The 40 Greatest Regrets of Those in Their 70s and 80s: Some of Them You Can Fix Now
Life's journey is often filled with lessons learned too late. Studying common life regrets offers us a way to reflect on our own lives, helping us to prioritize what truly matters. Having spoken with hundreds of people in their 70s and 80s as we ghostwrite their memoirs, here are 40 common regrets shared by people in their golden years, each a lesson urging us to live more fully, love more deeply, and let go of what holds us back.
Note: If you've ever considered having someone write your memoir, Grandkids.com can help. Contact us: 1-800-296-8099 or fill out this contact form.
1. Not Spending Enough Time with Family
Reflecting on missed opportunities for time spent with family and friends, many regret prioritizing work or other less important activities over cherished relationships.
2. Not Expressing Feelings
3. Not Pursuing Dreams and Aspirations
Looking back, many regret not following their heart in careers, hobbies, or passions, leading to a sense of unfulfilled potential.4. Working Too Much
5. Not Traveling More
Wishing for more experiences in diverse cultures and places, many regret not stepping out of their comfort zone to explore the world.6. Neglecting Personal Health
7. Holding onto Grudges
The burden of unresolved conflicts and grudges leads many to wish they had chosen forgiveness and reconciliation.8. Not Being True to Themselves
Living by others' expectations rather than their own desires, many regret not embracing their true self and values.9. Not Taking Risks
Avoiding change or challenges often translates into regrets about missed opportunities and experiences.10. Not Learning More
Many wish they had pursued further education or learning opportunities, recognizing the value of lifelong learning later in life.11. Not Being a Better Parent or Partner
Reflecting on their roles in family relationships, many regret not being more present, understanding, and supportive.12. Not Saving Enough Money
13. Not Leaving a Legacy
The desire to be remembered positively or to leave a lasting impact leads many to regret not having taken steps to create a meaningful legacy. Be sure you and those around you leave a written legacy with a Leave a Legacy package.
Grandkids.com can help you capture your life story as a memoir, so your kids and grandkids can benefit from your wisdom for decades to come. If you're thinking about how you'll be remembered and you'd like to explore how we can write your family history and life story down for you, please contact us. Here are two easy ways:
1. You can call us right now (1-800-296-8099) and we'll gladly talk with you about what your goals are and how interviewing normally goes.
2. You can fill out this simple contact form and we'll reply to set up a time to talk:
14. Not Being More Charitable
Looking back, some wish they had contributed more to society or helped others more actively.
15. Not Enjoying Life
Getting too caught up in the day-to-day without making time for fun, relaxation, and joy leads to regrets about not fully embracing life.
16. Not Documenting Life Stories
Failing to record personal histories or stories for future generations is often a source of regret. Grandkids.com can help you (whether you have grandkids or not) capture these precious memories for your family.
If you're interested in Grandkids.com helping you capture your life story as a memoir, please contact us. Here are two easy ways:
1. Call us right now (1-800-296-8099) and we'll gladly talk with you about what your goals are and how interviewing normally goes.
2. Fill out this simple contact form and we'll reply to set up a time to talk.
17. Not Building a Stronger Community
Many regret not having been more involved in their community or social circles, missing out on the sense of belonging and contribution.
18. Neglecting Spiritual Life
Overlooking spiritual exploration or practice can lead to regrets about missing a deeper sense of purpose or connection.
19. Not Making Amends
The pain of unresolved conflicts with family or friends becomes more poignant, with many wishing they had reconciled differences.
20. Overlooking Simple Pleasures
Many come to realize too late the importance of appreciating the small joys and everyday moments in life.
21. Not Being More Adventurous
Avoiding new experiences due to fear or hesitation leads to regret about missed adventures and life experiences.
22. Not Embracing Every Moment
Failing to live in the present and appreciate the beauty of each moment leads to a realization that much of life was overlooked.
23. Not Staying in Touch
Losing touch with old friends and not rekindling those relationships is a common regret, as these connections are often irreplaceable.
24. Not Learning to Let Go
Holding onto past mistakes or regrets prevents living fully in the present and often leads to persistent dissatisfaction.
25. Not Being a Good Listener
Realizing the importance of truly listening to others, many regret not having been more attentive to those around them.
26. Not Taking Better Care of the Planet
Reflecting on environmental issues, some regret not being more conscious and active in protecting the earth.
27. Not Being More Patient and Kind
Understanding the value of kindness too late, many wish they had treated others with more patience and empathy.
28. Not Cultivating Self-Love and Acceptance
Regrets often include not accepting themselves as they are, leading to a life colored by unnecessary self-criticism.
29. Not Sharing Wisdom
Missing the opportunity to impart wisdom and guidance to younger generations is a regret, especially when realizing their experiences could have benefited others. The Grandkids.com Gold Leave a Legacy package can assist you in sharing your life's wisdom through a beautifully written memoir.
If you're interested in Grandkids.com helping you record your life story as a memoir, please contact us. Here are two easy ways:
1. Call us right now (1-800-296-8099) and we'll gladly talk with you about what your goals are and how interviewing normally goes.
2. Fill out this simple contact form and we'll reply to set up a time to talk.
30. Not Celebrating Achievements
Failing to acknowledge and celebrate their own successes leads many to feel they undervalued their accomplishments.
31. Not Embracing Change
Resisting change instead of adapting or embracing it often results in missed opportunities and a realization that change is an inevitable part of life.
32. Not Making Healthier Choices
Looking back, many regret lifestyle choices that negatively impacted their health and wellbeing.
33. Not Being More Open-Minded
Failing to embrace new ideas and perspectives leads to a realization that a more open-minded approach could have enriched their life experience.
34. Not Finding a Balance
Struggling to balance work, leisure, and family often leads to regrets about not having prioritized what truly mattered.
35. Not Being Grateful
Overlooking the good in their lives, many come to understand that a lack of gratitude prevented them from appreciating what they had.
36. Not Being More Involved in Their Children’s Lives
Reflecting on their role as parents, many regret not being more engaged and present during their children's formative years.
37. Not Pursuing Creative Passions
Neglecting creative interests or hobbies leads to regret about not exploring personal talents and passions.
38. Not Taking Time to Reflect
Many people realize that a better understanding of themselves—which is often gained, for example, through the reflective interviews in our Leave a Legacy packages—can result in a more fulfilled life. It's never too late to reflect on (and potentially learn from) the past.
If you'd like to reflect on your life with Grandkids.com's help, we can craft a contemplative memoir for you. Please contact us:
1. Call us right now (1-800-296-8099) and we'll gladly talk with you about what your goals are and how interviewing normally goes.
2. Fill out this simple contact form and we'll reply to set up a time to talk.
39. Not Building a Stronger Bond with Nature
Many regret not spending more time in nature, missing out on the peace and connection it can bring.
40. Not Living a Life of Integrity
Compromising personal values and integrity is a common regret, with many wishing they had consistently stood up for what they believed in.
This list serves as a poignant reminder to cherish every moment, pursue our passions, and live a life aligned with our deepest values. As someone who is interested in a life well-lived, it's crucial that you record your life story and values for family members who come after you. If you're interested in Grandkids.com helping you record your stories and wisdom in the form of a memoir, please contact us. Here are two easy ways:
1. Call us right now (1-800-296-8099) and we'll gladly talk with you about what your goals are and how interviewing normally goes.
2. Fill out this simple contact form and we'll reply to set up a time to talk.
