We Asked: What would you tell your younger self about aging?

In each issue, we asked our readers to share their insights on a specific topic. This go-around, we received many thoughtful, candid responses from our newsletter and social media. We couldn’t fit everything here, but you can read more on our website at chicagocaregiving.com/question-aging. Read on, and then let us know your thoughts, or watch for our next question on social media and in our weekly newsletter.

Q: What would you tell your younger self about aging?

 

Plan to buy long-term care insurance. Forgo the best cars, best in home furnishing, and get future help. Without LTC policies, I could not afford my wife’s Alzheimer’s and vascular [memory] care facility memory care. I cannot do this alone with no family around. And even with family, help is difficult to come by.

—Mike, via Caregiving newsletter

 

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Take better care of your young body.

 —Barb D., via Caregiving newsletter

 

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From [the] youngest age, I told myself I would live my life to the fullest so when I was older there would be minimal regrets. I am forever grateful for this motto. Aging is natural, and from the time we are born, we are getting older. It is not anything to fear.

—Jane Bodine, licensed clinical professional counselor specializing in obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety

 

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While you think you are invincible, you are not! Take care of yourself now so you can have a great future for many years to come. This has to do with physical well-being, less worry, more authenticity, and time to breathe.

—Sheri Miller, via Caregiving newsletter

 

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It’s more difficult than you imagine. 

Save your money for that rainy day.

Don’t count on anyone to rescue you.

—Marianne Wolf-Astrauskas, Orland Park, Illinois

 

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Don’t take your vitality and strength for granted! Decline happens rapidly, so the more we pay attention to our fitness, nutrition, mental health, and life goals, the better the payoffs will be as we age. Take care of your future self! Also, time goes by in a blink. Don’t put off doing the things that bring you pleasure. Cherish loved ones and friends. Live life while you can!

—Leslie Abrahamson, regional director, Continuing Education Productions

 

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Aging is hard. I thought it might be easier to get older, but it’s not to me. It is very scary because it’s the unknown down the road.

—Margie Brandt, via Caregiving newsletter

 

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I would tell my younger self to use sunscreen and to eat healthier. I wish I had developed healthier habits when I was younger.

—Beth Comer, Westlake, Ohio

 

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Walk, exercise, move. You must keep moving. The saying ‘move it or lose it’ is so true.

—Mary Thayer, via Caregiving newsletter

 

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Originally published in the Summer/Fall 2025 print issue.