How accurate is the assertion that "life after 45 sucks massive (you-know-what)"?

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ColonelTime@reddit

50 here, never been healthier, back down to a 32". It took a lot of work but it's all worth it.

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Siren2026@reddit

Nonsense. It just gets better unless you wasted the years before and don’t have your act together.

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Not really. You start feeling pains that you didn't in the past, and you're looked at as the "old guy" but its para for the course. For me, I've done a lot of traveling and have enjoyed my life with my family and stopped worrying about the bs in life. Something that you get the older you get is perspective and that "couldn't care less mantra".

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EquivalentStart2595@reddit

I'm 52, my 40s were a nightmare. 50's are better so far....

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classicsat@reddit

It depends what you expect from it.

Sucks that a lot of the new content is made for the younger demographic you are no longer part of.

Same for technology, at least.

Our brain plasticity phase has passed, so new technology gets harder to learn as we get older.

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ClumbsyVulture@reddit

I would think mostly it depends on your health. Sometimes by your life choices and sometimes by genetics or even just accident, someone at 55 could be in constant pain and feel like shit and another 55 year old could be having the time of their lives. It's all circumstantial.

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lordyfortwenty@reddit

Not true . Everything gets better as you get older except the state of the world and your physical body .

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armitage75@reddit

This is a good way to look at it and matches up with my experience as well.

And while our physical bodies will never feel like they did at 18 you can do a lot to make it work pretty damn well.

2 single biggest things that have worked for me:

-Switch from alcohol to THC (gummies/drinks...not smoking or vaping). It's hard to cut out completely but try to limit drinking to the inevitable glass of wine/champagne at social functions.

-Find ways to make regular exercise fun (biking, walking with podcasts, group activities etc.) and not work

In my 50s and with each year both observing myself and my friends/loved ones I've come to believe keeping your weight down/controlled is the single most important thing you can do. Quality of life is everything.

It's incredible how many common ailments (joint pain, back pain, energy issues, on and on and on) are at a minimum if not caused then exacerbated by being overweight.

I'm a dude in his 50s...most of my male friends at least have pot-bellies and the corresponding back pain often attributed to male aging. I'm not going to lecture them...what people do with their bodies is their prerogative...but between me and the internet I'm convinced staying skinny is an aging cheat code.

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MistrBiggie@reddit

You don't see really old fat people. It's not a cheat, it's a fact

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opaville@reddit

It sounds goofy, but I started playing pokemon go to do while walking and hiking to make it a bit entertaining.

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Mr-First-Middle-Last@reddit

Ok

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Sudden_Office8710@reddit

We tend to get nostalgic for the past. Sucks is relative to how well you’ve taken care of yourself in the prior 45 years and being able to turn it around is completely dependent on your socioeconomic status. The only time it’s too late to change is when you’re 6 feet underground.

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GuitarHeroInMyHead@reddit

A generalized whine. Everyone has their own experience but there is no reason it can't be the best time of your life. Kids are out on their own, my wife and I travel, we stay healthy and active and vital. Make it good...it is largely in your control.

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ExhaustedHungryMe@reddit

Nah. 45 is when you’re just getting good.

My 40s were fantastic. 50s were pretty awesome too.

I’ve been 60 for less than 2 weeks, so the jury is still out on this decade, but so far, so good. I feel WAY younger than my actual age, except for some aches and pains and whatnot. But that’s what HRT and naproxen and Ben Gay are for.

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MistrBiggie@reddit

TRT and peptides are a godsend. I'm 59 and feeling better than I have since my early 40s

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Sensitive-Drop8286@reddit

For me, downhill! I was disabled at 52 from ddd. I have osteoarthritis from neck to toes now at 66. I can barely get around. I was always very active and took pretty good care of myself, so I thought. Also, I have 2 brothers with it severely. But still, I wasn't expecting this.

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shadowstar36@reddit

45 is when my health issues started. Doctors can't figure out. So I suffer with pain and no answer as to why.

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MistrBiggie@reddit

Look into biohacking, peptides could help you immensely. It has for me

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Ok-Till-5285@reddit

he was having a bad day. At 44 I fought cancer, didn't know if I would see 50, now I am staring 60 in it's face and I am hiking and kayaking, crafting and working.

Life is what you make of it. And not everyone gets the privilege of aging. Just keep moving, always moving because moving is medicine.

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MistrBiggie@reddit

Also staring at 60 and since I started biohacking, haven't felt this good since my 30s

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Crafty-Farm-8470@reddit

If life sucks, it probably isn't solely due to one age or another.

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Boom_Gate_Lady@reddit

Comment bait. Ive never heard anyone say this.

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Boom_Gate_Lady@reddit

One guy saying it sucks and no one agreeing with him! Thanks for proving my point!

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ChuckSmyth@reddit (OP)

Nope:

https://www.reddit.com/r/GenX/comments/1eo34of/life_is_a_scam_everything_is_frontloaded_first_40/

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tauregh@reddit

My life was meh before fifty and amazing after 50.

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Allmyexesliveintx333@reddit

Interesting. Why?

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tauregh@reddit

I finally pulled the giant stick out of my ass and started actually living my best life.

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Ok_Magician5842@reddit

Not accurate for me. I am blessed with a good job, a great wife, a comfortable home, and amazing music. Life is pretty darn tasty.

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vmpa52@reddit

73 and feel great. Life is good!

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whiterock73@reddit

I dunno. kids out of house, making good money without wallet parasites, my time is mostly my own. I mean yes I wish I had my 30 yo knees back but modern medicine is great. My only beef being a divorced guy after 20 years is the feeling of lost youth, but if you take care of your body and mind(ish), it’s not bad

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H-is-for-Hopeless@reddit

I don't know for sure, but my life has been on a consistent downhill slide since I was 30.

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Shartfer_brains@reddit

"Results may vary. "

Eat well, exercise, and tend to your mental health and assuming you didn't hit the genetic dhit lottery you'll be fine.

P.s. don't be poor.

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godofthebasement@reddit

Utter shite. Maybe it sucks for people who don’t care enough to keep in shape, keep up with hobbies, be active, etc. If one is resigned to a sedentary suburban life of pretty much nothing but driving and TV then life if going to suck no matter their age.

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Cattailabroad@reddit

This is impossible to seperate from the fact that I turned 45 in 2021. It's been crap but I don't think I can blame age.

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Desperate_Piano_3609@reddit

I feel like life sort of began for me exactly at 45.

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DonutCapitalism@reddit

I'm 50 and I life is great.

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Existing_Bluebird541@reddit

please spell better so we know you're true.

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DonutCapitalism@reddit

Lol...my eyes aren't very good at 50 now.

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Unlucky-Whereas-1234@reddit

It isn't that bad lol

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MIweedloverOOS@reddit

Not at all accurate

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Magliene@reddit

64 and the happiest I’ve ever been.

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drhagbard_celine@reddit

Nearly 53, divorced, and having a blast.

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SFMattM@reddit

I'm sure life sucks after 45 for some people. I know it hasn't for me nor for millions of others.

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doghouse2001@reddit

I mean... how many GenXers are there in the world? Certainly we don't all have the same outlook on life?

I was a skinny non-athletic kid prone to headaches and heat stroke, so by 45 I feel I was taking life by the horns and turning things around. That was a great age to be. Was in my second career, making good money, raising kids... nothing to complain about. Just turned 60 and I'm still not complaining.

I think I would assert that life after 2025 for everybody worldwide sucks, due to the looming WWIII.

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rhOMG@reddit

I've always been active, but I didn't really get fit until I was past 45. Apart from the whole death of the planet and civilization threats, I've been living better in my 50s than ever.

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eejm@reddit

It depends on your circumstances. Life can be awesome or suck at any age. My teen years were a nightmare that I don’t wish on anyone. I’ve had my ups and downs since then, but overall life has gotten better for me. Others very well may find the opposite is true.

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NN2coolforschool@reddit

Exactly the same here. My life isn’t the greatest, but it’s way better than my childhood.

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Annies231@reddit

I’m actually enjoying it. Literally don’t give af about most things. It’s freeing

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Grammarhole@reddit

Totally

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jetwra@reddit

I truly think it depends on your individual life circumstance and health. My hormones made my daily life not optimal; so much anxiety and lack of motivation (& made me give way too many Fs about everything. It was awful). Also how well/poorly family may be doing and financial circumstances.

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josephus_jones@reddit

Best time of my life by far. 5+ years sober, healthier than ever, I love my wife and baby daughter and things are very good. I'm grateful for all of it.

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pill_poppin_daddy@reddit

Hey, congratulations! 5+ years is awesome!!

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josephus_jones@reddit

Thank you!

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Affectionate_Yam4368@reddit

Idk, I'm 48 and I feel great.

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CatherineC1979@reddit

BS, I give less F’s as each year goes by and it’s liberating

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kgurney1021@reddit

Agree I told someone after 50 is the IDGAF era of life and it is the best era I have lived in. I am 58 and have been loving it!

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Tvoli@reddit

I’m 50 , and I feel better physically now than I did at 45. My mental health would be better too except I’m worried about my parents, in their 80s and better more frail by the day, and work has gotten more stressful in the last few weeks.

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HTLM22@reddit

complicated. Some things are great. Some things suck.

On the whole late 40s were pretty great. Not sold on the early 50s yet, but I am not sure how much of that is just post-pandemic.

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haveanapfire@reddit

Life in general sucks massive ... but the perfect moments shine so bright it's worth putting up with.

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hippiestitcher@reddit

Exact opposite for me. Recovered from lifelong mental illness in my 40's, living in my dream house, 4 fantastic grown kids and a fabulous grandson. I'm 57 and happier overall than I've ever been.

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Rickdog99@reddit

I just turned 50 and counting the days to my last breath, and hope its soon.

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Mr-First-Middle-Last@reddit

40 is when I stopped having sex with my wife (55 now).

I’m ready to go live on Mars any time now. Done here.

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zoestar198728@reddit

It’s because the body starts breaking but our minds are still in the late 80’s and 90’s. We don’t feel old

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Unexpected_Deluge@reddit

Pfffft. I'll offer, "Life begins at 40", and chalk that person's experience to bad execution. By 40 I had learned enough to launch my own business, mastered my depression and anxiety, ended a marriage that was pointless, and re-prioritized on health, recreation and personal growth after 20 years spent devoted very much to my career. I'm 65 now, recently retired, and I've had an awesome ride. If I croak tomorrow, I had a great life, but I am in good health, happy, have great relationships with the people that matter me. Living large till my ticket gets punched.

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TaxPuzzleheaded5688@reddit

I’m 69 and other than a bit of arthritis I feel I’m living large.

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autumnice1@reddit

I am loving my 50s! You get to decide what you make of you life, unless you are bed-ridden with chronic illness - get out and do something new! If you are bed-ridden, then learn a new hobby or read that book everyone recommends. Being 45+ means it is your time to choose how you spend the golden years

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jIdiosyncratic@reddit

I'm spending my golden years unemployed apparently. I'm too busy curating my resume to take part in all of these things. I'm saving this for when I'm 62.

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HereIAmAgain73@reddit

I’m 52 and living my best life. 30 years in a toxic marriage, free and finding me. I like the me I have found so far!!

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SplashiestMonk@reddit

Same here! Absolutely loving this period of my life and the person I’ve become since getting divorced.

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curiousme123456@reddit

not true at all. big upside...you stop caring as much or completely if strangers what other people think, its truly liberating. i am probably on the right side of average on this "not caring" so i speak my mind when its called for only. you also can detect bs quickly and no matter how hard someone tries to tell you that you are wrong you have life experience to know you're not.

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Caligirlporvida@reddit

This 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

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lowercasejae@reddit

Perimenopause is a bitch and the estrogen drop has unleashed a whole fuckton of new health issues.

But I’m comfortable in who I am. That says a lot for someone who was a teenage girl in CA in the 90s.

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kipy7@reddit

It's okay. My wife and I finally had kids, and I was 49. I've never much as far as body aches, but with twins I'm aching a lot more now. I've never been so tired but we're so happy to have these little ones. Life's good.

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ginge_r_snapd@reddit

If I weren't chronically ill, life after 50 would be fabulous. However, I'm sick as a dog 90% of the time. So it's meh on a good day, and Take me home Jesus, on a bad day.

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EveryExplanation8084@reddit

Things just get better and better as we age

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Much-Extension-4752@reddit

Meh, I'm 48 and having a good time. Life is what you make of it.

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Few-Pineapple-5632@reddit

My 50th birthday was liberation day. It was the day I realized I can say “I’m 50. I can say what I want and you can’t make me”

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Oh-THAT-dude@reddit

Not for me it doesn’t.

I mean broadly speaking the aging process sucks, but in my case the changes have been gradual.

I was never a jock when I was young, so I can still do all the same things I did 30 years ago.

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Revolutionary_Bee700@reddit

This has been the best time of my life!

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BuDu1013@reddit

For me I'm deeper than that in age and I'm loving it!

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SlaveToCat@reddit

My life after 45 has been utterly charmed. Even when notionally bad things happened to me, it was for the better. My grandmother told me you don’t appreciate sunshine without a little rain. I feel that’s true.

It could be a bad day. Or it could be a life that’s been unkind. You never know the story behind the keyboard.

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frog980@reddit

I hit 46. Seems like life is slowing down a bit now since my kids are a little older and self sufficient. I'm starting to get a little me time back and more time with my wife without the kids. Some of my projects that have been on a back burner are finally getting done.

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greenberg17493@reddit

Honestly, my 40s have been tough, I've been through a lot . Medical issues, Money constantly going out faster than it was coming in, nitarop demands on time and money. My job went kinda stagnant and my Marriage was strained.

Now I'm about to turn 49 and am looking forward to the future. I'm healthier than I've been in a very long time, I feel more mentally and emotionally stable. I'm more relaxed, my Marriage is doing well, new job, last kid will be out in college soon. Started to take more vacations and getways with family and also just the wife and I. I'm finally starting to live again.

I think the 40s are some of the most difficult years, but there is a light on the other end. I'm Excited for my 50s and beyond.

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Material-Dream-4976@reddit

100% Accurate after 40.

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menachu@reddit

40s have been rough, siblings are a decade behind, feel like I raised them and myself. And still doing it, Mom is tired, We lost Dad to cancer last month. Agent orange exspossure and a decade of cancer. 40s are hard.

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Fatal-Eggs2024@reddit

I love my life after 45. The kids are able to take care of themselves, the tough decisions and hardest work are behind me, I can afford my home, I have made deep friendships over the years, and I can afford to travel around the world doing what I want once in awhile. Exceeds expectations in every way.

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Not_High_Maintenance@reddit

50s have been fabulous for me!

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hapster85@reddit

Turned 59 in February. Still doing fine here.

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Tall-Nectarine202@reddit

I loved my 40’s and am so far loving my 50’s even more. Way better than my 20’s & 30’s. Physically, no, but everything else is better.

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CK_CoffeeCat@reddit

Yes.

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Significant-End-5550@reddit

Physically, its true. You just had the best day of the rest of your life.

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Crafty-Bass-3434@reddit

It's fine. Everything's fine.

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Mickeym88@reddit

Posted this in another genx posting about life after 50

BS. Life started at 45. Daughter was thur college and we decided to party and finally had some money to do it... Travel for weekends without thinking, go to a strip club or swingers club with you wife... Blow $2000 at the casino and not worry if you'll make the mortgage payment...

Have some fun

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robbynkay@reddit

I am 51 and happier than I’ve ever been. So not true for all!

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Gullible-Shirt-6145@reddit

Exactly the same here!

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Conscious_Bend_7308@reddit

I just turned 61. I'm a lot happier and more relaxed than I was at 41.

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TK42Greg@reddit

I'm gonna be 46 soon and honestly I'm good with where I'm at. My kids are grown, safe, happy and healthy, my mom is almost 80 and in good health, we live in a nice apartment complex close to everything.....honestly I feel blessed every day. Grateful for all that I have.

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miller91320@reddit

I think he was having a bad day. I just turned 50 and am loving life in spite of how shitty the US is right now.

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otf_dyer_badass@reddit

I’m hitting 45 in 22 days. This year sucked, my 44th year. My dog died of cancer. Then my dad got sick and went in the hospital, got diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and died 2 weeks later. Hubby just had a total knee replacement and can’t move, fighting the good fight over an estate. Oh and I might not get to take my trip for my birthday due to said knee replacement. This year sucks. Hopefully the next one is better. And I’m always a positive person. Maybe 45 is where the magic is.

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cointon@reddit

It’s more like after 55.

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VendaGoat@reddit

It's a mixed bag, just like before.

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Out_of_Darkness_mc@reddit

No doubt it’s true for some but my career is at an all time high, I’m more confident than ever and trying new things that I only dreamed about before!

