21 things you're never too old for

Posted on Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Elderly woman wearing red bathing top splashing in water

It can be hard trying to navigate through the silent but implied age restrictions that society puts on things.

Simply typing ‘am I too old’ in Google will enlighten you on the things we worry are no longer age-appropriate, like long hair, study, Doc Martens and dating apps.

According to us, the answer to all those search questions is no. Because nobody can tell you you’re too old for something – except for you of course.

Here are 21 examples of things you’ll never be ‘too old’ for.

1. Amusement Parks

Walt Disney quote on light blue background with ferris wheel

There is such a thing as being too short for a ride, but there’s no such thing as being ‘too old’ for a ride.

Whether you’re thrill-seeking or chill-seeking, there’s plenty to see and do no matter how old you are.

Plus, at amusement parks like Adventure World, seniors pay a fraction of the price that kids and adults do!

2. Emoji

Picture of a person with a laughing out loud emoji face

These days, a simple emoji can say it all.

We can all appreciate the convenience of a universal language, and with more and more over 55s flocking to Facebook, we’d better get used to seeing them.

3. Animation

Just because you’re no spring chicken anymore, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Chicken Run.

Whether it’s black and white nostalgia or 21st century CGI, animation is for everyone. And just because something is animated, doesn’t mean it lacks meaning (like the cautionary environmental message in Wall-E).  

4. Colouring Books

Coloured pencils

The adult colouring book market has blossomed over the last few years, and for good reason.

Colouring can help you find your flow – the state where you’re so absorbed in an activity, that stress and lingering worries take a back seat.

5. Fashion

Iris Apfel quote with elderly lady wearing large glasses

As the legendary Iris Apfel implies, why shouldn’t we keep dressing to impress?

While you might prefer to dress ‘age-appropriately’, that doesn’t mean new fashion trends are out of the question. At the end of the day, confidence is always in style.

6. Christmas

Counting down the days already?

If you loved Christmas as a kid, chances are you still do. What’s not to love about fun times and festive food?

7. A Convertible

A close up of the back of the heads of an elderly couple with gray hair sitting in a convertible

There’s no greater feeling than riding round town with the top down.

Forget the mid-life crisis stereotype – if your days of being taxi driver to the kids are done, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the air in your hair.

8. Fairy Bread

Six slices of fairy bread with two small Australian flags on a red plate and napkin

Ok, so there might not be a lot in the way of nutritional content, but all in moderation!

Fairy bread has been a staple at Aussie kids’ parties since the 1920s, evoking hundreds and thousands of fond childhood memories.

9. Exercise

Three elderly people riding pushbiks along a river

It’s never too late to invest in your wellbeing.

In fact, even if you’ve never been one for exercise, taking it up later in life can still have a significant impact on your longevity.

So don’t just leave the dumbbells and treadmills to the twenty-somethings – be active now so you can stay active later. Any exercise is better than no exercise, so treat your daily dog walk or gardening routine as the perfect opportunity to get your heart rate up.

READ >> 5 reasons to keep walking as you get older

10. Blowing Bubbles

Elderly lady in pink shirt blowing bubbles

There’s something so satisfying about watching liquidy bubbles get carried away by the breeze… then burst and disappear just like that.

While bubble blowing is a favourite pastime of curious kids, some even suggest it can help adults reduce anxiety.

11. Advice From Your Elders

You’re never too old for words of wisdom from those who’ve been around longer.

There are many lessons you can learn from older people, even if you’re an older person yourself!

12. Stuffed Toys

A teddy bear smiling laying in bed

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a fully grown adult and cuddling something that doesn’t cuddle back.

We all need our fair share of comfort!

13. 'Crazy' Hair

Close up of bright pink hair

Whether it’s pink hair dye, pigtails, or a beard on its way to your knees, don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do with your hair.

If you’ve got it, flaunt it!

14. Braces

Crooked teeth? We know just the trick!

It’s never too late to embark on a quest for the perfect smile – and after all, a few awkward years of adult braces are better than a lifetime of bad teeth!

15. The Playground

Elderly couple playing on a swing set at a park outside

Swings, trampolines, monkey bars – you name it. If your body’s up for it, then go for it!

And with a new intergenerational playground coming to Perth soon, there’ll be no more age-related excuses not to play.

16. The Zoo

Monkey walking across a stick

As an adult, you can still enjoy the wonder and excitement of visiting the zoo.

Not only are the animals pretty awesome, the zoo is also a great place to enjoy the fresh air and get your steps up.

Perth Zoo offers discounts for seniors, too!

17. Dating

Elderley man wearing hat and elderly woman holding flowers in a yellow field

Our relationships with friends, family and romantic partners all play a role in our wellbeing.

So if you're single, why not mingle? Whether you’re a traditional type or adept with the modern online dating landscape, don’t be shy to put yourself out there – regardless of your age.

18. Dancing

According to CNN, dancing helps improve your memory, balance and coordination as you get older.

So whether it’s the Waltz or the Running Man, don’t just stand there, bust a move! Even if those moves are limited.

19. Travel

Elderly couple driving a motorbike

While you might be too old for a Contiki tour (they cater for 18-35 year olds), you’re certainly not too old to explore the world.

Some of the most avid travellers are retirees, who after freeing themselves from the shackles of a 9 to 5, wisely spend their days eating foreign cuisines, marvelling over historic ruins and revving up tuk-tuks.

20. Ice Cream Trucks

Clse up of a couple holding two ice cream cones

You’re never too old for Mr Whippy!

Next time the sweet, familiar melody of an ice cream truck enters your eardrums, do your best to beat the neighbours’ kids to the queue.

21. Learning

You can teach old dogs new tricks!

There’s always time to learn something new, upskill or revisit past learnings.

As Bruce Lee once said: “Learning is a constant process of discovery – a process without end.”

At Brightwater, we're all about wellbeing.

We provide home care, residential aged care and retirement living solutions for seniors, as well as support for younger people with complex disabilities.

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