10 Things People Over 50 Understand Better Than Anyone Else (2 of 6)

2. Meaningful connections matter

When you were young, you might have aspired to be popular and accumulate as many friends as possible. An active social life where you were out and about every Friday and Saturday night mattered. But in your 50s, you’ve reached the stage where it isn’t about quantity, it’s quality. It’s about meeting up with a friend over a cup of coffee, or taking your kids to a football game. The bonds you form with a select group of people are one of the primary keys to happiness.

3. Experience (including mistakes!) leads to wisdom

Those in their 50s don’t pretend they have all of the answers, but thanks to three decades of work under their belt, having raised children, and overcoming obstacles time and time again, they’ve acquired plenty of wisdom that they’re willing to share with others. At this age, you discover that the mistakes you make provide you with lessons that are far more valuable than anything you find in a textbook.