Advice From 80 Year Olds
One of the huge benefits of getting older is that we have a lot more life experience to draw upon. When you have seen it all before, you have learnt that the rough comes with the smooth. You know that no matter how dark a tunnel is, there will be a light at the end of it as some point. Learning to cope with life’s challenges, helps us to grow as human-beings.
History has a habit of repeating itself, but if we can tap into the knowledge-base of people who have lived longer than ourselves, we might be able to break the cycles of history and learn the lessons we need to learn.
Here’s some great advice from a group of 80 year old British people, grounded in the experience of life. See what you think.
ADVICE FROM OLD PEOPLE
1 The most important person in your life is the person who agreed to share their life with you. Treat them as such.
2 You might live a long life, or you might live a short one — who knows. But either way, trust me when I say that you’re going to wish you took better care of yourself in your youth.
3 Stuff is just stuff. Don’t hold onto material objects, hold onto time and experiences instead.
4 Jealousy destroys relationships. Trust your significant other, because who else are you supposed to trust?
5 People always say, “Make sure you get a job doing what you love!” But that isn’t the best advice. The right job is the job you love some days, can tolerate most days, and still pays the bills. Almost nobody has a job they love every day.
6 If you’re getting overwhelmed by life, just return to the immediate present moment and savour all that is beautiful and comforting. Take a deep breath, relax.
7 Years go by in the blink of an eye. Don’t marry young. Live your life. Go places. Do things. If you have the means or not. Pack a bag and go wherever you can afford to go. While you have no dependents, don’t buy stuff. Any stuff. See the world. Look through travel magazines and pick a spot. GO!
8 Don’t take life so seriously. Even if things seem dark and hopeless, try to laugh at how ridiculous life is.
9 A true friend will come running if you call them at 2am. Everyone else is just an acquaintance.
10 Children grow up way too fast. Make the most of the time you have with them.
11 Nobody ever dies wishing they had worked more. Work hard, but don’t prioritize work over family, friends, or even yourself.
12 Eat and exercise like you’re a diabetic heart patient with a stroke — so you never actually become one.
