Youth Is Overrated

Why Life Gets Better with Age

In a culture obsessed with wrinkle-free skin, viral TikToks, and 30-under-30 lists, youth is placed on a pedestal so high it’s practically glowing. We're sold the idea that our teens and twenties are the best years of our lives—our golden age of beauty, passion, creativity, and potential.

But is that really true? Or are we simply idolizing an illusion?

The Myth of the “Prime Years”

The media floods us with images of youthful energy, fast love, and spontaneous adventure. And while there’s certainly magic in those early chapters, there’s also a lot that’s left out of the story: the insecurity, the instability, the pressure to "figure it all out," and the constant comparing, chasing, and questioning.

Youth often means being unsure—of yourself, your place in the world, and your value. It’s a time of trial and error, of chasing approval, of mistaking busyness for purpose. And that’s perfectly fine. But let’s stop pretending it’s the only time worth celebrating.

Aging Is a Superpower

With age comes clarity. You start to understand what you want—and more importantly, what you don’t. You begin to recognize the patterns, the people, and the priorities that drain or enrich your life. You make better choices. You stop apologizing for taking up space.

Older adults often report higher levels of happiness and emotional stability than younger people. There’s a kind of quiet confidence that grows with each year, a deeper appreciation for the small things: good conversations, restful weekends, reliable friendships, peace of mind.

If youth is fire, age is light. Less chaotic, more illuminating.

Real Growth Takes Time

True self-awareness doesn’t usually arrive at 22. Nor does wisdom, or patience, or the ability to say no with grace. These things take time—time to stumble, reflect, and grow. Experience isn’t something you can fast-track with a good skincare routine and a vision board.

Creativity doesn’t dry up with age; it matures. Love doesn’t die; it deepens. Success doesn’t expire; it diversifies. Some of the greatest achievements, inventions, and revolutions have been sparked by people well past their so-called “prime.”

Let's Redefine What We Value

Youth has its glow—but age has its grit. We should stop measuring worth by how smooth our skin is or how many “firsts” we can cram into our twenties. Let's start celebrating the richness that comes with living fully—not just quickly.

So if you’re reading this and feeling like the best is behind you, let me offer a counterpoint: the best might just be what’s next.

Because the real prime of life isn’t about how young you are. It’s about how deeply you live.

Have thoughts on this topic? Share your reflections in the comments.