Alex Buscemi
Somewhere along the way, people start realizing that all those so-called “old person” habits are actually just brilliant life hacks.
Whether it’s prioritizing comfort over fashion or eating an early dinner, these small changes are making people’s lives way better.
Reddit users have been sharing the habits they’ve picked up that scream “senior citizen”—but in the best way possible.
Turns out, slowing down, embracing routine, and making life as cozy as possible isn’t just for retirees.
If you’ve ever caught yourself grumbling about loud music, getting excited about a good grocery deal, or bringing a jacket “just in case,” congratulations—you might be entering your “old person” era.
Scroll on for the best responses.
1.
Lap blankets. I got a heated blanket last year for Christmas (for myself), and it’s amazing. I don’t have to switch out the blankets by which one is warmer, I can just set the blanket to whatever heat level is right and I’ll be toasty.
2.
Taking my shoes off at the door and stepping straight into my slippers.
3.
Not caring about my looks or body image! I still struggle with that, especially in the culture we live in, but since I hit 50, I just care so much less! I’m definitely not going to judge my worth based on what someone else thinks.
4.
Ignoring the clock, eating when I’m hungry, sleeping when I’m tired.
5.
Moderate breakfast, moderate lunch (avoid food comas) and light dinner for better sleep.
6.
I enjoy spending time in a peaceful and quiet home instead of partying.
7.
Comfy pants. Comfy shoes. Life’s too short for uncomfortable pants and shoes.
8.
I’ve been eating dinner earlier. Gotta give food a chance to properly digest before bed.
9.
I carry paper printouts on my vacation itineraries. As someone with a common name it helps if I have the confirmation number handy. Having a piece of paper with the information for my flight/hotel/rental car means I don’t need my phone.
10.
I keep a place for everything and everything in its place. If I bring in something new, something older goes. Makes you think before buying and clutter way down.
11.
All weekend errands are done before noon to beat the crowds. If I can’t get there before then, I’ll wait.
12.
I won’t buy any clothing that doesn’t have a little bit of stretch. I accidentally bought a denim jacket without, and had to get rid of it because it made me feel claustrophobic. I wonder how I ever tolerated all the “cute but uncomfortable” outfits I used to wear.
13.
Going to eat at a nice restaurant at the reasonable, non-busy hour of 4:30 p.m.
14.
I turn the closed captioning on anything I watch on TV.
15.
Abiding by the idea that there’s always room for ice cream, at least according to all my grandparents.
16.
Wanting to stay home and having people come to me.
17.
Carrying ibuprofen in my purse always. You never know when one might need it.
18.
An older woman recommended flipping the garbage bags inside out so the seam is on the inside and your garbage bags won’t rip open as often. I still put my garbage in like this years later.
19.
Starting to understand that not everything needs to be rushed. I’ll get there when I get there.
20.
I got into knitting last year, and now I’m like, ok I get the appeal now. I recently started trying crochet, too.
21.
Going out with my husband for lunch instead of dinner. No overly stuffed belly before bed, can get in your PJs and relax at night and talk about the lovely lunch, and you can enjoy the views or gardens at the pub or restaurant.
22.
Afternoon naps. Getting home, hopping in a quick shower to wash the grime of the day off, and laying down for a quick half hour to hour nap, leaves me energized and refreshed for all my afternoon/evening stuff. And I’ve found it means I need less sleep at night to feel refreshed, by at least one to two hours, so its actually a net-positive on the rest-to-sleep ratio.