It’s what you make of it and if you allow yourself to think “life is over or ending” then that’s what your life will become!

Fuck that!

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throwaway762022@reddit

My husband and I are in our 50s and currently enjoying life.

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CatOfGrey@reddit

As you get older, you get 'better at dealing with your own stuff'. You get better at your job, your profession. You are more likely to train others. You work less with your body, more with your experience. You do bigger things. If you have kids, they grow up - they need less daily maintenance, and then they move out of the house entirely.

At the same time, as you get older, you get more stuff thrown at you. Your parents might become ill, or frail, need care, and die. It took me several years to recover from that two years when my mother was withering from Type II diabetes. Or maybe it's your own health - I'm in my 50's now, and I need to be careful with physical tasks, and pace myself.

Hopefully, a person's 'good window' opens, and people enjoy a few years of 'being a really great adult and in control of their own lives', before they get another window closed when their parents health and their own health begin to limit things.

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Brief_Ad7468@reddit

Life for me just got better and better until I hit menopause at 53 (4 years ago). It’s been a serious struggle ever since.

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athensslim@reddit

I’m hitting 50 this year, and I’d say the last five years have been some of the least good ones of my adult life.

Aging parents, anxiety about what the future holds for my teenage sons, and feeling my body slipping (nothing serious, just aches and pains I never had before) are the main reasons.

To compensate, I’ve more or less quit drinking and have been hitting the gym harder than ever.

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goodsocks@reddit

56F, I have cancer and my husband and I lost money in 2009 and then cancer took a bunch more. However, I’m happy in my thoughts and can take simple joys as enough to sustain me. I don’t like where the world is headed but that is out of my control. Life can change so quickly, just be kind and enjoy what you can.

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ih8theeagles@reddit

We have money and the kids are out of the house and working. This is the least stressed I’ve been since grade school.

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Retiree66@reddit

Sometimes I’m glad the kids are out of the house, and at other times I’m REALLY glad they are out of the house. Launching successful human beings is very rewarding.

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MiddleUnlucky8320@reddit

Probably had a bad life. I rolling the good life from 40 to 55(new city. kid, started a business, traveled all fancy pants) had a health bump and rolling up on 57 feeling like 23.

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Justneedtacos@reddit

This is highly dependent on multiple factors: 1. How’s your health (or spouse’s health) ? 2. How’s your parents’ health (or in-laws) ? 3. How’s your marriage (or divorce) ? 4. How old were you when you had your last kid ? 5. Any of your kids end up on drugs ? 6. How much money do you (or did you) make ?

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Comparison-Thin@reddit

Very.

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Lost-Platypus8271@reddit

I feel this. 👊

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Comparison-Thin@reddit

I miss the old me. The optimistic hilarious knowledgeable person is a tired, exhausted shadow. I know I am not alone, but a lot of people don't like to talk about it, as if having an adverse aging experience denotes bad character or something.

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silentsinner-@reddit

Something tells me it has less to do with your age than everything you stated after. I hope you make the best life you can.

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Comparison-Thin@reddit

You are probably right.

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TypicalOrca@reddit

It has only been getting better for me. Every year a bit better than before. Except that people keep dying. 😔

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QueenScorp@reddit

I've been "over 45" for 6 years and it's been the absolute best phase of my life and is only getting better. Granted, I have no major health issues and I'm sure that plays a huge factor in a lot of people's quality of life as they age.

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HopefulSunriseToday@reddit

Same, except I’m on 46. But my 40s have been wonderful.

My wife and I have hit our stride and started making some good health improvements. We’ve never felt better.

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Friday_arvo@reddit

It’s the beginning of a bloody great time.

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SimpleVegetable5715@reddit

My 20’s were much worse than my 30’s and 40’s.

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Kam726@reddit

Very

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shakespeareanon@reddit

It does.

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dingdongdeVilish@reddit

No it doesn’t

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shakespeareanon@reddit

Whatever

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HoneyWyne@reddit

Very

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Medium-to-full@reddit

Bullshit

That's when life gets good.

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ApatheistHeretic@reddit

It's not the best, but I like the freedom now that the kids have moved on. Keep yourself in decent health and your second half of life can be pretty good.

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No-debt-P22-7@reddit

Sounds like that guy needs some bluechew. ha!

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almostzsazsa@reddit

Sixty here. Never been happier or in better shape

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FlamingoImpressive11@reddit

I’m turning 50 in six months and feel like life will pretty much be over honestly.

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ughtoooften@reddit

I'm 58 and have been living my best life for at least 10 years. Life has never been easier or more free.

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valerino539@reddit

46 and having tons of fun now that my kids are a bit older and not as reliant on me. And having more fun WITH them. Taking trips and whatnot now that we can afford to and we realize that life is too short to not do the fun things. Also really trying to be healthier so that I can keep this up for as long as possible!

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PeevedProgressive@reddit

Fourty Five!

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Astronaut_Kubrick@reddit

Nope. After 50 was freedom.

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SidewalkSigh@reddit

Agreed. I might be happiest in my mid-50s than any other time in life. Make sure your health is the best it can be. Lose weight, be active, focus on your passions. Mentally divorce yourself from the care you have given to your job, but do go work; not great work.

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IHadTacosYesterday@reddit

Accurate AS FUCK.

Anybody saying anything different is either A.) truly living their best life, but I feel like less than 3% of the entire worldwide population is doing this or B.) Self-Gaslighting tactics. Toxic positivity. The idea that you can "manifest" happiness and joy and all this other newage nonsense

So many people lie to themselves literally all day long. It's their default. I guarantee you 80 percent of the people in these comments talking about how wonderful their lives are, are just trying to subconsciously fake it till they make it and the 90% of them have no conscious awareness that this is what they're actually doing.

So many people are just so fucking afraid to realize that life is a piece of shit. Like they're literally scared to death to do so. They must feel like they have no other choice but suicide or something

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mlill@reddit

I think s/he needs 6 months in a slum in Mumbai.

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nonesuchnotion@reddit

Does somebody need a hug?

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Dwayne402789@reddit

I’m 48 and like my life now more than I ever have

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ElCaminoLady@reddit

Eh, this sort of talk is trans generational. I remember some of my boomer folks’ friends having that sentiment too. Those that fixated on being “old” and the challenges that come with it seemed to “expire” sooner than those who were resilient.

Personally I’m much happier being older. Experience and wisdom makes life much less challenging than being young and dumb.

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stueynz@reddit

Amen sister. It’s great being old enough to not only know better but to actually do better.

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Tyrigoth@reddit

I'm 60 and I don't feel that way...Never have.

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Outrageous_Plum5348@reddit

Not.

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Myfreakinglyfe@reddit

Nah. I’m over 50 and these are some of the best times in my life.

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Jupitor66@reddit

Damned if you, damned if you don’t

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notquitesolid@reddit

Life is what you make it. I find attitude is everything really. There are those who focus on youth and what you lose as you age which can depend on how well you take care of yourself and a bit of luck. Genetics, disease, accidents can happen regardless of how safe and healthy we try to be and can happen at any age. All that means to me is we must seize opportunities whenever they come our way, and live in the present. Not some vague future where we get to retire or have enough or be in the right spot. Goals are good and planning is good, but tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Play it smart but don’t be so carful you miss out on an opportunity that may never come again.

I have known plenty of people including my own parents who have gotten a second wind in midlife. My mom had a second career, my dad traveled the world solo up until his late 80s. Yeah life can suck, but it can suck at any age. Being older has challenges sure, but to act like you hit 45 and it’s all a disaster after is wild. A bad attitude can really destroy your life if you let it become your guiding philosophy. I suggest maybe not doing that.

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ZookeepergameIll4018@reddit

Not accurate at all. Life felt shitty in my early to mid 40s but since then has improved massively. I'm in my early/mid 50s and life has never been better. You never know how things might change!

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JD_tubeguy@reddit

Totally inaccurate

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JaneFairfaxCult@reddit

Just turned 60. It’s good once you get past looking older. Many fewer f*cks.

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Annonnymee@reddit

My life is great at 70. Yes, more pain, more wrinkles. But everything else is as good as or better than it ever was

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3-orange-whips@reddit

I don’t know what. Tell me!

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Pitiful_Hedgehog6343@reddit

Life is great, just different, but its not great on accident, took some work to be in a good place at 50.

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HildegardeBrasscoat@reddit

You make your own life. I'm 48 and things are getting better for me than they were.

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HeyDugeeeee@reddit

I think people underestimate how much just not giving a fuck improves your life.

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SackBadger2024@reddit

Well, I went to bed healthy, woke up at 5am, had suffered a heart attack in my sleep and went to work like nothing happened.

I felt pretty shitty (chest pains and sweating bullets) , so went to the cardiologist and low and behold through a serious of unfortunate( But life saving) events, I now have two pieces of new plumbing keeping my arteries open and me alive.

Felt fine when I went to bed. And that sums up life after 45. I get injured in my sleep quite often.

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rpbm@reddit

Eh. Things hurt more often, for longer. Harder to lose weight.

Met my husband at 44, so that part of my life is greatly improved.

Make more money than I did in my 30s, so I have less day to day worry about bills.

Overall, I’m good with life.

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Alternative_Main_775@reddit

Inaccurate. My life began at 40 and is only getting better! I learned a lot of lessons from the past. I know my life improved because of the work I did on myself.

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GarionOrb@reddit

It's bullshit. I'm 49 now and my life is great.

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DagnyLeia@reddit

Absolutely completely the opposite. Life is better over 40...I'm 51 now. Being at a point where you genuinely don't give a fuck anymore is life changing.

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Ok_Push2550@reddit

Not at all.

Keep healthy, and that may be around when the kids leave the house or have more independence. Then Mom and Dad can have sexy time like when you were 20. Even better if you had a vasectomy, or other permanent birth control.

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ryamanalinda@reddit

Not true in my case. It sucks just as it always has.. with a few added aches and pains.

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FletchWazzle@reddit

My at 50 I'll say that the past 5 have been the most dramatic and traumatic sinc3 My 20s

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AlwaysTheNewb@reddit

Life after 45 has been great. Work is good, family is great, and I don’t care what people say or believe. I still work out lifting heavy and running. I don’t run as fast but I run farther and don’t lift as heavy, but it’s still heavier than most.

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MacaroonUpstairs7232@reddit

It doesnt start being that bad until your body starts breaking down and that happens at different ages for all of us, plus we all have different tolerances.

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qetral@reddit

My husband (54) and I (55) have found that we are so much happier getting into our 50's. He has a steady career with future options, we're very happy in our relationship, all the BS that comes with being in your 20's-30's (like sex, jealousy, insecurity, etc) have faded away. The only thing we don't like is that we're in our 50's finding this happiness. We both wish we had found it in the beginning of our relationship back in our 20's. Instead we are faced with only 30-40 years left together and that chokes us both up. Plus bad health can happen at any moment, same with accidents, or wrongful death. So there is a balance there - we're amazingly happy but there will be a limit to it.

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Ennuiology@reddit

Attitude a career wise this age range has been the best for me. I have a few age related health concerns, but nothing major. I’m enjoying it.

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imbrotep@reddit

Complete opposite for me. My life really took off in my very early 50s. I’ve never been happier in my entire life.

To be sure, I could definitely do without the aches and pains, but in terms of contentment, my life has never been better.

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Mundane_Ad7197@reddit

I got sober 12 years ago at 48…..best years of my life since then.

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honeybadgerdad@reddit

Congrats. I quit drinking 4 years ago. Much better for it. Keep it up

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Mundane_Ad7197@reddit

Thanks and likewise….you do the same buddy.

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old_namewasnt_best@reddit

I'll chime in with a congratulations to all who quit drinking. I've been sober coming up on seven years and I wouldn't be around to know if I liked this part of my life. I think being alive is pretty decent.

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Mundane_Ad7197@reddit

That’s a true story. Congrats to you as well!!

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Displaced_in_Space@reddit

I dunno....from 40 or 45 through 55 were pretty awesome. I"m 60 now and have had a recent health event that sucked, But the 10 preceeding years?

Peak earning years.
Visibility emerging that retirement savings plan was going to work out.
More power & autonomy at work, which translates to more freedom day-to-day.
In good health.

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ItemExtension5677@reddit

One I got old enough to stop caring about what people think of me - life got great. Unfortunately, it took well into/past middle age for me to not care…

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FlamingDragonfruit@reddit

Life is generally much more stable but your body starts falling apart so it's a trade-off.

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ride5k@reddit

i felt pretty much the same for the first 45 years. just easy pain free life.

then things started breaking down! early 50s now and hopefully the period of rapid decline is tapering off.

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Shark_Atl3201@reddit

Not at all true. In fact, the opposite for me.

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AdSufficient2471@reddit

I hate my age but love my life. I found that inner peace and being content truly came at age 50 and it keeps getting better (I’m 61). I hate that number though.

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callu80@reddit

Id say 46, thats when i noticed my eyesight just went to shit one day. All downhill from here i suspect...

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Business_Coyote_5496@reddit

Huh. I'm 58 and have had the opposite experience. Each year gets better

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kstweetersgirl2013@reddit

Im 46 be 47 in October and honestly this has been the best year of my life.

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scarlettskadi@reddit

No way- when that estradiol drops, the rose tinted glasses come off and you deal with bullshit as you see fit without a single fuck about what anyone might say or think.

It’s a good time to finally be ourselves and live on our terms.

Who’s going to stop us?

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MissDiketon@reddit

My 50s are turning out to be great. I have a job I like, some disposable income, a weed card, and a cat.

What more do I need?

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Dvae23@reddit

50 here. I can speak only for myself and it's completely the opposite so far. The last 3 years were the best of my life and it's not even close.

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SnooHesitations9447@reddit

50 here as well. I would certainly agree with you. The past 4 years have been pretty great compared to earlier life.

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Sorry_Im_Trying@reddit

I will say that 45 hit me harder than any other age. Perimenopause took me places I didn't want to go.

I'm sure men have something like this...usually a mid-life crisis or whatever that makes them go after inappropriately young women.

46 seems to balancing out though....Or at least I made the changes needed to balance things out. We'll see how things go.

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New-Cartographer3946@reddit

Not at all. I have more confidence now than I ever did, and inner peace

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djplatterpuss@reddit

Like in a good way?

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Breklin76@reddit

Not accurate for me! Some one must have shit on whomever said that’s Cheerios.

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CrazyMinute69@reddit

If suck you know what means?

gif

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BeenThruIt@reddit

Life is the perpetual Now, and that is always what you make of it.

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ImFromDanforth@reddit

It's getting better,

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barbs_mark@reddit

Oh hell no. The world may be entirely fucked right now but I am the most emotionally healthy that I’ve ever been. I try to do as much good in my little sphere as I can. Sure my body is faltering a bit but I get out and do stuff anyway. I’ve had my share of traumas. For sure this age (58) is a tough one between elderly parents/death and having challenges with young adult children. Having support from loved ones and being truly connected to folks is probably the key for me. And appreciating the “little things” has always been my super power (it’s also what makes me seem like a total goofball). I understand that everyone has different resources and privileges so this is an entirely subjective view.

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Mysterions@reddit

It’s fine. Biggest issues are 1) can’t really play basketball competitively, 2) don’t really enjoy weed anymore, and 3) the impossibility of finding new friends, but it’s fine otherwise.

A huge benefit is that no one is ever agro with me at concerts anymore and give me a respecul distance.

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Multigrain_Migraine@reddit

There's no magic cut off age. I'm 51 and things are fine.

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calaan@reddit

Depends on how long it takes to get your shit together. For me as a teacher I was finally past the massive hiring gap caused by the housing crisis, my wife and I were no longer trying for kids so our life had taken the form it was going to maintain for the foreseeable future, we were DINKS so we had enough money to buy a house and still take the occasional vacation, and we’ve been exercising and eating well so we can stay active for the next few decades.

So I’d say we’ve been BETTER over the last ten years.

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tacosandtheology@reddit

I'm 47 and stoked. I miss my hair and I'd love to lose some weight, but I'm good. I've got friends, steady work, an awesome wife, and a mind open to new ideas.

I can't mosh like I used to, but I'm still going to shows and banging my head to new music. Which, really, is all my younger self ever wanted.

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BigMommaSnikle@reddit

This is the way!

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RustedRelics@reddit

So inaccurate. But life after 60…? Yep.

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PrincessGiantFeet@reddit

Youth sucked more. At least I have a steady income and roof over my head, even if the house is falling apart. And I have two awesome teens. Like they aren't angry violent little demons like I was in anyway. Just sweet. And I have the husband, though he's pissing me off lately.

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notorious_tcb@reddit

I’m loving life after 45. I’ve finally got money and time. So doing cool shit is actually feasible. Now if I could just get back to quit acting up life would be fantastic.

