Over the hill. No spring chicken. Senior moment. Go ahead and ignore all these outdated ideas about what turning 80 really means!
None of us are guaranteed our time on our Earth, and now that you’re in your eighth decade, you stand apart from other generations below you. Here are 10 things you should expect when you turn eighty.
1. Your Relationships Get Stronger
Death is sadly a part of life, and when by the time you’re turning 80 years old, you’ve unfortunately seen many people come and go over the years. Every loss makes you value the relationships you do still have even more.
Hug the children, grandchildren, spouse, siblings, and friends that are still with you. Be sure to call them or invite them over to play cards or have regular dinners at your house. You also don’t have to be shy about asking them to drive you around. Cherish the time you still have with those you love.
2. Sharing Your Legacy
Once you turn eighty, you are in the unique position of having a whole life lived.
You have defied the odds, witnessed historical moments, and achieved extraordinary feats. These are stories you should share with your loved ones! Whether you write a book or invest in a service like Storyworth, there are plenty of ways to make sure your spirit stays with those you care about.
3. Freedom to Explore
Many people are well into retirement by the time they turn 80 years old. With that in mind, they have ample time to pursue new hobbies.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to sail or want nothing more than to take a cruise around the Bahamas. Do it! The world is your oyster. You’ve worked hard for 80 years, and you deserve to spend the rest of your time on Earth doing whatever you have the energy to try.
4. Better Health Awareness
You’re likely no stranger to doctor’s appointments. It’s possible you’ve even had a few surgeries, or you could have diseases or disorders for which you need to regularly take medications.
While this could be frustrating, it also puts you in the unique position of being more aware of your health at your age. You know the value of living a healthy lifestyle and are more likely to make good nutritional choices and regularly exercise. Going to the drive-thru or sitting around watching TV all day doesn’t seem nearly as appealing as it did when you were younger.
5. Plenty of Senior Discounts
Senior discounts are available at theaters, comedy shows, concerts, and restaurants. By the time you turn 80 years old, you’re probably well-versed in how to take advantage of all those savings.
Go out for a night on the town with someone you love and tour all the spots that offer you a discount for being in your 80’s. See a movie in a historic theater, eat lasagna at a fancy Italian restaurant, or go on an epic shopping spree. There are even senior discounts on car rentals and airlines, which means vacation time!
6. Being Honest About Mobility
Do you find it tough to get your legs moving? Are your joints feeling stiff? You’re not alone. Many people find that their mobility significantly decreases by the time they hit 80.
Just because you have more limits, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your life. Ask your doctor about possible solutions to help you stay on the move, whether it’s a walker, wheelchair, a certain medication, or maybe physical therapy. Depleting muscles and the loss of bone tissue isn’t going to stop you!
7. Increased Causes for Celebration
By turning 80, you’re going to find there are suddenly more birthdays, retirements, anniversaries, and other milestones to celebrate, both in your life and in the lives of others.
New babies, weddings, family reunions…there are more chances to have beautiful moments to celebrate when you’re eighty. You’ll find that your social calendar is even more thriving than it was when you were in your 20’s or 30’s.
8. You Become More Adaptable
Turning 80 means that you know how to roll with the punches. Life changes all the time, and you never know what tomorrow may bring. You know how to weather whatever comes your way.
Adaptability is a strong personality trait, and because you’re navigating the challenges that come with aging, you know how to be open to change. You’re less likely to fall apart when life isn’t how it’s always been.
9. Feeling Inner Peace
Age is an attitude and not a number. Throughout your life, you’ve learned what is most important and what’s not worth the stress. Now you’re relaxing and feeling a sense of inner peace that you can only feel at 80 years old.
Even if you have a bad day, you can still feel pure contentment on a regular basis. Take some time to reflect on your life, whether it’s on a nice walk or with a few moments of meditation. Feel joy that you’ve been strong and resilient enough to make it to this beautiful older age. Not everyone can say the same.
10. Planning Out Your Finances
If you haven’t yet, make sure your will is all in place and that you have a power of attorney and healthcare directives under control.
Eighty is the right age to make sure your affairs are in order. Share passwords or important financial information with someone you trust, and double check that you have all your wishes on paper in case something happens to you.
Thriving at Eighty
Not everyone hits the big 8-0. You’re lucky enough to have lived eight full decades on this planet, and there are many positives to reaching this wise age. Enjoy turning 80 years old, and here’s to many, many more wonderful years ahead of you!
Read More:
11 Tips to Avoid Financial Regrets During Retirement
8 Boomer “Complaints” That Are 100% Justified
Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.