Things You Wish You Knew Before You Hit 50: A Woman's Guide
Ah, the big 5-0. By now, you’ve probably figured out how to adult with reasonable success. You’ve managed bills, jobs, family dramas, and maybe even remembered to water that one plant. Yet, life still finds ways to surprise you. So, if you’re cruising towards 50 or already there, here’s a light-hearted but essential guide on what you might wish you’d known earlier.
1. Gravity is Not Your Friend
Let’s just say Mother Nature starts redecorating your body once you hit middle age. Everything heads south – face, bum, and yes, even your knees. Invest in good skincare and bras that could double as suspension bridges. Also, stop squinting in the mirror to find wrinkles. They’re there. Just wear them like badges of honour.
2. Your Memory Has a Sense of Humour
By 50, you’ll develop a special skill: walking into a room and immediately forgetting why you’re there. Embrace lists. For everything. Grocery shopping, holiday packing, or remembering why you opened the fridge in the first place. Sticky notes and phone reminders are your new best friends.
3. Your Back Will Sound Like a Bowl of Rice Krispies
Once upon a time, you could do cartwheels without a care. Now, you sneeze too hard and your back goes out for a week. Stretching is your secret weapon. Do it daily. And invest in a heating pad because that thing will become your soulmate.
4. No One Knows What They’re Doing, Even at 50
Remember how you assumed adults had life figured out? Turns out, they were winging it all along. The trick is confidence and, if that fails, nodding wisely. No one will question your authority if you appear thoughtful while sipping a cup of tea.
5. Friendships Become Selective - Like Fine Wine
By 50, you stop putting up with nonsense. Friendships become about quality over quantity. That one friend who talks about themselves non-stop? Ghost them (politely, of course). Focus on people who make you laugh until you cry or share cake without hesitation.
6. Financial Wisdom Actually Matters
In your twenties, impulse spending was fun. By 50, you realise that those £30 novelty mugs add up. Save, invest, and ditch the junk purchases. (Yes, this includes that juice cleanse machine you used once.) And if you haven’t started a pension yet, the time to panic is now.
7. Health Checks Are Not Optional
Get comfortable with annual health screenings because your body needs a tune-up just like your car. Cholesterol, blood pressure, and mammograms may not sound exciting, but early detection is everything. Plus, you’ll get bragging rights for being responsible.
8. You Don’t Have to Please Everyone
By 50, it’s liberating to stop giving a hoot. Wear what you want. Dance badly at weddings. Say no to things that drain you. Life’s too short for uncomfortable shoes and boring social events.
9. Self-Care is Mandatory
Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish - it’s survival. Whether it’s long walks, bubble baths or finally learning how to meditate without falling asleep, do what makes you happy.
10. Ageing is a Privilege
Lastly, remember that hitting 50 is something to celebrate. You’ve lived, learned, and laughed a lot (hopefully). Ageing isn’t about fading away - it’s about showing up with all your quirks, wisdom and bad dance moves. Own it.
So, here’s to 50 and beyond: a glorious mix of wrinkles, wisdom and never remembering where you left your glasses. Cheers!
Features
