Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — June is Men’s Health Month and that doesn’t just mean physical health. It also means looking at the emotional side of life, including regret. Studies show as people get older, their biggest regrets aren’t about what they did, but what they didn’t do.
Life moves fast! You work, build a career, provide for your family, you save, plan, try to do everything right.
And somewhere along the way it feels like you’re forgetting, missing, or maybe, regretting. Research shows as we age, our biggest regrets aren’t about what we did but what we didn’t do.
For men, it hits a little hard. A Harvard study found that most men regret not keeping in contact with their closest friends. In fact, older men face a “friendship recession,” with 15 percent reporting no close friends
Another regret, losing a sense of purpose. Research shows people over 65 with hobbies are healthier, happier and more satisfied with life.
Another regret? Many men admit that they simply took their partners for granted, assuming there would always be more time, more conversations, more chances
So, what can we learn from all of this? Call the friend. Make the time. Say what needs to be said. Because someday the things you put off, may be the things you miss the most.
Here’s one more, according to the Harvard study, the greatest regret many men face is failing to value the small, everyday moments. They were so focused on the horizon that they didn’t notice the beauty of a quiet cup of coffee, a slow conversation without an agenda, or just sitting on a bench on a sunny afternoon.
Contributors to this news report include: Cliff Tumetel, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor.
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Sources:
https://www.nhregister.com/living/article/older-americans-regret-health-savings-survey-22084210.php
https://choicemutual.com/original-research/what-american-seniors-regret-most/
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/ng-interactive/2025/jul/10/male-friendships-midlife
https://www.oldest.org/entertainment/life-choices-men-regret-most-later-in-life/
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/3-proven-health-benefits-having-hobby