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michmemuch@reddit

At 51, basically living my best life. Empty nest, no serious health problems, fully employed.

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rharper38@reddit

It would be fine if body parts would work as intended.

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Impressive-Shame-525@reddit

Yeah. I'm at a point in life where most folks wish they could be. Retired early (I was a corporate whore and the company paid me a lot of money to go away), a house on top of a mountain that's paid for, debt free, a wife who has a sex drive higher than mine...

But I hurt. I traded my body for money and I'm paying for it. All the things that can go wrong in one's back have gone wrong, plus a cyst in the middle making a leg numb. And still hurts. Anyway.

I make do. Take a pill, micro dose some THC, do some yoga, and the pain becomes tolerable.

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rharper38@reddit

I am not where you are at. But I take 2 pills to keep me alive and one to make me want to be alive and wear my stupid glasses and I make it through

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Prudent-Proof7898@reddit

Mentally it has sucked as I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 after about 20 years of feeling terrible and seeking help. Money wise it's fine (could be worse). Family wise it is a mixed bag. Elderly parents with dementia. Teenager with depression and drama. Just trying to get through the day to day.

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Sneezydiva3@reddit

It’s been true for me. Hit 45 right when Covid lockdowns happened, got breast cancer. Have a lot of stresses in my life. I feel like things are finally starting to turn a corner, but it’s been a tough 6-7 years.

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WarPotential7349@reddit

I don't actually know what it sucks. Bongs? Cheese? Wads of cat fur from a shag rug? Donkey dicks? Chili dogs outside the Tastee-Freez?

My physical form feels terrible, but mentally and emotionally I've never been stronger, all of which is the product of my own hard work. GenX women are done with absolutely everything and ready to start a revolution, so I'd say I'm feeling Most Triumphant.

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simulated_copy@reddit

Not suck just less..

Aches, pains, become the new normal

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Emotional_Mess261@reddit

I’m 58, retired, empty nester, free to do whatever tf I want and when I want. Like being 12 years old again many days: I cook, clean, make my bed then play all day. Some days I’m 15 and have my besties for a sleep over for movies, drinks and weed.

For the first time in my life I have only me to take care of

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littleHelp2006@reddit

Same! Only 57. It's heavenly, isn't it? You earned that, so enjoy!

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Emotional_Mess261@reddit

It is Heaven! Sometimes I have no idea what to do with myself 🤣

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Cytwytever@reddit

Disagree. At 45 I had more responsibilities and fewer assets to cover them. I'm having a lot more travel now, moved overseas, and my kids are launched. Stay fit and have fun. If you give up on yourself that's on you.

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ComesInAnOldBox@reddit

When I was under 45 I could still put my underwear on without falling over, so there's that.

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AnnabellaPies@reddit

I don't really know, I am 46 and feel my life is great. My kids are getting more independent, I am in the best health since I was a little kid, my sex life is getting more wild fun, money ain't a thang

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froction@reddit

We're members at a swinger/sex club and the people our age have way more fun than the younger ones.

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AnnabellaPies@reddit

Went to one not long ago, majority was our age, it was such a fun atmosphere

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GallopingFree@reddit

Not accurate, IMO.

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Pen_Vast@reddit

Health, money, relationships. If you’ve got those 3 things, then older middle age can be great. You’ve come into your own, stopped caring what others think, and can prioritize the things you want to do.

I one or more of those is bad - yeah, it can suck.

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bookkinkster@reddit

I'm 53 and living my best life. My hair went white so I get it dyed Norwegian blonde. My skin finally stopped breaking out and between Tretenoin and peptides it looks the closest ive ever had to glass skin with no wrinkles. My last lover was 27. I get my ten thousand steps in every day. I still dress like a 90s alt person.
I have a long term career and my own apartment I rent and its shabby but in a funky neighborhood. I attend literature, art and music events every evening. I see friends for brunch. I'm not married but see a lot of miserable married folks and still believe in love.

I'm more worried about my parents and cats dying than anything else. I'm far from miserable. Those posts make me so sad for folks. Create your best life!

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glucoman01@reddit

Your life is what you make of it.

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dr_groo@reddit

To quote the song Ordinary Day by Great Big Sea:

“I've got a smile on my face and I've got four walls around me I've got the sun in the sky, all the water surround me, oh, you know Yeah, I win now and sometimes I lose I've been battered, but I never bruise It's not so bad And I say way-hey-hey, it's just an ordinary day And it's all your state of mind At the end of the day You've just got to say it's all right”

https://youtu.be/-wcjBU8zbdY?si=cUpPAFb7DTOfIzGR

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brino79@reddit

I’m sober and mentally stable. I have financial security. Surrounded by a family that is supportive and loving. This is the best part of my life so far.

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Mattcusprime@reddit

Same. Well said

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godofwine16@reddit

I’m a late bloomer and my life as a kid and young adult was extremely difficult, especially financially.

At 45 my life was starting to change for the better and ever since I’ve been ahead of the game. Savings, investments, exceptional credit make life a little less stressful.

It’s still stress but a different kind. I don’t have to worry about where my next meal will be coming from.

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hazelquarrier_couch@reddit

Life is what you make of it, not what's prescribed by some idiom. I have terrible days and I have great days but usually I just have days. My back and knees hurt today but my feet don't. It's never 100% some way or 100% the other. Just live and see how it goes.

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MarsupialMisanthrope@reddit

I’m kind of on the suckish side. I’m a woman and spent 5 years dealing with a health issue that doctors kept pooh-poohing and claiming was all in my head. Turned out to be a cancer that nearly killed me and may still. I’m not liking the way middle aged and older women are treated by society, as though we’re bothersome pests in search of attention instead of people who deserve the same quality of medical care as younger women and men (go look at the stats for discrimination against patients in health care before you but the menz me).

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WorriedCress7965@reddit

Well, I found out two weeks before my 45th birthday that my job was in danger, and officially lost it 2 weeks after. Four month and several hundred applications, tailored resumes and cover letters later, I got hired somewhere at 60% of my previous salary, and have to relocate 800 miles at my own expense. It's not looking good in the first half...

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littleHelp2006@reddit

Heyyyyy, it will all work out. Studio I worked for went bankrupt in my early 40s. It's been a long uphill battle in an industry that's dying, but you can do this! Wishing you the best!

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WorriedCress7965@reddit

Thanks pal! I'm excited about the future but panicking in the moment. I got the job offer last week and they want me on-site next week. It's a lot to accomplish in a short timeframe.

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TheLastGenXer@reddit

i keep getting highs for a few years and big big lows for several years.

but mid 40s has been about the best ive ever been!

early 30s was pretty good too.

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motorik@reddit

I met my wife at 47 and started what I consider the good part of my life. I'm 60 now and work a 40-hour week from home in Southern California. I would prefer not living in the suburbs but at least we're in about the nicest suburbs possible (we left the Bay Area because I had it with 12 ~ 16 hour days). I don't like that we're considering our options as far as other countries to move to, but it is what it is.

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maroongrad@reddit

bad day. I'm happy. Most days I'm very happy, just very stressed! But I have a house, a husband, a daughter, two dogs, medical care for all of us when we need it, and even a little flock of hens and ducks. I just got to visit my parents, my sister, BIL, and their three kids and watch all four of them find Easter Eggs.

My mom is mid-seventies, and going strong. I can see being miserable if your body is always in pain and you're always worried about being able to eat, get medicine, and keep a roof over your head...and that's true of a lot of people from the very first of GenX and the boomers. But if you can avoid those, life is still wonderful.

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FletchGordon@reddit

If you are a Debbie Downer sure, a random number could have that affect on you. I'm 50, twice divorced, overweight, have bad knee's and my left foot randomly cramps up. BUT. I have a smokin hot 42 year old girlfriend, play guitar in a local cover band, and play bass and scream in a grindcore band that is playing in Japan next week. Both my kids are healthy.... life is what you make of it.

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larz0@reddit

Wow Japan?! Are you on a worldwide tour?

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FletchGordon@reddit

Not this time! We are playing three shows over 11 days, doing some sight seeing. Mostly on our dime as this genre isn't exactly radio friendly lol

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ideapit@reddit

I'm 49.

There are people who are unhappy for a variety of reasons which they do not want to fix or cannot fix (usually the former).

They blame things to keep themselves stuck in order to dodge responsibility.

"I'm old." is top tier excuse because the user of the excuse bears no responsibility for their age.

Aging is a fact of life. Being old is a state of mind.

Old means you close yourself off from what life has to offer, hide from challenges, are fearful of what is new or different, protect yourself with cynicism and judgement.

I'm aging. I'll never be old.

Aging is great for a variety of reasons.

One of the ones I like the most is the gap between generations because it means I get to learn a ton of new stuff from a new point of view that someone else who has been immersed in for a decade or two.

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RealtorRVACity@reddit

I noticed no major changes in age until I hit my mid 50's, sticking to that notion. I may be one of the lucky ones but if you are living a busy/active life you really don't have time to spend worrying about aging. I can assure you that it is best to just keep your eyes in front of you and enjoy aging, some don't get the opportunity.

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NihilsitcTruth@reddit

Depends on the context and current situation. I'm poor so my life is going to be much more terrible then someone with money, but im happily married might off set some bad. It's all about each person. But some universal rules apply, if you have money you eliminate a large portion of life's issues. Not all but most.

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Krishd88@reddit

If you prepare by eating well, getting exercise and have something that gets you out of bed in the morning is a good start. I’m 75, lost my younger sister when she was 71 (totally unexpected). I see so many my age doing everything to live a miserable life and then complain about it. And…do everything to keep from falling!!

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Lost-Platypus8271@reddit

IT’S NOT BEEN GREAT, FAM! Specifically life after 50. Mainly because I turned 50 right before the 2024 US election.

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littleHelp2006@reddit

We do live in interesting times. Unfortunately.

Did you guys think we'd be worried about nuclear war still?

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SlideClean1415@reddit

Same 💯

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Bird_Watcher1234@reddit

I think life is what you make of it. At 49 my life is nothing like I imagined as a kid or teenager. It doesn’t suck at all. Somethings suck, like the aches and pains from a lifetime of clumsiness, and having to pay for everything, but other things are awesome. I love that my kid is a grown adult, married, has his own kid, even though I never wanted kids but got knocked up at 18. That ended up being a huge blessing. I love that I’ve been happily married for 29 years, never thought that would be possible, especially to a man not my son’s biological father. I love that my husband makes more money today than ever in his life ($90k, and that promotion is very recent) and because we were both brought up on the poor side we have such frugal tendencies that we have zero debt, but can still afford whatever we want or need when we want or need it. That’s an awesome feeling. My husband, 62, and I are both amazed that we’ve lived as long as we have, and we are grateful for every single day we get to have. I’d love to have my 18 year old body back, but oh well, I have a ton of great stories from all of my injuries and I’ve enjoyed indulging my sweet tooth at times.

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BigLoudWorld74@reddit

I feel like I was lucky, I got to spend the first half of my life traveling around skateboarding and playing in bands, but I can tell you that for me life after 40 has been way more painful than I'd thought it'd be. All the injuries of my 20 years of skateboarding decided I needed to remember them every freaking day. As for social life, I'm so sick of people I'm completely content walking my dog, hanging out with the wife and going to see my son his wife and our new grandson a few times a year. Life after 40 is pretty great if you have a family.

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Shut_It_Donny@reddit

51 in a couple of weeks. Could it be better? Sure. But it’s pretty damn awesome as it is.

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JackFromTexas74@reddit

I’m 51 and I’ve been through some serious trauma

But life is still beautiful and I’ve grown my thankful for the good than angry at the bad

Moreover, having lost many I love, including one of my children, I now value every single day in a way I didn’t before

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SomethingClever70@reddit

I retired at 54 and am honestly more content now that I was at 40. I enjoyed many aspects of my career, but I didn’t realize how stressful it was to balance work, kids, home, marriage, and my own well being.

I hike several days a week, volunteer once a week, and am much more engaged with my kids now, who are in high school. We don’t have financial worries.

The biggest source of stress now is one of kids, who has special needs. She needs a lot of oversight - if we don’t check in with her constantly, she doesn’t do her homework or study for tests.

My parents recently passed away, and that was, shall we say, a bit of a hump to get over. But it’s mostly behind us now. I miss them, but it’s getting easier. My husband’s parents are both declining, but now that we are both retired, it will be easier to deal with them.

I’m healthier now than I was several years ago. I have time to take care of myself.

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crazycardigans@reddit

I'm 47 and every decade of my life has been better than the last one. I have more job and financially security now than ever. I know myself better and am more accepting of my flaws, and the flaws of others. I'm just generally more confident and happy than I was in my 20s and 30s. I have great friends and make time to explore my hobbies and interests. I do have more aches and pains and really need to get good sleep in order to function my best, but otherwise things are good.

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mrkstr@reddit

Not accurate. This kind of rocks.

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littleHelp2006@reddit

He was having a bad day. I'm in my 50s, healthy and active, and feel the same as I did in my 20s. The mirror disagrees, though. What are all these lines around my eyes when I smile?

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oldfarmjoy@reddit

So not true!!! I am very much enjoying my 50s and would not wish fir anything else. ❤️

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GrolarBear69@reddit

Life? Depends. The world sucks, and people suck, and the government sucks, and the economy sucks, but physically and psychologically I'm in the best shape of my life. I didn't have the strength or endurance In high school I have now. I don't heal like I did and recovery is forever but I would be pretty mad if I woke up in my 18year old body.

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catsdelicacy@reddit

I'm 50, I'm really happy right now!

I still look pretty good, I'm aging gracefully, that's vain maybe but it feels good.

I have this broad experience of life that really helps me deal with the situations I come across in daily life. I can navigate situations with more grace and aplomb than I used to have access to.

My feelings are more under my own control than they were when I was younger, they don't depend on the actions of others nearly the same way.

My expectations of the universe have been modified downwards in a good way. I don't expect the universe to do anything other than what it has already done for me, which is to give me life in the first place, and I'm truly and sincerely grateful for that. Maybe that sounds sad but it makes me more peaceful. I don't get so outraged by the bad things anymore, because I don't expect good things or bad things, I just expect life.

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Distinct_Magician713@reddit

I feel great and I'm having the time of my life.

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LifeCartographer811@reddit

46, I'm having a great time. I have money now, so I think that has a lot to do with it. And my health has held out. My parents are healthy competent people with enough money themselves, and will be leaving me some of it! So I can't complain about anything. I know a lot of people do not have these same advantages and that's probably what sucks. I don't think it has much to do with age.

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KaligirlinDe@reddit

I'll be 60 this year and I finally feel good in my own skin. I do what makes me happy, don't really care what others think, wear what I want, etc. Concentrate on my immediate family and friends and have cut out lots of negative energy and people in my life. Of course it could always be better but I'm happy with being content.

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dontlookback76@reddit

Life sucks ass. My wife died 3 moths ago.

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zwiazekrowerzystow@reddit

i'm sorry

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BirdyWidow@reddit

I’m so sorry. I lost my husband 11 years ago. It sucks. The first year was the toughest. The second year was a little better but the reality set in and that sucked.

The third year I turned a corner. I made single friends (married people can’t hang out on weekday nights). I joined a hiking group and got a roommate. I retired this year and I have a very happy, full life. But I miss him. That never goes away.

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Shadowratenator@reddit

Sorry.

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KaligirlinDe@reddit

My condolences

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opaville@reddit

Life has never been better overall. 55 and retired early. Hiking daily. Gardening and enjoying my hobbies. Not as much energy to go all day anymore, but no need to drive that hard anyways.

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Endless_Patience3395@reddit

Life sucked at 45 and now at 47.

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beermaker@reddit

Personally, my life did a complete 180 in my early 40's. I met my wife who swept me off my feet, moved us from the Twin Cites to Coastal Sonoma County, and told me I didn't have to work at a job I was miserable at anymore... I was free to do as I wished for the first time in my life, and I'll always be eternally grateful for that allowance. I addressed dental issues that had gone ignored for decades, medical issues I was afraid to face, and mental trauma I'd been carrying since childhood.

So I essentially retired at 45, I've worked part-time gigs out of boredom & desire for a bit of extra cash... light automotive work, motorcycle repair, metalwork, etc. Neighbors know I'm handy with a wrench & they're not afraid to take advantage.

Doc says I'm in great health, considering... having quit booze & tobacco over a decade ago made a big difference, fortunately I didn't do any permanent damage.

My wife recently retired herself at 59, due to disability from a brain tumor that snuck up on us a couple years ago... terminal, but slow-moving. It's been at rest since her chemo/radiation regimen after surgery, and she'll have MRI's every 4 months for the rest of her life to check for resurgence.

Life since 45 has been a whirlwind for me, terminating in the most calm I've ever enjoyed.

