They say life goes downhill after reaching the age of 40.
While I'm not sure who first made that assumption, it's not necessarily true.
Many people started new careers–even started a family–after they've gone "over the hill" and continue to thrive.
Sure, people in their 40s may not be as agile as they used to be when they were in their 20s, but it doesn't mean they can't maintain a healthy and active lifestyle well into the next decade or two.
In pursuit of looking for affirmation that life isn't over after hitting 40, Redditor Drakken11577 asked:
"What is better about life at age 40 than at age 20?"
There's a different mindset that shifts once you hit 40.
Forget What People Think
"Your 'give a damn' slowly breaks down and you care more about what makes you happy instead of what people think of you. It's a freeing experience."
– OfficeChairHero
Earning The Phrase
"'IDGAF' as a catch all just makes you an a**hole. Any kid can be an a**hole. It takes maturity to know when to give a f'k and when not to."
– ppardee
Embarrassment Is A Time-Waster
"That's the point that I'm at now. I care deeply and passionately about issues and people, but what they think of me is not one of them."
"It's simply a learned behavior after years of worrying about people's opinions of you and staying up late replaying conversations in your head. At some point, you realize all of that time was wasted and you probably never even see any of those people now anyway. Nothing was accomplished by being embarrassed or having worry."
"When people say, 'dance like nobody's watching,' That's sound advice. Very few people's opinions will actually matter in your life. Listen to the opinions of the special few that know you best and discard everything else."
– OfficeChairHero
Seeing What's Most Important
"More disposable income."
"The absolute best part though, is really not giving a flying F. Someone is mad at you, what's gonna happen... they aren't going to pay your mortgage?"
"Really, at that age, you realize what's important. You've seen/experienced a decent amount so not much phases you anymore."
– bonemonkey12
Impossible Expectations
"In my 20s, I used to feel like I had to do something amazing with my life and change the world, or I was wasting my potential. It was probably the reason I got depressed so much. At a certain point, I have come to accept the fact that I am among the 99.9% of people who are just kinda living our lives and not doing anything exceptional, and that's ok. Disclaimer: I'm not over 40, I'm 35, but close enough."
– ElToberino
Best things come to those who wait.
More Confidence
"I know myself far better, still learning obviously but it's nice feeling happier in my own skin."
– Itsamemario3007
Wisdom
"Knowledge, life experience."
– MyDadBod_2021
Kid At Heart
"I still feel like a kid at 48, and still feel like I have no idea what I'm doing, but I am making much more sensible choices in life. In my 20's I had tons of credit card debt, these days I don't buy it if I can't afford it. I don't feel mature, and my sense of humor is downright sophomoric, but looking objectively at the way I approach life, and make decisions, I have matured a great deal."
"According to my 80-year-old parents the whole 'I still feel like a kid' thing never goes away."
– mike_e_mcgee
"Won't Ever Want To Go Back"
"You have your sh*t together. You are comfortable in your skin, you don’t give a sh*t what others think of you, and in my case…kids were older and easier. I love my 40’s and wouldn’t want to ever go back."
– Capricornyogi
And people had plenty to say about what goes on in the bedroom.
Here's The Difference
"Sex."
"In your 20s, it's about having sex."
"In your 40s, it's about having memorable sex."
– ksozay
No More Insecurities
"Practice makes (more) perfect."
"It’s a combination of being more experienced and less self-conscious. Sex at 20 is often times much more fraught with insecurities and just lack of experience. Also, look up the difference between adrenaline sex vs oxytocin sex. You can still have both at either age of course but age and time usually make the latter more common."
Older = Hotter
"100%. I'm 37 and my girlfriend is 42 and the sex is the best I've ever had."
– Justaguywholikeswine
People who complain about getting older are just wasting their breath.
That train has already left the station.
So what do you do with the time you have left on this planet? Live. Thrive. Have the best sex ever.
Because hitting 40 is only the beginning of good adventures to come–made possible by your acquired wisdom and life experience–as long as you allow the space for them to happen.
