A lot of people fear growing older, but if you ask us, the ageing process brings some pretty great benefits – as Vicar of Dibley actress Dawn French knows. She told the Radio Times Christmas issue: “It’s a privilege to get older.”

“It’s not for wusses. Things go a bit wrong…,” the 63-year-old TV star added. “Your teeth are a bit yellower, your chin has sagged, you’re fatter, you’re greyer. But ultimately, it ain’t so bad.”

And did you know studies often show senior citizens are among the happiest people in society, and that they are significantly happier than those in middle-age?

Here are some great reasons to look forward to growing older…

1. The relationships you have are ones you’ve honed over years

FOMO and spreading yourself too thin can hamper friendships in youth, when making lots of new friends whenever possible, and navigating fallouts, the order of the day. But in later life, things are often calmer and your tolerance levels sharper. You don’t have the time, energy or patience for friends that treat you like a free therapist, or don’t show up when you need them.

Instead, with more decades under your belt, it’s possible to invest time in select relationships that feed your soul, make you feel happy and that really matter.

2. You generally have more money at your disposal

While money isn’t the route to all happiness, with increased years often comes the comfort of increased financial security (and a paid off mortgage). Plus, with experience, you’re also likely to be savvier with your money than you were in your 20s.

3. There’s less emphasis on the importance of looks

In adolescence it’s easy to be your own harshest critic, and relatively normal to spend hours in front of the mirror trying to disguise ‘imperfections’ with layers of make-up and hairspray.

Being older and wiser can really improve body confidence, because at 60, 70, 80, who really gives a fig if a stranger in the supermarket sees you bare-faced?!

4. There’s more chance to gain perspective 

In the latter half of life, in all probability you’ve had your fair share of break-ups, bereavements, health issues, and family dramas, and as a result, sweating the small stuff is way down on the emotional to-do list.

At this stage, your strengths and weaknesses are clearer, as is your self awareness, and you have more emotional tools to deal with whatever life decides to throw at you.

5. Comparison culture has loosened its grip

Life is finite – a fact that becomes clearer as you grow older, and one that really erodes any worries you used to harbour around what other people are doing with their lives. You’ve got your own to focus on after all, and that’s what’s important. Who has time for jealousy and envy?

6. You’re not afraid to say ‘no’ 

One of the best things about growing older is that you seemingly have more licence to say exactly what you think, and that includes saying no to things you don’t want to do.

Spending your time on the things you love, and keeping your sanity in check, is way more important than burning yourself out for other people.

7. It can be easier to find the joy in small things

Simple things like enjoying a cup of coffee with friends, taking a long walk in nature and seeing the grandkids can take on greater significance than material things, the rat race of trying to get ahead at work, climbing the property ladder and the pressure to track down a life partner.

With age – if you’re lucky – comes with the time and space to appreciate the little every day things that much more.