Lisa O
Older women (be it your mom, grandmom, or aunt) are incredible sources of wisdom. They’ve lived through decades of change, challenges, and growth. Their experiences have shaped their outlook and given them unique insights into life. Here are 15 powerful lessons society can learn from older women—straight from their lives to ours.
Resilience Through Adversity
Older women have been through some very tough moments—losing people they care about, dealing with societal pressures that held them back, or handling their money issues. But what’s fascinating is how they’ve used these experiences to grow stronger. For example, many older women became resourceful during tough times like recessions, learning to make do with less while keeping their families afloat.
The Value of Patience
Older women often say, “Good things take time,” and they mean it because they’ve lived it. Take relationships, for example—they’ve seen how real trust and deep bonds don’t happen overnight. Or career growth—many have had to work their way up slowly, proving their worth over time. Even in personal struggles, like healing after a loss or a setback, they’ve learned that rushing things often leads to bigger mistakes.
Embracing Change
Older women have seen the world change in ways most of us can’t imagine. They’ve lived through the rise of the internet and major revolutions in thought and technology. What’s amazing is how they’ve adapted to it all. For example, think of a grandmother learning to navigate Zoom to stay connected with family or someone in her 70s trying out vegan cooking to support her health.
The Power of Listening
Older women are real pros when it comes to listening. They’re not just hearing your words—they’re paying attention, processing, and actually caring about what you’re saying. They’ll sit through your stories, nod, and offer advice only when it matters. And they give you their full attention. In today’s world, where everyone’s distracted, this kind of focused listening is rare.
Finding Joy in Simplicity
Joy often comes from the small, everyday moments. It can be something as simple as a quiet morning walk, getting a handwritten letter from your lover, or going for a family dinner. Over the years, older women have learned that chasing after material things doesn’t bring any happiness. Instead, it’s the little things that bring happiness.
Self-Acceptance Over Perfection
Older women have completely outgrown society’s obsession with perfection. Wrinkles, gray hair, and all other signs of aging don’t faze them—they wear them with pride. After all, these marks are a testament to everything their bodies have gone through. They don’t chase impossible beauty standards (like Korean glass skin). Instead, they focus on being real and comfortable in their own skin.
Balancing Independence and Dependence
Older women really get the balance between being independent and knowing when to ask for help. They’ve spent years juggling everything—managing homes, finances, and daily life with strength and confidence. But the cool part is they’re not afraid to lean on others when they need it. This mix of being strong on their own and open to support shows that true strength isn’t about doing everything solo.
The Importance of Family Bonds
Family is everything for older women. Just look at your mom. She’s the one who keeps traditions alive and ensures that every member of your family talks to each other. Whether it’s organizing big family reunions, sharing secret recipes (your grandma probably has one), or offering life advice to the younger ones, they’re all about creating those meaningful connections.
Wise Money Management
Older women have this special financial wisdom that only comes from experience. Over the years, they’ve become good at budgeting, saving where they can, and making every dollar count. They’ve also figured out smart ways to reuse or repurpose things instead of constantly buying new stuff. When it comes to spending, they’re super careful—only making investments that are practical and worth it in the long run.
Prioritizing Health, Not Beauty
As they get older, women often shift their focus from trying to look young to focusing on staying healthy. They realize that true vitality doesn’t come from chasing after youthful appearances but from taking care of their bodies and minds. Many older women prioritize staying active—whether it’s through yoga (very beneficial for your health), tai chi, or even just working in the garden.
Standing Up for What’s Right
As they get older, women often develop a strong sense of what’s right and wrong and the guts to stick to their beliefs. For example, older women usually lead the charge when it comes to fighting for things like social justice or standing up for their families. Take the example of someone like Rosa Parks, who, as she got older, became a symbol of standing up for racial equality.
Appreciating Relationships Over Materialism
Older women have learned that life isn’t about collecting stuff—it’s about creating meaningful connections with the people around us. When you talk to them about their happiest memories, it’s usually about moments spent with friends, family, or their communities, not the things they own. They remind us that the experiences and relationships we nurture are what truly give life meaning and purpose.
Mastering the Art of Storytelling
Remember how your mom or grandma used to tell stories? These stories are so much more than just a way to pass the time—they’re lessons about history, culture, and life’s values. For example, your grandmother telling a story about her childhood during a war or how her family overcame hardship (be it financial or non-financial) is a way of preserving that history.
Kindness Over Judgment
Older women have figured out that life doesn’t always go the way we expect, and everyone is dealing with their own battles. Because of this, they approach others with compassion instead of judgment. For example, when a friend is going through a tough time, they don’t criticize or offer unwanted advice. Instead, they give you a listening ear or a helping hand.
Aging Gracefully
Older women completely redefine what aging looks like. Instead of seeing it as something negative, they approach it with grace, humor, and a strong sense of purpose. Many older women dive into hobbies they’ve always wanted to try, like painting, gardening, or even exploring places like Europe. Some even become mentors and share their knowledge with younger generations.