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When you’re in your 20s, you have your entire life ahead of you. The world is your oyster, and your lack of experience and wisdom may make you feel naively invincible. 

However, Father Time waits for no one. Before you know it, you’ll be in your 40s, remembering what you’ve taken for granted. You’ll also likely be one of those answering this Reddit question: “What’s something people in their 20s don’t realize will affect them when they get older?”

Commenters shared the mistakes they feel young people could avoid committing, from ignoring bad posture to poor financial planning and settling for second best. 

If you’re part of the younger crowd, feel free to take some notes. But if you’re at least 30, hopefully, this list doesn’t make you feel too old or regretful. 

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#1

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Know when to walk away. From buying something, to terrible jobs, to relationships.

You will look back at periods of time when you should have walked away.

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Traveling Lady Railfan
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can be a VERY difficult lesson to learn "when to walk away" when we're also conflictingly told to hang in there, don't quit and persevere.

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#2

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Taking care of your teeth!

Dental pain is awful and treatment is expensive - and insurance coverage can be poor.

Brush and floss twice a day!

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liz MacClain
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately, when I was pregnant, all the calcium was leached out of my teeth and at 49 I ended up getting dentures. It isn't always about care it is sometimes about circumstances

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#3

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About You are going to have to be responsible, clean, organize, and cook until the day you die. The earlier you learn how to do these things efficiently, the better off you will be later on.

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Carol Culhane
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once I started just doing these things when I thought of them instead of procrastinating I increased my downtime hugely. It's not downtime if something is niggling at you constantly. Sometimes you can give it a 20 min. lick and a promise, that's fine.

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#4

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About It’s important to find hobbies or interests outside of work. In your 20s, it might feel like you have all the time in the world, but those passions can keep you grounded as life gets hectic.

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Ritchat
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1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This! And it must be a hobby that you don't monatize in any way. Because making it into another job can rob you of your joy for it and it might not help relax anymore. And you don't have to become an expert at it. Sing badly, write poorly, draw sketchy, it doesn't matter as long as it brings you joy.

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#5

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About In your 20s, it can be easy to overlook how important it is to save and invest early. I wish I had started building my savings and understanding finances back then, as it makes a big difference in your 30s and beyond. Take some time to learn about financial planning; it really pays off later.

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Denise Melek
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you can afford savings...and I'm not talking about avocado toast and Starbucks but eating rice for a week.

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#6

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Not using sunscreen. I have friends who use to spend their entire summer laid out in the sun with no kind of sun protection, and now they look ten years older than their age.

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Bartlet for World Domination
Bartlet for World Domination
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Although what you're supposed to look like for your age shifts with society's expectations, I guess. I remember what people my age used to look like thirty years ago; sunscreen is only part of it. To keep up nowadays you'd need at least retinoids at night, vitamin c during the day, and a moisturizer. And yes, sunscreen.

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#7

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Spend money to get quality products for things that separate you from the floor. Mattress, shoes, desk chair, couch, etc. 

Over time your body will thank you.

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Gonbei Nanashino
Gonbei Nanashino
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Problem is that finding high quality products are getting much harder than before.

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#8

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Racking up debt. It gets you into a cycle that can be hard to break, even if you have a high paying job.

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Adam Benson
Adam Benson
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had no choice but to take out a government loan for uni because my parents couldn't pay for it either. It took me 20+ years to finally pay it all back. Now I'm debt free and saving like crazy to put my own boys through uni.

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#9

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Being obese. You can deal with it in your 20's. It's like a frog in a pot of boiling water by the time you hit your 40's. You'll feel "normal", but being obese puts CONSTANT physical strain on your body.

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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was morbidly obese for large parts of my 20s. I was lucky I didn't develop serious health issues then. I got on the right track 5 years ago, lost half of my weight with sports and a healthy diet. And now, with 37, I feel better than in my 20s.

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#10

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Don't mess with your eyebrows!
Because at least in my day we would tweeze the heck out of them and now that I'm older they're spotty. If I could go back I'd leave them the hell alone.

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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To this day, I thank an older colleague who told me about that fact when I was 26. Thanks to her, I stopped tweezing the shît out of my eyebrows!

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#11

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Always lift with your legs, absolutely always. You don't want pain from just bending over slightly because "you've got it".

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similarly
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I knew a guy who had a massive back injury and successfully rehabilitated by literally taking six months off. I've also known people who've hurt their back permanently. Protect your back. Don't just lift with your legs. Lift with friends.

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#12

Something I wish I learned in my 20’s that I should have and it is this - you are in your 20’s. You can still f**k up and it doesn’t matter. You have time to try different things, live in different places, and take risks. When I was in my 20’s I was stressing over stupid s**t (work, relationships, being on track). I’m not in the career anymore, those relationships are long gone, and there is no track to life - just a general direction. Keep your compass at true north, but you can wander off the path. It’s okay.