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HandaZuke@reddit

Just turned 49. Despite a brief cancer battle I’m living my best life.

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LargeMarge-sentme@reddit

I’m in my prime. Maybe not physically but I’m still in good enough shape to do most things. I just have more money to do what I want and the ability to confidently say no to the stuff I don’t. I feel sorry for the people my age who only look back to their past lives as the “best times”. There’s so much more to do, and that’s ok if it’s different than what you did in your youth. It’s supposed to be that way. Change always happens. It always will. Embrace it or else you’re just sort of waiting to die. I can’t deal with the people who only care about nostalgia. It’s nice to do that occasionally, but it’s better to keep looking forward and of course keeping your mind in the present.

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Cat2370@reddit

No—maybe that person was having a bad day. 55 here—all good 👍

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w3woody@reddit

60.

My body's warranty expired 10 years ago: knees, digestive system, and now I have an appointment with a urologist. (*rolls eyes*)

On the other hand, I know what I want and what I like, I give zero fucks what other people think, I'm financially secure, my wife and I love each other and we have known each other most of my life, and we travel a lot.

So life is great, outside of that expired warranty.

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freakrocker@reddit

Life doesn’t even get fun until after 45.

And I was a rock star during my 20’s. Travelled the world. Had all the stuff.

Now in my late 50’s, I realize this is the best time of my life, everything before now was clueless idiocy, without any wisdom or guidance.

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lauradorna@reddit

Fun!!

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Available_Blood_6134@reddit

56 pretty much have the financial stuff covered which takes alot off the mental load but body sure as he'll isn't 20 anymore, back, knees etc.

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lauradorna@reddit

Not that accurate. I’m 49 and in. Better headspace than I’ve ever been, and also the most authentic version of myself ever. Sure, I have some aches in my body, and you do have less energy by this time, but it all becomes okay. Everything sort of adjusts in sync, I’m tired by 10, but I also don’t feel like I’m missing out on things. I already did all of those things. Hope this helps!

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ubermonkey@reddit

It's untrue.

I'm 56. I'm pretty happy!

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Outrageous-Peanut-44@reddit

Inaccurate. It starts really sucking balls after 50. But it’s better than the alternative, I suppose.

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Free_Solid9833@reddit

Balls? Ass? No, I don't know what. I mean, it sucks, I'm just not sure what exactly.

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KintsugiExp@reddit

I think your 40’s is the time when you have to reconcile your true existence against whatever you thought it was going to be.

Depending on your maturity and emotional intelligence, I understand how it may be a terrible experience for some, and a liberating one for others.

Whatever is the case for you, I can assure you it’s a wild ride.

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amh1212@reddit

Nah. I'm 56 and feel great.

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flyboy_za@reddit

If you're still single it can be crushingly lonely. More so if you're the only single and/or only childless in your circles.

Add to that how many people just won't go out anymore without a damn good reason since COVID, and... Yeah, it's lonely.

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Illustrious_Copy_902@reddit

Take care of your physical and mental health and life is amazing.

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Lost-Platypus8271@reddit

Disabilities don’t always allow for that, though.

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Illustrious_Copy_902@reddit

You can care for yourself within the constraints of disability. Everyone's everyday looks different.

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Glad-Pen5593@reddit

It’s not. Not true at all. I’m a happier, healthier and more confident person now than I ever was when I was younger.

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otter253@reddit

Nah, late 40s are great IMHO. This is from someone parenting 8 yo twins and has severe arthritis. But enjoy all you’ve got while you can.

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arioandy@reddit

I been fine the last decade

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RunsWithPremise@reddit

Physically, my body was better in my 20's and into my 30's. I've been powerlifting for 20+ years now and it's hard to accept that I'm not as strong as I once was or my metabolism doesn't burn the way it used to.

Everything else is a lot better in my 40's though. Financially, my relationships, my career, etc. Coming up on 10 years married to an amazing woman that I love like crazy. Life is pretty good.

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V1per73@reddit

Accurate af. I'm supposed to be getting ready to enter the "you made it" phase and retire to a life of fishing, walking my dog, sleeping in. Instead I had to start over with nothing thanks to our countries "leaders". Starting a job this month for way less, moved into a converted garage on somebody else's property because I can't afford to rent a normal place.

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Fit_Holiday_2391@reddit

Not at all for me. I spent 38-45 in cancer treatment and met the love of my life when I was 47. The cancer years are still a bit of a blur but I am so thankful to still be here. I’m 50 now and the happiest I’ve been in my life. I truly believe life is what you make it, stay positive and look for the open doors. Make memories!

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Creative108@reddit

My life got even better after 45. 😊

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Puzzleheaded-Key8513@reddit

Not for me, way better after 40. It took me a long time to figure out my idiosyncrasies and how to integrate into society despite them. I am 57 now. I didn't have a kid til 40. I have been very lucky with health. I can feel a few parts starting to wear out now but still MUCH better life @ 57 than 27 or 37.

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freakinreviews@reddit

45-55 were some of my best years.

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kawyckoff@reddit

Not at all. I’m 57. There are health challenges, but overall its fabulous. Other than the state of the world

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formercotsachick@reddit

My life at 55 is pretty darn awesome. My daughter is living independently, engaged to a wonderful woman, and they both have great careers. My husband and I are making the most we've ever made, live in a house we still love with an obscenely low mortgage payment, and are still crazy in love with each other. We each have our own hobbies and interests, but we also like to do things together like travel, paddle, and run 5Ks. We both had a couple of heath scares the year we turned 50, but are recovered and healthy now.

My last birthday, I became a year older than my dad ever got. I try not to waste a single day I have left here on Earth with my family and friends.

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DKBeahn@reddit

My experience has been the opposite. My 30s were better than my 20s, my 40s were better than my 30s, and my 50s have so far been better than my 40s. I'm looking forward to my 60s now that understand the pattern.

I suspect that this is one of those "Whether you think you can or you can't...you're right." sort of things.

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tandem_kayak@reddit

Same. It just keeps getting better for me. I'm 57 and life is really good.

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Oaken_beard@reddit

45, this is what I’m hoping for. So far I have had the same pattern.

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mbones1320@reddit

Same here

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FJ-creek-7381@reddit

Honestly my best years have been since turning 45

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Apprehensive-Log8333@reddit

SAME. It's like I can use my whole brain now

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Apprehensive-Log8333@reddit

I'm 56 and have never been happier. Life is so peaceful now. If my spine wasn't collapsing, everything would be perfect

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Solo_is_dead@reddit

AGREED

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cbrworm@reddit

I guess it's different for everyone. I'm 55M. The peak of my life was probably very early 30s? At least that's when I was having the most fun. There were some rough years in the middle while my kids were younger, but I'm having almost as much fun now as I was 20 years ago. I'm happy with my position in the world and the way I look and feel, I enjoy my teenage children. My wife and I are at odds frequently, but I've come to grips with that being more of a her issue than an us, or a me, issue.

I would say, so far, 55 has been downright pleasant. I'm hopeful that life after 55 doesn't suck the big one!

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Nuclear_N@reddit

Life from 35-45 was rough. It is pretty gravy at 59

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meatballmonkey@reddit

It’s different but does not suck any more or less. In fact some things are easier. Particularly because the degree to which I DGAF is directly proportional to my age and inversely proportional to the size of my IRA.

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Evil-lyns-brain@reddit

Be thankful for everything you have and for the things you dont have.

I was born with a major heart defect and after several surgeries and heart attacks I was told I most likely will not live past 15. I have spent every day wondering if this is my last day and I am thankful for every day I wake up.
But the one thing I am so very proud of is last July, I moved into a 55+ MHP.
I'm this close to 60 and still causing problems but I'm still alive

Their is always a reason to be happy, it's just a matter of finding it.

Life after 45 doesn't suck, it's the time that you body says "today a sneeze is going to pull a back muscle and you are going to have to lay down for a moment"

And that's when you rediscover the idea of naps.

See, positive outcome.

ps, naps are awesome

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Practical-Owl-9358@reddit

The hardest thing for me is socializing at 46 - that part does get harder.

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Taskerst@reddit

50% accurate. The real statement should be “life after 45 is when all of your life choices come home to roost.”

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AlarmedWillow4515@reddit

I'm 52 and my life is pretty great. So not true for everyone.

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TheConvergence_@reddit

I’ve been finding each decade my favorite as I hit it. Closing in on 50 and life has never been better.

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Maleficent-Adagio150@reddit

Life at 58 is pretty good. All out of effs to give. Checking to make sure I’m good with what I say and do and letting go of caring how other people judge what I say and do. Releasing ideas I was raised with that I now see as limiting or just wrong. I like being an old lady. It doesn’t suck.

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GalianoGirl@reddit

As a woman perimenopause was hell.

Going through a traumatic bitter drawn out divorce was hell.

But life is fantastic now.

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Smoking_In_The_90s@reddit

What doesn’t kill you right? Glad things are better for you.

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What_do_now_24@reddit

For me, life took off after 40. 54 now, and the last 14 years were so much better than the first 39 I can’t even begin to describe it.

That said it was my actions, perceptions and attitudes that drove it.

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bettinafairchild@reddit

The older I get the better my life is

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Senior-Cantaloupe-69@reddit

Life is what you make it regardless of age.

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1quirky1@reddit

That's an opinion based on personal experience - a bad day or a bad life.

How life is after 45 depends on how much work you put in during your 20s and 30s, how much opportunity you had to make that work pay off, and what your working life looks like until you're done. Opportunities were unfairly distributed. I have seen several of us here with a bleak outlook on the working life part.

My life after 45 is great. Somebody's great story could be someone else's horror story.

There are many reasons to have a bleak outlook. Working has become dystopian over our lifetime, especially over the last decade. Companies posting record quarterly results while laying off thousands to protect shareholders from their risky bet on AI. Cost of living outpacing income growth. Few of us will bounce back after being laid off.

I saw a listing for a network engineering job I did 22 years ago, but with higher non-technical requirements and less pay. The 2004 dollar is worth $1.74 today. WTAF? Being a late starter incurs a great penalty, even if one is an entire generation ahead like our kids are.

Someone who thinks that life sucks after 45 is in a rough place without hope for improvement. These days the bad can easily drown out the good. I hope they find their "something to look forward to"

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Adept_Friendship_795@reddit

Life at 59 is so sweet. I have so many struggles and hardships but these bring me closer to my God, my spirit life and my spirit self, which is as real as the medical debt and rising cost of surviving.

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Antmax@reddit

My eyes, my eyes. as an artist/designer the sudden change in vision sucked. I have always worn glasses, but only for driving. Suddenly I needed a pair for reading, then a separate pair for the computer screen. Then a magnifying glass for the food labels in the kitchen. Another pair for the bedroom, study and garage because I avoid wearing them and one pair gets left somewhere and can't be found.

Luckily, reading type glasses can be gotten cheap. That part sucked.

45 is when I started pulling calf muscles on cold mornings and feeling a tightness there sometimes. Magnesium supplement fixed that for the most part.

I also noticed a little more weight gain. It's also when I started doing weights and that actually fixed a lot of proplems like back aches really quick. I rarely have them and my posture improved. I think a lot of them come from sitting in an office all day stooping and letting your back muscles go, losing structural support to hold you together properly. Pretty much no backache now and I'm fitter at 53 than I was since maybe 35.

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seantubridy@reddit

Same issues here - eyes and back. It sucks but I’m glad those two things can be managed.

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Corgilicious@reddit

Overall, each decade of my life has gotten better and better. That doesn’t mean it’s perfect. At 54 I’m struggling with effects of menopause, and just the natural effects of my 54-year-old body is not my 20-year-old body, but that’s never been a struggling point for me because that’s obvious. That’s life. I was never instilled with the belief that youthfulness was valued over everything else.

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dee_lio@reddit

Depends on the person. If you peaked in high school, sure. If you encounter health issues, definitely

Your body changes, not for the better, but hopefully, you're in a more stable position than before, and you have the benefit of experience and you can realize just how much stuff that you worried about in your earlier life really has no bearing on you any longer.

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Dismal-Sail1027@reddit

I turn 55 this year and my life has never been better. I just wish I could retire. But as it stands I need to work 12 more years.

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state_your_name31415@reddit

It has been documented that middle age sees a trough in happiness. after a peak sometime in late youth happiness decreases until it reaches this nadir, but it picks up again, you just have to get through it.

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78Anonymous@reddit

false .. just depends on how negligent you were in your twenties and thirties, because you start paying the price in your forties .. I see others my age and they look 20 years older or have major illnesses to deal with, or are dying

also, attitude plays a huge factor; personally I have reeducated in preparation for my fifties and sixties, and am enjoying the process of creating the contribution

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Streamjumper@reddit

Nope.

I acquired glasses and dentures in the last 4-5 years, but 50 has been pretty nice. I've got a wife I love, a gaggle of cats that at least like to steal my body heat, nieces and nephews at fun ages, and the financial stability to do the things I'd like to do (mostly play video games, make tiki drinks, and smoke meats). My back and leg hurt now and then, but its been a thing since I was 12, so its like an old friend I know how to deal with at this point.

The only things that really suck are the things everyone has to deal with regardless of age, so it ain't the years.

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smarmy1625@reddit

it always sucked you just had fewer excuses for why it sucked when you were younger

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Accomplished_Cash630@reddit

Not at all. I turn 60 this year with a wife of 24 years and two teenagers. We are all healthy and feeling great. We are at the height of our income, travel frequently, have season tickets to a top college football team where our daughter goes to college, and enjoy fishing around the country, as well as internationally. While I’ve had a great time at all stages of life, we are at our peak of existence now. As long as our health remains good, I don’t expect a downturn anytime soon.

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Strong_Medium_6646@reddit

It’s bullshit! I’m turning 61 this year and have never been happier or more content, and I’m still working part time.

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largos7289@reddit

He's just having a bad day, or he's doing it wrong. I mean you never really know what someone is going through on their end. At 45 years i started notice things changing but it wasn't like my life is over. I still feel pretty good i'm on no real meds like heart blood pressure and what not, i'm still pretty much OEM as far as surgery goes. I mean i've slowed down some but that's to be expected. I can still run and stuff just not as far and as long. Trick is clean living man... When i hit 37 i already got into the mindset that I'm not a young'n anymore, i have to take care of myself or i'm going to have a miserable old age.

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Step_Aside_Butch_77@reddit

I hurt my back and seemingly aged a decade at 45. Sleep apnea, nagging injuries, weight gain, low motivation and low energy. I’m slowly pulling myself out of it. I recently read that men’s happiness bottoms out at age 48, and I can’t really argue with that from my own experience. Am slowly working towards better days ahead.

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_ItsTheLittleThings_@reddit

Doesn’t suck for me! I’ve put in a lot of weight all of a sudden, and my body doesn’t work the way it once did, but I’m happily married and enjoying watching my kids living full and independent adult lives. Things change, but there’s always something to feel god about and something to look forward to.

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Textiles_on_Main_St@reddit

So for twenty years I was a kid then for the next 20 was an adult but acted like a kid and now here I am, an adult, trying to be an adult.

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minicpst@reddit

Other than being structurally unsound, I love feeling confident and that I finally have this life thing figured out. But I’m still young enough to be able to enjoy it and not generally worry.

However, that gloss of invincibility that I’ve had all my life is starting to fade.

And yeah, small fonts are bad.

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Express_Towel47@reddit

Turning 50 this year, it gets better everyday. It took me a long time to get my shit together. Feeling pretty good, for now.

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North_Buy2192@reddit

Im 55 and I think life is better. I think your physical peak is much earlier though. After 45, you do have to accept physical changes.

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Western-Bug1676@reddit

I absolutely shall not! You guys are doing this all wrong. I’ve been 35 for the last decade . I almost forget my age . If anybody, including myself , or, those horrid magnifying mirrors want to argue with me, tell them to mind their business.

I show them my + 10 mirror, that I threw across the room because it was rude.

I might be 34 today. Any questions ? No?

Thats better.

In all seriousness guys, aging is NOT for sissies lol. We have learned if we can’t look perfectly beautiful , because culture tells us we can’t after 45, we learn to create beauty around us ,in our home and even our internal state and relationships with others. Why it takes being humbled a bit , to draw our attention to where it always should have been, is the only sad part. Life is Beautiful . By the time we learn how to appreciate it, we might be 45. It sucks and it equally doesn't… We also learn how to smash chit , so tread NICELY lol.

Have a good day guys.

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1poconosmax@reddit

51 here. Feel 30ish and prob better than I felt in my 30's since I'm down 105lbs. Picked up some great outdoor hobbies. Have a decent summer lined up.. It doesn't suck. Get out there and find a passion and get after it.

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LetThem_1972@reddit

congrats on the weight loss. Game changer.

