What did you you think you would have by your current age that you don't?

More free time.

I’m caring for my parents-in-law (my own choice - I love them dearly and they both have dementia) and I give myself one day off each week from that role. However, that’s the only day I have to catch up on my own household chores/admin etc. My lovely husband tries very hard to ensure that I do something nice for myself/ourselves on that day, but it’s not always possible.

Like lots of people here I expected to have better health. I am however after many years of chronic illness learning to be more positive about the good days and less guilty about the bad.

Grandchildren. Unfortunately, it's not going to happen. Neither my DS/DDIL or my DD/Fiance have any intention of having a family.

I would have loved to be a Nanna, but I've accepted it's not meant to be. It's still hard though, to be pleased when friends announce the news of yet another baby on the way.

My twin brother. He died far too young.

I didn’t expect to have this much and don’t wish for anything particular but I regret not have done certain things especially travel. However I am very content with my situation.
I expected to outlive DH as his brother and father died young, though he lasted longer than expected. I wish we’d had more time together in good health. I don’t have any further ambitions, just carry on as now for as long as possible while I can.

Our daughters who have died.

I’m so sorry for those of you who have lost children and your DH life is very cruel and sad. I always thought I would have a close family,
I’ve only got two children no siblings, but I’m finding it a lot more difficult than I thought, to keep us all together, it takes a lot of effort on my part, especially now I’ve lost my mum and some other family members. It’s been a shock to me how difficult it all is.

My husband and a more uneventful life than I’ve experienced since he became ill

I always said I would live to 100, imagining that I would be the same as at 50 plus wrinkles.
I did not imagine the fast slide down a slippery slope to feebleness, lack of stamina and loss of energy. I’m lucky to be healthy but can’t exercise my dog enough, keep the garden tidy or walk any distance.
Old age just gets worse, nothing ever improves.

It's hard to answer really as I can't say I had a life plan and even if I did there's no guarantee it would work out. So it really is a wish list,. My eldest son, now 47 was born with a rare syndrome. I wish he hadn't been as I worry about his future when I'm no longer here. I wish my finances were better and my health.. I feel sad for some of you who lost their DH too early as that is so unexpected and life changing.

Oddly enough despite some truly awful times 😖 I am pretty content now with what I have and what I have achieved! If I could have anything it would be more time to myself! I am so tied up with helping AC and DGC that I have no leisure time and no time to see friends 😧

A much better house.

I can't think of anything. I could never envisage myself as an older person.
Stuff happens and you just deal with it as it arrives.

Ive always just lived my life and enjoyed what I had along the way . Im very happy living a lovely simple unassuming life alone without any chaos to be honest. The one thing that I learned very early on in life is that things are ever changing along the way

Yes, I’m another who thought I’d grow old (er) with my lovely husband.

Quite simply, I didn't.

Better health definitely. I can’t garden as I did only a few years ago. I have a big garden. I’ve got a gardener now and I’ve just taken away the sloping grass/barked area. I got it terraced with retaining walls to make it easier going forward. Especially as I can’t walk on slopes anymore.

My husband and my health.

And of course I thought I would still have my darling husband.....

I thought I would feel 'grown-up' - I don't!

More grandchildren and a large, happy family; more fun and a luxury apartment. Is it too much to ask?

I am lucky as the only thing I have ever really wished for was to no longer have my abusive parents alive.
I just wanted a few years of being alive without them in my life.

I am 6 years in and the relief is immeasurable.

I am sorry for all of you who have lost husbands and children.

I know a life without my husband would be half a life and one without my children wouldn’t be worth living.

Wisdom

My fit, able Dh, cruising the world.
So lucky to have done that 10 years ago, so I can’t complain, just would love to see him as he was .

Everything paid off.