

Special Edition: Life Lessons at 40 & Beyond
5 snips Aug 23, 2025
Carl Pillemer, a gerontologist from Cornell University and author of '30 Lessons for Living,' shares valuable insights on aging and the wisdom each decade brings. The discussion emphasizes the importance of cherishing life's moments, the benefits of time management while juggling family responsibilities, and how hardship cultivates empathy. Pillemer advocates for prioritizing quality of life over material wealth and encourages meaningful relationships. Listeners also share their own lessons on finding joy and aging gracefully.
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Time Feels Short In Midlife
- Life passes quickly, especially in midlife, so savor moments and avoid wasting time.
- Older people view wasting time like wasting water and urge careful choices in your 40s and 50s.
Stop Mindless Worrying
- Avoid excessive worry because most worries never happen and waste precious time.
- Plan practically but stop ruminating over hypothetical negatives in midlife.
Happiness Often Grows With Age
- People often become happier and emotionally steadier as they age, especially after their 50s.
- Emotional highs and lows moderate, letting older adults let more things go.