What People in Their 40s and 50s Regret Not Doing in Their 30s (and Why You Should Pay Attention)

If you’re in your 20s or 30s, this post is for you. But if you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, no te vayas, we need you here too. Trust me, you’ll see why soon.

Recently, I posted something on "la otra aplicación que nadie usa," el hilo (Threads), and it got a lot of attention. Another major page reposted it, and I received TONS of responses. The question was simple but impactful:

If you’re in your 40s or 50s, what’s something you regret not doing in your 30s?

As I was going through the answers, there were the usual responses—I wish I had ended that bad relationship sooner, I wish I had left that toxic job earlier, or I wish I had traveled more. All great answers, and honestly, amazing reminders. If anyone reading this needs a sign to do any of those things, consider this your sign: Quit your job, break up with them, and book that flight. QUE SE JODANNNN.

Sure, we see these reminders all the time on social media, entendido, but these answers really stood out to me and surprised me. Let’s dive into them.

1. Use Sunscreen (Yes, Seriously)

One of the more unexpected regrets people shared was not using sunscreen regularly. I know it sounds simple, but it’s true—our skin needs protection, and it’s not just about beauty. UV damage is real, and it accumulates over time, skin cancer is very real and can get you even if you have a darker complexion.

So, if you’re not already, empieza a usarlo todos los días. Here’s the one I wear daily, and this is the one I carry in my purse porque uno nunca sabe. Your future self will thank you when you avoid potential skin issues.

2. Going to More Concerts

Another regret that stood out was from people who wished they had gone to more concerts to see the artists they loved. Es tan cierto—we often think, “Oh, there’ll be another album, another tour. I’ll catch them next time.” But life is unpredictable.

I missed the chance to see Amy Winehouse live, and it’s something I’ll never get back. Keep that in mind next time you’re debating whether to buy that concert ticket. La vida es corta, and sometimes, there won’t be a next time. ¡Que triste!

3. Lifting Weights Sooner

This one really struck me, especially coming from women. Many said they wished they had started lifting weights sooner. I’ve been lifting weights on and off since I was 17. I even used to be a personal trainer (I know, shocker!). Back then, weightlifting for women wasn’t nearly as popular as it is now, and there were hardly any Latina trainers, weightlifters, or bodybuilders. I’m SO glad that’s changed because having role models we can identify with is incredibly powerful. Not only is weightlifting important for our bone health, muscle mass, and balance as we age, but learning about it from people who share our cultural experiences makes the journey even more meaningful. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated to get you started. Just get some kettlebells, dumbells, or my own favorite adjustable kettlebell/dumbell combo to save space, a mat, maybe some resistance bands y listo! ¡A sudar! If you’re looking for at-home workouts or need a confidence boost before hitting the gym and feeling like you know what you’re doing, check out my two favorite Latina trainers: Vicky Loza y Samantha Ortiz. They post amazing workout videos that are easy to follow and perfect for building your strength while learning from women who truly understand our community

So yes, be a Pilates princess, do your yoga, but don’t forget about weight-bearing exercises. It’s crucial for long-term health and strength as you get older. No es solo un tema de estética, es cuidar de tu cuerpo para el futuro.

4. Not Knowing I Could Be Directive With My Life

This one is deep. Several people mentioned that they regret not realizing sooner that they could be directive with their lives rather than just responsive. When we’re younger, we often feel like life is happening to us rather than realizing our role in shaping what’s happening.

We have the power to analyze situations, recognize our role in the outcomes, and adjust our approach to get different results. No es fácil, pero es posible. Taking control of your life starts with knowing that you can make decisions that align with your goals, rather than simply reacting to what life throws at you.

Takeaways for Every Age Group

So, for everyone in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond—what would you add to this list? What advice do you have for those in their 20s and 30s? Queremos aprender de sus experiencias. Whether it’s focusing on self-care, taking risks, or pursuing passions, your insights are valuable.

For those in your 20s and 30s, take this as a gentle reminder to live fully, sin miedo. Life is unpredictable, but the choices we make now have a lasting impact on our future selves.