Getting older is inevitable yet difficult. Older people concern themselves with many things that younger people don’t understand or have ridiculed them for. However, as we all get older some things start to make more sense or seem like a good idea. Here are 15 things you likely thought didn’t make sense when you were younger.
1. Older People Hold onto Clutter
While a clutter-filled home is often considered messy or disorganized, older people see theirs as a storybook, collectibles and other objects they have lying around the house are woven together, reminding them of countless memories and precious moments.
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2. Clutter is Treasure
Sometimes, older people’s clutter contains “treasures”. Things that have been passed down from generation to generation. These, too, are a reminder of precious moments. Bracelets from a beloved grandmother, a pocket watch from a beloved grandfather, or sentimental knickknacks from their parents.
3. Older People Worry About Money
Older people live on a fixed income. However, the economy changes frequently, namely now as inflation has seemingly skyrocketed the cost of everything. Therefore, it makes sense that older people live on a tighter budget, worrying about bills and groceries. In contrast, younger generations typically have parents or guardians who tend to these matters.
4. Older People Treat Debt Differently
Older people have large debts but something to show for it. For example, they may have a home or student debt. However, younger generations don’t have these concerns and may spend their money more frivolously, ridiculing others’ priorities.
5. Older People Treat Food Differently
Home cooking is a thing of the past, and younger generations love going out to eat. However, some benefit that older people know is that home cooking is often healthier and more affordable. As such, cooking at home is becoming more popular again because meals can be tailored to suit every palette. Moreover, cooking can be therapeutic or calming after a stressful day.
6. They Write or Send Cards
Handwriting letters or sending cards is an old tradition that older people did to send holiday cheer or remind loved ones they were in their thoughts. Alternatively, these days, most people opt to send a text or make a call when they can’t be there in person. Moreover, services like Edible Arrangements and Etsy deliver delicious or adorable treats and gifts for every occasion. Interestingly, handwriting letters and sending cards are making a comeback as people are remembering the sentimental significance of a heartfelt note.
7. They have Old-Fashioned Hobbies
Hobbies like gardening are also making a comeback, although older people were once ridiculed for this peaceful pastime. Seemingly mundane, gardening is calming, offers a sense of pride and accomplishment, and provides peace of mind, while food companies frequently face backlash for their methods.
8. Old-Fashioned Methods of Savings
Older people often use things like jars, shoeboxes, or a safe in their home to store a reserve or important documents and other tangible assets. While banks offer convenience and security, a home reserve is easier to track and organize. Therefore, younger people consider similar options as they prepare for the future.
9. Repair Rather Than Replace
Older people have learned to appreciate hardships that younger generations will likely never understand. As a result, they believe in getting the most out of things they spend money on, fixing things that break rather than replacing them. Alternatively, while people have contributed to the environmental challenges we face, people are learning more about these problems and are making an effort to be less wasteful. Furthermore, they’re reusing or repurposing broken items, if not learning how to repair them.
10. Older People Buy Used
Similarly, older people don’t mind using things secondhand and appreciate getting a great deal. As a result, they’ll happily buy from a secondhand or consignment shop rather than buy something brand new. This trend is becoming increasingly popular as people learn the negative impact of wastefulness.
11. Family Photos are Everywhere
Today, we have smartphones with cameras that can store countless pictures or upload them to a computer or external storage drive. However, older people have their family photos and precious moments on display for all to see, and younger generations realize the benefits. Physical copies of family photos are a wonderful way to preserve special memories and regularly see them.
12. They’re Always Prepared
Older people have been mocked for always having a jacket, even if it isn’t cold out, or a purse full of tissues when no one is sick. But there’s something very comforting about having the tools to never be caught off guard by life’s unexpected hiccups.
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13. They’re Early Birds
Most older people eat dinner and then go to bed incredibly early. However, they also wake up early, enjoying more of every day. Younger generations are discovering the health benefits of eating earlier and letting their food digest before bed. Additionally, they’re finding they’re more productive and less pressed for time to accomplish their daily to-do lists.
14. Older People Have More Manners
For a time, older people and their manners were ridiculed or misread. However, there’s a joy to be found in being kind, polite, and considerate of others.
15. They Have Differing Value Systems
Older people have a set of values that align with using their manners. As previously mentioned, using manners was considered outdated or uncool. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that their values would differ from those common today. Luckily, manners and value systems are still prevalent and younger generations are learning to lead by example, working through childhood trauma to create a more loving and considerate world.
Wisdom for the Ages
Needless to say, older people have made more trips around the Sun. Therefore, they have a wealth of knowledge from learned experiences. Many examples of wisdom teach younger generations important and valuable lessons to make life a little easier.
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