07/31/2025
Loving this advice!
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It started on an oddly quiet afternoon when I found myself scrolling through my audiobook library in search of something lighthearted yet wise. I had no intention of diving into anything about aging. But then I stumbled upon The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly with its wry subtitle, Life Wisdom from Someone Who Will (Probably) Die Before You. That line caught me. It was bold, funny, and honest. And that was all the invitation I needed. From the first few minutes, I was taken by Natascha McElhoneâs narration. There was something effortlessly graceful in her voice, the kind that made Margareta Magnussonâs humor feel more charming, her truths feel more personal. Listening felt like sitting beside an older friend with twinkling eyes and a mischievous smile, one who isnât afraid to say what others only think. What followed was a series of gentle nudges and occasional truth bombs that made me smile, pause, and even reflect out loud. Below are eight lessons that landed with weight and warmth, not just because of what they said, but how Margareta said them.
1. Do Not Wait to Use the Nice Things: Margaretaâs voice, carried by the narratorâs graceful tone, settled this lesson deep into my bones. She talks about people saving special items for special occasions that never come. I thought of the unopened perfumes on my shelf, the good china stacked high for âsome day.â Her gentle reminder is simple yet revolutionary. Life is today. This message pushed me to start living more intentionally and less ceremoniously. Anyone who listens will likely feel the same urge to stop postponing joy.
2. Keep Moving, Even if it is Just a Little: One of the most beautiful moments was when she described aging not as a reason to stop but as a reason to keep going in small, delightful ways. She isnât preaching marathons, just a short walk, a few stretches, watering plants. It reminded me that momentum keeps us alive. The way she shared it made the message unavoidable, and deeply human. For anyone struggling with inertia, her voice offers encouragement without pressure.
3. Be Childish in All the Right Ways: When Margareta spoke about keeping a bit of childlike wonder, I actually laughed out loud. She didnât mean being immature, but allowing space for silliness, curiosity, and delight. Her anecdotes made me remember how serious adulthood can be, and how unnecessary that seriousness often is. It was freeing to hear someone in their older years advocate for play. It made me want to loosen up. For any listener, this lesson can act as a beautiful permission slip to reclaim joy.
4. Talk About Death, It Will Not Kill You: There is a moment when she talks about death so openly and so lightly that I felt my fear shrink a little. She makes death feel like an old friend at the table, not a shadow in the corner. What struck me was how her humor didnât diminish the gravity but instead brought light into it. This lesson made me realize how liberating it is to talk about the inevitable. For readers and listeners alike, it clears space for more honest living.
5. Keep Learning, Even When You are Older Than Most Teachers: Margareta tells stories of continuing to learn new things, and I could hear the genuine excitement behind every word. Whether it was technology or a new recipe, her curiosity was contagious. I caught myself nodding. Her message was clear. Learning is not about age. It is about being alive. This lesson helped me confront my own excuses. And it can inspire anyone who thinks their best days of discovery are behind them.
6. Choose Friends Who Make You Laugh and Let the Others Drift: She shares memories of friendships that lifted her and others that left her drained. The way she tells it is never bitter but always honest. It made me rethink the people I let close. Her wisdom here is gentle but firm. Life is too short for forced connections. If the friendship no longer brings light, it is okay to let it go. That lesson, spoken with warmth and wit, can give many the courage to choose their company more wisely.
7. Do Not Be Afraid to Be Alone, but Do Not Isolate Yourself Either: Margareta finds comfort in her solitude but also emphasizes the importance of connection. She captures that delicate balance beautifully. Her stories show that being alone can be nourishing, but loneliness is something entirely different. The way she tells it, I felt seen. Many of us dance between those two experiences. Her perspective helps soften that space. Anyone listening will likely walk away with a renewed understanding of solitude, and how to make peace with it.
8. Gratitude Is an Art and a Daily Practice: One of the final lessons that truly stayed with me was her gentle insistence on finding things to be thankful for, even in the most ordinary moments. She doesnât romanticize hardship. She simply reminds us that gratitude can live alongside struggle. She shares small daily joys, from morning routines to interactions with strangers. And as I listened, I found myself noticing my own. This lesson is perhaps the most universal. For any listener, it can slowly reshape the lens through which they see life.
Book/Audiobook: https://amzn.to/4lS9JpY
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