Retirees Share Top 40 Pearls of Wisdom With Our Younger Generations
Retired Brits have revealed their top 40 ‘pearls of wisdom’ to pass on to younger generations, including saying “I love you” more often, and being confident in your own skin.
The poll of 1,000 retired adults also advised young people never to compare themselves to others—and to phone their family once a week.
Others warned the younger ones to enjoy their youth, exercise more often, and to step outside of their comfort zone.
The questionnaire found 67% of retirees do have regrets—such as not traveling the world (44%), worrying what other people thought (43%), and not keeping physically fit (40%).
A spokesman from Voltarol, which commissioned the poll, said: “It’s certainly been interesting to see the insight and wisdom the older generation would pass on to the youth of today.
“Much of the insight revolves around enjoying life, respecting others, and being the best you can be, which I’m sure most would agree with.
“It was particularly fascinating to see how the older generation would recommend appreciating your younger body, and wishing they’d kept physically fit.”
The poll also found that when casting their minds back to their childhood years, older retirees miss hot summers (37%, playing outside until the streetlights came on (36%), and family holidays (30%).
The study also revealed retirees would like to pass on more practical advice such as getting on a company pension scheme, saving for your retirement in your twenties, and investing in property.
Regardless of ability, 89% said they might be old, but they’re young at heart.
And one in 10 have tried yoga or tai chi since retiring, 23% have gone to concerts, and 29% have taken on a community garden plot—showing there’s always time to take on new hobbies and interests.
TOP 40 TIPS RETIRED BRITS WOULD GIVE TO YOUNGER GENERATIONS
- Treat others how you’d like to be treated yourself
- Manners don’t cost a thing
- Always try your best
- Accept a company pension scheme if offered
- Don’t spend all your time on social media and live in the real world
- Start saving for retirement in your twenties
- Don’t take anything for granted
- You don’t have to go to university for a successful career
- Hold onto those closest to you
- Be confident in your own skin
- Respect your elders
- Enjoy your youth
- Never give up
- Do what makes you happy
- Family comes first
- Don’t waste your time on jealousy
- Don’t compare yourself to others
- Don’t go to sleep on an argument
- Invest in a property
- Phone your parents every week
- Say I love you more
- Don’t have any regrets
- Don’t sweat about the small stuff
- Spend more time outside
- Exercise more often
- Never go to bed angry
- Laugh more at everything
- Be more patient
- Be more confident
- If you don’t ask, you don’t get
- Don’t compare your style to others
- Appreciate your younger body
- Try something new
- Don’t take things personally
- Spend more time with children
- Step outside your comfort zone
- Don’t overindulge
- Phone your grandparents every week
- Remember the compliments you receive
- Less is more
