One of the most significant benefits of getting older is realizing what matters and what doesn’t. Some of the things we cared so much about as kids seem unimportant as we age, making us wonder why we ever even bothered in the first place.
Things We Stop Caring About as We Age
In youth’s folly, some things seem critical, but as we age, we realize that they don’t matter. With age’s wisdom, we lose interest in thoughts and ideas we once had and no longer care about engaging in the favorite pastimes of our younger selves.
Here, real people discuss what they’ve lost interest in as they’ve grown. Young folks take heed – consider if any of these things matter enough to get worked up over.
If you’re older – do you agree?
Expectations
We care so much about what other people expect when we’re young. We live our lives for everyone else, our parents, teachers, mentors, and society, without thinking about what we want.
As we grow, we realize that the only person’s expectations that matters is our own. We throw off the shackles of what everyone else thinks we should do and do the things we want to do.
Celebrity Culture
As teenagers, we were dying to know what our favorite stars were up to. The love triangle between Jen, Brad, and Angelina kept us glued to our television screens. We had to keep up with the Kardashians.
It’s a rite of passage for teenagers to get obsessed with celebrity culture, but most of us grow out of it and realize that their favorite entertainer’s life has no impact on their own.
Uncomfortable Sleep
Remember when we didn’t mind sleeping on the floor at our grandparent’s house, the roll-out cot in the hotel room, or the back of our car during a road trip?
As our older muscles ache, we lose patience for sleeping in discomfort. We’ll pay for a hotel room that has a decent pillow.
Fake People
Younger people crave friendships so much that they’ll tolerate fake friends just to feel included. It doesn’t matter if they don’t care about you, as long as you’re surrounded by a big group every time you go out.
Older people realize that quality friendships win out over quantity every day. We ditch the fake friends and nurture relationships with the few people who really matter.
Hustling
When you’re young and energetic, hustling seems like the obvious choice. Young folks spend all their time working to build their wealth for the future. As we age, working long hours loses its appeal. We ditch the overtime for quality time with friends and family.
Part of it is financial, as older people tend to have more money and don’t have to worry about working so much. Young folks need to pay their dues to get ahead.
Low-Quality Food
It’s probably the inflation talking, but Millennials and their elders no longer tolerate substandard food for the sky-high prices restaurants charge. We had no problem spending ten bucks on fast food, but we wouldn’t spend twice as much for the same low-quality meal.
It’s not just inflation though – as we age, our bodies start to reject the fatty, greasy food we enjoyed as kids. We have to change our diets for our health and wellness.
Petty Arguments
Older people have a better grasp of what matters and what doesn’t. We learn that some things aren’t even worth the fight.
Why argue over which drawer the silverware goes in or what to eat for dinner? None of that matters in the long run.
Hard Work
Young people must strive for career excellence to push themselves and make a name for themselves. Folks nearing retirement no longer need that same drive.
As you near the end of your career, you ease your foot off the gas and take things a little easier.
Stuff We Can’t Control
“May God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can change, and wisdom to know the difference.” Older people learn to accept what they can’t control and spend their time focusing on the things they can.
We can’t live in constant anxiety about things we can’t control. Instead, focus on making your life better.
Gaming
The Millennial generation grew up with household gaming, but as we get older, we’re losing interest in our favorite pastime.
“They just don’t make games like they used to,” we complain, like all the generations complained about their favorite media before.
I’m with the complaining Millennials. Although I’m enjoying the newest Mario game, Super Mario Wonder, I can’t help but think how easy it is compared to Mario 3 and Super Mario World.
Name Brands
People in their twenties buy all name-brand gear to send a message about how cool they are. Older people realize that brands don’t make us cool.
We’d much rather buy no-name items that fit well than plaster a brand name all over our backs like a racecar driver.
Being Cool
Young people are obsessed with being “cool,” but as we age, we realize it doesn’t matter.
“One of the most liberating things about getting older is you can just do your own thing without caring if it’s trendy or not.” said one user.
We agree. The key to living a life of fulfillment is finding your own path and doing what you love, regardless of what others think.
Possessions
“The older I get, the less important material possessions become to me,” responded one user.
As we age, we no longer care about having the newest style of shoes, the hottest purse, or the biggest release in gaming.
One user implied it’s a financial thing. It’s easier to say no to that trendy new toy when you’re forking out the dough to buy it. “People spend money like they want to work forever,” they said. “I just want to work long enough to buy the things I NEED.”
Careers
Ah, to be young and full of career ambition. Many older Redditors realized that climbing the corporate ladder isn’t as important as it once seemed.
