5 Things People in Their 40s Regret Not Doing for a Longer Life
Midlife Missteps That Echo Into Our Later Years—and How to Fix Them Now
Turning 40 often feels like discovering you just hit a checkpoint—no more tutorial, real game starts now 🎯. It’s a moment of reflection, a nod to past choices while squinting toward the horizon. I think most of us realize that what we didn’t do in our 30s has a way of echoing in our 60s and beyond. But it’s not too late. We might still course-correct. This piece dives into five key regrets from people in—or approaching—their 40s. Backed by real research, stories, and a touch of snark, consider this your midlife “heads-up.”
1. Skipping Financial Armor: Saving More, Buying Insurance
A hefty 57% of older adults say they regret not saving more during their working years—and 40% wish they'd bought long‑term care insurance.
Why it matters: People often underestimate how long they’ll live and how expensive old age gets. This lack of foresight costs them not just money, but peace of mind—and occasionally, homes and families.
So, if you’re in your 40s and haven’t locked in an emergency fund, maxed retirement savings, or evaluated LTC insurance—what’s holding you back? Time to treat yourself like a grown-up.
2. Ignoring Health Checkpoints: Your Body’s Silent Memo
Unhealthy habits like inactivity, smoking, and poor diet begin to bite after 36. Yet millennials now nearing 40 admit their top regrets include not taking care of their health and ignoring early signs of decline.
The stats don't lie: Regular exercise—especially mixing cardio and strength—adds healthy years. Experts recommend balancing movement, stretching, and habit adjustments like reducing alcohol or quitting smoking—even midlife.
Here’s a smart hedge: treat your body like that classic car. Keep up with tune‑ups, switch fresh fuel, and replace worn parts before they fail spectacularly.
3. Ghosting Relationships: The Loneliness Fallout
Bronnie Ware’s memoir of palliative reflections reveals one brutal truth: “I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends” makes the top five regrets of the dying. Harvard’s decades‑long study also declares: “Loneliness kills—it’s as powerful as smoking”.
Digital ghosts of friendships past aren’t harmless—they hasten cognitive decline, depression, and isolation over time.
Reconnect. Schedule a monthly coffee. Write that thank-you note. Build community glue now, so it holds when you’re 70.
4. Chasing Degrees Over Depth: Education Left Behind
According to meta-analyses, education tops the regret charts—followed closely by career and romance. Folks in their 40s often say, “I wish I’d kept learning”—not just academically, but professionally and spiritually.
This is freedom: learning for the sheer joy of it. Want to write your memoir? Learn guitar? Dive into tech? 40s is a perfect reboot time.
A senior Redditor reflects:
“My life’s biggest regret is not continuing my education.… I always have the regret of not getting my PhD.”
You might not need a PhD—but take that night class, learn a language, let curiosity lead.
5. Playing It Safe: Underestimating Midlife Risk & Wonder
Midlife often gets mislabeled as a crisis—but some experts call it a chrysalis. Regrets often line up where opportunity once was. Dan Pink reminds us: “Most decisions don’t matter that much. It’s okay to be good enough.”
Chances taken in your 30s and 40s—for a career shift, startup, move, artistic pursuit—echo with “what if?” more than caution ever does.
Ask yourself: what will you regret more in 20 years—having tried and stumbled, or never trying at all?
Bonus: The Longevity Blueprint
Science says no miracle pill matters more than these basics:
Positive mindset
Daily movement
Whole, healthy diet
Stress management
Regular check-ups
Adopt them now and you're not just adding years—you’re adding quality.
So…What Should You Do Now? ✅
Open that savings account. Automate contributions—even 5% a paycheck helps.
Schedule a health audit. GP visit, diet, movement plan.
Reconnect. Pick one person this week to call or text.
Pick a learning project. Skill, hobby, course—just start.
List one “beautiful risk.” What small leap might lead you to a richer story later?
Final Thoughts
Your 40s aren’t a sprint to resign yourself. They’re a hinge—a chance to pivot from regret to intention.
Don't let future you look back with a sigh. Instead, build toward "I’m glad I did."
What’s your biggest midlife regret so far? Drop a comment or start your year‑by‑year journal. Trust me—you’ll thank yourself later.