As you get older, there are a few things that people recommend you not to do. Some for good reason and others not. Here are 18 things that people over the age of 60 are commonly told they should not be doing.
Start Their Own Business
It’s assumed that once you get to 60, you should be winding down and preparing for retirement, not starting an entirely new business. However, those over 60 are likely to be financially secure, making the venture far less of a risk. As suggested in The Telegraph, older people have the skills and experience to make their business a success.
Keep Up With Technology
Technology has been advancing at its fastest rate ever since the turn of the 21st century, with new, unprecedented inventions hitting the shelves each year. It’s often seen as a young person’s world, but that should never stop those over 60 from keeping up with new releases.
Gaming
Playing video games tends to be thought of as a childish pastime, but it has been proven to offer benefits to those approaching older age. A study by the National Library of Medicine reports that playing video games consistently can improve cognitive function in older adults.
Have a Social Media Account
Social media is undoubtedly dominated by younger people, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed by the more mature population. It’s a great place to connect with other like-minded people who are of a similar age group and form genuine relationships.
Gym Workouts
Over-60s are rarely the main demographic seen at the gym participating in rigorous physical workouts, but that doesn’t mean they should shy away from it. Physical wellness can sharpen the mind and keep the body healthy and in good condition.
Find Love
Love over 60 can be just as exciting as when you’re in your 20s, as the part of the brain that responds to feelings of love isn’t harmed over the years. Companionship in older age is also important, as according to USA Today, loneliness increases the chance of premature death by 29%.
Learn New Things
As you head into your 60s, it’s important to remember that your learning days are not behind you, and you can always keep enriching your brain. This doesn’t have to be academic learning, but instead can involve taking part in hobby classes such as arts and crafts.
Have Pets
Owning a pet can help to give you a sense of purpose into older age, especially once you have retired. They give you a reason to leave the house and stick to a routine, as well as keeping you company if you are living alone.
Embrace New Fashion
Older people who aren’t afraid to don today’s fashion should not be looked down upon but instead celebrated. With a heightened sense of self and a lack of fear of other people’s judgments, those over 60 pull off eccentric looks better than most.
Enjoy Nightlife
Being in your 60s doesn’t mean that you have to be in bed by 21:00 every night, as there is appropriate nightlife to be found for all ages. Whether it be a pub, a bar, or a restaurant, there are always places to go that are accommodating of older people.
Travel
You may have seen more of the world than someone with fewer years to their name, but there are always new places to explore. Older age offers you more free time and more financial security, meaning you have an opportunity to travel to further flung places.
Learn a Language
People are often told that when they are over 60, the chances of them being able to learn a language are very low. It is definitely harder to learn a language at such an age than it was when you were a child, but it’s far from impossible.
Learn an Instrument
It’s never too late to learn a musical instrument, and while frustrating at the start, it’s one of the most rewarding things that anyone can do with their time. It’s also great for helping to keep the brain stimulated as you move into retirement.
Buy Their Dream Car
There are a handful of people who would try to talk a 60+ year old out of buying the car they have dreamed of purchasing for half their life. However, sometimes you just have to go with your heart. After all, it may be something you regret once you get to an age where you can no longer drive.
Change Career
It’s not common that a person over 60 will feel the need to change careers, but it can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. If you have worked in roles that involve physical exertion, it could be sensible to switch to a less physically demanding role.
Play Sports
While the chances of becoming an Olympic-standard athlete will be no more in your 60s, there is still a lot of fun to be had from taking part in competitive sports. As well as being healthy for your body, it is a good opportunity to socialize and stimulate the brain.
Run a Marathon
Completing a marathon is a wonderful achievement that isn’t restricted to those in their physical peak. Many marathon races will have categories for older people, and, as per The Guardian, long-distance running is scientifically beneficial to older men and women.
Go to Concerts
As concert venues often become overcrowded and filled with boisterous young people, those over 60 are often told to stay away. This shouldn’t be the case, however, as many venues are accommodating to older people, with seated areas separated from densely packed crowds.
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