5 Great Things About Growing Old

You’ll Have Time on Your Hands

If you’ve been driving yourself for years—working, raising a family, or both—it’s an adjustment to have spare time once your job has slowed down and the kids have flown the coop. The good thing about getting older is that you’ve seen it all, lived it all, felt it all—and now you can take a moment to share what you’ve learned. I dedicate many of my hours these days to mentoring people: I’ve helped friends’ children choose careers and advised a girlfriend on how to start the second chapter in her professional life. I can’t think of a way to spend my time that is more gratifying.

Anne Kreamer, 55, is the author of Going Gray ($15, amazon.com) and It’s Always Personal ($25, amazon.com).