“As long as I earn enough to cover my bills and to splurge a little now and then, I’m happy,” said one, explaining why they no longer care about a prestigious career.
Toxic Family & Friends
One Redditor claimed to be far happier after removing family and friends from their lives. “I like being alone and don’t need the drama they make,” they admitted.
Others agreed but geared their responses toward toxic people. As we age, we realize that we get to choose who we hang out with and that we don’t need to maintain contact with toxic people, even if they are family.
“Cutting my sister out of my life was the best thing I ever did for myself and my kid,” responded one.
Weekend Activities
Young folks always want to be out and about on the weekend, whether to hit the hottest nightclub, catch the most recent release at the movies, or see a live band.
That stuff sounds exhausting as we get older, and many of us prefer quiet nights in.
“This weekend I hung out at home, baked a pie, made crochet lace, read about daikons, and drank hot chocolate. It was glorious,” offered one user.
Dressing to Impress
The older we get, the more we value comfort over style. “I hate wearing heels so now I’m all about the flattest shoe I can wear. They still need to be stylish to my own taste, but I can’t stand being uncomfortable,” said one Redditor, explaining why they no longer care about the hottest new look.
Others decried old-school bosses who force employees to wear uncomfortable office attire such as suits, ties, heels, and pantyhose.
The Small Stuff
As you age, you stop worrying about small slights. If it won’t matter in five years, it probably doesn’t matter today.
Let go of the trivial things. Forgive people for being late, a moment of rudeness, or small mistakes. In the long run, none of that stuff is worth your energy.
Envy
Young people constantly look to what others have. As you get older, you realize that doesn’t matter. Everyone is on their own path, you don’t need to keep up with the Jones’s for a happy life.
Leaving the House
The top response received a Reddit Gold award and over 8,000 upvotes. The user responded by saying, “Anything that takes place outside my house.”
It makes sense. When we’re young, our homes aren’t typically ours. We live with our parents, then roommates, and then ourselves in tiny shoebox apartments. As we age, we create our homes precisely how we want them. Why would we want to leave?
Concerts
Remember when we had to see the live show rolling into town each weekend? We stood in long lines to score tickets to our favorite bands, pushed against strangers to get closer to the stage while avoiding the mosh pit, and hopped and jumped to the biggest hits from the airwaves.
The entire scene loses its appeal as we get older.
“My feet hurt, the music is too loud, I’ve become very sensitive to the strobe light effects most of them use, the fees to buy tickets are outrageous plus parking… and frankly, I get bored,” said one user, explaining why they no longer enjoy concerts.
Late Night Activities
As we age, we learn how vital sleep is and scorn the late-night activities we used to love.
One user shared their inner thoughts about seeing a late-night act. “I love house music,” they shared, saying they always want to grab tickets to see famous DJs whenever they roll into town. “But after spending money and skipping a few shows because reality set in, I’ve finally admitted waiting until 1 am for them to come on, then getting home at like 3 or 4 am… is just out of my realm now,” they added.
What Others Think
Why do we care so much about what others think, especially when we’re younger? Redditors in their 30s and beyond have learned to let go of pleasing others and focus on being true to themselves.
“I think the point doesn’t ring as true for kids/teens because social learning is such an integral part of that life stage,” said one user, offering insight as to why younger folks tend to care more about what others think. “It’s hard for them to internalize that most people aren’t looking at or thinking that hard about them because they themselves spend a lot of energy observing and thinking about others,” they added.
“Life’s short.” said another. “Wear a messy bun and leggings.”
A Large Friend Group
When you’re younger, a large friend group means you’re popular and have many weekend activity options.
As you age, friends start families and careers, and it’s harder and harder to keep in touch. A handful stick around, and we treasure them.
“The two or three really good friends I have are all I really need. They are so amazing, and I’m so lucky to have them in my life!!” said one user.
New Music
As kids, we could never understand why our parents kept the radio tuned to classic rock and oldies stations. Now that we’re older, we get it.
It’s hard to get into new music as an adult. Many of us would rather listen to the favorite songs of our youth.
Anger with Parents
There’s a cycle of negativity related to childhood and parenthood. Many parents messed up when raising their kids. That’s undeniable. But most of them tried their best.
Young adults often hold a lot of anger towards their parents for the real (and perceived) injustices of their childhoods. The older we get, the more we understand that our parents were just humans doing their best. We let go of that anger and learn to accept them for who they are.
Aging Changes Us
We like to think that we’ll never change who we are, but the truth is we all change. As we float through the years, we collect wisdom and experience that helps shift our perspective on life and the things that really matter.
It happened to us, and it will happen to you, too.