The 20 Biggest Regrets People Have When They’re Older

When people reach the later stages of life, they almost never regret the things they bought or the money they made. Instead, they regret choices they did not make, words they did not say, and courage they did not show. Hospice workers, psychologists, and decades of happiness research all point to the same truth: most regrets are preventable.

Here are the 20 most common regrets people admit when they are older, written so you can learn from them now - not later.

• Living for Others Instead of Themselves - Many people admit they lived according to expectations, not purpose.

• Working Too Much - Careers end. Relationships matter forever.

• Not Expressing Love and Emotions - Unsaid words become lasting pain.

• Letting Friendships Fade - Most friendships end quietly, not intentionally.

• Letting Fear Control Their Life - Fear stops more dreams than failure ever does.

• Staying Too Long in Unhealthy Relationships - People regret staying far more than leaving.

• Ignoring Their Health - Energy and mobility are priceless later in life.

• Waiting for the “Perfect Time” - The perfect time rarely arrives.

• Not Traveling or Exploring More - Comfort often replaces curiosity - until it is too late.

• Not Saying “I Love You” Enough - This regret comes up more than almost any other.

• Caring Too Much About Opinions - Most people wish they had worried less about judgment.

• Not Standing Up for Themselves - Avoiding conflict often leads to regret.

• Never Taking Creative or Career Risks - Untried dreams linger the longest.

• Holding Onto Anger and Resentment - Forgiveness brings peace people wish they had sooner.

• Not Being Present - So many moments were missed while worrying or rushing.

• Avoiding Difficult Conversations - Delayed honesty often becomes lost opportunity.

• Not Investing in Personal Growth - Learning and growth keep life meaningful.

• Choosing Money Over Meaning - Security matters - but purpose matters more.

• Not Helping Others More - Kindness and service are deeply remembered.

• Not Appreciating Life While It Was Happening - The most common regret of all: not realizing how precious everyday life truly was.
  
  

Why These Regrets Matter

Nearly every regret points to the same lesson: People wish they had lived more intentionally. They wish they had chosen courage over comfort, connection over distraction, and meaning over autopilot.

The Good News

If you are reading this, you are early. You still have time to:

• Speak honestly

• Choose yourself

• Repair relationships

• Start something meaningful

• Live with purpose and awareness

One small change today can prevent decades of regret tomorrow.

If this helped you, share it - Someone you care about may need this reminder right now. Life moves fast. Regret lasts longer. Choose wisely.