"Life Advice from a 63-Year-Old You Didn’t Ask For"
The Curiosity Gap Is an Old Trick, But You’re Here Anyway
You shouldn’t be falling for click bait tricks anymore. Titles like should be old news to you by now, but since you’re here, let’s agree that #11 might still surprise you. Consider this your unofficial midlife survival guide from someone who’s already seen the road you’re walking.
The Phone-and-Bathroom Habit Is Ruining You
You might think taking your phone to the bathroom is harmless, even convenient. It’s not. It’s a compounding habit with silent consequences, from wasted time to wrecked posture. Learn how to compost instead. Not everything you leave behind needs to be digital.
You’ll Work through the Pain, Because You’ll Have To
If you’re reading this, odds are you’re not retiring at 45, sipping cocktails on a beach. You’ll be working, even when your back hurts, your knees creak, and your patience thins. Accept that now, and you’ll suffer a little less when it happens.
Your 40s were Great - It’s Over. Deal With It
By the time you hit your 50s, you’ll suddenly realise your 40s were actually a fantastic time. You felt young enough to take risks but old enough to know better. That season is over, and yes, it gets worse. Don’t let anyone tell you the “it gets better” lie. It gets different, not necessarily better.
Change the World? Take a Nap Instead
Changing the world sounded noble in your 30s, exhausting in your 40s, and by your 50s, you’ll settle for keeping your plants alive. It’s hard to save humanity when your sciatica flares up. Stop apologizing for your naps, you’ve earned them.
Invent a Younger Digital Version of Yourself
Sometime in your late 40s, consider creating a fake online identity with a birthdate four to six years younger. You might need it when your marriage implodes in your early 50s and you decide to re-enter the dating scene or avoid high school reunion invites.
Do Your Neighbor. Make Good Memories
I’ll put this plainly: the opportunities to make reckless, memory-worthy decisions shrink fast after your mid-40s. If temptation knocks and circumstances align, take the moment. You’re collecting stories now, not achievements.
The Only Financially Lucrative Move Left
The most reliable wealth opportunities you have in your 40s and 50s? Inheritance. From your boomer parents, a forgotten aunt, or a childless uncle. I’m not saying count on it, but be polite and check in occasionally. You never know.
Spare the World Your Wardle Score
Nobody and I mean nobody, wants to see your Wardle results every morning. Keep those self-congratulatory green and yellow squares to yourself. We’re all battling our own five-letter demons.
Friendship Is Easier Than You Think
And finally, if you want to make new friends at this stage of life, lower your expectations. It doesn’t have to be over deep philosophy or world-changing ideas. Compliment someone’s shoes, share your good bourbon, or laugh at the same bad TV show. That’s enough. Connection isn’t complicated, you just forgot how simple it can be.