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#13

Underestimating the addictive nature of tobacco.

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Traveling Lady Railfan
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reading this at 5am with no glasses, I thought this said "the addictive nature of tattoos"....

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#14

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Many people in their 20s don't realize that poor eating habits and lack of consistent exercise can lead to significant health issues in their 40s and beyond.

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Emma London
Emma London
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh the time when eating fast food was only a money issue, not a health issue!

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#15

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Take care of your ears. Hearing loss is permanent and sometimes results in tinnitus. It can be bad for some people to the point they contemplate s*icide. See the tinnitus sub reddit if you want some depressing stories.

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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I developed a tinnitus from being on too many very loud concerts without hearing protection. Please wear them

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#16

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Posture.


I'm in my early 30s trying to correct downright abysmal posture and if it's this bad now I can hardly imagine what 10 more years of this would do to me.

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Wheeskers
Wheeskers
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm old. Mom made me walk with books on my head. I've been complimented on my posture and I can the difference in other old ladies. It matters how you sit, how you walk, how you sleep. Stretch, move and use those muscles.

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#17

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Protect and stregthen your knees!

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#18

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Not sleeping enough! You think you can get by on 4 hours now, but trust me, your 40-year-old self will be begging for naps like it’s a luxury.

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UncleJohn3000
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my youth, I used to be able to party for days and nights on end. I'm 62 now and am convinced I was stealing sleep from my future and that's why I'm tired all the time today.

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#19

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About A lot of things that you find so important in your 20s will not be important at all in your 40s.

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#20

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About How important mental health is! In your 20s, it feels like you can bounce back from anything, but those habits and stressors can really catch up with you later.

Cannedseaslug:

Early mental health treatment. Some people spiral and will never be able to be pulled out from severe bipolar and schizophrenia. These diseases make it so they don’t believe they have problems and become resistant to getting help. Depression can prevent you from having a fulfilling life. Alcohol and d**g rehab before your organs and brain are destroyed. You can dial 211 on your phone and they can help. It’s anonymous and it can connect you or someone you know to resources near you.

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Bartlet for World Domination
Bartlet for World Domination
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nobody can be pulled out from severe bipolar or schizophrenia. As with depression, early treatment may get you tolerable medication and less damage, but that sһit is for life.

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#21

Learn to cook from scratch. Basic raw ingredients are healthier than processed. You can batch cook and meal prep and once you know how and get in the habit it’s as easy at heating up cr*ppy processed food.

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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now that we cook we can't find a restaurant that is as good as what we can make now.

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#22

Coming from someone in a trade, don't kneel on hard surfaces without some sort of protection. Be it pads or a chunk of foam or even a rolled up towel in a pinch. Osteoarthritis will find you...
On that note, also wear any other PPE required in your work environment.

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Geoffrey Scott
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

YES! Do NOT be swayed by those who scoff at PPE. Good natured griping is expected, but PPE is absolutely essential. Eye, hearing and lung protection are simple common sense.

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#23

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Marriage.

I'm not really being flippant. What you want in a partner when you're 25, and what you want when you're 45, are very different things. Now, it's entirely possible your partner will, as they age and mature, grow in to whatyou need as you need. It's also very possible they will change in ways that are very much not what you want, and now you're got a house and 2 kids making things complicated.

I would never straight up say people shouldn't get married in their 20's. But I would say don't rush anything, and don't get married because you've been together for x months or years so it's time. Go in with your eyes open, and having really talked with your partner about what they want and where they see themselves in 10 years. If that doesn't align with where you see your self, and they are incompatible, it's time for another serious talk.

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C L
C L
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who has been married since I was 24 to the same person for 54 years - talk & respect are key behaviors!

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#24

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Wear good shoes! Allthose cheap shoes with no support really come back to haunt you later in life!

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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had to stop wearing heavy, clunky shoes in my 50s because my hips would be screaming by day's end.

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#25

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Work your core! It will help strengthen your back and prevent a LOT of back problems when you're older. Plank for 3 minutes a day is all it takes.

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Gonbei Nanashino
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This isn’t for younger you. This is for you NOW, however old you’re.

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#26

Being happy with how you look because it all goes to s**t.

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Did I say that out loud? (he/him)cis/het
Did I say that out loud? (he/him)cis/het
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess I've been lucky in that respect compared to many people. I'm nothing special, extremely average, in fact,but I've always been comfortable in my own skin.

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#27

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Stretching!!!!! Before everything !!!!! I stretch before I take a s**t now.

