Let’s face it – most people aren’t in love with the idea of aging. Our joints start to hurt, our hair turns gray, and our eyesight goes. But we also gain wisdom, live incredible experiences, and love deeply – so, it’s not all bad, right?!
There are a few things in life that certainly get better with age and we’ve compiled a list of 50 of them.
It’s not just wine that gets to have bragging rights as it gets older.
1) Allergies
You might not have even realized it, but allergies tend to dissipate as people get older. But, this doesn’t apply to all allergies – mostly seasonal ones and some food allergies. So, hayfever sufferers can rejoice!
2) Whisky
In order for it to be a proper whisky, the liquor needs to be aged for a minimum of three years, however, in some cases, even a lot longer. Anything aged over a decade is jam-packed with flavor.
3) Leather boots
When you first buy a pair of leather boots, they smell great, but they’re usually a bit stiff and need to be worn-in. Over time, they only get better and better. The leather is as soft as butter and they form to your feet perfectly.
4) Cheese
Cheeses like cheddar, parmigiano-reggiano, gouda, manchego, and gruyere just keep getting better and better as they age. Look for some aged delicious cheese the next time you’re in your store’s “fancy cheese area.”
5) Self-confidence
“Self confidence, of course, varies from person to person, but it does tend to grow with age,” says Elizabeth Gliskly, head of the department of psychology at the Arizona State University. Because really, life is too short to be self-conscious.
6) Jeans
Everyone has their favorite pair of jeans. Why are they your favorite? Probably because you’ve had them for years and they’ve been perfectly broken-in. Throwing them in the washing machine only happens when absolutely necessary.
7) Flannel sheets
The best thing about flannel sheets is that they just keep getting softer and softer with every wash. Nothing is better than snuggling up in some well-worn flannel sheets on a cold winter night. It’s hard to get out of bed!
8) Cast iron skillets
If taken care of, cast iron skillets can be passed down for generations! A time-seasoned skillet offers delicious meals every time. Perhaps you can cook grandma’s recipe that she use the skillet for, if you’re lucky!
9) Art
It doesn’t matter if you have a piece of art that gains in monetary value or sentimental value – art just gets better with age. Van Gogh’s paintings shot up to a worth of over $100 million a hundred years after he died. But your child’s painting also looks so much more adorable even 20 years later.
10) Beef
If you’ve never had dry-aged beef before – you’ve totally been missing out on one of the yummiest pieces of meats ever. Enzymes break down the beef when it is dry-aged so it becomes super tender and delicious. Sometimes, beef can be dry-aged for up to 120 days!
11) Positive body image
“Younger people are much more concerned with themselves, whereas the older we get, the least concerned we are about personal issues,” says Glisky.
12) Balsamic vinegar
The longer balsamic vinegar goes through the fermentation process, the tastier it gets. Sometimes, balsamic vinegar producers will even wait up to 12 years before bottling their product.
13) Decision-making skills
There are some experts out there that say people become better at making tough decisions the more we age. Because of our life experience, we’re better equipped to do so.
14) Wine
Of course, everyone knows that wine gets better with age. In fact, it’s a saying that people use quite often. Much like balsamic vinegar, the fermentation of the wine just gets better as the years go on.
15) Empathy
“The most empathetic group? Women in their 50s, finds researchers at the University of Michigan who found that women aged 50 to 59 were more likely to make an effort to relate to different perspectives. ‘The more we live through and experience, the more understanding we are about other people’s issues,’ says Glisky,” explains Prevention.
16) Pickles
Even though pickles do have expiration dates, especially once the jar has been opened, most pickles can last for at least a year. And by that time, they’ve really soaked up all those flavors in the vinegar.
17) Ties with family
As we get older, we tend to realize just how important the relationships with our family really are. As years pass, we’ll find that we want to spend more and more time with those that are kin.
18) Seedlings
A seedling starts off as just a tiny little stem with a leaf or two, but soon – it can grow into a magnificent tree, bountiful veggie, or gorgeous flower. It’s wonderful watching a seedling grow and transform!
19) Tea
There are some fermented teas out there, like Pu’r, that have wonderful health benefits. And, of course, fermentation takes time so the tea only becomes more potent as the months pass.
20) Meditation
Mediation can be very difficult if you’re just beginning the practice. It’s easy to become distracted! But with practice over time, you can become a true meditation pro. Total zen is in your future.
21) Female orgasm
“The big “O” just gets bigger—and more frequent—as we age. According to a recent study published in The American Journal of Medicine, 70% of women in their 40s and 50s reported experiencing orgasm the last time they had sex (versus 61% of women ages 18 to 24),” says Prevention.
22) A new hairstyle
If you’ve opted for a brand new change in haircut or hairstyle, it can be a real shock at first. But just give a it a couple days or a few weeks and it just gets better and better.
23) George Clooney
Just sayin’.
