The disadvantages of being older are often discussed in terms of being slower on ones feet, health problems, and so on. However there are some definite advantages to getting older, such as:-
We Have Much Clearer Priorities. As we get older we have the ability to differentiate between our needs and our wants. We have learned that there are things which we cannot control or change. So we tend to concentrate upon what we do have control over.
We Don't Care As Much What Others Think. We come to realise that we have (often) spent our lives pleasing other people and in the time we have left we should be giving more thought to what we want to do. The negative judgements of others mean far less under these circumstances.
We Have Higher Sense of Self-Worth. Our life experiences have taught us how to deal with both failure and success and how to carry on afterwards. We can also be proud of the work we have done (whether paid or in the home) as our contribution to society.
We Can Learn From Our Children and Grandchildren. Our children and grandchildren, who have grown up in this new world with its rapidly changing technology, will have the capability to assist us and fill in any information gaps. We will have taught these individuals the necessities of living, and the skills required to survive, now they will assist us to do the same.
People make allowances for us not conforming to their rules. Older people are almost expected to be a bit slow, eccentric, deaf etc. So when we want to avoid the unpleasant tasks or people we can be selectively deaf, short sighted, forgetful or unable to understand.
Can you think of any other advantages from your point of view? What are your experiences, whether sad or funny?