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blackcloudcat@reddit

Oh hell no. My 50s are great. Money pressure off, I now know I’ve got enough to finish out a long life in good order. Post menopause with no nasty symptoms and plenty of energy. Personal confidence and self knowledge higher than it’s ever been. I’m having a good time.

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LetThem_1972@reddit

outstanding

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ecz4@reddit

My vision got worse at 45, and then I read (here possibly) that the human body changes quite a lot at that age and then again at 60.

Other than being annoyed by small fonts, and having two sets of glasses, it's business as usual.

It really depends how much your 20 yo self castigated your body. If you have been eating well and exercising a bit after 30, it's likely your 40s and 50s will be alright.

Recently I learned the nutritional tables are skewed against proteins, and am in the process of changing my diet a little bit, so I keep some muscle for longer. More proteins and less sugar everyone o/ And do some squats, nobody deserves that saggy ass.

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SlyFrog@reddit

I mean like a lot of things, it depends on what random stuff you get hit with.

I get tired of people constantly babbling about fitness. Plenty of people aren't fit and do just fine after 45. Plenty of people are fit and get hit with one or more of life's random hammers.

People should stop projecting their own experiences as being universal - great, you were fit and nothing happened to you. Correlation is not causation - fitness is important, but people make it out as though it's some massively high co-eeficient toward health when the reality is it moves the needle a little overall - genetics matters a lot and so does just plain luck.

I know too many people who don't smoke, don't drink much, and have always been pretty active and in decent shape who have just started to see the wheels fall off. They didn't do something wrong. That's just life.

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LetThem_1972@reddit

You make very good points. The luck of genetics and other factors we cannot control make a massive difference, if not outright determine one's fate in middle and old age in many cases. That said, there are a lot of people that do not have poor genetics or bad luck that just let themselves go and fall into health problems later in life that otherwise wouldn't have occurred. Speaking personally, I'm 54 and do not have any major health problems. But if I eat like crap and lay around for a few days in a row, I feel terrible in ways that I never faced in younger years. I love food but simply cannot indulge the way I used to without paying a heavy price. Alcohol has turned on me completely - the smallest amount makes me feel like shit, so I dropped it. If I don't stretch and do the exercises I learned at physical therapy, my neck and shoulder get so tight and sore that my fingers go numb. Maintenance is required to feel decent after a certain age. I have a lazy streak, so this has been tested over and over again.

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-SweetD-@reddit

I’ll be 55 in a few weeks. My 20s were absolutely nuts. I was going to underground raves, lots of clubbing, lots of drugs and partying. Helluva lot of fun, but I wasn’t emotionally stable. Late 20s and 30s sucked. I’m surprised I made it thru those years. My 40s kicked ass. Just before my 40th bday I was seriously contemplating suicide. For me, I knew I either had to make massive life changes or end it, cause things were bad. I decided to make changes.

So far, my 50s have been solid. I’ve lost most of my family, just a brother remains. I’ve lost a couple of friends, I’ve had a couple of health scares, and I’m post menopausal. But I dunno, I just fucking refuse to give up and be a sad, lonely, unhealthy, old lady.

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Public-Air-8995@reddit

Hard relate!

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Thejayrow@reddit

I'm living my best life at 54. I started taking care of myself in my 40's, and met the love of my life shortly after. I'm scraping by financially, but I'm not losing sleep over money at this point.

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Izalii@reddit

Recently turned 46 and having a great time 🤷‍♀️🎉

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DaddyOhMy@reddit

when I was in college, I read No Laughing Matter, Joseph Heller's memoir about having Guillain-Barre syndrome that he wrote with Speed Vogel (one of the inspirations for Oscar Madison btw). One of the stories they tell is about their regular meetup with friends, which included Mel Brooks and Mario Puzo, for dinner in Chinatown. I realized while reading it that this is a group of guys in their 60s acting like me and my friends when we would meet up for dinner. It was a great eye opener and made me get that getting older wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

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MaximumJones@reddit

My 50s have been the greatest time of my life so far. 🤷‍♀️

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Odd-Opinion-5105@reddit

Me too

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River-swimmer7694@reddit

No way Jose. I got to 50 and it’s the best yet. Life is hard and always has been, but what you do with that difficult life is what makes it good.

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justonebiatch@reddit

Agreed. I’m happy.

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Upbeat_Call4935@reddit

F that.

I’m going to be double nickels in a few weeks.

I know my body ain’t what it used to be, but I’m far, far more emotionally, mentally, and financially stable than I have ever been in my life.

I’m able to better provide for my family and am so much less worried about trivial things and prepared to deal with issues that would have put me into a tailspin even 15 years ago.

Life is good.

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mustardmadman@reddit

I love this outlook! An upvote on you!

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Pristine_Software_55@reddit

Only as much as you let it or want for it to. Good luck!

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Expat-Red@reddit

I’ll be 60 this year. I’ve never been healthier. I am grateful for my good job and happy marriage. My life was good at 45 and got better. I did lose my mother but my dad is still going strong. I can’t complain and won’t do it! Getting older is a gift denied to many.

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Pretend_Passenger586@reddit

I am enjoying middle age much more than my younger years. I think it all depends on how your younger years were and how things are now, which is going to vary wildly from person to person. I guess it’s lucky I did not peak young, I made a lot of dumb decisions, and my childhood wasn’t the greatest. Silver linings I guess lol. Of course, the world is way shittier now. But my personal situation is still better, so far.

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VeeLund@reddit

My life has been infinitely better the last 15 years, I’m 53 right now & wouldn’t trade my life for anything right now.

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Charming-Insurance@reddit

I read that you age very quickly on two birthdays, one being 44. This is consistent with my experience. I am post surgical menopause so I think that’s my main issue. Sleep sucks and I’m tired most of the time. I actually have an appointment today to take blood so I can be evaluated for more than just estrogen, for additional HRTs. I’m just grateful that there are so many options and I haven’t been gaslit about menopause, like my mom was just 20 years ago.

But does is suck 🍆? Nope. I never have to go to school again (after 10 years of it); I have a secure career where I’m respected; I am planning retirement and I am lucky enough that I was able to buy a house 25 years ago. I get to spend time with the kids and grandkids and can afford to take them places.

Life is great! I wouldn’t go back for anything, though I would take my past metabolism and hormones! But in 2026, I can get prescriptions for them! 💜

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mtcwby@reddit

Sounds like his personal situation. I don't know if I've ever been more satisfied with life as I am now at 60. There are little things but there are always little things. I can see the next chapter of retirement but I'm sort of at the height of my work and doing new things. Family is doing well, one graduated and engaged, one just a few years off. IMO your attitude means everything in how you look at things

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LostSilmaril@reddit

You think 45 is bad? Wait until you see 47! The price of gas alone...

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Aware-Owl4346@reddit

60 and feeling great.

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poohsmt@reddit

I’m 48. (which blows my mind every day, tbh) I don’t look, feel, or act like I thought I would at 48. Other than the normal life struggles that happen at any age, life is great! Do things that make you happy, and don’t stop moving!

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cosmoboy@reddit

Life is ok, but the more unhealthy of my group are starting to drop off. Just lost one to a heart attack this weekend. Makes you think. Is already given up alcohol. Probably need to increase exercise again. Used to be an avid walker, but got lazy.

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aroberts72@reddit

46 so far is a bad one.

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Pale-Travel9343@reddit

My personal life is the best it has ever been, and I am happier every day than I ever imagined possible.

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lovebeinganasshole@reddit

This is one of things where “ results may vary comes to mind”

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Crusoebear@reddit

Ymmv.

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BawdyBaker@reddit

Absolutely positively inaccurate

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whiskeygirl@reddit

It's not accurate at all. I have retired early and have plenty of time to do whatever I want.

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Kitsune9_Robyn@reddit

Absolutely incorrect. I'm in better shape, have more friends and more hobbies than I did in my twenties. I'm doing things I want to do and living with less baggage. I'm healing from trauma and living an approximation of my best life with goals and dreams.

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soonersaz@reddit

I think that many of us that had kids had our 40’s occupied by teenagers, which is whole different ballgame than when they are little. No matter what you hear, it is a challenging experience unlike anything else. Now that we have turned 50 and we have two in their early 20’s and our youngest is turning 18, life is very different and we are now figuring out how to handle having free time….

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LetThem_1972@reddit

Right there with you

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fi-rex@reddit

49 and really enjoying this phase of life. Still pretty healthy and active, kids are grown, first grandkid on the way, job’s pretty good and my partner is my best friend. I don’t often miss my younger years, those were much harder and I was more broke.

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Desperate_Object_677@reddit

how do you feel about chronic back pain?

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DifferentJaguar@reddit

I don’t think this is the experience of an average 40 something year old fwiw

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Desperate_Object_677@reddit

of course it isn’t. half of them are under 45, after all.

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trivialempire@reddit

Not accurate

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GridDown55@reddit

Incorrect

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AdTop8258@reddit

I’m 62 getting ready for phase 3. All about me. So looking forward to retiring

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Cats-cats-kats@reddit

When did Phase Two start for you?

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grenille@reddit

"You-know-what"? Are you sure this was a Gen Xer? Sounds like either an 8 year old or an 80 year old.

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melty75@reddit

Really depends on how hard you've lived up until then, your genes and hereditary issues, and how well you take care of yourself. You have to keep active almost every single day to maintain a feeling of well-being. Relaxing all of the time sounds great but it makes you sluggish and dumb. It's all about balance. If you can find it somewhat, life sucks about 60% less.

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LetThem_1972@reddit

spot on

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zornmagron@reddit

I mean I am more tired and I cannot stay up late. But I traded that for not giving a sh-t what people think and being finical secure so I would say net positive.

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Gulf_Coast_Girl@reddit

What??? That's nonsense! I turned 60 this year and life just keeps getting better. The older you get, the less f'ks you give about other people and their opinions, etc.... which IMO leads to less stress. Also, every year older is a year closer to retirement.

I'm a true introvert. I'm happiest at home, I can literally go an entire month without my vehicle leaving my garage. (I work from home for the last 22 years). I turned my whole backyard into a mini homestead, garden, bee hives, chickens... so I stay PLENTY busy and keep my body moving.

I think life gets better with each passing year. I plan on living to 100 (at least)... so I consider my self just past the half way mark :)

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LetThem_1972@reddit

excellent!

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watch-nerd@reddit

I have no idea what they're talking about.

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over9ksand@reddit

Spot on, however…

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Shrek_Layers@reddit

I've not had this experience. My life's much better after 40.

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AGirlHasNoUsername13@reddit

On the contrary! After 35-40, I started not giving a fuck about anything. I divorced, got to do what I want with my time. It’s my time, and I’m enjoying every moment.

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Edman70@reddit

It depends most on the life you've lived up to that point.

If you've tried to stay reasonably healthy, had a decent career and bought a home and a decent car, raised decent kids, and have a solid retirement plan, it is AWESOME.

Every one of those things you've fallen short on takes away from that awesomeness.

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MotherOf4Jedi1Sith@reddit

Yes and no. I'm in my 50s and have done more to cross this is off my bucket list in the past 5 years, than I ever did the past 5 decades! I want to get as many as I can before I can't. For me it meant that I had to forego being in a relationship to be able to do what I want, so that part kinda sucks not having someone to share these things with, but I'm not letting that hold me back, either.

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MsSpastica@reddit

Opposite here. 55 now and my life keeps getting better. Not so much my knees, though.

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Dry_Ad7529@reddit

I feel I peaked from 32-41. I’m 52 and it’s been a steady decline the pandemic etc was cliff

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morganford78@reddit

Hell no! My 40's have been my favorite decade so far. I'm about to turn 50 and I'm hoping it gets even better!...now with that being said my body disagrees with me on the reg.

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LayerNo3634@reddit

Life didn't suck at 45, or 55. I've hit a few speed bumps along the way, had a few fender benders, but I'm far from totaled.

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Kaa_The_Snake@reddit

It’s better than in my 30’s or early 40’s, though I have to work harder/differently to stay in shape.

Life is literally what you make of it. Try a bit of just being grateful you’re still alive, go outside, do something you used to love to do as a kid (draw, watch cartoons, read, whatever).

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jrstone75@reddit

I wouldn’t say it sucks at all, but it all depends on your life circumstances. I had my own business after the pandemic, I had to close my business and go back into the working field. For the very first time ever in my life, a 28-year-old girl that I worked with made me feel like I was helpless 90-year-old man that didn’t know what they were doing. This really bothered me because for the first time in my life I was made to feel old. I’ve run across more kids in their 20s that make me feel super old, which is really depressing yet I can still work circles around them. Pink Floyd’s “and then one day you find ten years has got behind you.” Seems to hit much harder once you hit 50.

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HummDrumm1@reddit

Not 45, 55

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Beautiful-Mainer@reddit

Approaching 61. I’ve had some very bad times, especially in childhood to mid-life. My aunt once asked me why I’m still so easygoing, and kind. I told her I chose to get better, not bitter.

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yojpea@reddit

Exactly!

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mobfather@reddit

They say that 61 is the new 60 too!

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AnotherBaldWhiteDude@reddit

47 here and having a blast

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NumbbSkulll@reddit

Yep. I'll be 48 in a few months. I ran out of F's about 5-6 years ago and have really been enjoying the ride ever since!

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SosigDoge@reddit

May '78 here. Couldn't agree more.

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FlippingPossum@reddit

Except for my body trying to yeet me with hpb and high cholesterol, life is good.

[-]

fushiginagaijin@reddit

Life is what you make of it. Yeah, if you let yourself go in your 20s and 30s, (poor diet, lack of exercise, “fuck-it” attitude), then life will really start to suck as you get older. After 45 I realized diet and exercise are no longer optional, they’re a must. As a result I look and feel better now than I did 20 years ago. I own my own business after years of struggling through the rat race. I’ve come to understand a lot about investing and finances, things you can only learn through experience. I’m much calmer now about geopolitical events because I’ve realized that history always repeats itself. So I just focus on my health, my wife and my kids, and don’t worry much about anything else. Life isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t suck. It’s all about the choices you make and taking personal responsibility.

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phillyphilly19@reddit

Nope, I can't get on board with that at all. I feel like my 40s and 50s were my best years. I'm 65 now and I'm in stable health, active, no pain issues, but this is the decade I know I'm not young anymore. Which, when you think about it, is really not bad at all. But it is the decade where you start to feel a little bit invisible to the younger world. I'm trying to hit the balance because I am making younger friends, but let's face it we are living very different lives. The thing that's most difficult is I feel like I have nothing in common with people my age, in terms of making new friends. I feel like in this decade you kind of make a choice: am I going to fully give in to being a senior citizen? Or am I going to try to carve my own path and while not doing anything crazy, not rule out everything because of my age. It's very tricky.

[-]

johnbr@reddit

Younger me was very concerned about older me's happiness, and put a lot of time and effort into trying to ensure that older me would not regret the decisions of younger me. So far so good!

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Embarrassed-Oil3127@reddit

40s and 50s (so far) have been some of my best years. Love the wisdom, self confidence and lack of giving a shitness that began in middle age and continues to build.

Life is what you make it and is very much colored by your attitude. It can be awesome at any age or suck the big one at any age. You drive the big ok bus.

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yojpea@reddit

Exactly, my perspective. If you reach your 40s, you have the opportunity to reevaluate your life, purpose, and pursuits and do even better.

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Pmbmax34@reddit

This right here 💯. 👆🏻

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Signal_Contract_3592@reddit

Almost 51. It’s pretty legit.

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Cold-Inside-6828@reddit

I believe it is what you make it. There is some luck of the draw obviously with health and genetics, but I mountain bike and hike weekly, I lift and do jiu jitsu multiple times per week, and I backpack, play video games, and basically still do whatever I want at 52. Does my lower back hurt? Yep! But I get an injection once or twice per year and soldier on. I 100% believe that staying active fights off age quite well.

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ZooterOne@reddit

I'm 55 and have chronic pain in my neck and back from injuries and tinnitus in one ear.

I'm also physically active and having the time of my life.

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RexCelestis@reddit

I finally started like I was getting my shit together in my 50's. No matter how old I am. Right now is the best time of my life..

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thesladeo@reddit

I’m not into blaming an age or a generation for a “my life sucks” attitude…

I mean go through all out history or generations and ask any toddler, pre-teen, teen, or adult… they all have the my life sucks tantrums at times.

So it’s not based on age or generation… we all have our moments… this is more of a personal thing and how you deal with it other than just concentrating on the “dread” or perceived notions from others experiences.

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CursorTN@reddit

I’m doing pretty good. Have disposable income, money going to retirement. Can travel, house getting close to paid off (<10 years). It’s all a matter of perspective. Oh, and like I’m with the same person for 25+ years, still very much in love. Was always cheap in some things of my life (cars, especially) and that helped me to build a nest egg. You need to understand that if you make bad choices, you get to live with them. And if you don’t, then you get to live with those instead. I’ve fucked up plenty, but mostly I did ok.

