Turning 50 is a wonderful occasion that can bring a mixed bag of emotions. Some people are ecstatic about reaching this milestone, while others may feel a bit uneasy about the prospect of aging. Many adults feel they haven’t done enough with their lives or worry about living with regret. The fear of ‘being too old’ to do things also plays a role here.
There are many things you can and should do before you turn the big 5-0. It’s important to toss out the “I’m too old” limiting beliefs; grab a pen and paper and jot down these 17 bucket list items. You’re not too old, and it’s not too late.
17 bucket list items to do before 50
Travel More
Traveling is a great way to expand your horizons, learn about other cultures, and create unforgettable memories. There’s no better time to explore the world than when you’re still young enough to enjoy it. You could also hop on a cruise, visit an exotic island, or visit a historic place you’ve always wanted to visit.
If your budget doesn’t allow you to travel far, grab some friends and hit the road on an epic road trip adventure to a place you’ve never been to. Pick your favorite destinations or new places you’ve never been, pack a suitcase, and go. Enjoy every bit of it.
Start a Business
If you’ve always dreamed of being your own boss, starting a business before you turn 50 can be a great way to take control of your career and pursue your passions. Many people retire and find themselves lonely and bored. This is a great way to keep busy while giving you some extra money, too.
Starting an online business is easier than ever these days. Some things you could look into are an Etsy store, freelance writing, or even starting your own blog. Not interested in working online? That’s ok, too! You can start up a little side business in your town. Who knows how big it can grow?
Volunteer
Giving back to your community or a cause you believe in is a great way to leave a positive impact on the world. Volunteering keeps the brain active, which contributes to a person’s cognitive health. The National Institute on Aging reported that participating in meaningful and productive activities may lower the risk of dementia and other health problems in seniors.
You can look for volunteering opportunities in your local area, church, or with your group of friends. If you can’t find any, reach out to an organization that resonates with you and enquire about offering a few hours of your time a week.
Learn a New Language
French, Spanish, Chinese, Mandarin? Pick your language. It’s not too late to learn a new language. You may need it on your next solo adventure! You don’t necessarily have to go to a class elsewhere. You can do it from home, through an app, or you can take online lessons.
Learning a second language can also give you an insight into other cultures. You will be more prepared and confident to travel the world and explore other people’s ways of living. It’s also handy to have in case you run into someone at the grocery store who needs help with English translation.
Give a speech
I know this is a lofty goal, but it’s not impossible. Share your knowledge and ideas with the world. You could also consider joining Toastmasters and trying your hand at public speaking. When you give an inspirational TED Talk or other motivational speeches, you’ll start to feel more confident.
Motivational talks can foster creativity, spur you on to success, and enrich your life. Even more fulfilling, you will get to inspire and motivate others to move and evolve into the field you are an expert in.
Travel solo
Explore the world on your own and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Research shows that traveling alone is particularly good for your mental health, as it both gets your endorphins flowing, making you happier, and helps reduce stress and depression.
You should give it a try at least once before you turn 50. It’s a great experience that will enable you to meet more like-minded people, make new friends, and have more amazing stories to share with your family and friends, not to mention the wonderful memories you get to keep.
Write a Book
Whether it’s a memoir, a novel, or a self-help book, writing a book can be a rewarding and eye-opening experience that allows you to explore your creativity and leave your mark on the world. It also allows you to write and publish something on a subject that is important to you and that you will have for the rest of your life.
You can express your creativity while sharing your message with others. Share what comes to your mind and add fictional or real experiences to it. Publishing it is not required either; it is simply an option.
Take Risks
It’s never too late to take risks and pursue your dreams. In fact, some of the most successful people in history were over 50 when they achieved their greatest successes. One of the biggest benefits of taking risks is that it opens up the possibility for new opportunities.
Although making risky decisions may involve uncertainty, these choices can bring unexpected growth or even lead to an entirely new direction for one’s life. Start saying “YES” to more challenges and risks.
