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Older adults share their advice for aging well

Most prioritize health, plan finances, and cherish life

Updated:

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By:
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Mark Huffman
Reporter

Mark Huffman has covered consumer issues since 2004, with a special focus on protecting and empowering older adults. A former news correspondent for the Associated Press Radio Network, Westwood One, and ConsumerAffairs, Mark brings decades of journalistic experience to RetirementLiving.com. He is passionate about giving consumers a voice and helping them make informed decisions. Mark has also created educational content, including Senior Scam Alert, a video resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud. He holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and lives with his family in Richmond, Virginia.
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Key Insights

  • Half of older Americans say the best preparation for aging is prioritizing health — from diet to exercise to routine checkups.
  • More than one-third advise younger generations to focus on financial planning, with some urging early and strategic investing.
  • A quarter emphasize mindset: enjoying life, practicing gratitude, and staying true to oneself.

In a new national survey exploring how Americans perceive and experience aging, older adults offered a clear message to younger generations: prepare early — for your body, your wallet and your outlook on life.

The findings come from a broad survey of 8,750 U.S. adults, including 2,582 respondents ages 65 and older who were asked a simple but revealing question: “Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give to younger people to help them prepare for getting older?”

Their open-ended answers were later categorized into major themes, painting a detailed picture of what matters most in the long run.

Health: The cornerstone of aging well

Nearly half (49%) of older Americans said their top piece of advice revolves around health. Their suggestions included maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising consistently, and staying on top of medical care.

Women were especially likely to stress health — 52% did so, compared with 46% of men.

For many, physical well-being wasn’t just practical advice; it was something they wished they had understood earlier.

Finances: A close second in aging concerns

The second-most common theme was financial guidance, mentioned by 37% of respondents. While some simply urged younger adults to save money, others provided more specific recommendations about smart investing and long-term planning.

Their emphasis on financial readiness mirrors a broader anxiety among younger adults: when Americans under 65 think about life in their 70s and beyond, health and financial stability top their list of worries.

Mindset and life outlook

About a quarter (24%) of older respondents encouraged younger people to cultivate a healthy mindset — to enjoy life, appreciate each moment, and approach aging with gratitude. This category also included broader life advice, such as being independent, staying true to oneself, and helping others.

The thematic focus suggests that emotional resilience and perspective are considered just as important as physical and financial preparation.

Other advice

Smaller but meaningful shares of older adults emphasized additional areas of life:

  • Relationships (11%) — building strong families, nurturing friendships, and staying socially connected.
  • Activities (8%) — pursuing hobbies, volunteer work, and, for 2%, specifically traveling while they are still able.
  • Work (8%) — maintaining a fulfilling job or strong work ethic.
  • Religious faith (7%) — attending church, praying, and living a spiritual life.

Collectively, these insights offer a multidimensional view of what older Americans believe truly matters over a lifetime.

Aging worries reflect the same outlook

Notably, the advice from older adults closely matches what younger Americans already fear: deteriorating health and financial instability. For many, the survey underscores a generational consensus on the most pressing concerns of aging — and the kinds of preparation that may help ease those future burdens.

As America continues to live longer and rethink what it means to age, the voices of older adults offer both caution and optimism: invest in your body, secure your finances, and make room for joy, connection, and gratitude along the way.