
First up, let's talk money. No, not everyone over 60 is rolling in dough, but many have reached that magical moment where the financial pressure valve finally loosens.
"We have enough money to do what we want. We're not rich, but we've saved over the years. I have time to read and sleep late after 40 years of working my a** off."
The numbers back this up.
According to the Federal Reserve's 2023 Survey of Consumer Finances, households headed by someone 65 or older have a median net worth of $289,000—significantly higher than younger age groups.
While not everyone experiences this financial cushion, those who do find it transformative.
Financial Perks After 60
- No more mortgage payments for 53% of homeowners over 65
- Average Social Security benefit of $1,827 per month in 2024
- Medicare coverage reducing healthcare stress
- Senior discounts saving 10-20% on everyday expenses
2. The Freedom of Not Caring What Others Think
Perhaps the most universally celebrated benefit? The glorious freedom of caring less about what others think. It's like a superpower that activates somewhere around your 60th birthday.
"There's a certain, almost dangerous, level of personal liberation. Kind of like, 'I'm only gonna live for a few more years, so what could anyone possibly do to me?' This liberation in me, at least, has manifested in almost extreme levels of mouthiness. I say what I am feeling and thinking, I am NOT sensitive to anyone's attempts to hurt my feelings, and I don't really care if I hurt their feelings, either."
This psychological shift isn't just anecdotal.
Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that emotional regulation improves with age, leading to what psychologists call "socioemotional selectivity"—basically, you get better at focusing on what truly matters and letting the rest slide.
Also read: Unlock happiness: Discover the 3 life-changing truths everyone is ignoring!
3. Your Body Becomes Less of a Drama Queen
Yes, you read that right. While aging brings its challenges, many women report significant improvements in certain areas:
"No periods. The pain! The mess! The surprise visits! All gone—woohoo!"
Beyond the obvious reproductive changes, many older adults report:
- Fewer migraines and hormonal headaches
- More stable energy levels throughout the day
- Better understanding of their body's needs and limits
- Reduced anxiety about physical appearance
Did you know?
Did you know?
Studies show that body image satisfaction actually increases with age for many people. A 2023 study found that women over 60 report higher body satisfaction than women in their 20s and 30s.
4. Wisdom That Actually Pays Off
Remember all those mistakes you made in your younger years? They've transformed into something valuable: genuine wisdom and perspective.
"You get smart about people. I can now tell far more easily whom to trust versus who is trying to take advantage of me. These were things I was oblivious to when I was younger, but now I see things a lot clearer."
This isn't just feel-good talk. Neuroscience research shows that older brains excel at:
- Crystallized intelligence (accumulated knowledge and skills)
- Complex problem-solving that requires considering multiple perspectives
- Emotional regulation and conflict resolution
- Pattern recognition based on life experience
5. Empty Nest = Full Freedom
For parents, the empty nest phase brings unexpected joys:
"I'm in my 70s now, and the past 10 years have been the best time of my life. One thing that gets better is that if you have kids, you have an empty nest. Your kids are adults now and have reached the crossover point where they worry more about you than you do about them. And you know what? Let them. You've earned it."
The transition can be challenging, but research from the Berkeley Well-Being Institute shows that most parents experience increased life satisfaction once they adjust to their children leaving home. The newfound freedom allows for:
Example Scenario
- Spontaneous travel without coordinating school schedules
- Rekindling romance with partners (hello, privacy!)
- Pursuing hobbies abandoned during child-rearing years
- Decorating without worrying about childproofing
6. The Confidence Boost Nobody Warns You About
Multiple respondents mentioned a surprising surge in self-confidence:
"Knowing that you are fully formed. You don't have to take on any more self-improvement projects, even though you surely can if you really want to. But I don't need to improve my posture, my vocabulary, or my attitude; I can do whatever I want now. As long as I don't fart in front of people, just leave me alone and let me do whatever it is I'm doing. And if I'm doing it wrong, don't bother telling me! I'm most likely not going to get any better at it, and that's okay with me."
This confidence manifests in various ways:
- Speaking up in situations where you would have stayed quiet
- Trying new things without fear of looking foolish
- Setting boundaries without guilt
- Pursuing interests regardless of age "appropriateness"
Also read: Unlock the secret to happiness: How “glimmers” can transform your mood and well-being!
7. Time Becomes Your Friend (Finally)
After decades of rushing, many older adults discover the luxury of time:
"I am 73 and have been retired for 10 years. Most days, I'm still thrilled that I no longer have to get up at 5 a.m. and be at work at 7:30 a.m. five days a week. When you hit your 60s, you're free."
