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Older Women Share Nuggets of Wisdom on How to Make Aging Easier for All of Us

Instead of constantly searching for the fountain of youth, how about looking forward to what life may bring?

Older Women Share Nuggets of Wisdom on How to Make Aging Easier for All of Us

Younger people spend a lot of time thinking about getting older, but the people already living it often have the clearest perspective. In this Reddit thread, older women shared the small, practical lessons that can make aging feel less overwhelming and a lot more manageable.

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The responses focused on the same themes again and again, staying connected to people who matter, taking care of your body before problems pile up, and making choices now that your future self will appreciate. Some of the comments were blunt, some were warm, and all of them came from lived experience.

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Here’s what they had to say, and a few of the reminders that hit hardest.

Here's the question from OP

Here's the question from OPsecretid89
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People don’t often expound on how hard it is to make lasting friendships when you’re older.

People don’t often expound on how hard it is to make lasting friendships when you’re older.salsasandwich
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You might not love yourself completely now, but there’s a good chance that the you in the future will wish for what you have.

You might not love yourself completely now, but there’s a good chance that the you in the future will wish for what you have.TigerLily98226

It might be nerve-wracking or a hassle in your daily life to check all the boxes for preventative care...

It might be nerve-wracking or a hassle in your daily life to check all the boxes for preventative care...livingthemugglelife

but it will save you a lot of trouble in the future.

but it will save you a lot of trouble in the future.livingthemugglelife

Think about only keeping what you need and not storing everything you barely use.

Think about only keeping what you need and not storing everything you barely use.queenoreo

Many older people tend to have bad hearing, and this tip would definitely help lower your chances of that struggle.

Many older people tend to have bad hearing, and this tip would definitely help lower your chances of that struggle.Speerjagerin

It’s a heartwarming concept to have someone stick with you through the highs and lows.

It’s a heartwarming concept to have someone stick with you through the highs and lows.queenie_sabrina

Physical fitness is crucial at any stage of your life; you don’t have to be extremely fit, just find the right balance.

Physical fitness is crucial at any stage of your life; you don’t have to be extremely fit, just find the right balance.PomeloPepper

Water has been proven to have many benefits, and that will continue throughout your life.

Water has been proven to have many benefits, and that will continue throughout your life.leopardsatemycomment

It’s easy to be cooped up inside, but try going out regularly; you might be...

It’s easy to be cooped up inside, but try going out regularly; you might be...jeweledmoon

surprised by the changes in your surroundings.

surprised by the changes in your surroundings.jeweledmoon

Growing means taking control of the toxic things, people, or traits you can remove from your life.

Growing means taking control of the toxic things, people, or traits you can remove from your life.TigerLily98226

End of comment.

End of comment.TigerLily98226

Sharing responsibility, but is it just convenience? See what the OP asked about when siblings live further away, in Should My Siblings Help Care for Our Ailing Parents? AITA?.

You don’t always have to push hard during workouts; sometimes, even just a few minutes of physical activity is already an achievement.

You don’t always have to push hard during workouts; sometimes, even just a few minutes of physical activity is already an achievement.VeeSquibbles

Women are prone to many hardships when it comes to menopause, so it’s wise to start preparing early.

Women are prone to many hardships when it comes to menopause, so it’s wise to start preparing early.Glindanorth

If you plan on living in your current home for a long time, ensure that it can accommodate you when you’re not as able as you are now.

If you plan on living in your current home for a long time, ensure that it can accommodate you when you’re not as able as you are now.Ember357

This is advice from someone who sees and interacts with many older people.

This is advice from someone who sees and interacts with many older people.Idobelieveinkarma

Live. A lot of us are spurred on by...

Live. A lot of us are spurred on by...SociallyAwkardTurtle

being merely functional to survive.

being merely functional to survive.SociallyAwkardTurtle

End of comment.

End of comment.SociallyAwkardTurtle

Make sure you are not held back by the excuses you make to yourself.

Make sure you are not held back by the excuses you make to yourself.MyCatsA

Getting a good night’s rest might be hard, but it’s totally worth it.

Getting a good night’s rest might be hard, but it’s totally worth it.crazynekosama

There’s a reason your parents and dentists nag you about it.

There’s a reason your parents and dentists nag you about it.crazynekosama

Walking can not only be a good exercise but also a therapeutic leisure activity.

Walking can not only be a good exercise but also a therapeutic leisure activity.crazynekosama

Older people commonly have joint problems; try taking care of them early on to enjoy physical activities longer.

Older people commonly have joint problems; try taking care of them early on to enjoy physical activities longer.Zoenne

Exercising might take some getting used to, but you’ll be able to reap the benefits that come with it when you do it regularly.

Exercising might take some getting used to, but you’ll be able to reap the benefits that come with it when you do it regularly.SeaworthySwarth

End of comment.

End of comment.SeaworthySwarth

You might stumble upon it or take the time to find it, but discovering something important...

You might stumble upon it or take the time to find it, but discovering something important...bernadette-welch

that brings you joy will give you peace as you grow older.

that brings you joy will give you peace as you grow older.bernadette-welch

We often focus on our flaws, but your body grows with you, and it’s only right to be kind to it.

We often focus on our flaws, but your body grows with you, and it’s only right to be kind to it.Naptimeis4ever

In addition to cardio, which is healthy for the heart, exercises that involve lifting weights have proven to be beneficial for your future body.

In addition to cardio, which is healthy for the heart, exercises that involve lifting weights have proven to be beneficial for your future body.Ivyblueberryhill

Sunscreen is often disregarded by people, but it’s actually one of the most significant forms of preventative care.

Sunscreen is often disregarded by people, but it’s actually one of the most significant forms of preventative care.brbgottagofast

A sweet tip for those who need a little help falling asleep.

A sweet tip for those who need a little help falling asleep.Particular_Case_1739

These are all preventative measures and healthy actions that could benefit you from now until you are older.

These are all preventative measures and healthy actions that could benefit you from now until you are older.0l0l00l

There are many things we can try while we're young. There are also things we can do now to help us do things better in the future.

With all of these suggestions, it may seem like a lot of work. It might be at first, but once it feels like it's naturally incorporated into your routine, you'll be able to navigate aging without many regrets.

What was your favorite piece of advice? Share it with us in the comments.

For more sibling drama over aging parents, read what happened when one sibling asked for help.

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