The idea that as you get older, you suddenly lose all the qualities and interests that made you fun and gave you personality in spades is ridiculous.
You don’t turn 50, 60, or even 70 and wake up one morning thinking, “I think I’ll become a totally different person!” and start walking with a cane or prioritising “your programs” over talking to friends. In other words, you don’t have to start liking things that bore you to tears just because you’re getting up there in years.
1. Golf isn’t suddenly going to become thrilling.
Just because you’ve hit a certain age doesn’t mean you have to find joy in whacking a tiny ball across manicured lawns. If the idea of spending hours following a white speck around still sounds like watching paint dry, that’s totally fine. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the outdoors or network with colleagues that don’t involve debating the merits of different putters.
2. Classical music doesn’t have to be your jam.
If Mozart still sounds like fancy lift music to you, don’t sweat it. Your taste in tunes doesn’t need to ‘mature’ just because you’re getting older. Blast that pop, rock, hip-hop, or whatever gets your feet tapping. Music is about what moves you, not what society thinks should move you at a certain age.
3. You don’t have to start drinking whisky neat.
Sipping on straight whisky doesn’t automatically make you more sophisticated. If you still prefer your drinks fruity, frozen, or with a little umbrella, go for it. Your taste buds don’t have an age limit, and there’s no rule that says growing up means giving up the drinks you actually enjoy. Cheers to drinking what makes you happy, not what makes you look ‘mature’.
4. Gardening isn’t a mandatory hobby.
If the idea of spending your weekends knee-deep in mulch sounds like torture, you’re not alone. Gardening can be rewarding, sure, but it’s not for everyone. Don’t feel pressured to develop a green thumb just because you’re getting older. There are plenty of other hobbies that don’t involve battling weeds or talking to plants.
5. You don’t have to start enjoying documentaries.
Just because you’re older doesn’t mean every film you watch needs to be educational. If you still prefer action flicks, rom-coms, or sci-fi over documentaries, that’s perfectly fine. Learning is great, but so is entertainment. Your movie nights don’t need to turn into history lessons unless you want them to.
6. Crossword puzzles aren’t the only brain exercise.
If staring at little black and white squares trying to figure out a five-letter word for ‘annoyance’ (hint: it’s ‘peeve’) isn’t your idea of fun, don’t force it. There are tons of ways to keep your brain sharp that don’t involve obscure words and puns. Video games, sudoku, or even learning a new skill can be just as effective and way more enjoyable if crosswords aren’t your thing.
7. You don’t have to start liking jazz.
If jazz still sounds like musical chaos to you, don’t worry about it. Appreciating complex improvisation and syncopated rhythms isn’t a requirement for adulthood. Stick with the music that makes you want to dance, sing along, or just feels good. Your playlist doesn’t need to get more ‘sophisticated’ as you age.
8. Early mornings don’t have to become your thing.
The idea that growing up means loving the crack of dawn is a myth. If you’re still a night owl, embrace it. Productivity and age aren’t tied to when you wake up. As long as you’re managing your responsibilities, it doesn’t matter if you’re up with the birds or burning the midnight oil.
9. You don’t have to develop a taste for fine wines.
If you can’t tell the difference between a Merlot and a Pinot Noir, and you don’t really care to learn, that’s okay. Wine tasting doesn’t have to become your new hobby just because you’re older. If you prefer beer, cocktails, or even good old water, stick with what you like. Your drink choice doesn’t define your maturity.
10. Antique shopping doesn’t have to excite you.
The idea of spending a Saturday rummaging through old stuff might not be your cup of tea, and that’s fine. You don’t need to suddenly develop a passion for vintage finds or start decorating your home with relics from the past. If modern is more your style, stick with it. Your home should reflect you, not some idea of what an ‘adult’ home should look like.
11. You don’t have to start enjoying talk radio.
If the idea of listening to people debate politics or discuss current events for hours on end sounds mind-numbing, you’re not alone. It’s okay if you still prefer music, podcasts, or even silence during your commute. Being informed is important, but how you get your information is up to you.
12. Dinner parties don’t have to be your scene.
The thought of hosting formal dinners or attending them doesn’t have to fill you with joy just because you’re older. If you prefer casual hangouts, potlucks, or even solo Netflix nights, that’s totally fine. Your social life should be about what makes you comfortable and happy, not what you think adults are ‘supposed’ to do.
13. You don’t have to start enjoying museums.
If wandering through quiet halls looking at old artefacts or abstract art still isn’t your idea of a fun day out, don’t force it. Appreciating history and art is great, but it’s not a requirement for being a grown-up. Find activities that genuinely interest you, whether that’s amusement parks, sports events, or just chilling in a park.
14. Cruises don’t have to be your ideal holiday.
The idea of being stuck on a floating hotel with thousands of strangers might not appeal to you, and that’s okay. You don’t need to suddenly love the idea of cruise ships just because you’re getting older. If you prefer active adventures, city explorations, or even staycations, go for it. Your perfect holiday is whatever makes you happy and relaxed.
15. You don’t have to start enjoying shopping for home appliances.
If the thought of spending hours comparing washing machines or debating the merits of different vacuum cleaners sounds about as exciting as watching grass grow, you’re not alone. It’s okay if you still don’t get a thrill from homeware shopping. Adulting doesn’t mean you have to suddenly find joy in picking out the perfect toaster. As long as your home functions, how you furnish it (and how much you enjoy the process) is entirely up to you.
