We’ve experienced enough, seen trends and people come and go. We start to no longer care about what people think.
The fifty’s something crowd is the second largest demographic for people experiencing divorce. Old stereotypes that our 50s are times that we slow down, we can’t learn new tricks, or are over the hill are not true. On the contrary it is a fabulous time to enjoy life and embrace being single.
1. In our 50s our self-confidence is higher
A study of 1,000 women aged 50-65 and 1,000 women aged 20-30 was commissioned by DC Thomson Media. (“Women over 50 are more confident than those in their 20s … – The Independent”) They found women that in their 50s are happier with their age and confidence then women in their 20s.
An APA PsycNet study found in a study of 331 independent samples, including data from 164,868 participants, that the average person’s level of self-esteem continued to increase to the age of 60 and remained constant until age 70. The pattern of findings holds across gender, country, ethnicity, and generations.
Self-confidence usually equates to greater happiness. Got to love that!!
2. We care less about what other people think
This is the best part about aging. We’ve experienced enough, seen trends and people come and go. We start to no longer care about what people think. This typically begins in our mid-40’s to 50’s. What takes its place is the desire to have a life we enjoy. What is important to us shifts to wanting to be happy and bring happiness to the people we care about.
…letting go of other people’s opinions brings us more freedom and less sweating the small stuff.
Letting go of other people’s opinions brings us more freedom and less sweating the small stuff. Our confidence also makes us bolder and willing to explore new experiences.
3. Typically, we are better off financially
Our 50’s is when we hit our stride on the career front. We have years of experience, been promoted, and become confident in what we do and what we bring to the table for our employers. Americans typically have the highest incomes in the ages of 45-to-64 based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition to having the highest income they also save the most and have the highest spending levels.
When finances are good, it’s much easier to pursue happiness, feel good about yourself and spend money on experiences and activities that make you happy.
4. We are kinder and we understand ourselves and others more completely
As we navigate life, we encounter diverse situations and types of people that give us background and information to make better sense of events and people. Here’s some of what we’ve improved by the time we’ve gotten to our 50’s:
- Our emotional responses – we’ve learned to live with others peacefully
- Acceptance of our imperfection – we know that people mistakes, and it doesn’t end the world
- To forgive and forget
- Compassion and empathy have grown stronger, creating better relationships
All of this adds to greater positivity, less stress and feeling safer in our relationships and our lives.
To top it all off – you are single. You get to pursue what make you happy without compromise.
Being in your 50’s put you in the driver’s seat, being single lets you drive down the paths that interest you – no longer having to compromise. Take all these great qualities that are yours in abundance out for a spin. Try new things. Get out and get engaged in life; concerts, karaoke nights, sporting events – live or in a sports bar. Join a senior sports league, or a hiking club. Explore anything that makes you curious. Make having fun your number one goal. While you are out there, strike up conversations with strangers. Enjoy the trip – you’re in charge of the pit stops and the destinations!
