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

Becoming much more efficient at making choices , so that I would be able to pack well and quickly (if you can afford to buy the one jacket that does everything fine, but if not doesnt work so well) Applying the same attitude to furniture etc., but trust my judgement and not dither!

Like many others here I had certainly not expected to be a widow in my early 70s.

I completely agreed with 00Georgesgran
Still single surviving alone, looking for a good man.

sparkle1234 for generations women have been put down if they have no sons.
Status depended entirely on producing a male heir to carry on the family name/ occupation/ traditions and inherit land.

Traditional preferences for sons still carry social benefits in many societies.
We are fortunate in the UK in that this is fading away as women become gradually "more equal".

...But I can still only think of one local firm that calls itself "n & daughter"!

Children and grandchildren, but it sadly didn't happen. 😥

You certainly should feel no shame. If it were me I'd have regrets, maybe that's because I'm so lucky and do have them and know how much they mean to me and how they've added to life.
It's rotten if people have made you feel bad about it though.

Aveline

Grandchildren are much more than that. It's hard to convey to someone without them how much they add to life.

Yes , I understand that completely and if I am lucky enough to be blessed it will make me very happy and I hope I will be a really hands on grandma but if I don't I'm not going to sit and weep , I've got things to do and places to go and a very fulfilling life and I feel no shame whatsoever 😊

SpinDriftCoastal thankyou , exactly. Its the same if you only have sons . Oh what a shame , no daughters ? ... When does anyone ever say , oh shame , no sons !! .
If you're single , oh poor you , never married . Irritating much . 🙄

hollysteers

Nothing, if I have a good book to read, a roof over my head, reasonable health etc., the usual, I’m happy.

It would have been nice, career wise, to now be looking back on my days as a prima donna at La Scala, as I once imagined, but my singing career has been pretty satisfying, considering family ties. If not an opera star, an acclaimed artist😁

Ooh hollysteers, I’d love to know who you are! 😀

I didn’t expect anything, but I’m very, very grateful for what I have.

Allsorts

I thought I would have a loving family around me and my husband, I have the material things but not the love or companionship. In the scheme of things my two children have surpassed my wildest expectations but I got left behind, so though I turned out two high flyers, who have good partners and children and are successful, from my point of view I would rather they were part of my life. Know thats selfish of me
because they are their own people.

That is absolutely NOT selfish, that is what almost everyone wants, to be part of a multi generational family. I feel sad for you

Same here I’m 71 and no sign of grandchildren ☹️

Kloppqueen💐🙏🏻

watertyger

When I was young, I never believed I could get old ...

Hmm, yes.

Remember when some older cousins were celebrating their Silver Wedding. 25 years! OMG!

Now, approaching 54 years married myself (God willing), I think how silly I was back then.

When I was young, I never believed I could get old ...

Nothing, if I have a good book to read, a roof over my head, reasonable health etc., the usual, I’m happy.

It would have been nice, career wise, to now be looking back on my days as a prima donna at La Scala, as I once imagined, but my singing career has been pretty satisfying, considering family ties. If not an opera star, an acclaimed artist😁

A partner.

I thought I would have a loving family around me and my husband, I have the material things but not the love or companionship. In the scheme of things my two children have surpassed my wildest expectations but I got left behind, so though I turned out two high flyers, who have good partners and children and are successful, from my point of view I would rather they were part of my life. Know thats selfish of me
because they are their own people.

Aveline

Grandchildren are much more than that. It's hard to convey to someone without them how much they add to life.

It is also hard to convey the feeling of being a link in the chain of life when you have children.

It's very sad for people who'd hoped for them.

Grandchildren are much more than that. It's hard to convey to someone without them how much they add to life.

sparkle1234

I thought I would have grandchildren but I want my children to be happy and healthy and at the moment they are so I'm grateful for that . I just wish sometimes that other people would stop asking me as if my life is half empty or incomplete because I'm not a grandma . One thing I've realised is life just happens , you can't foresee or plan ahead . Make the most of every day .Life is short so be grateful for everyday you share with your loved ones . Today is a gift and tomorrow is never promised .

I do appreciate what you are saying. I was somewhere where they asked me if I have grandchildren: I said no and they said 'What a shame!'. I asked 'Why? Do I have to identify my life's hard work and success when I am old by my own kids producing more kids? I don't think so" .

Ok hoped I would be able to play the guitar. I have tried several times but could never master it

FlexibleFriend

Wrinkles

Wow, tell us your secret!

I had a bit of an accident with my front teeth, I expected to have to have a plate. Then they invented implants.
Wonderful.

A bit frivolous but in the 1990s and early 2000s I thought I would have a Jaguar XK8. I rather fancied posing around in one in gunmetal grey. When the time came for me to be able to afford an old second hand one there is no way I could have driven it, let alone park it in my drive. I would have knocked down the front pillars. So, it remains a dream of the past.