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Updated August 18, 2025 at 02:18h.
As individuals approach retirement and reflect on a life lived, common themes emerge: cherished memories, enduring love, and the lessons learned along the way. A burgeoning social media trend is amplifying these voices, offering invaluable guidance from those who have experienced a full spectrum of life’s joys and sorrows. A young man in the United States is interviewing Americans aged 70 to 100, capturing their greatest regrets and offering advice to younger generations. The initiative gained significant traction after being highlighted by the X (formerly Twitter) account @mente_estoico, amassing approximately 13 million views in just three days.
The Illusion of Material Wealth
A recurring sentiment among those interviewed is the diminishing importance of material possessions with age. One interviewee, a 79-year-old woman, described her life as “crazy” – her body aging while her spirit remains youthful at 26 – and acknowledged that the pursuit of “money,” while facilitating certain comforts, does not guarantee happiness. She shared her experience of widowhood after 43 years of marriage, emphasizing the pain of loss but also the resilience of the human spirit. “But life continues,” she stated, highlighting the importance of inner strength in navigating life’s challenges.
Another senior citizen echoed this sentiment, stating that “material goods and more money are not so important than one really needs.” He recalled a younger self fixated on “abundance” – luxury cars and sprawling mansions – realizing later that “life does not go from this.”
Here is a link to the original X post featuring the highlights: pic.twitter.com/ktkDiovRNF
The Power of Positivity and Connection
The importance of a positive outlook and strong relationships also emerged as key themes. A 95-year-old grandmother offered a simple formula for well-being: “Always be up, not being negative.” She confessed to not dwelling on the future, acknowledging the worldwide pain of losing a spouse. A couple, having previously prioritized material wealth, now embrace a minimalist lifestyle, living on a ship and divesting themselves of possessions they once deemed essential. “Now we live in a ship and sell everything we thought we could never lose,” the woman explained, while her partner emphasized the true priorities: “health, friends, and love at every moment and live every day.”
Simple Pleasures and Avoiding Empty Pursuits
Maintaining physical and mental well-being through simple activities was also frequently cited. A 93-year-old man attributed his vitality to “walking,reading,and watching television,” stressing that “the most important thing is to do exercise.” Another 78-year-old lamented the wasted time spent pursuing “the desire to have material possessions to compete and an artificial and empty world,” a realization that eluded him in his youth.
Reconnecting with Family and Accepting Impermanence
The value of familial bonds was underscored by a 78-year-old grandfather who admitted that his younger self was consumed by ambition and wealth. He now advises younger generations to “be close to their parents.” A 73-year-old woman offered a poignant viewpoint on the anxieties of youth, stating, “Everything seems that it goes from money but in the end everything will be able to eat and have a roof.” Her advice to her younger self was remarkably simple: “Don’t worry about things. Everything is going to leave.”
These collective reflections offer a powerful reminder that true fulfillment lies not in the accumulation of wealth or possessions, but in cultivating meaningful relationships, embracing a positive outlook, and appreciating the simple joys of life. The wisdom gleaned from these centenarians serves as a valuable compass for navigating the complexities of modern life and prioritizing what truly matters.
