Most people aren’t thrilled about growing old. They think they’re too frail to have any fun. However, a lot of the problems with growing old are purely psychological.

If you’re in your late 40s or 50s, it’s not too late to recapture some of your youth. Here are some ways you can feel young again.

1. Go-Karting

Many people got into go-karting while in middle school, but it can be just as much fun to do as an adult.

Matt Lawson, a 29-year-old from Humboldt County, California says go-karting is a fun activity for older adults too. Lawson and his 65-year-old landlady would go to the local go-karting track with her two adult sons once a year.

“I had no idea that a woman my mom’s age got such a kick out of go-karting,” Lawson said. “I have to admit, she was a heck of a lot better than me.”

2. Motorcycling

If you aren’t bold enough to relive your childhood, you can still relive some of your 20s. Motorcycling is a great way to do that. Sue Zuki, the editor of Her Motorcycle, says that she didn’t get her first motorcycle until her 50^th journey around the sun.^[1]

“I got my motorcycle endorsement and my first bike shortly after turning 50. Apparently there are many like me who didn’t pursue riding until after turning 40… Indeed, for the few friends and acquaintances that I’ve dared to reveal my motorcycle riding to, I claim it’s related to my mid-life crisis, which I’m thoroughly enjoying thanks to the Suzuki. They’ll REALLY be surprised when I get that beautiful tribal tattoo for my upper back that I’ve been lusting after!”

It’s easy to get started. You can find a great motorcycle on popular sites, like CycleTrader or Autotrader. It’s also a good idea to find bike parts, so you can do your own tune-ups as needed.

3. Slip and Slide

The slip and slide is one of the most iconic summer activities for young kids. Children as young as five enjoy sliding down a plastic sheet that’s covered in water.^[2] You can create a slip and slide in your own backyard. If you are feeling really adventurous, you can visit a large water park, like Raging Water Parks or Noah’s Ark Water Park.

It may sound juvenile to some, but lots of adults enjoy it too. One middle school teacher from Missouri (who asked to stay anonymous for professional reasons) recalls watching her middle-aged assistant principal joining the students at the slip and slide on one school trip.

“It’s a side of him that I never saw before,” she said. “It was great to see him having so much fun. He needed it after all the long hours he had to put in earlier in the year.”

4. Take a Backpacking Trip

Many people in their 20s go on long backpacking trips. This can be a great way to enjoy summer vacation.

As you get older, it’s tough to get away from the responsibilities that take over your life. Even if you can take a week or two off from work, it’s tough to take it away from your kids. Fortunately, you have more time in your 40s and 50s when your kids are grown up. Why not use that time to go on a backpacking excursion?

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A backpacking trip can be a great way to experience Europe or another part of the world you’ve always wanted to visit.^[3]

Life Doesn’t End at 40!

Too many people think life ends after you’re 40. Nothing could be further from the truth! It’s possible to live it up well into your 40s and even 50s. Of course, you have to be mindful of your physical limitations, but don’t let them keep you from having fun.

Featured photo credit: Pexels / Keith Wako via pexels.com