In a short but powerful street-style interview video, a YouTube creator with more than a million subscribers asked retirees, aged 70 and older, about their biggest regrets, life advice, and what they’ve learned as they aged.
Turns out their advice could be drilled down into six important tips that can help you find happiness, live life to the fullest and avoid financial pitfalls.
Tip #1. Spend with purpose — don’t wait too long
Waiting for retirement or the “perfect moment” to enjoy your money can backfire, according to the seniors YouTuber Sprouht interviewed.
For instance, one interviewee pointed out the uncertainty is at every state of life. He states: “The golden years are not that golden. People say, ‘you’re retired, you can do everything’ — but you never know what’s going to happen to you.”
Another response was to lean on the standard advice: “Don’t put off to tomorrow what you can do today.”
Money Insight
Enjoy your money while you’re healthy and able. Plan for the future — but not at the cost of your present.
Tip #2. Invest in experiences, not just stuff
Many of the responses focused on learning your priorities — what you value in life — and then encouraged people to spend time, energy and money on what matters.
One respondent said: “If I was 16 now, I’d have a bloody brilliant time knowing what I know now.” Another pointed out the ongoing dilemma about finding balance by stating: “More family time, less work time.”
Many retirees suggested a shift in our focus — concentrating on what adds value to life — travel, learning, personal growth — rather than just accumulating things. “Make sure you do what you enjoy doing. Don’t just get a job — have a passion.”
Money Insight
Allocate money toward meaningful experiences. The return-on-investment (ROI) is measured by memories, which often outweighs material purchases.
Tip #3. Be strategic, but not obsessive
Many elders wished they hadn’t stressed so much about money, careers, or comparing themselves to others.
As one stated: “I wish I’d laid less stress upon myself in those years between 35 and 45.”
Another echoed this sentiment, stating: “As you get older, you discard the nonsense and just focus on what’s important to you.”
Money Insight
Financial planning is important — but avoid over-striving or letting money anxiety dominate your life. Balance is key.
Tip #4. Align money with values
“Don’t be a follower — be an independent mind. Otherwise, you’ll become a robot.”
Turns out what we spend on should reflect our core values — not societal expectations or external pressures.
“Never do anything that might cause remorse — because remorse is something you carry forever.”
Money Insight
Spend and invest based on your personal values — not to impress others. Avoid “remorse spending.”
Tip #5. Prioritize people over profit
The most repeated regrets weren’t about missed investments — they were about time not spent with loved ones. “We all make mistakes. Sometimes you don’t realize what others are going through until you get older and experience it yourself.”
Another response highlighted how family and loved ones always topped the list of most important achievements. “My proudest accomplishment? Raising two children who are kind, successful, and don’t carry any hatred.”
Money Insight
Financial success is hollow if it costs your relationships. Budget time and money for the people who matter.
Tip 6. Cut the noise and focus
Distractions — especially digital ones — can lead to impulsive spending and shallow satisfaction.
As one respondent exclaimed, when asked about the impact of smartphones and technology: “It’s a monstrosity — everybody gets in an elevator and just looks at their phone.”
Money Insight
Mindless scrolling often leads to mindless spending. Stay present and intentional with your money choices.
Bottom line
Even though the video was just a six short minutes, YouTuber Sprouht was able to tease out a wealth of solid advice from his interviewees. Using their lived-experience, we can all aim to take more risks, value relationships over our bank balance, avoid holding grudges, drop the stress and live authentically.
Sources
1. Sprouht: 70 Year Olds Share Their BIGGEST Mistakes (Oct 20, 2024)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
