Accepting the changes that come with aging isn’t easy. No one looks forward to health problems or losing loved ones. However, acknowledging the realities that come with age is essential to prepare yourself for a healthier and happier future. From your sleep schedule to proper skin care, here are realities you may want to consider as you grow older.
1. Bed Time
It’s not uncommon for many youngsters to pull all-nighters playing video games. But sleep deprivation has negative consequences as you age. Numerous studies link sleep deprivation to diabetes and heart disease. So, why take the risk? Instead, stick to a sleep schedule where you consistently get seven to eight hours of sleep and fit your hobbies in during your waking hours.
2. Daily Physical Activity
Whether taking 10,000 steps per day or going to the gym a few times a week, exercise becomes necessary as you age. With remote work becoming more popular, it’s normal now for people to sit for hours each day. One analogy some health experts use to wake people up to the harms of physical inactivity is likening it to a poisonous gas in your home office. The longer you sit there, the more risk you face.
3. No Junk Food
Completely avoiding junk food is easier said than done. However, studies have shown that junk food leads to depression, heart disease, and more. At the same time, eating healthy doesn’t have to feel miserable. Reward yourself for your hard work. For example, if you eat well six out of the seven days of the week, indulge in your favorite snacks without guilt. Your body and your taste buds will thank you.
4. Body Aches
If you’re young or lucky enough to wake up without pain, feel blessed. Although getting older doesn’t automatically equate to back pain, the chances are higher. As we age, our joints get stiffer, which results in pain. Doing cardio and stretching daily, however, can reduce your odds of joint pain later in life.
5. Your Stamina Will Go Down
Similar to joint pain, your stamina goes down with age. The best way to keep your stamina at a healthy level is by staying active daily. If you work remotely, you can purchase a walking pad to put under your desk. And if you don’t want to spend money on equipment, step outside to get those steps in. Most experts recommend 10,000 steps a day. Not everyone has that kind of time, but something is better than nothing.
6. Adult Acne
Many know the feeling of waking up with an unexpected zit on their face. It’s easy to look back at those times and laugh at how much we worried about other people’s opinions. Unfortunately, adult acne is a reality for many past the age of 25. To reduce your odds of getting acne as you age, eat healthier, exercise, and drop complicated facial routines.
7. Time Consciousness
As you grow older, the days tend to feel long, but the years flash by. This is the reality for many Americans, especially those with a 9–5 work schedule. Practicing mindfulness can be helpful. Meditate a few minutes before heading out to work or before going to sleep. Slowly, you will train your mind to slow down, be more present, and stop looking at the clock.
8. Skin Care
Aside from acne, you should properly care for your skin to avoid dryness, hyperpigmentation, and other diseases. Wash your face daily, apply sunblock when outdoors, use lotion, eat healthy, and properly manage stress. As you get older, a basic skincare routine becomes more important. You don’t have to overcomplicate it either; adopt a healthier lifestyle (e.g., eating healthy foods, sleeping) and keep your skin hydrated.
9. More Money, More Problems
If you can’t manage something small, you likely won’t be able to manage something large. This proves to be true with money. Whereas in college, earning $1,000 a week might’ve felt like a dream come true, as you age, you quickly realize that more money doesn’t necessarily mean more happiness or freedom. Having more money might offer you and your family more freedom, but only if you can manage it well.
10. Your Social Circle Changes
You may have had close friends and acquaintances fade away over the years, and this only proves truer as you grow older. From different hobbies to a shifting outlook on life, people outgrow relationships and move on. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing, as it can also create space for new people in your life.
11. You Will Fail More
Many kids believe adults have it all figured out. Now you know that almost no one in their 20s or 30s has it “figured out.” Life is complicated, and despite seeing others happy, no one truly knows what’s happening in their lives. The reality is you will continue to fail and be disappointed. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, view each failure as an opportunity to learn. The faster you can get past your failures, the closer you will be to feeling content.
12. Your Life Is Your Doing
You are the creator of your own life. Whether you’re spiritual or not, up until this very second, all your decisions have led up to your current job, spouse, cars, etc. While many things are outside your control, you will eventually come to realize that you are responsible for the life you’re living. This fact only becomes clearer as you get older.
13. You Care Less About What People Think
As you get older and face tough challenges, you tend to care less about what people think. This doesn’t mean that all your fears disappear, but you’re less likely to worry about others’ opinions. Of course, you still have to do your part to make this a reality. Maintain your health by eating healthy and exercising. You have to feel good to believe you’re good. Next, consider therapy to tackle any emotional damage you may carry from the past.
14. You Realize Your True Potential
Through trial and error, you will learn about yourself and your potential. It’s good to believe that you can achieve what you set your mind to. However, mixing practicality with ambition is key.
For example, stating you will be the next Michael Jordan is delusional if you haven’t picked up a basketball in a few years. However, if you’re consistently investing hours to build a business each week, it’s not unrealistic to state you will eventually quit your job to do this full-time.
15. Hard Work Doesn’t Always Mean Reward
Life throws curve balls. Not everyone gets what they deserve. Sometimes, it’s a lack of skill. Other times, it’s a lack of luck. Either way, hard work doesn’t always pan out the way we would like it to.
16. Money Isn’t Your Most Important Asset
Many youngsters want all the money in the world. Simultaneously, those who are older would do anything to relive their younger years when money was scarce. With age comes the realization that money can’t buy time. It doesn’t become clear to most until they’re old enough to accept this wisdom. It’s less about dreading your later years and more about gaining a stronger appreciation of your time.
17. The World Doesn’t Care
We’ve all spilled ketchup on our favorite shirt or scuffed our brand-new white shoes. We then overanalyze what others may be thinking about our accident. The truth is that most people are so busy worrying about their own lives that they rarely notice. Even if they do, most won’t be as critical of us as we are of ourselves. With age comes wisdom and the realization that we aren’t the center of the universe.
18. Your Word Carries Weight
Besides health, your reputation is arguably more important than money. If people see you as trustworthy, you might get that personal loan or have closer relationships with loved ones. Being a person of your word goes a long way, not just for others but for yourself. You can’t put a price on that.
19. Every Life Experience Is Unique
There are myriad approaches to living our lives. Going to college is the perfect route for some, while entering the workforce sooner is better for others. As you get older, you’ll come to realize that there are many ways to get to the same destination. Whether financial freedom or the perfect job, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to life.
20. Everyone You Love Ages, Too
The hardest pill to swallow is knowing that your loved ones won’t live forever. It’s easier to get busy with life and dismiss the idea that we won’t live forever, but as we age, we’re forced to face this reality. Most of us don’t spend enough quality time with our parents, kids, or partners. Finding this time is a crucial lesson as we get older.