Am I Too Old For Adventures? How To Break Your Expiration Date Mindset

I’ll admit, the first thing I do before pouring cream into my morning coffee or milk onto my granola is check the expiration date. If the date is close to the day I’m pouring, I take a big sniff to see if it smells fresh.

It’s a habit ingrained in us: that quick check of whether something is “still good” is part of daily life. We do it with medication that’s been sitting in the cupboard for a while, or that sunscreen left over from last summer. Should it be tossed, or is it okay to use?

The Expiration Date Mindset: Why We’re Quick to Dismiss Ourselves

Typically, expiration dates mark a point after which the quality, safety, or effectiveness of a product may decline. Yet, studies have shown that we often discard items unnecessarily. The U.S. Department of Defense, in collaboration with the FDA’s Shelf Life Extension Program, found that nearly 90% of tested medications were still effective long past their expiration dates. Similarly, experts estimate that as much as 90% of discarded food could still be perfectly safe to eat, as most expiration dates reflect peak freshness rather than actual safety concerns.

It’s curious, then, that we also apply this “expiration date” mindset to our lives. As we reach midlife, many of us mentally place imaginary expiry dates on experiences—activities or opportunities we believe we’ve outgrown.

We’ve all been there—catching ourselves in that moment of doubt, thinking, “I’m too old for that.” It’s a familiar feeling, that quiet voice inside questioning whether the things we once enjoyed will still hold the same magic as they did in our younger years. Perhaps you’ve found yourself hesitating, wondering if it’s still worth it, or if your body can handle it the same way it once did.

It might sound something like this: “It won’t be as fun as it used to be.” The thought that the thrill or joy you once experienced might not be quite the same anymore can make us reluctant to even try. Or maybe it’s a more practical concern, like the voice that says, “I’m not sure I can do it safely anymore.” Age brings with it a certain wariness, a desire to avoid injury or overexertion. And sometimes, we hear that nagging doubt creeping in, “I won’t be as good at it as I would have been ten years ago.” That fear of not measuring up, or not being able to perform at our peak, can hold us back from even giving it a shot.

These thoughts aren’t just emotional—they can have real, physical consequences. Research from the National Institute on Aging shows that self-imposed limitations, driven by age, can have a detrimental impact on both physical and cognitive health. Engaging in new experiences, on the other hand, can improve memory, reduce stress, and even enhance your lifespan.

What we often forget is that these thoughts, as real as they may feel, are often just barriers we create in our minds. Sure, things might look different now, but that doesn’t mean the experience is any less valuable or fulfilling.

The Benefits of Saying “I’m Still Good!”

I’ve had my own brush with this mindset. In my early 50s, I went on a trip to Costa Rica with a friend who suggested we go zip-lining through the rainforest. I’d never done anything like it before, and immediately thought, “I’m too old for this.”

My friend went on her own, had the time of her life, and I stayed behind. To this day, I regret that decision—but I’m proud to say that, ten years later, I did go zip-lining in California’s Redwoods, and absolutely loved it.

So, what’s the message here? Instead of thinking, “I’m too old,” let’s try saying, “I’m still good.” Whether you’re considering a new job, taking up a hobby, or simply starting a new relationship, the phrase “It’s still good” should be your go-to mantra.

Of course, before jumping in, you want to evaluate any risks—after all, safety should always come first. But the last thing you should do is dismiss an opportunity simply because of your age.

Breaking Free from Society’s Expectations

This “expiration date mindset” isn’t just personal; society plays a role in it, too. Often, we’re surrounded by messages, from the media to our own family and friends, suggesting that certain activities are no longer suitable for people our age. Research from the AARP shows that 64% of older adults feel they are underestimated or dismissed due to their age. Unfortunately, this can lead to us abandoning pursuits we would otherwise enjoy.

The antidote to feeling stuck or limited? Take the leap. Push yourself beyond your usual boundaries and try something new. It doesn’t matter what it is—whether it’s something as thrilling as zip-lining through the lush forests of Costa Rica or signing up for a dance class where you know no one and feel a little out of your element.

The key is to take that first step, even if it feels intimidating or uncertain. Once you do, you’ll be amazed at the support that often comes from places you didn’t expect. Strangers, friends, or even people you never thought would understand may offer encouragement, making you feel more confident in your new venture.

But perhaps the most surprising thing you’ll discover is this: many of the limits you’ve placed on yourself are often imagined or self-imposed. The mental barriers that hold you back are more about perception than reality. By challenging yourself to step outside your comfort zone, you not only open up a world of new opportunities but also prove to yourself that you’re capable of so much more than you thought.

So, go ahead—shout it loud and clear: “I’m still good!”

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