They say life begins at 40, but how you live your 20s shapes the kind of life you’re going to have two decades later. So before #YOLOing every decision you make, it’s important to look a little bit into your future.
You’ll never know until you’re there, right? Hence a team from The Medical City Clark initiated a survey involving individuals who are now in their 40s, asking them what they regret doing when they were younger. And their answers would probably, hopefully, make you reconsider your #priorities.
Did not travel enough
Exploring the world is one of the regrets older people have. With the pressure of work coupled with the notion that traveling is expensive, people are less likely to start traveling at a young age to prioritize career and financial stability. While building your career and aiming for financial stability are important, enjoying some of your hard-earned money while you still have the time can also be beneficial. So go ahead, take that well-deserved break—but make sure you have enough money to fund it.
Spent more money than they saved
“Save and invest for the future so that you can retire young to enjoy life,” says a 48-year-old respondent from Parañaque. Financial stability is indeed a step toward the future. Sadly, however, not everyone realizes it especially when one has money to spend and a lot of things to experience. Start saving early—get a life insurance, invest in stocks, or simply open a savings account.
Stopped seeking new knowledge after school
Learning never stops after college. It’s important to widen your horizons, try out new things. But if you are afraid to leave your comfort zone yet or know you really are good at it, a 40-year-old communications CEO said, “Do not leave your comfort zone. Expand it. Make it bigger!” Attending seminars and conferences, conversing with other professionals in the industry, or even just reading books are helpful. Remember, information and knowledge are out there, you just have to go out and grab it.
Disregarded health
People often start too late when it comes to taking care of their health due to their hectic lifestyle, and the consequences of this procrastination appear in their later years. A 41-year-old male from Nueva Ecija said, “Be health-conscious since your health today is the effect of [how you lived] your younger days.”
Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and diabetes are just some of the common diseases that arise from one’s lifestyle. However, according to Dr. Rebecca Dizon, one of the executive check-up consultants at The Medical City Clark, there is still hope regardless of age.
Disconnected and neglected relationships
Once you start building a career, you will rarely get enough time to bond with family and friends. We make ourselves believe that they will always be there—but they won’t. One respondent from Pangasinan said, “Life is too short, enjoy every moment with your loved ones.” Being preoccupied with work can sometimes cause us to neglect our family and friends, but a cup of coffee or a movie night once in a while with them can make a difference.
“It is never too late to start living a healthier lifestyle, even in your 40s. There is always a chance of improving your health as long as you adhere and comply with the advice and recommendations of your doctors,” opined Dr. Dizon
TMC Clark’s Executive Check-up Program is designed to be tailor-fit for each person, identifying one’s specific health concerns while being cost-efficient by addressing a person’s overall wellness. The packages can be personalized based on age and gender.