Once you hit that big 50, there are just some things that start to feel, well, a little ridiculous. We’re not talking about giving up your favorite hobbies or settling into a rocking chair on the porch. Nah, we mean those things that made total sense in our 20s and 30s but now just seem…off.
Sure, you’re still young at heart, but let’s be real – doing certain youthful things can make you feel silly or out of place at this stage of life.
This light-hearted list calls out 11 things that most of us are probably too old for after hitting the big 50.
1. Wearing Distressed Clothing
While ripped jeans and distressed t-shirts look cool on teenagers, they tend to look more distressed than trendy on someone over 50. At this stage, it’s better to embrace a more polished, put-together style.
2. Using Outdated Slang
Slang words and phrases come and go quickly these days. Trying to use the latest lingo often makes older folks sound out of touch. It’s better to stick to regular vocabulary that doesn’t accidentally make you sound like you’re trying too hard to be “hip.”
3. Attending Frat Parties
Wild college frat parties are for the young and irresponsible. After 50, those kinds of booze-fueled ragers will likely leave you with just a pounding headache and remorse instead of fun memories. Know when to opt for a calmer night instead.
4. Staying Up Past Midnight
Back in your 20s, you could easily stay up until the wee hours. But once you hit middle age, your internal clock starts demanding an earlier bedtime. Fighting this only leads to fatigue and grumpiness that’s best avoided.
5. Clubbing Every Weekend
When you’re older, the loud music, overpriced drinks, and crowds of 20-somethings at clubs stop being appealing. An occasional club night for a friend’s birthday could be fun, but making it a weekly habit is probably a bit much.
6. Falling for Get-Rich-Quick Schemes
Older and wiser, you know by now that there’s no such thing as truly effortless riches. Steer clear of any suspicious “great opportunity” that seems too good to be true – it probably is. Your 50s are for building real, sustainable wealth.
7. Relying on Parents for Money
Hopefully once you’ve made it to your 50s, you’ve achieved a level of financial independence and self-sufficiency. While your parents may have supported you and treated you to dinners and gifts when you were younger, frequently asking mom and dad for cash handouts as an able-bodied adult is a sign of immaturity.
8. Driving a Flashy Sports Car
Sure, you can technically afford that showy little two-seater, but do you really want to be known as the “midlife crisis” guy or gal? A sporty sedan allows you to embrace your youthful side while still being age-appropriate.
9. Binge-Watching Reality Shows
Guiltily indulging in a little reality TV is one thing, but letting your entire life revolve around shows about young people looking for love/fame is a bit silly at this stage. Try broadening your viewing horizons.
10. Neglecting Your Health
In your 20s, you could get away with a lot of poor health choices. But after 50, not taking care of yourself starts showing up in bigger ways like weight gain, stiff joints, and fatigue. Prioritize diet, exercise, and self-care.
11. Acting Impulsively Without Thinking
Growing older means having the patience and wisdom to think through decisions before acting on them. Frequent impulsive behavior at this stage of life can have bigger negative consequences personally and professionally.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, getting older means growing up and acting your age – at least most of the time. While you’re never too old to be young at heart, there are certain things that just don’t suit you anymore once you hit your 50s.
18 Boomer Phrases That Seriously Baffle Younger Generations