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Traveling Lady Railfan
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um. If you need to stretch before taking a bowel movement, you might want to reevaluate your dietary choices ...

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#28

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Do not sit around too much and never stop moving. Some of my coworkers, family and friends are already having problems with stairs, hills and such and frankly it's kind of scaring me. There is a fine balance between rest and movement - you don't need to overdo it but don't sit down too long as it will catch up with you!!!

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#29

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Not paying attention to their back.

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HTakeover
HTakeover
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I pay attention to it every day... constantly complaining at me.

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#30

The obvious stuff:

1. Wear sunscreen

2. Don't drink too much

3. Stop smoking

4. Exercise

5. Sleep



The less obvious stuff:

1. Socializing and making friends becomes harder as you get older, especially if your life revolves around going out to bars and hanging out. I hit 40 and my body just doesn't want to do that anymore. Having hobbies that don't center around drinking goes a long way.

2. If you haven't learned how to budget money and put aside some for retirement, you're going to be working late into your life. Start early and save yourself the heartache.

3. Protect your hearing. if you're going out to shows and cranking up the volume on your headphones you're going to have a hard time hearing in your 40s and 50s.

4. Travel, especially outdoors travel, becomes harder. I do a lot of hiking and backpacking, and trips I used to think about in my 20s aren't trips I can do now. You also start having more obligations around family and kids so getting time to get away becomes harder. Do it now :).

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BarfyCat
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm very glad I did a lot of camping, hiking and backpacking when I was younger (I was lucky to grow up near the Rocky Mountains). Now I need a real bed and my knees really object to going downhill!

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#31

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Drinking alcohol. Zero benefits, esaily addictive, empty calories. It may seem fun to be drunk but in the long run, it's not worth it.

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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Drinking alcohol doesn't mean automatically to get shitfaced. Most of the things we enjoy aren't good in excess. Learn to appreciate a nice glass of wine or beer with your dinner, or a wee dram of Single Malt when you sit down with a good book or friends. Yeah, just don't drink yourself into a stupor and NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.

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#32

You may love your job and be really good at it...but at some point as you age, you realize that you just aren't going to be able to keep doing this forever. You start to notice that you don't have quite as much energy, and that this drop in energy and enthusiasm increases slowly as you age. Maybe the industry is also slowly changing. You extrapolate out in the future and you realize that there will be a point in time when you just won't be able to do it anymore, and also kind of a realization that before that point there will also likely be a point when you don't even want to do it anymore. As this realization grows, having your financial s**t together (savings, investment, low debt) is a huge comfort.

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Papa
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had done physical labor my whole working life, but when I was approaching 50 I realized that being out in all kinds of weather and going home exhausted every day wasn't as much fun as it had been, so I learned how to do something that lets me make a good living sitting behind a desk. I've been doing that since 2009.

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#33

It's a good time to start putting serious thought into your personal values. I didn't do much of that (maybe most do) and it resulted in some behavior i have shame around today. Otherwise have some fun!

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Emma London
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Core values are usually learned as a child. You just need to refine them and vocalize them as your every day values at your teens or as a young adult, and you are usually set for life.

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#34

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Vaping! I’ve smoked for over 25 years and I’m sure everyone that starts vaping at a young age now will be addicted forever. It’s not like you’re not addicted anymore, it’s just that you’re able to control it (but for how long?).

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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I smoked for nearly 30 years, I quit last year and haven't even thought about it since.

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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I smoked off and on for about 30 years. I quit earlier this year. I've relapsed a few times in the last month or so because of depression, anxiety, life problems etc., but I'm going to try really hard to keep from relapsing again. I really don't want to be a smoker again. Wish me luck. And to everybody out there trying: keep trying until you make it stick.

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#35

Learn to be patient, respectful of others, keep your mind open, and do your best. Not everyone will agree with you but that doesn't make them a bad person. Learn to work with and enjoy the company of others with whom you have disagreements.

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Bartlet for World Domination
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The aim of communication is not to agree on what reality is, but to see what it is like for someone else.

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#36

You have one body. Hard work is what it is but protect your body. Any fall or accident you may have when you are young may not appear until you are older. You are not immortal or invincible.

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#37

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Get into a habit of a good skincare routine.

Never stop learning.

If you are attractive learn to develop your personality.

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zatrisha
zatrisha
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't agree. Many skincare products are unnecessary and turn the skin's climate into a rollercoaster of too dry and too oily. Wash your face with a mild soap and you're done. (F42, no wrinkles)

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#38

Electric toothbrushes are worth it. switched to one a year ago, and now when i get my cleanings, my gums don't bleed anymore.

also braces/Invisalign's are worth it. I did have them as a kid, and nether did my partner. She got rid of migraines having her teeth straightened, and I snore a lot less.

