Can you think of one thing that gets easier as you get older

Like many others, I was very shy and am now confident to speak to people. Being retired with no alarm clock and knowing the pension will always be there is great. Having downsized, I can buy what I want (within reason).
Also being a widowed pensioner, I've been able to develop interests of my own without anyone else to consider and am enjoying living on my own.

That’s a great skill you’ve honed CanadianGran.
I wish I could say I didn’t fret over cooking for others. ?

Love all these responses...

I'll add one; cooking large meals. When I was younger my timing was always off. The meat was cooked, but potatoes still hard, or veg overcooked.

Now I can whip a holiday meal for a dozen or more with some well practiced and loved recipes, and everything landing on the table at the same time! If I do forget something, oh well, no need to fret.

crazyH, well done you, but you still dress clean and if you are now a slob, at least you're a clean slob.

In my experience I find that it's men who only take care of themselves if they have a female foot kicking their arse. But I'll say no more or I will get accused of being judgemental.

I used to always worry about how I looked - not any more. I dress clean, even if it's just clean jogging bottoms to go to the shops and with winter and lockdown, I could even wear my pyjamas under my coat, and knee high boots - bliss !!!!
No, I'm a SLOB !!!

I find it easier to take shortcuts and worry less about what other people think - so I don’t feel the need to clean the house from top to bottom when we have visitors (remember them?), cook a homemade meal from scratch, or iron every item of clothing. As someone else said I now realise that usually the only person judging me was me so I’ve learned to quiet that little voice and relax more. I’ve noticed that has a knock on effect and makes others relax more around me too.

I find it easier to accept what I am never going to do.

I used to feel that I ought to see the world, but money has always been a problem, so have never been able to travel. I've accepted that now.

I always wanted to drive an 18-wheeler, never had the money to learn, and, with my knees, I'd never get in to the cab! Accepted.

I've often wondered what it would be like to get drunk. I don't have to wonder any more, I can fall over on my own now, while still being stone cold sober! Accepted!

Whatever

I love listen g to wharever music I like without worrying whether or not it is 'cool' or up to date. When I was younger there was music I never would admit to liking for fear of what others might think of me. Not any more.

Having a lie in is a lot easier after you retire.

Naninka

I find it so much easier to gain weight! :-)

???

I find it so much easier to gain weight! :-)

As some people have said on another thread, talking to strangers.

After 30 years of raising children, I'm sure glad I don't have to find that kind of energy anymore. Loved it, but finally have most of my mind space to myself.

Nothing gets easier, as you age you deal with different issues

I agree with midgey
WAITING

So many things. From when I was working: waking naturally not pulled out of sleep by an alarm clock, no commute, no worry about redundancy. From when I was retired through ill health: a universal old age pension, a bus pass, not having to keep applying for sickness benefits with all the effort, the humiliation and the fear that involves. The kindness often shown to the visibly old rather than the hostility the invisibly disabled often meet. Having my husband at home as a companion and helper. Being able to do all sorts of things at off-peak times. Becoming more normal and the same as my age group. Few are working, many people are slowing down, there are lots of other people around in the daytime to do things with. I think I have maybe become a little kinder, more spiritual, more accepting, enjoying the natural world more, more loving. Of course loss increases also and eventually one loses everything, so accepting is an ongoing process but I think it’s easier to accept loss in age than when one is younger.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Not feeling I have to please other people all the time. I do what I want, I am comfortable in my own skin.

It was gradually learning to procrastinate for me. Think I've mastered it now! Still pretty active but I do what I want when I want. The only one who suffers is me if I don't do something 'desirable/necessary'. I still like to look/feel smart, though. A quick look in the full length mirror behind the front door requires a smile, wink and a nod before I exit. Yep that's my feel good factor, I guess. Usually in scruffs during the gardening season but tend to look a bit more respectable in the winter. Fatter though - ten jerseys!

It’s been lovely reading this thread as although I said I find it easier to talk to people, after reading all your comments, there’s lots of other things I now realise I’m better at too, now I’m older. I think I actually quite like myself now!!! One of the things i’m Better at is diplomacy. I realise I was very undiplomatic in my 20’s, 30’s and beyond and I often reproach myself for that. I’ve learned the hard way! Also I will treat myself a bit more now. I have a bit more money and I don’t feel I have to justify myself quite so much. There are some merits to growing older after all!

WOW! Just logged on and wasn't expecting to see such a huge response. I'm pretty new here and I've got to say it's been lovely to read all of your comments. It's good to see some positivity in these troubled times.

I'll add another one of my own. Nodding off in my chair has certainly become easier. When I was in my 20's and 30's with kids I could go all day or night with only 2-3 hours sleep. Now I'm in my 60's I'll usually doze off for a bit if I sit down for too long and I'm normally wanting my bed by 11pm. It's safe to say my partying days are certainly over haha.

Saying ‘No’ to people ...especially my husband !

No worrying about having no money at all and no idea where to get any.

Phew!

Being content with my body shape. My chest is too big - I'm past caring. My legs will never be long and slim. My Covid stone is definitely here to stay. So be it. And saying No.