[-]

bp3dots@reddit

You need to understand that if you make bad choices, you get to live with them. And if you don’t, then you get to live with those instead.

Big difference maker here. It's easy to say life after 45 is what you make of it, but what you made of all the tears before 45 matters just as much, if not more.

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Plastic-Ad-5171@reddit

I’m 50. Last 5 years have been pretty amazing. Health is stable, have gone on some amazing vacations, job situation is pretty stable. I’m still eating things I enjoy, going places I want to, able to go to the gym .

Life is what you make of it. If you let it punch you down, it’s gonna suck. If you punch back, it’s pretty good.

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FrozenOnPluto@reddit

Totally false assertion

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Dubjbious@reddit

I’m 47. My life is really great. I’m happier and healthier than I’ve ever been.

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yangstyle@reddit

I had my first kid in my mid forties. Love him and I'm still married but seriously considering divorce.

I'm lucky. He is a great guy. My wife is a good woman but will never make me happy. Not her fault. I evolved. She didn't. I don't see living the last third of my life like this.

I have not much to complain about. I am relatively healthy and still play pickleball, tennis, and go on long hikes. The difference is that it takes longer to recover.

So, as I am two years away from sixty, I can't say life sucks. I have a few minor health issues due to weight. Maybe the kids keep me young?

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Traditional_Fan_2655@reddit

It is based upon your own personal hobbies, family, and interests. If you are still someone who lives like a 21 yo new to legal drinking and has fun by drinking and hanging out in bars, most your friends will probably not be too interested. Alcohol hits harder, and with many having high BP, it's a no.

If your interests are having friends over, online gaming, gardening, traveling the world, new restaurant exploration eating relaxing meals, volunteering etc, it stays awesome.

If you have friends you regularly contact, family you get along with, whether chosen family or biological, the social aspect comtinues.

It becomes sucky if you are stuck at home by yourself with nothing beyond watching TV. Then, you become the crabby "Get off my lawn!" Person screaming at the neighbors.

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DiogenesXenos@reddit

I’m 47 and my 40s have been great. I’m happier now that I’ve ever been. Just a lot more peaceful inside.

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Unhappy_Permit2571@reddit

Not true at all.

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alicecuriouser@reddit

I'm digging it, actually.

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JoeyCalamaro@reddit

I'd have to imagine at least some of the 45+ experience varies quite a bit from person to person. Even the best of us might end up wearing readers and getting random aches and pains not long after crossing the threshold, but if you can stay healthy, and you've still got your career, life can be pretty good.

Sadly, my wife and I did not stay healthy. Our mid forties involved cancer scares, pill collectors, all kinds of procedures and tests and at least one major surgery for her — a procedure that likely pushed her into perimenopause and redefined the dynamics of our marriage.

So our post 45 lives were less than fantastic. But a good chunk of that was bad luck (or bad genetics). Your mileage may vary.

[-]

violet715@reddit

46 and twice divorced, so you’d think I would be jaded. But I’ve never felt more like myself. I have my own career (that I find fulfilling) with co-workers who are genuinely good people, a small circle of friends I love, and I know myself well enough to be a good partner and only being a relationship because I WANT to and not because I’m following some weird societal timeline and construct. Life is truly awesome.

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Feminist_Hugh_Hefner@reddit

Yeah, I have managed to tick off a career-ending injury, starting an entirely new career, a divorce, business failure, foreclosure, and bankruptcy off the Bucket List and I have never been happier lol.

I really think there is a power to expectations and outlook... regardless of whether you think your life is awesome or you think your life is shit, you are probably correct.

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NotAUsefullDoctor@reddit

Now, I will oreface by saying that I make enough to not be paycheck to paycheck. I kind of burnt myself out for 6 years making sure to maximize my income and have a good starter on retirement. I'm not rish, and still need to work for another decade at least, but im a good place. So, when I got fired from my last job, money was not as big of a concern. When I went interviewing, I made sure to be upfront about expectations about company cultur. I turned down a job that was making 50% more than what I took, becuase the company was large and publicly traded (ie things could turn shit fast just because an investor wants record profits every quarter).

I had a recruiter at the company I finally got hired at tell me they had never interviewed someone that was so articulate about exactly what they wanted.

My 30's were shit (bad job, bad foster placements, bad position with religion). My 40's have been great.

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Aloh4mora@reddit

I'm 50 and loving my life! I'm finally dialed in on so many things that improve my quality of life and help those around me.

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Kimber80@reddit

I have lived fifteen years beyond age forty five, and they have been excellent years. 🤷‍♂️

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ssevcik@reddit

Life only got better after 45.

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Zealousideal-Baby586@reddit

40s have been up and down. Changed jobs for the better, make more money, have gotten to do some cool traveling, got in better shape. Downsides, older generation, including and uncle and my dad, passing away, and several of my friends parents. There's been a lot more good than bad and I quite enjoy aging but I've also been lucky with my health. Sure, your energy and recovery levels aren't the same but it definitely hasn't sucked.

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SnowblindAlbino@reddit

If you look at the distribution of self-assessed "happiness" in the US (according to surveys) there's indeed a trough between \~35-55 which of course happens to correspond to peak child-rearing years and caregiving years for elderly parents. Add work stress to that as well. The surveys also show a major uptick in the late 50s that continues to around 80.

It's a life phase thing. How many of us are happy when stressed all the time about kids, parents, money, the state of the world, our jobs, etc? When most of those things fall off the plate, one way or another, people are happier.

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thesladeo@reddit

I’ll turn 52 this year and in next month or two I have drastic life changes coming up…. But I’m looking forward to it… I think the person was having a bad day or week or month or even year… I’ve done the same thing so no judgement.

However, with this change it’s gonna be a bit of a struggle but worth it… for the enjoyment afterwards. I’m finally learning who I am and accepting it for myself and not for others.

Best I’ve felt since I was a kid with no real stress; I’m getting back into childhood/adult hobbies I actually enjoy, doing things I always wondered about, just finally getting to a point in life where realistically I’m saying I have another possible good 30-40 years left … and I’m going to enjoy everyday of it as much as I can, and stop worrying or stressing or planning for the next week or month, or year … shit will happen I know and I’ll plan for those situations, but I no longer focus more on those situations than I do the actual good and enjoyment in day to day life.

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jetpack324@reddit

I’m 61 and living my best life

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jmg733mpls@reddit

For women, after 40 is great. Dont know and don’t care about the male experience.

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ChavoDemierda@reddit

52, and the only things that suck about it are the aches and pains. Other than that, it's cool.

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Subject-Stuff-2829@reddit

I turned 52 this year. These last couple of years have been the most happy and relaxed I have felt in a very long time. Not sure what happend. Everything is just better now.

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qpv@reddit

Kinda how it feels for me but thats me. Always been depressed but now I'm depressed, and a lot of my people are dead (mostly suicides) body is going downhill and been celibate for a decade. Always hyper stressed about money. Hate my job and life. Trapped. But that's me. I just drink through it which is also a me problem.

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Ray_The_Engineer@reddit

Stay healthy, active, somewhat busy and somewhat social and your 40's and 50's can be awesome. Knocking on the door to 60 this year, I'm going to make my 60's rock, also.

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mjh8212@reddit

I’m 47 multiple chronic pain issues but I was just getting to the point of moving more and feeling better. All in the same month I was told I’ve been hyper mobile my whole life and was just diagnosed with pots. My symptoms of pots were on and off for a couple years then suddenly I was passing out and had constant symptoms. Getting older sucks.

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Bikingbrokerbassist@reddit

Mid 50’s here. My 40’s were the best years of my life. 50’s has been more challenging due to health issues, but certainly better than any other decade of my life.

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Mental-Artist-6157@reddit

Depends on your fitness and hormones. I met my husband at 46, married for the first time at 49. That part has been amazing. Once the lifestyle and hormones improved, I feel fantastic at almost 56.

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ericrz@reddit

He was having a bad day. I'm 52, a truly independent adult for the past 5 years, for the first time in decades. Divorced, my adult child is (mostly) out of my house, I love my career, have a good group of friends. I'd like my dating life to be a little more...active, but that's nitpicking.

I am currently the best version of myself.

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IAmCaution@reddit

Seriously? I'm 53 and never been happier and getting more so by the day.

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lisanstan@reddit

50s are fantastic. As a woman, it's when I fully embraced not worrying what people thought about me. That was incredibly freeing after a lifetime of not feeling pretty enough, skinny enough, accomplished enough. Looking back at photos I can see that I looked much better than I ever knew and did just fine contributing to our retirement income.

Now that I'm closing in on 61, physically I'm slowing down and medical issues aren't as easily resolved with the lowest dose of meds available. But I'm also retired which is a HUGE bonus.

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PositiveStress8888@reddit

I think about 35-40 your perpetually stuck in that mind set, that's how you feel inside, even when your 80.

You age dosen't define you, if your 63 and bopping your head to pink pony club in traffic while going to the grocery for the second time that day because your undiagnosed ADHD made you forget the eggs than that's who you are.

If you feel like shit after 45 that's a you problem,

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LovesMeSomeRedhead@reddit

For me, my second and best life started about 45. My divorce was over, I married my dream girl, my career really took off, and my kids weren't little anymore. Im 55 now and life just keeps getting better.

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LizTruth@reddit

When I hit 40, everything got easier for me. I got rid of a lot of my insecurities and just felt more free in general.

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Idontfeelold-much@reddit

Yup, I ran out of fucks to give around 45. :)

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gurblixdad@reddit

Given a choice, I'd still rather be back in my 20's

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Idontfeelold-much@reddit

No way, I was lucky to get out alive. I probably wouldn’t survive my 20’s again.

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A_wanderer_forlife@reddit

I hated most of my 40’s and I am soaring high in my fifties with major life changes! 50’s is my sweet spot for sure. You got this!

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raisinghellions@reddit

Accurate. Since 45 I’ve dealt with financial problems that only accelerated last year with the economic fear and uncertainty that pervades now (husband is small biz owner and recent policy changes + economic uncertainty have his company pretty much bankrupt and we have kids going to college soon, joy), husband and I both lost our dads within 6 months of each other, mother in law’s cognitive decline is getting more obvious and we are helping her navigate day to day, my own mother discovered that my dad was hiding major financial problems from her when he died, we still had a pandemic going on when I was 45 and I worry endlessly about the impact on my kids social skills (they were out of school for an entire year and were still seeing those effects), etc etc etc

[-]

strangedazey@reddit

I feel like I hit my stride this year. Turned 55 last month

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RevToy@reddit

I’ll be 49 soon and honestly having the most fun of my life so far. Kids are self-sustaining now so the wife and I don’t have to worry about them. I’m doing a lot of the things I’ve always wanted to do. I finally got my Ducati sport bike, just got certified for scuba and currently prepping for more courses, and next up I’m throwing in skydiving. And thanks to perimenopause the wife is hornier than she’s ever been so I’m getting laid 4-7 times a week and my dick still works (thank goodness). I’d say life after 40 is all around pretty fucking awesome.

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thewatchwinder@reddit

completely disagree. im 53, feel 30, and act it. responsible, but fun. yer not dead...get out and do stuff

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Lazy_Point_284@reddit

It's so wrong. Fifty-three and I know the best years of my life aren't even here yet.

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genxjackolantern@reddit

Disagree. All the excruciating hard work of life (degrees, grinding, trying to make bad family relationships functional, creating a functional home, eliminating debt) is behind me and now I am reaping the benefits, plus I’m so much smarter these days and have so much more self regard.

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Dangerous-Art-Me@reddit

That has not been my experience, tbh.

I have found that I have to be a whole helluva lot more intentional about my health and wellness. Less booze, more walking. Less food, more fiber. GLP-1 drugs have made it easier, but the work still has to be done.

My teen is getting ready to launch. Finally in a place where I feel some sense of security. Down to one parent between my partner and I, which sucks, but is part of the natural progression.

In general though, my overall stability and ability to deal with problems is at an all time high.

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Jordangander@reddit

Mid 50s. Getting ready to retire.

Health isn't as good as it once was.

Wake up sore more often than not.

Fairly decent hearing loss.

Joints ache a lot of the time.

Have to watch what I eat.

Get to spend time going out and doing the things I enjoy.

Can spend time trying new hobbies and not worry that it is time I should be doing something else.

Can travel where and when I want (within reason, still have to consider the dogs).

Can just decide to randomly drive a couple hundred miles to check out an interesting restaurant or park in the middle of the week.

Have far more time for the things I have to get done like house maintenance.

Way less stress.

Nope, don't think life after 45 sucks.

[-]

rbetterkids@reddit

It's on perspective and how you view life.

If you see it sucking then it will suck.

If you see it as a new fun adventure then it will be a new fun adventure.

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retrokezins@reddit

49 here and life is probably better now that ever other than the arthritis. Mind over matter starts to become more important.

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omegared138@reddit

I agree. And I'm about the same age as you, all the wear and tear is finally catching up to me, and now I have to work even harder to keep the meat suit running. But mentally , I feel better now than I did when I was younger.

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retrokezins@reddit

Yeah. Maintenance to just keep moving is getting harder but definitely better brain work going on for me. At this point, it's easy to identify what really matters and ignore the things that don't matter.. harder to figure out when young.

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Top-Nose2659@reddit

Doesn't suck at all

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Firm_Accountant2219@reddit

Not. Got my head, marriage, family, body, and career in better shape. I would never go back.

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metricnv@reddit

I am 56. Financially independent, happily married, healthy, working on exciting projects, traveling when we feel like it. Life is great.

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Zetavu@reddit

My health after 45, not as good as my health before 45, things are old, more things hurt, scars accumulate.

My life after 45, better than ever. I appreciate and understand life and can afford to enjoy it. I look at young people make mistakes and waste their youth and it does not bother me anymore.

And I see how shittier things are and appreciate i don't have to eat that shit as a young struggling person, I get to observe it from a comfortable distance as my time in the battlefield is for the most part over.

Sure, I get to look forward to inevitable death, my own and my loved ones, but I've experienced enough loss by this age I am at terms with it and I have my regiment to stay healthy and upbeat and I can enjoy every day instead of planning for the future.

So yeah, in my 50s and creeping in on 60s and have no complaints, other than all the things I complain about.

[-]

felinebarbecue@reddit

I've never been better in sense of financial, physical and emotional state is concerned. However, the sense of time speeding up is daunting....

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Blametheorangejuice@reddit

Personally, i am in great health overall and I feel like I really understand who I am.

Otherwise, all those adults you grew up with? Dead or dying. I find myself talking more about dead people.

And, as I am someone who works with young people, I understand that I am losing relevance (and knowledge) by the day.

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juniper3411@reddit

Unfortunately I went through all that much earlier in my life. Only have like 3 older relatives left and only three the same general age as me. Lost my younger cousin who I was very close to just shy of 2 years ago. Also lost a best friend at 17. I would say I’m prepared for it but I think some of them are just going to break me.

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Blametheorangejuice@reddit

Every death seems to become another mental weight. My mother is still around; we aren’t particularly close, but she has lost her husband, parents, and 7 siblings. She is, literally, the last of the family she grew up with.

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Acrobatic-World-6563@reddit

I am 49, and life does not suck. Life is what you make it. You can choose to be thankful, and happy, or choose to be ungrateful, and miserable.

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Lurchie_@reddit

My forties kinda sucked, but I'm rather enjoying my 50's. I actually made some positive changes in my life.

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Phreedom1@reddit

My life has done nothing but improve as I age. Just retired at 58, loving life and humming along. I'm sure it will change when my body begins to fail me but for now it's golden!

[-]

MusicalCougar@reddit

50F here. YMMV, but I have 2 amazing kids who give me just the right amount of heartburn, a good dog who sleeps behind my knees, a job I like that isn’t boring, a group of “brothers” who treat me like a princess, a best friend who is a true ride-or-die, who also set me up last year with my boyfriend who checks every box emotionally, intellectually, and sexually. I own my house, my truck is paid off and running great.

I am not in need.

[-]

Potential_Lie_1177@reddit

Depends. Kids are old enough to be left alone for a bit. All seems to indicate they will graduate and be on their own eventually. I finally have time to exercise and do other things than chores. Retirement is within reach.

Parents do need more care and they will surely be gone within 5 years and our own health is at risk.

What sadden me a bit is that many things are irreversible and it feels like time is running out: even if I train I will never be an astronaut or an olympic athlete, my finances aren't bad but I won't be a multimillionaire, but I realize it is mainly grandiose stuff.