Learn how to play an instrument
Music can be a great stress reliever and a way to express yourself creatively. Playing an instrument may be one of the best ways to help keep the brain healthy. It allows you to exercise your mind by reading the music notes and memorizing songs.
Learning to play a musical instrument can enhance verbal memory, spatial reasoning, and literacy skills. Playing an instrument makes you use both sides of your brain, strengthening memory power. And you can’t play an instrument without singing along!
Save for Retirement
It’s never too early or too late to start saving for retirement, and the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be. Saving for your retirement will ensure that you have enough money to enjoy a comfortable standard of living when you stop or reduce the number of hours you work. You can also set retirement goals which are milestones that guide you toward retirement.
Retirement goal planning involves assessing your earning potential, savings, and investment vehicles. The ideal amount to save for retirement depends on your age and goals. You can start small with $50/month or go as high as your budget allows. Every penny counts.
Start a Garden
Gardening can be a great way to get outside, connect with nature, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. It is also a very relaxing activity that enables you to be present and mindful and leave your cares and woes behind. If you don’t have a yard, you can join a community garden or even start an indoor garden.
It is a great way to grow your own herbs and veggies and meet new people, too. You will have fresh herbs every time, and it will be very gratifying to pick up some carrots or potatoes for dinner soup. There’s just something about eating food you grew yourself.
Foster a Pet
Fostering a pet can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that allows you to make a difference in an animal’s life. By fostering a pet, you can share with them for a few days or weeks while they get adopted. You will experience caring for different animals, both babies and older pets, and it is very fulfilling to see them get better and find a new owner.
Foster homes help with socialization and behavioral problems and prepare pets for adoption. Someone fostering a pet can help with feeding, grooming, health controls, vaccinations, and taking the pet to medical appointments.
Attend a Music Festival
Music festivals are a great way to enjoy live music, meet new people, and have a fun, memorable experience. You can meet people from different ages, religions, and cultures and enjoy yourselves. Also, a music festival allows you to connect with many musicians from all over the world and share your passion for music with them.
One of the best things about music festivals is that many of them are free to attend. Next time a festival is in your area or nearby, call your friends and go!
Try a New Sport
Whether it’s surfing, rock climbing, or snowboarding, trying a new sport can be a great way to challenge yourself and build your confidence. Learning a new sport can help you reach your fitness goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Not only do sports and exercise help keep you fit, but they also keep your brain sharp and focused, reducing the risk of early-onset dementia and cognitive decline.
Go Back to School
It’s never too late to further your education and pursue your passions. Going back to school can be a great way to learn new skills and connect with like-minded individuals. If you’ve always wanted to get a higher degree or finish one you started in the past, going back to school can be a source of personal satisfaction. Furthering your education can also help you discover new passions, grow more independence, and meet new types of people.
Go Skydiving
Face your fears and experience the thrill of jumping out of a plane. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone in this way can positively enhance your mind and body, and the after-effects of skydiving can often induce a sensation of euphoria.
The first skydive you ever do will probably be a tad terrifying but also the most exhilarating thing you’ll ever do in your life. Skydiving will give you a sense of achievement by making you feel invincible.
Make a Bucket List
Maybe there are things that aren’t on this list that you really want to do but haven’t had the time or money to do yet. Or maybe you haven’t had the courage to do them. Write them out and check them off as you achieve them. The focus of a bucket list is to live a life with hopes and aspirations, memories and accomplishments.
Making a bucket list allows us to reflect on our values and goals and identify important milestones and experiences that we want to have in our lifetime. This is so fulfilling and rewarding!
Conclusion
Turning 50 is a major milestone, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on your life and set new goals for the future. By trying out some of these ideas before you hit the big 5-0 or even the big 6-0, you can ensure that your life is full of adventure, meaning, and joy.
Some people see their 50th birthday as a time to reflect on all they’ve accomplished so far and set new goals for the second half of their life. Whether it’s traveling the world, learning a new skill, or simply focusing on your health and well-being, there are countless ways to make the most of your life and enjoy these precious years to the fullest.
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