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that adults 65 and older have an average of 7.5 hours of leisure time per day, compared to just 4.5 hours for those aged 35 to 44.
That's an extra 21 hours per week to pursue passions, connect with loved ones, or simply enjoy life!
8. Relationships Get Real (and Better)
As one respondent beautifully put it:
"My career is basically on autopilot now. I'm a lawyer who represents children, and everything is smooth sailing until retirement. It can be tough, traumatic work. But by now, I've pretty much seen and heard it all. My relationships with colleagues are strong as hell, judges don't scare me anymore, and I love my child clients. It's just easier all around. Oh, and I also have this awesome-a** parking space that I was on a 10-year list for."
Research consistently shows that while social circles may shrink with age, the quality of remaining relationships improves dramatically. Older adults report:
Relationship Benefits After 60
- Deeper, more authentic friendships
- Less tolerance for toxic relationships
- Better communication skills
- More appreciation for loyal friends and family
Also read: Discover the secret to a longer life with this expert's groundbreaking aging blueprint
9. Physical Acceptance and Body Peace
While society obsesses over youth and beauty, many older adults find peace with their bodies:
"Clothes. The new rule is casual and comfortable, sometimes even tattered. Bras last for years now because I rarely wear them, and I haven't bought anything new in a while. You can dress however you want. No one cares how you dress, and that makes me happy."
This shift brings unexpected benefits:
- Dressing for comfort and personal preference
- Exercising for health, not appearance
- Eating without constant diet anxiety
- Appreciating what your body can do, not just how it looks
10. The Joy of Selective Engagement
Perhaps one of the most underrated perks is the ability to be selective about... everything:
"You get to sit back and watch how people handle situations that you've been in yourself—sometimes they get it right, and sometimes they fail. My mom used to give me this s**t-eating grin whenever she knew the outcome of a situation I had to learn from. Now I'm her."
This selectivity extends to:
- Social obligations (goodbye, events you never wanted to attend!)
- Work commitments (if working at all)
- Family dynamics (setting healthy boundaries)
- Information consumption (choosing what news to engage with)
The Science Behind the Satisfaction
The happiness and satisfaction reported by these older adults isn't just anecdotal.
The U-curve of happiness, documented across cultures worldwide, shows that life satisfaction often dips in middle age but rises again after 50, continuing upward through the 60s and 70s.
Key Research Findings on Aging and Happiness
70% of adults 65+ report being "very satisfied" with life
Emotional well-being peaks around age 70
Stress levels are lowest among adults 65+
Life satisfaction remains high even with health challenges
Researchers attribute this to several factors:
- Socioemotional Selectivity Theory: As time becomes more limited, people focus on emotionally meaningful goals
- Decreased Amygdala Reactivity: The brain's fear center becomes less reactive to negative stimuli
- Improved Emotional Regulation: Better ability to manage emotions and maintain equilibrium
- Acceptance and Adaptation: Greater skill at accepting what cannot be changed
Practical Tips for Maximizing Your Golden Years
Want to make the most of these natural advantages? Here's what happy older adults recommend:
Action Steps for Thriving After 60
- Cultivate close friendships—quality over quantity
- Stay physically active within your abilities
- Learn something new to keep your brain engaged
- Practice saying "no" to obligations that don't serve you
- Focus on experiences over possessions
- Maintain a sense of purpose through volunteering or hobbies
Also read: Study uncovers the secret behind “super agers” and their exceptional memory in their 80s
The Not-So-Secret Secret
The truth is, getting older isn't the disaster movie Hollywood makes it out to be.
Yes, there are challenges—health issues, loss of loved ones, and physical changes are real.
But as these voices show, there's also liberation, wisdom, and joy that only comes with age.
One respondent summed it up perfectly:
"Having a better understanding of how life works. This is the only thing you can learn from years of experience. Life gets harder physically as you age, but if you are paying attention and are open to learning, that part of life gets easier. I don't get upset about as many things as I used to in my younger days."
What This Means For You
So the next time someone makes a joke about getting older, remember these voices.
Remember the freedom, the confidence, the deep relationships, and yes, even those senior discounts.
Aging isn't just about surviving—it's about thriving in ways your younger self couldn't even imagine.
Read next:
- Want to live longer and feel younger? A 96-year-old shares her secrets to a happier, healthier life
- Unlock the secret to a longer life: The diet that has kept people healthiest for 30 years revealed!
- A $12 Uber ride turned into a life-changing friendship between a 92-year-old and a young mom
What aspects of getting older are you most looking forward to, or currently enjoying? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let's celebrate the upside of aging together!
The GrayVine
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