[-]

ShyChiBaby@reddit

Life doesn't suck but some things get harder like your parents are getting older and they need more help and they won't be here forever. You probably don't sleep as good and your little bit more tired than you used to be other old people health problems start to creep up. And lastly you start to lose friends, to age and illness.

[-]

lumpcrab410@reddit

I think, if that’s the point of view you have, then it’s likely to come true. In my opinion, not to sound like a Pollyanna, a lot of life circumstances are what you make of them. Look for the good and you are far more likely to find it.

[-]

alex_dare_79@reddit

Right! Life is 10% what gets thrown at you and 90% your attitude and responses

[-]

Effective_Orchid7854@reddit

19% of statistics are completely made up!

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Hi-Scan-Pro@reddit

Self fulfilling prophets are rarely wrong.

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trUth_b0mbs@reddit

100% this.

if you have a negative personality/outlook on life, you will have a negative life because your perception has already predetermined how things will go.

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stuffmikesees@reddit

I'm 47. Never been better.

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Iko87iko@reddit

Give me five, I'm still alive

Ain't no luck, I learned to duck

Check my pulse, it don't change

Stays seventy-two come shine or rain

Wave that flag, wave it wide and high

Summertime done come and gone, my, oh, my

[-]

ProfessorRoyHinkley@reddit

Weir everywhere.

[-]

jeon2595@reddit

Life after 45 has been awesome.

[-]

vwaldoguy@reddit

I think it depends. I'm almost 56, and I feel great. So it's going to be highly variable for everyone. And also what they've done for their career. Some occupations are harder on the body than others.

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liddybuckfan@reddit

I'm 56 and my life is SO much better now than it was at 40. I think it's important to keep yourself physically healthy, and to work on your mental health as well. Keep learning new things and having new experiences. If you decide that you're not done growing and improving then things can always get better.

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Big-Sheepherder-6134@reddit

54 and life is pretty good. I have been semi-retired for 5-6 years and we just got back from a two month vacation. I am embracing many things about being older as well.

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EverythingScrolling@reddit

It depends on the person and the situation. I'm 47, and while 40 was a good year for me, ages 41-present have sucked. Perimenopause is kicking my ass. I have had medical issues (nothing I could have prevented), and my parents' health is declining.

To be honest, most days I don't even want to live. But I keep on living because I don't want to destroy my parents' lives and I have an elderly pet who needs me. I go to therapy and just exist, and think there's no way I can keep this up until retirement.

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juniper3411@reddit

Feel you on the peri. It’s kicking my butt too and I can’t do HRT. The peri sub on here is awesome and very supportive if you aren’t on it already. I’m 45.

[-]

AaronTheElite007@reddit

At around 40, your body flips a switch that basically starts you dying. I was a gym rat, proper diet, never seen the inside of a hospital and at 40 I was hospitalized twice for stress.

Take that info as you will. I had to start slowing down a tad. Haven't been in the hospital since.

[-]

ONROSREPUS@reddit

Besides the family and some friends passing on. Everything else is going just fine. Inching closer and closer to retirement.

[-]

Left-Thinker-5512@reddit

That’s true about friends and family passing away. I was in the military for 35 years. When I retired, almost all of the most important people in my career (peers, mentors) had already left. It was kind of lonely at the end.

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BonCourageAmis@reddit

I turned 60 this year. My life after 45 was much better than it was teens to age 30. That doesn’t mean it isn’t hard now — in some ways it can be incredibly hard.

[-]

lazygerm@reddit

I didn't start living truthfully until I was 47.

Now, I'm 58. Would I like to have the body I did at 28? Sure. Do I take more meds now? Yes. But all in all, I'm happy where I am.

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floppy_breasteses@reddit

Depends on how you quantify such things. The body hurts more. I realized I have more of a chance with Buffy's mom than Buffy herself. Doctors start every conversation with, "at your age...".

But also, with age comes a lot of other stuff. You learn how to avoid the things that annoy the fuck out of you (and the people), you perfect the art of not giving a fuck and you're generally more financially stable. If that comes at the cost of some back pain and grey hair, so be it.

[-]

Left-Thinker-5512@reddit

59m, divorced once, remarrying this summer, very well-paying job (nowhere near the “1%” but living well), one 24 y.o. son who lives with me, plenty saved for retirement which begins in three years. To me, things are good and are going to get great. I know what it takes to enjoy life and I have the means to do it. My body isn’t young anymore but I took care of myself along the way. All in all, life is pretty good for me.

[-]

SevereIdea@reddit

At 56, my youngest is 19 and preparing for his own life. He’s largely independent even though living at home. My wife and I are now trying to figure out what our life looks like as empty nesters. Feels new and exciting! We are staring to have fun again. I’d say life pretty good 👍🏾

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deadmonkeyboy87@reddit

Yeah after 45 life went poof I think it's all the pcbs I swam in in Hudson river that allies me this day. I have plaque psoris psoriatic arthritis that is aggressively destroying my joints I lost my appendix at 32 and that almost killed me twice. I just lost my gallbladder and have pancreatitis on top of all of that I have a botched knee replacement I'm trying to find a new surgeon to go in and fix.

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734576788653454356@reddit

It does if you didn't take care of yourself in earlier life. You also start amassing a long list of lost loved ones.

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Chemical-Carrot-9975@reddit

I’m 52. Life is great. I’m healthy (no meds, no chronic diagnoses), exercise daily, fairly wealthy, and our kids are both done with college. My wife and I travel a lot and we both plan to be retired by 60.

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juniper3411@reddit

Life is pretty good except perimenopause is kicking my ass. Not much I can do about that except HRT and my body reacts poorly to it sooooo. So if you’re a woman post 45 can be rough going.

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KingPabloo@reddit

Turn 59 today! My oldest son was born on my 40th BDay (turned 19 today) and my youngest was born one year later so I’m a little biased but life after 40 has been amazing.

I worked really hard in my 20/30’s so I was able to retire 6 years ago. Now I’m writing my first book and album - I’ll release both on my BDay next year. I’m in great shape (workout and run a lot) and mentally very sharp.

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froction@reddit

Me also be really mentally sharp. Still as good or gooder as when me not old.

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Smokebomb1975@reddit

Idk, I’m 50, single, one kid in 4th grade I have 50% custody of, my house is paid off, I have no bills, I make 150k a year and most importantly, I get to do what ever I want. Life after 45 has just gotten better.

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badgko@reddit

It's all in what hand of cards you were dealt and how you played them.

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HighOnGoofballs@reddit

Only thing worse at 49 than 39 is that I look older

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froction@reddit

My (49M) life bottomed out around 37-40; been all uphill since then, especially the last three years since I've added the right GenX (50F) to it.

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Icolan@reddit

I would not agree, my life is wonderful. I am 48 now and in the last 7 years have traveled to over 10 countries and am in the best shape of my life.

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No_Hovercraft_821@reddit

The final 7-8 years leading to retirement were pretty miserable, grinding out each day. But crossing the finish line and putting that life behind me has made all the difference; now I face each day deciding which of the many ongoing personal projects I want to work on. Overall it is much more relaxed and fulfilling.

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Delicious-End-6555@reddit

Man I feel this one. Just under 4 years to go, assuming the world doesn’t burn down, and the grind is serious.

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I-Am-Not-Creative2@reddit

I have elementary school aged children and I’m 46, so I feel like life is still going and I’m enjoying myself (though my body feels terrible). I may feel differently once they’ve grown though!

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GuyD427@reddit

I’m 58, life is what you make of it at any age.

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FormerLaugh3780@reddit

I'd up it to 55, but whole heartedly agree.

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OnehappyOwl44@reddit

At 45 we were already empty nesters. Now we're retired at 48 and traveling. Life is amazing.

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DwinDolvak@reddit

55 and life is finally making sense.

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BigRudy99@reddit

No different than life after thirty. More trauma and back pain, but same old bullshit.

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ORF1Live@reddit

It sucks worse before 45.

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FirmListen3295@reddit

This guy.

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734576788653454356@reddit

It dies if you didn't take care of yourself in earlier life.

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brandysafinegirl@reddit

I just turned 50 and I feel like it sucks for me because of the physical aging as well as people start dying much more often like aunts, uncles etc…my parents are on the cusp of being like really old. They are 73 and I can see they are about to cross that line. Also my kids being grown and starting their lives is sad and depressing. I mean I’m happy for them but it’s lonely not having them around and I’m down about that a lot. I’m so burned out on work.

I just feel like my peak for sure when life was really great was 30-40 for sure.

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sarcasticorange@reddit

We had a period where we were going to funerals every few weeks. Like you said, aunts uncles, and parents, but also friends. Cancer and heart attacks start taking people much more often in the 50s.

Add in things like colds taking you down for weeks instead of days and other health issues that crop up and it can certainly be a less than sunny time at moments.

I'm my late forties, I would have answered like a lot of others in the thread about things being great so I guess the age this hits people is going to vary a bit.

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_sonidero_@reddit

Just turned 50 on Good Friday and I'm only halfway done... 100 is gonna be crazy...

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forkmerunning@reddit

Well... I'm 52. 30+ years experience in the automotive industry, everything from turning wrenches to parts to management.

Got laid off in September from the first non-automotive job I've ever had after 3 years when the department got downsized to use AI.

250+ Job applications later, unemployment has run out, and I'm driving doordash just to try to keep my rent paid.

Pretty much on board with the 'life after 45 blows' sentiment.

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ddmf@reddit

I got divorced when I was 43, next year or so was tough but my late 40s were mostly spent dating, getting fit, and going out having fun. Best time I've had since I was in my early 20s.

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ForwardSlash813@reddit

Inaccurate.

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GeoHog713@reddit

It's better than the alternative.

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Fading_Suns@reddit

It’s better to be seen than viewed is what I always say.

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grateful_john@reddit

I’m 60. I have very bad knees. That sucks. But I’m nearing retirement, my kid has graduated college and my wife and I are enjoying life.

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hkusp45css@reddit

I think people who say "everything after X is Y" are just trying to make sense of the fact that, for them, everything after X is Y.

Like almost every other aspect of life, you start out looking like your parents, and you end up looking like your choices.

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Bug_Calm@reddit

Life for me just continues to get better and better.

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IAmTrulyConfused42@reddit

Search about the U curved life.

Short answer as we start out happy like at 18 it goes down the nadir is mid 40s to mid 50s and then it gets better.

And not just a little better supposedly happier than you were at 18.

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dirtybo0ts@reddit

Aside from losing both parents before 46, everything else is great.

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MadPiglet42@reddit

Anyone who thinks that is going to have a shitty life at any age. Attitude is everything.

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Muggi@reddit

Hard disagree for me. Finally financially secure, made it through some real rough times with the wife in our early 40s, things are settled and awesome now..body breaking down a LITTLE, but I’m still fit enough to take hiking vacations and do a ton of work around the property. Still have a solid group of friends that, while we don’t physically get together as much as we used to, we text and interact often.

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oklibrarian@reddit

49 here—I’d say that one health glitch aside (which was actually a net positive as we fixed an issue that could have become a bigger problem down the road), late 40s have been pretty darn good. I’ve pretty much finished my personal bucket list and hit my major career goals, so shifting my energy to personal/marriage stuff and being the mentor to newer colleagues that I’d wished I’d been. Still struggling a bit with my lifelong anxiety, but I think I may finally be growing out of that a little? Watch this space.

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Intelligent_Salad_70@reddit

50s worse decade of my life

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leftistpropaganja@reddit

Think of it this way: In your twenties and thirties, you're mostly living on credit, like life wise.

In your 40s and 50s, that bill comes due. So if you spent the last 20 years not taking care of yourself and your life, your next 20 is gonna be rough. This isn't true of everyone, of course. Luck is also a component of life, but yeah mostly the seeds you plant when you're younger sprout up as you start getting old, both good and bad.

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Ok_Incident7622@reddit

My life in my 50s is best it's ever been. I would never trade the freedom maturity gives me

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mcluhan007@reddit

My 50s have been the best years of my life so far.

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Nots_a_Banana@reddit

Just depends where you are in life. My buddy will say it's never been better. Me - not that it sucks but it just seems like an unsatisfactory grind to retirement.

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FusterCluck11@reddit

Only gets better imho.

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Throwaway7219017@reddit

Hard disagree.

I’m over 50, and these are the best years of my life.

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Sreed56ace71605@reddit

48, i weigh 30 pounds less than I did my senior year, married with 2 cats and a home. I run 6 days a week and have a job i really like

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djmixmotomike@reddit

There's my good human.

I have a big list too.

On my own home, I have the biggest and best motorcycle I've ever owned. I still go on a big snowboard trip every year to the tallest mountain on the East Coast. I'm more politically active and smarter than I've ever been. I sail and paddle board and I could go on and on.

F*** getting older. If anything we should be doing more as we get older, not less.

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sane-asylum@reddit

My life has gotten physically tougher because I’m lazy and out of shape.

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user0987234@reddit

Ages and stages.

Our life choices accumulate, our minds start breaking under the pressure, poor relationships fracture, kids leave the nest, younger people get promotions we think should be ours, physical health starts failing, Extensional crisis, late mid-life crisis, peer jealousy etc.

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ghostofdreadmon@reddit

I don’t think it’s age per se, there are so many variables. What life choices have you made? How’d you fare genetically? Above all is “what’s your attitude about getting older?”

I thought turning 30 was the end of the world. 40 was actually quite nice. 50 was a blast. Now I’m 59, but telling folks I’ll be 60 soon. Shit, after surviving the 70s, 80s, 90s, and turning of a new century, I wear my gray like a battle flag.

I won’t allow my life to suck as long as I have anything to say or do about it!

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Mrjlawrence@reddit

Getting older sucks and I would love to be 30 again but life in my 50s isn’t bad

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canitouchyours@reddit

51 and all is good. I does not suck ass.

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utvols22champs@reddit

50M, recently retired and just married. Life is good.

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morts73@reddit

Depends on one's outlook on life and how healthy they have stayed. Looking on the bright side and making the most of each situation goes a long way to remaining happy at any stage of life.

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MizzGee@reddit

56 and have been an empty nester for over a decade. My spouse has had some health problems, but life is fine. I have been angry for a decade over the state of the country, but I get out there and get mouthy like the Riott Grrl of old. Of course, I have no idea what I would do if I were to lose my job. I don't have the savings I should because of the last recession, and healthcare bills, but for this generation, I am fine. I am finally old enough that people know not to mess with me at work.

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Katiecake80@reddit

As one of the youngest members of the Gen X crew, I’ll be 46 years this year and life isn’t terrible. But I am going through perimenopause, which means that my tolerance for bullshit is gone. I am no longer trying to people, please which is kind of awesome, but kinda scary. But my tolerance is getting smaller and smaller which means I’m getting more and more mouthy.

[-]

Greatcookbetterbfr@reddit

I’m 50 and my life is pretty great. Wife and I get along, we both like our jobs, great dogs, no kids, and financially set. Not sure what the next 20 years look like given the shitshow going on right now, but today I’m happy.

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Dry_Yogurt2458@reddit

53 and love is better than ever.

I couldn't run a 100km ultra marathon in my 30's. I can now. It's all about looking after yourself mentally and physically

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OkConsideration8964@reddit

I just turned 60 a few days ago. It's the first time a birthday kinda got to me, but only because of the mortality issue people have mentioned. Life is still good.

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Life-Improvement-886@reddit

Ditto, I’m about to turn 61 but I’ve been reflecting on my life for the last year more so than I ever have. I have no reason to complain. Most, if not all, the trials and tribulations in my life were of my own doing. I’ve come to terms with that and I’m in good place.

Thinking on this topic now, I think that’s the secret. Deal with demons, accept your past and look for the good in life wherever you can.

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Fitz_2112b@reddit

52 and things are great. I'm in the best shape of my adult life, relationship with my wife is awesome and my career is going great

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RedLily08@reddit

I find that I'm having the best years of my life right now. I feel great because I try to eat healthy. My husband and I have a house, pretty okay jobs, and are pretty set in our lives. I no longer worry about what others think of me. I don't feel the need to please others anymore. If not for the state of the world, I'd be perfectly happy

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Key_Satisfaction_483@reddit

Everyone leads a different life

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Fudloe@reddit

100% false or 100% true. It's entirely up to you.

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Pleasant-Minute-1793@reddit

50/50 chance

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Fudloe@reddit

100% chance. You decide.

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Ordinary_Passenger79@reddit

I’m in better shape and on fewer meds than my dog. I can play soccer with my kid. Just being in a world with streaming access to the sort of music I used to only hear at 3am on college radio is invigorating. War and climate and energy are still bad but gay people can get married and I can walk around with visible tattoos is pretty nice.

