In a world overflowing with life advice, it can be hard to separate genuine wisdom from all the noise. Sahil Bloom, a writer and investor, took a refreshingly simple approach—he asked the elderly.
One of the recurring themes in the thread was not to sweat the small stuff. The seniors emphasized that too much energy is wasted on things that ultimately do not matter. Instead, they suggested focusing on the big picture and enjoying life to the fullest.
Another piece of advice was to be deliberate about the people you surround yourself with. The elderly individuals stressed the importance of choosing friends and loved ones who lift you up and inspire you, rather than those who bring you down.
The concept of "living in the present" was also emphasized by the 90-year-olds. They urged younger people to seize the moment and not put off things they can do today for tomorrow. Time is precious and it should be spent doing the things that make us happy.
The older folks stressed the importance of taking responsibility for our actions too. While we cannot control others, we have the power to control our own actions. Doing the right thing is not always easy, but it is essential to living a life free of regret.
Ultimately, the elderly individuals' advice can be distilled into one simple message: enjoy life to the fullest for as long as you can. We often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and forget to appreciate the little things we have. Taking time to slow down and enjoy the moment is crucial to living a fulfilling life.
Sahil Bloom's X thread on life lessons from 90-year-olds provides valuable insights that can be applied to anyone's life, and those insights align with actual research. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Health Care and Research interviewed seniors aged 60 to 94, and among their most repeated advice was to be kind even when it’s hard, stay close to people who lift you up, and don’t let fear stop you from growing. The researchers also found that most regrets had little to do with success or failure — they were about things left unsaid, relationships neglected, and chances never taken. By shedding fear, avoiding regret, and making the world a better place, we can all live life to the fullest.
This article originally appeared 2 years ago.