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featherytoad
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always used a regular toothbrush, and my gums have never bled when getting my teeth cleaned.

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#39

I have friends who were "Elite Class" athletes when they were in their 20s. They ran marathons, 10Ks - any race they could find. They got up at the crack of dawn and ran miles before work. Now, in their 40s, they both have bad backs and arthritis in their hips and knees.

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BarfyCat
BarfyCat
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Husband used to be a runner and now, in his 50s, his knees are shot and he's probably on track for knee replacement. I think the key is to vary the kinds of exercise you do and not just specialise in one sport.

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#40

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Getting piercings in and around your mouth can cause broken teeth and receding gums. 2 grand with private health insurance for a crown, plus the money I’ve spent on multiple fillings.

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Koalafied to komment
Koalafied to komment
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a lip piercing in my 20s, thinking I can always just take it out and will heal. And yes, it does, there's no hole anymore, but holy shît, you can still see that there was a hole, the skin didn't forget lol. I don't really suffer because of it, it's no health problem, but I would have wanted to know that a decade ago

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#41

I was a speed cyclist when I was young. When I was around 40 I realized how busted my knees were, and eventually, I needed a cane.

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#42

Your stamina will decline. And you'll notice, especially if you exercise or do some kind of sport.

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#43

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Partying. I used to rave like there's no tomorrow. Now I have tinnitus and a busted knee.

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White Sauce Hot Sauce
White Sauce Hot Sauce
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been raving for quite some time and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. However, I actually take proper precautions, like earplugs, drinking lots of water and limiting alcohol intake, using a handfan, not dancing on slippery surfaces, stretching beforehand, regular exercise, and not taking random substances from that sketchy looking dude in the corner.

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#44

The way you manage your time now will determine your work-life balance later.

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#45

Face tattoos.

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#46

Cut back on the carbs and sugar now. Diabetes sucks and treating food almost like poison is really doing a number on my mental health.

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Emma London
Emma London
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's still a tricky question how much a type 2 diabetes is the person't own doing and how much it's just bad luck. Be thoughfull before you go and say that the type 2 is just a lifestyle decease, you might get some angry responses!

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#47

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About Two things:

1) Settling. Don't think 'this is good enough for now'. The low paying job that's easy, the college courses that aren't challenging, the apartment that's run down. Think about the future and push to improve your life.

2) Social circles that aren't maintained fall away. My brothers were all very sociable in their teens and 20s, partying and what not. But as life got busy they stopped putting in the effort and it all fell away. They're older now and have very few actual friends.

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Bartlet for World Domination
Bartlet for World Domination
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I disagree. I may be too privileged (I'm Dutch) to give general advice here, but learning to be satisfied with sһitty stuff goes a long way in life, and hanging an expensive mortgage around your neck does not a happy camper make. And a few actual friends is all you need.

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#48

“They Look Ten Years Older”: 30 Things About Aging That Folks In Their 20s Never Think About How easy it was to make friends in my 20s. In my 20s, most people didn’t have kids yet so we all had lots of free time to go out and have fun. I never married and don’t have kids. I now make friends with empty nesters who are usually 55+, but they don’t really have the same energy level to do the activities I like.

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#49

Maintenance habits. A lack of maintenance in all sectors won’t show its consequences for decades. Take care of your teeth, your health, your skin, really anything that you care about the quality of.

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#50

It's worth spending time thinking about what you enjoy doing in your free time.

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#51

Neighborhood walkability!!! I’ve seen so many friends gain weight because they feel stuck in their house or car. Find a neighborhood that lets you move a bit.

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#52

At 40, I started needing reading glasses. Perfect vision my whole life. Technically I still have 20/20, but now I have old tired eyes that can't be bothered to focus on  screens, pages, or labels.

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UncleJohn3000
UncleJohn3000
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Near and far vision are separate things. Almost everybody needs reading glasses eventually because the lens stiffens. That's unrelated to the concept of 20/20, which is determined by the shape of the cornea.

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#53

Crossfit f***s up your joints real good.

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Cathy
Cathy
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Crossfit is a cult and very dangerous. A friend of mine broke 2 vertebrae because of the 'we do not quit' mentality 😤

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#54

Estrogen loss (perimenopause/ menopause).

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#55

Not working hard.  You settle in to where you'll be working wise forever at 40 ish.  All the guys that set themselves up in their 20s are doing well  and the guys that didn't, aren't .

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#56

Being able to connect on a deep romantic level decreases with each new partner.

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#57

Not 40's here, but:
Work on your career. Even if nobody seems to give a s**t about it in your 20's. If you're a guy, what you do for a living becomes one of, if not the biggest determining factors of your social status when you get into your 30's.

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