Welp I'm 50 years old now. Sometimes I reflect on what I would have done differently in my 20's or 30's "if I knew then what I know now."

So it begs a good question from you guys in your 60's or 70's or better: what would you do differently 20 years ago? What did you do right that you'd recommend?

I reached 1/2 century earlier this year. I'm interested in the advice.

Plan for retirement, or a better way to think of it -- financial independence from your paycheck.

Don't put off any major decisions (relationships, where to live, job)--you have much more energy and focus in your 50's.

Stay in shape, or get there if you are not. I'm 54. You will begin to notice a decline in strength, flexibility and endurance during your 50s that you could ignore when you were in your 40s.

Staying active, eating a moderate diet, and paying attention to your weight and fitness will pay dividends.

Covid (and a lack of discipline) has me fat and out of the gym for 7 months now. I'm dreading how its going to feel getting back in shape.

If I could do my 50's again, I'd do my 30's instead. They were a lot more fun!

I'm in my 50's. I want my 30's back.

Edit: Apparently the Architect and I think alike, and have similar timing

My 50's were fine. I'd have to change my 20's to enjoy my 50's more.

I would have done a better job of retaining the physical condition I was in when I turned 50. I am better off than most of my peers 24 years later, but not as good as I could have been.

Just turned 53. I’m preparing for retirement, have a goal to be in best shape of my life, be healthy and NO INJURIES. I have always done some extreme type stuff my life and have the orthopedic injuries to show for it. For example, a year ago I bought a one wheel. After a few rides reconsidered and gave it to my son. I no longer skateboard, wear a helmet when riding a bike. My exercise has shifted to non impact - I paddleboard, elliptical, don’t run and lift with a goal for lean flexible strength. Added Yoga.

Myself aside - my 50s are time for my family. As busy as work is, my wife (Met 33 years ago last week) and my two kids are the most important thing. And they deserve my time, patience and parenting. Same with my parents who are mid-70s. They are in great shape but won’t be here forever.

Do things now you always wanted to try but put off - for example working on my pilot’s license. Take trips with kids and wife you may have done alone, i.e. long range fishing with my son. Drive your life in your 50s, don’t let life drive you.

Because you’re in better physical condition in your 50s, take advantage and check off the big physical accomplishments on your bucket list.

Stay in shape! I'm 59 and I spent my 50s on this forum! Injuries and surgeries have knocked me back, but I'm trying my best to stay in shape.

I'm 70. Hit the gym 3 times a week and still work full-time. Stay in shape and keep moving. In my 50's, I was REALLY active. Now, not so much. Balance issues have curtailed some exercises (skating, bicycle riding) but I still hike on occasion in the White Mountains. My knees don't allow any more running..... God, it's tough to get old! Enjoy your 50's!!!!!

If you aren't already on track for retirement savings address that asap. Physically, as others have said stay in shape and do physically challenging goals while you still can.

I wanted my Mom to move out here from NJ so we could take care of her far easier than 2500 miles away. Wanted to sell her home in NJ, use the funds to build her a house in the front field.

She didn't want to leave her friends (ALL dead now) etc, So I didn't push it. NOW I wish I had.

She's 94 now and a real concern.


Really my only regret.

My 50's went pretty well. By then I'd quit drinking, was in decent shape, was making okay money doing something I enjoyed more often than not and consciously working a retirement plan.

If I could have a do-over, it'd be my 30's. Most of the really serious mistakes I've made in my life were made in my 30's.

I'd listen to those old farts that kept saying "don't pick that up it's too heavy -- let me help". Don't pull / push it's too heavy -- you'll be sorry when you get old".

Now I'M ONE OF THOSE old farts telling the kids that worked with me Don't ........

Tinyman

If I could do my 50s again.
I'd quit smoking.
I would move to where I want to die.
I'd turn off the internet.
I quit smoking @ 60.
I haven't moved, yet.
My days on the internet will stop on my 66th Birthday.
This December.
I planned to live to 30, it has been a blast since then and I am
financially prepared because I prepared to die and take care of my kids.
They don't need the $ , so I can blow it!

If you have a dream... do it.

Silent

Learn the word no, and use it more often. Can ya help me move this couch?.......Better investments .

For sure health and finances. All that bullshit you shook off of physically in your teens+ years comes around and visits you with a vengeance in your 50’s. Take care of your teeth and any dental. They are useful in your 60’s plus years. Obviously, YMMV.