24) Stress levels
Stress is going to be a part of our lives forever unfortunately. It just happens. However, over time, we become better-equipped to deal with it. We become more accepting in general.
25) 401(k)s
As you let time pass, your 401(k) will only become more and more profitable. And as you get older, you’ll also fully understand what a 401(k) really even is.
26) Endurance
“Some studies say that our physical endurance may actually improve as we grow older. Still skeptical? Just take a look at Fauja Singh, who, after running nine marathons since taking up the sport at 89, just hung up his sneakers at the ripe age of 101,” says Prevention.
27) Technology
Remember when you had a beeper and you literally had to dial-on to the internet? And that wasn’t even that long ago! It’s clear that technology just keeps getting better and better as the years go on.
28) Friends
The friends that stick around over the years are the ones that have been through the thick and thin of it all. Your relationship with those people only gets stronger and stronger through all those laughs and cries.
29) A good bed
Sure, if a mattress is too old, you’ll probably have to replace it. But there’s a sweet spot after you’ve had one for a few years where it perfectly becomes your bed. And there’s nothing better than that.
30) Negative vibes
“Psychologists at the University of California and University of Southern California say we seem to experience less loneliness, depression, anger, and boredom as we age,” says Prevention.
31) Home
Wherever your home is, it only gets better over time. When you first moved in, there were blank walls and empty rooms, but now? You have a personal sanctuary full of memories.
32) Teapots
It might sound kind of funny but certain teapots are purposefully not glazed so that they soak up the flavor of the tea over time. It ends up creating a very personalized brew over the years, made up of all your favorite flavors.
33) Your vocabulary
It only makes sense that you acquire a more sophisticated vocabulary as you age. You learn new words from speaking to family and friends, watching television, reading books, and more. What’s the most recent word you’ve learned?
34) Antiques
Here’s an obvious one – antiques! If something is considered a true antique then it only makes sense that the older it gets, the more it will be worth.
35) Your “chill” level
Older adults tend to generally have a better grip on their emotions and their mood. Because of this, it’s easier to find yourself in “relaxation mode” as you get older.
36) Jane Fonda
We just had to throw this stunning woman on the list. Can you believe she’s 81-years-old?!
37) Your free time
The older people get, the more free time they tend to have. And hopefully, come retirement, you’ll have loads of time to finally do all those hobbies you’ve wanted to do.
38) Semantic memory
“You may be a bit foggy about where you left your keys (who isn’t?), but you’ll likely never forget how to make your famous Chicken Cacciatore. That’s because our semantic memory—the recollection of facts and figures—is relatively resistant to the effects of aging. Brilliant!” says Prevention.
39) Less body hair
Who likes razor burn? No one! Luckily, as we age, we tend to have less and less body hair, which means less shaving. You have to find the little things, am I right?
40) Grudges
Over time, we begin to realize that holding grudges isn’t good for anyone involved. As we get older, we learn that it’s healthier for us to forgive instead.
41) House slippers
Just like a good pair of leather boots, a pair of house slippers just gets better with age because they form to your feet and your feet only. The fabric has been worn down perfectly and they’re just so comfy.
42) Headaches
“Here’s one less headache to worry about, literally: Among women, debilitating headaches often improve with age, peaking between 35 and 40 years of age, then reducing in severity and frequency as we grow older,” says Prevention.
43) Medical advancements
If you find yourself in need of medical care today, you should be grateful for the advancements in the medical field. Years ago, so many diseases, illnesses, and injuries were unable to be treated because of our lack of knowledge. We just keep learning more and more.
44) Your expertise
Chances are, by the time you reach your 50s or 60s, you’re probably an expert at something. That could be your baking skills, your golf game, or just your knowledge of general trivia! Your expertise just keeps getting better and better.
45) Trees
Trees are absolutely beautiful pieces of nature and the older they get? The more gorgeous they become. Trees can live for thousands of years and it’s truly incredible to think about. Imagine if they could tell stories!
46) Discounts
Okay, as much as we might not like being called “seniors” when we get older, you have to admit, the discounts that start flying in after the age of 55 are pretty amazing! Plus, you deserve it at this point!
47) Sleep
Some experts say that after the age of 60, our sleep disturbances happen less and less. They also found that people of this age have less daytime fatigue than those that are younger.
48) Perception
Psychology and Aging has recently published that older adults were more apt to discriminate between fake and genuine smiles. As we get older, we have more experience with general social nuances which makes us better at perception and judgment.
49) Happiness
As people age, rates of suicide and depression go down. We tend to realize what makes us truly happy and hold onto those things and let go of things that don’t bring that same happiness.
50) Love
Young love can be full of passion and fun, but it’s also full of drama and unrealistic expectations. True, long-term love changes into trust, loyalty, and intimacy. So much better!
See? Aging isn’t all that bad!
H/T: Little Things