In most countries, men enter retirement around age 60. Leaving work and slowing down also marks a shift in social roles. Men then have more time to reflect on their past journey.
From a developmental psychology perspective, Professor Erik Erikson of Harvard University (US) noted that the period after age 60 is when people re-evaluate their lives. They find themselves balancing feelings of satisfaction with regrets about past choices.
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Illustrative photo: Men Lifestyle Hub. |
Below are five things men often regret most when they turn 60.
Prioritizing work over family
The demands of work and career advancement often lead men to spend less time with their wives and children. Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicates that workers in developed countries work 35-40 hours per week. Devoting themselves to their careers, many mistakenly believe they can make up for family time later. However, upon reflection at age 60, they realize those moments are gone forever.
Suppressing emotions
The pressure to be strong often leads men to choose silence instead of sharing, creating distance from loved ones. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that the suicide rate among men is 2-4 times higher than among women. Psychologists note that a lack of emotional communication is a key reason men experience isolation in old age.
Losing friendships
Friendships directly impact mental health. However, these relationships often fade due to life's pressures. A report from the Pew Research Center (US) indicates that 15% of men currently have no close friends, a fivefold increase compared to 30 years ago. Upon retirement, the absence of confidants becomes a significant regret.
Living up to others' expectations
In her book, "The Top Five Regrets of the Dying," author Bronnie Ware recounts how many patients wished they had the courage to live a life true to themselves. The pressure to be a model husband, father, or employee often narrows men's personal choices. By age 60, many realize that much of their lives had been lived according to external expectations.
Overvaluing money
A 2025 survey of Generation X in the US revealed that they regretted not a lack of money, but the time they sacrificed to earn it. Data from Natixis Investment Managers shows that 60% of those preparing for retirement wished they had planned their finances earlier. However, their biggest regrets were the missed time and relationships. Research from the University of British Columbia (Canada) also indicated that individuals who prioritize time report higher life satisfaction than those solely focused on income.
Ngoc Ngan (According to Men Lifestyle Hub).
