10 benefits of being 50…and older!
You probably read this headline and thought – benefits of being 50 – yeah right! I get it – some people have it embedded in their DNA that getting “old” is a time to crawl into that box labelled “It’s All Downhill From Here.”
Are you kidding me right now!?
Ok – let’s get something straight right from the get-go – getting to 50 (or being over 50) is no longer the end of the line. Michelle Obama just turned 50 and there’s no grass growing under her feet!
In fact, I’m here to remind you about some Major Benefits of hitting the big 5 0 that may have slipped through the cracks.
Here are 10 of those benefits to get you going that my research uncovered. If you’ve heard them before, then maybe it’s time for a reminder, if not, they are well worth considering.
Are you ready to find out what they are?
KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOVING SOMEONE IN SPITE OF THEIR FLAWS AND LOVING SOMEONE AND THEIR FLAWS.
Look around you – each one of us is flawed and imperfect in some way. Buzzsaw snoring, leaving the bathroom looking like a war zone or always forgetting important dates – you know, like your birthday, wedding anniversary, or that significant dinner date you’ve had on your calendar for months! And yes, we all have things about ourselves we want to change. Am I right? You’re human – hello! This doesn’t mean you can’t improve yourself, but it does mean understanding that you need to be in a relationship with someone who loves you because of your flaws not in spite of them.
ACCUMULATING 50 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND HAVING A CHANCE TO SHARE IT.
Let’s face it, after 5 decades you probably have learned some valuable lessons about this journey called life – right? That backpack of wisdom and skills that you’re carrying around with you has worth – even if you don’t think so, and you need a sense of purpose to spring out of bed each morning. There are a bunch of outlets to share your gained insights, with everything from mentoring children and teaching at community centers, to writing that book and even bringing in much needed income bumping up your by starting your own new business! Giving back or giving it a go are both in the same creativity stream. Whatever you do, don’t keep all that experience to yourself!
YOU HAVE NOTHING TO PROVE TO ANYONE THEREFORE YOU ARE NO LONGER OFFENDED WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS TO CARRY YOUR GROCERIES.
So here’s the thing…at 50 you’ve seen most things that life has to offer and you’ve earned the right to speak your mind. You also know who you are (hopefully). The days of worrying over what other people think about you are long gone as you begin to be seen as a fledgling senior citizen. It’s ok to roll with the punches and not sweat the small stuff. Bliss at last!
IT’S OK TO DO THINGS THAT YOU WANT TO DO, EVEN THOUGH YOUR FATHER, BOYFRIEND, EX-HUSBAND, BEST GIRLFRIEND MIGHT DISAGREE WITH YOU.
One of the awesome things about getting older is embracing the courage that lives inside you and be more daring. You know all those things that you’ve always secretly wanted to do, but then convinced yourself it wasn’t really you? Well, this is the time to take a deep breath and go for it! Walk the Great Wall of China, get that tattoo, or learn to tango – this time is all about you and diving into new experiences.
REALIZING IT’S NOT OK TO ENLIST THE SERVICES OF A FINANCIAL ADVISOR (OR EVEN JUST A MONEY-SMART FRIEND) AND THEN NOT FOLLOW THEIR ADVICE.
A lot of people wake up and decide to reach out for financial advice in their 50s. Retirement becomes real – are you prepared? It’s time to take a hard look at your future and make some decisions. Is your financial plan on track? Have you assessed your tolerance for risk taking? Are you avoiding making bad money choices? Squandering the counsel of your financial advisor is not on and you know it.
YOU NOW ENJOY FITNESS WITH THE FOCUS ON BEING FIT AND HEALTHY.
Being obsessed with being super-skinny, or having muscles that are ripped and toned – or any other over-the-top physical ideal, have been shelved. That ship has sailed and obsession is replaced by a deeper understanding of what fitness and wellbeing means. A healthy body, mind and spirit is your new mantra and a holistic approach to inner and outer health is the way to go.
YOU HAVE COME TO THE UNDERSTANDING THAT TRUE FRIENDSHIP IS AN INCREDIBLE GIFT.
The older you get the more reality strikes that true friendships are super important. They fill in the cracks in our lives with respect, trust, honesty empathy and of course humor. Reaching 50 and beyond means having more spare time – time that you’ve learned to really value, and valuable time means you don’t want to waste it on the wrong people. I know I don’t!
It’s the time where friendships represent quality of association – but remember to still be open to new interesting people who may wander into your life.
TRAVEL CAN BE AN INCREDIBLE REBOOT AND IT IS NEVER THE WRONG SIZE – ITS OKAY IF IT’S BIG OR LITTLE, IT ALWAYS WORKS!
There is something about the thrill of arriving in a new city and breathing in the atmosphere of a different culture that never ages, even as you do. Travel is one of life’s instant rejuvenators (even if you feel like you’ve been hit by bus after seeing the sights and diving whacked-out but happy into an air bNb bed). But here’s the thing – whether it’s a trip to stay over in a neighboring city or a mega trek to Tasmania, it’s all good. It’s the thrill of breaking your routine that matters and leaving you refreshed, rewired and resplendent! What are you waiting for!
WHEN SOMETHING ENDS, IT’S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD.
As the ruler of your reality it’s all up to you to decide what is important and what is not. With years of hindsight you’ve probably come to the conclusion that endings are not catastrophes. While diamonds may be forever, very little else is. Despite the pain, disappointment and sadness of endings, the old cliche of ‘life goes on’ is actually true. Getting to 50 and beyond allows a beam of introspection to guide us toward cherishing what we have and understanding when it’s gone.
CHANGE IS ALWAYS GOOD AND NOW’S THE TIME TO REINVENT YOURSELF.
Most of you know that expanding your consciousness and working on being mindful is important to becoming a well-rounded person – right? But what the hell, getting to 50 is also a great time to change the way you look! Trying new clothes or new hairstyles that differ completely to your regular look can be liberating. Go for the “Is that you?” awe-inspired comment when friends meet you. A new look in your appearance or even new direction in your business strategy is sure to bring some fizz to your life and remind you that you’re in the best time of your life! \
Aging really is a privilege, and not something you should be apprehensive about. Living your life on your own terms is inspiring to you and those around you.
ARE YOU READY TO JUMP IN TO THIS NEXT ACT OF YOUR LIFE? TRUST ME IT’S GOING TO BE YOUR BEST ACT!
If you’re interested in diving deeper into these and other benefits of being 50 along with finding out more about my Next Act/Best Act program, click here.
You’ve got this – and I’ve got you!
Dena
DENA BURTON
I’ve been a model, a real estate agent, and I am a native Angeleno. (Surviving LA traffic not only shows my ability to stay level headed, it also shows my commitment and follow through.)
