These 9 unexpected joys sneak up on you as you age—and they’re awesome

Remember when staying up all night and eating sugary cereal felt like the pinnacle of all things joyous? As we grow older, our tastes and priorities tend to shift. What used to excite us might now leave us feeling drained, and things we once considered boring can blossom into unexpected joys.

A question posed to AskReddit thread u/mysticalscorpion1 beautifully illustrates this phenomenon. They asked "What are you starting to like more as you get older?" and it ignited a fascinating conversation about life's unexpected perks.

Here are some of the common themes that emerged:

One of the most recurring answers expressed a newfound appreciation for quiet. So many reflected that it was now seen as a precious commodity—a chance to recharge, reflect, and simply be. As u/QuietIsKey put it, silence "used to be something I actively avoided. Now, I crave it."

In that same vein, there was also much discussion about discovering the joy of doing absolutely nothing. In our fast-paced world, being busy is often equated with success. But as we mature, many of us long for the permission to relax. u/LazyLizard77 shared that "being unproductive…used to make me feel so guilty. Now, I can chill on the couch and not feel bad about it."

Many appreciated the clarity and vitality that comes from learning how to set boundaries. u/BoundaryBoss explained, "I used to feel bad saying no to people. Now, I prioritize my time and energy for the things that matter."

Spending time in nature was another unexpected perk of aging. u/NatureLover4Life raved about rediscovering the beauty of the outdoors. "Hiking, gardening, just being outside – it's like therapy," they shared. There’s something undeniably rejuvenating about connecting with the natural world.

Several folks noted how much more pleasurable the simple pleasures could be now that they were older. These small moments of peace and contentment can be incredibly fulfilling. For example, u/CoffeeAndBooks shared their love for morning routines. "A good cup of coffee, a quiet morning, and a good book. It's the little things," they said.

The need for speed takes a backseat as we mature—which, according to some, is a great thing, since slowing down allows us to savor life's experiences rather than simply rushing through them.. u/JustRelaxNow said, "I used to feel like I always had to be somewhere or doing something. Now I can just enjoy the moment."

People also shared that age has changed their outlook on making mistakes. Rather than dreading or dwelling on them, many have learned to appreciate them as valuable life lessons. u/LearnedMyLesson shared, "I used to beat myself up over every misstep. Now I see them as opportunities to grow."

User u/PutMeFirst championed the importance of self-care. "Saying no to things that drain my energy. I used to feel obligated to do everything for everyone. Now I take care of myself first."

Evenings at home take on a whole new meaning, some people reflected. u/CozyNightsIn said, "I used to think they were boring, but now I love quiet evenings at home." Honestly, we can thank not only growing older for this, but a pandemic lockdown that really taught us to find peace in not going out all the time.

Last but not least, many noted that even mundane chores have become surprisingly enjoyable. u/DishesAreTherapeutic revealed, "Washing the dishes. Weird, I know, but it's a strangely meditative task for me."

Aging isn’t about losing things; it's about gaining a new perspective. Growing older is indeed a blessing, with so many wondrous ideas, passions, hobbies and ways of being waiting to be discovered. So, the next time you find yourself longing for the "good old days," remember, the best might still be ahead.

Let's celebrate the journey of life, one unexpected pleasure at a time.

This article was originally published on July 30, 2024. It has since been updated.