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X2946@reddit

State of mind

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jesuschristjulia@reddit

I was out to dinner with friends who are about 10 years older than me and my husband mentioned that I’m 50. One of the ladies high fived me and said “get ready for the best decade of your life. A woman who knows her shit and doesn’t give a shit….” Then she raised her fists in the air and shook them.

She right. It’s been awesome so far.

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devour_feculence___@reddit

At 45, my husband left me for his 20 year old employee. Broke, depressed, and trying to care for my elderly mother. Dad just died, then my cat died, and I'm trying to exit myself.

[-]

GenX-ModTeam@reddit

r/GenX follows platform-wide Reddit Rules

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Snogafrog@reddit

Sorry things have been so rough, sounds horrible.

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snodgrassjones@reddit

Not very?

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HereToCalmYouDown@reddit

I'm 50 and having probably one of the best years ever

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r32skyliner@reddit

Not accurate at all

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Civil_Inspector_5697@reddit

Let’s chalk it up to bad day

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listenupbud@reddit

Balls? Ass? Dick? Idk!!!

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Next_Chapter_Now@reddit

I’ve just turned 60 - definitely better than turning 40

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alphaduck73@reddit

Life is fucking brilliant.

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stilldbi@reddit

48- if I was any better, I couldn’t stand it.

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perpetualmentalist@reddit

Not there yet, but doubt I will feel much difference from now. Unless my body suddenly has issues.

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UnfortunateWeirdo@reddit

I am happier at 47 then any other time in my life.

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SouthOrlandoFather@reddit

I assume this has a lot to do if you have $3.5M invested or if you are at $50k invested.

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DameKitty@reddit

Depends on the person.
My after 45 life is amazing so far, i have 2 small kids, 2 big gardens, s cat, and a man who loves me, who helps build my gardens. (I had my first kid at 40, second 5 years later)

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daedalus9973@reddit

When your friends start to die, people you thought would be there with you to the bitter end, that's when the sucking starts.

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feeb75@reddit

You were there for them until the bitter end though... if that helps.

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Spreadeaglebeagle44@reddit

Terribly inaccurate.

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Extreme-King@reddit

I'm 49 and doing great.

There could always be improvements or "more" but generally I'm happy with work, single dad life (10M), dating...I need to work out more but don't we all?

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Upbeat_Ant6104@reddit

I’m happier at 60 than any time in my life.

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crashin70@reddit

I'm enjoying mine so I can't say

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Iam-WinstonSmith@reddit

Mine has but it's because I moved from activities that I liked.

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Jmast7@reddit

Aside from being more aware of your own mortality (which comes to everyone), your life is what you make of it. If you are healthy, have (or had) a good career and have good family and friends life is probably pretty good, if not better than the three previous decades.

Getting older does make you appreciate what you have and enjoy every day, even the tough ones. I’ve learned to stop looking ahead and just be in the moment more. Ferris gave us all some good advice.

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Bucks2174@reddit

No at all. My kids are grown up so that’s a bummer but my grandkids are here an that’s great. Empty nest is just as glorious as when first married. Do what we want, when we want. Zero regrets

[-]

philiptherealest@reddit

After 45, life kinda flipped in the best way. Everything feels less stressful, more positive, like I somehow hit rewind back to that ’90s vibe I had when I roamed the Bay Area on a skateboard. Finally grew into an adult that is way less hyperactive. Retired, bought my first place (yeah, finally after living in apartments all my life), and ditched the car as much as I could. Been riding my bike again like I’m some teenager with no license and nowhere to be but everywhere at once. I even stopped shaving and let my hair grow out...stuff I couldn’t do for years because I was devoted to a career.

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tahiticondo@reddit

I’m F50 and although menopause is a bitch and life is way more complicated, I also am way happier than I was in my 20s. I know who I am and what I want and IDGAF about what other people think. It’s very freeing.

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agedwhitechedd_r@reddit

It depends on the choices you make. Some of the best years of my life so far have been in my 40s and 50s. Wisdom, if attained and properly applied, can overcome aches and pains and the poor choices made previously. I assure you, I made some really awful decisions in my teens, 20's, and 30s. If, as my Mom says, things for you suck swamp water, do different things. If you mostly cannot, then do them with a different attitude in a different manner. Make time to take care of yourself first. Do what you need, like and love. Even in small very small doses, it makes a huge difference. Good luck.

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BazingaQQ@reddit

Firstly, generation Xers can say "Balls" - it's what defines us! Mildly swearing and not giving a poop :)

Secondly, life after 45 was ok. After 50 it takes a nosedive, but the trick I've found is that you just have to put more of an effort into it. Friednships and contacts don't come as easily and the go too easily, they need more nurturing than when we were a bit younger.

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mootmutemoat@reddit

That's funny... I thought it was "Life after 45 sucks donkey dick."

And honestly all ages kinda suck. Being a kid can mean you are powerless and forced to deal with daily bullying, being a young adult can mean you have to deal with existential dread of trying to build a life (career, relationship), being middle-aged can mean facing the realization your dread was well founded and you failed some things, being older can mean you watch your health fade and become irrelevant in the few areas you suceeded (job loss, empty nest), being old can mean you watch your loved ones die at a faster and faster rate while new people are rare and confusing, typically treating you like an annoyance.

Enjoy the ride. You are the cosmos, experiencing itself. Go hug a tree and watch ants drag a dead bee back to the hive.

[-]

BazingaQQ@reddit

The circle of life:

When you're a kid, you want to be a teenager.

When you're a teenager, you want to be an adult.

When you're an adult, you want to be a cat.

[-]

BazingaQQ@reddit

ADDENDUM:

Also yes, psychedelics in nature also help!

[-]

a42N8Man@reddit

I (M56) personally feel that in many ways my life really improved dramatically after about age 44/45. I started working out again for the first time since my late 20s; I met my wife (had never married) and she’s my best friend and entire world; I moved out of my home state and resettled someplace with more tolerable winters; I got to help raise an amazing young man (my step-son) and got to devote more time to things like making dinner and baking bread and gardening.

I also completely left my chosen industry and refocused my life on family and acts of service.

Yeah I’ve had some health issues here and there but none of them are necessarily age related. I was finally diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, sacroiliitus, and ADHD; I deal with minor high blood pressure and I’ve struggled to drop 20 pounds when I really need to. None of these things have ruined my life and in fact getting diagnosed and having treatment options has actually improved my QOL exponentially.

So honestly I think it’s - as another poster said - that I am both lucky and have a good attitude about things. And yes it’s true that not everyone gets both. I think also so much of my overall satisfaction in my life over the past 10-12 years is just picking the right person to spend your life with. I understand my privilege that many don’t have and I’m grateful every day.

[-]

NOGOODGASHOLE@reddit

I became a millionaire on paper at least, at 45. A decade later, I'm still doing OK.

[-]

patbagger@reddit

I'm 56 no prescription meds, workout regularly and life is awesome.

If you do things differently you get the life you work for.

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Nailz30@reddit

Life is what you make it. Im happier now than when I was in my 30s.

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House_Junkie@reddit

I think it depends on a lot of things. How healthy you are, how happy you are, how successful you are, etc. When everything is in the shitter, I can imagine it’s easy to feel like that. I’m about to turn 50 in August with a decent career, a beautiful family with a great marriage and pretty healthy overall. Cant helphelp but feel like life is just starting for me as I get closer to retirement and watch my kids grow up and start their own lives. Having a great spouse is such a big part of it, I look forward to coming home to her every day after almost 17 years of marriage. Everyone’s mileage fairies though.

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la_winky@reddit

After 45, I find that fewer things get me stressed out. Physically, I held up pretty darn well. 55 is when that started to go south for me.

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Komaisnotsalty@reddit

Life is what you make of it.

If you listen to a Redditor who says that life sucks giant hills of monkey balls after the age of 45 and you take that in and make that your belief too, guess what? Life is gonna suck after 45.

I dunno, I kinda think that life is about choices. Believe me, I've made stupid choices in life that I pay for dearly, but I've also make very good choices.

These are things that make us who we are.

If you're lonely, get involved somewhere. The world is a hurting place, so work on making it hurt less. Volunteer somewhere. It's not a huge commitment: a couple of hours in a week can do a lot.

Years ago - when we were young until somewhere in the last 2 decades, we all used to help each other, support each other, and gave a damn about the world. These days, we all bury our faces in our phones and don't give a damn what's going on.

We'd rather doomscroll than form our own opinion by being involved and checking out things around us instead.

So, if we sit and doomscroll, isolate, and ignore the world then yeah - we're gonna think life sucks after 45 because we're all the products of our own environments.

If we get involved, take up a hobby, and have a more positive input instead of negative, then life isn't so bad. It also works wonder on our mental health when we just go for a walk and leave our phones off and in our pocket.

When's the last time a lot of us just went for a walk through a park, got close to a tree, and looked at all that's going on around it? Ants, spiders, listen to the birds, tried to pick out as many colours on a leaf as possible -- the little things.

I know it sounds all hippy dippy and shit, but it serves the purpose of slowing the world down for 10 minutes, and when we do that once in awhile, it's amazing how much life really doesn't suck - even for just a little while.

And no - I'm not being all holier than thou. Believe me, I fuck up more shit than I solve, but I do try to take a time out now and then and have learned that some of those things, which are free and cost nothing, can go farther than I think.

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Justice_4_Scott@reddit

It doesn’t hit at any certain age, though as you get older you are more likely to have problems. I have had health problems since I was 35. My wife since she was 25. Living in the US this means we have depleted our savings and have little likelihood of retirement. We struggle everyday with our health. That being said we are happy and do our best to keep plugging along.

You control what you can and deal with the rest. If you do this no matter how bad it gets you still can be happy.

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sustainablogjeff@reddit

My fifties have been my best decade so far. I'm loving life...

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omfgwhatever@reddit

I'm 56. While I've had some medical things I've ran into, my life in general is good. I'm not so stressed about shit any more. My only long term goal right now is to retire in 6 years. Will I be able to? Who knows. I'm doing things that may make that happen. If they don't, I've learned over the years to veer in another direction if needed. I'll be okay.

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Phobos1982@reddit

Other than COVID lockdown and then RTO, life in the past decade has been fine for me.

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Potential-Pool-5125@reddit

For me (and for the most part), life has gotten better. Probably because I dgaf (in a good way) about most things anymore.

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New-User9585@reddit

My life is good. That's not true for me. My husband and I turned 50 this year.

We have our grandbaby and our dogs and they keep life interesting and fun.

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shiftysquid@reddit

Does for some.

Doesn't for others.

Like most things in life, nothing is universal.

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brendhano@reddit

I dont think that it's accurate to say it all sucks, it's just you recognize the inevitable consequences that are coming your way. Also stretch more.

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Pielacine@reddit

On the nose for me, but that’s pretty random. Ok well it did have something with kids aging.

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ScienceSchooled@reddit

shit, Life got so much better for me after 45.

I seem to get less dumb, and am making better choices, I guess.

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Delicious-Disk-122@reddit

Every body’s experience is different and personal to them. IME I consider this the second half of my life and it has been great. I have so much more peace knowing everything just works out. Like someone else said, life is what you make it. We are enrobed spirits meant to experience all there is.

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Physical_Carrot_6283@reddit

I feel like I’m rocking my 50’s

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ApplicationLost126@reddit

I’ve been caregiving and it suck’s hard, but overall I would disagree.

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Hot-Freedom-5886@reddit

Completely disagree with that assertion. Life has gotten better every year since 45.

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notguiltybrewing@reddit

No, I don't agree. That doesn't happen until your health is bad, age is irrelevant. Could be much earlier or much later.

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InventedTiME@reddit

I'm 53 and the last 8-9 years have been absolutely fucking awesome. Kids are all out starting their own lives or in college, so I have tons more time and disposable income to dedicate to myself.... I get to play poker with friends every other Friday night and golf every Sat and Sun without worrying about money or complaints (although some of that has more to do with no wife anymore rather than age.) I feel better mentally and physically than I ever did in my 30's. I'm firmly established in my industry (and I love what I do) so I don't stress out about work, you only get that with time.

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raginghappy@reddit

As an adult - my twenties were my best years. And then my thirties were my best years. Then my forties were my best years. And my fifties were my best years. Looking forward to more best years lol

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MostExpensiveThing@reddit

Like every decade...its what you make of it

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Lower_Classroom835@reddit

In my experience 50s are the best. I am at the tail end and really hope this run keeps on going for a while now.

I had no idea life can be so good.

Not to dismiss things like ageing parents and similar, but I think our perception changes and that helps seeing things with a different perspective.

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IfICouldStay@reddit

My tolerance for bullshit went way down at around 45. I won’t suffer fools any longer.

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LeighofMar@reddit

I believe it is what you make it. If you're going to be someone who puts a date as the start to when everything goes downhill, everything will indeed go downhill. Self-fulfilling prophecy. Life after 40 has been my best so far, 48 now, living my best life and excited for what's next.

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Elchimpy1@reddit

I don’t know if that’s the best way to tackle it. Yea things are different but what’s the alternative? It is what you make it. Read Dylan Thomas’ ‘Do Not Go Gentle into That Dying Light’

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notevenapro@reddit

Heath and money. Last few years have been trying with some of my health issues but I a getting better. Three steps forward and two steps back is still progress.

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AssistantAcademic@reddit

Some people peak in high school

That’s not everyone’s experience

Extrapolate from there.

At 49 I feel like I’m peaking…my income is 5x what it was at 29, I’m healthy, sober, and engaged.

Your mileage may vary

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Prior_Wind_1526@reddit

Yes

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Without_Portfolio@reddit

Doing well other than a few self-inflicted sports injuries I’m always rehabbing from. My doctor once said “active people get hurt” which was not code for don’t be active but rather being active and getting hurt beats being sedentary and dealing with the outcome of that..

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chillinwithabeer29@reddit

In my experience it’s completely off the mark. I’m having a great time. I think about that age the consequences of choices & circumstances are being felt.

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Jayrandomer@reddit

It's not universal. Some people have good luck; some people have good attitudes; some have both. And unfortunately, many have neither.

I'm 47 and nothing magical happened on my 45th birthday. I doubt anything magical will happen on my 50th, or 55th, or 60th. My grandfather lived to 91 and was going strong until 90 and then slowed down after a stroke. My grandmother died at 71 and struggled against cancer throughout her 50s and 60s.

My parents both retired in their late 50s and have honestly been doing great. By 45 they had both kids out of the house and were having an adventure working overseas.

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Extension-Pea542@reddit

That hasn’t been my experience so far. I feel pretty fortunate. My marriage is wonderful. I’ve got a meaningful career. My kids (one’s grown, one’s in school) are old enough to have real conversations with and relate to as adults. We’ve got enough money that we’re able to do things like take my parents on a cruise for their 50th anniversary. Frankly, when I was a kid, I never imagined my life being this good.

Granted, there are some things that are less than wonderful (I’m currently drinking prep for a colonoscopy in the morning), but the good far outweighs the bad.

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NicInNS@reddit

I mean, other than some minor aches and pains, I enjoyed my late 40s and into now (52) more than I thought I would.

Retirement def helps because I know if I was working, I’d think things sucked. But I started at least 3 new hobbies since 2020 and it’s wonderful.

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CyberJaxWabbit-1312@reddit

it's all BS, life after 45 is amazing, at least it has been for me. i'll be 53 tomorrow and am living my best life these days 😋🤙🏻

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Kimura-Sensei@reddit

No part of this life is easy, but I’m enjoying life because I have perspective and wanna squeeze the joy out of this old world while I’m still kicking.

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Uncle_Brewster@reddit

I’m 52. Life is great!!!

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Rubberfootman@reddit

I’m rather enjoying being 50ish. I’ve got experience behind me, some money in my pocket and I seem to have mellowed out somewhat.

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Nervous-Rooster7760@reddit

Not at all. I will be 55 this year and happier and loving where my life is with empty nest and post divorce.

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lookatyourpants@reddit

45 to 55 has been the greatest part of my life. So…

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justabutchdyke@reddit

same!

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kegsbdry@reddit

As a divorced 47M, I'm having a great time. I finally have a reasonable lifestyle that I can afford. Don't stop trying to better yourself, you are your best investment.

I know there are small (if not big) changes coming as I get older, so live now while you still can.

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Honeybee71@reddit

Not for me!

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Ok-Cup6020@reddit

Every single day I pray for the lord to take me away from this hellhole. I have lost the will to carry on.

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drifter3026@reddit

I think a lot depends on ones financial situation. For those of us who won't be able to retire, by 45 the grind of working for 25+ years already starts to weigh on you. Especially knowing you might have another 30 or more years of working still ahead. Without a light at the end of the tunnel, I can definitely relate to the "sucks massive" notion.

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muchDOGEbigwow@reddit

45 - 55 was one of the greatest periods of my life, high income, great relationship, and physically feeling good. Post 55 though….