Aging can be terrifying, but it can also be beautiful. With age comes wisdom and knowledge. It becomes easier to ride the ups and downs of conflict and we can stop caring so much about what other people think of us. It is easy to associate aging with its less desirable aspects, but embracing all the benefits of growing older can help us all age gracefully and fearlessly.

Here are seven reasons to look forward to lighting another birthday candle each year:

Ability to manage social conflicts with grace

With maturity comes wisdom, so as we age, we are able to look at social situations and manage them a little more wisely. A study showed that people in their 60s were more able to come up with more outcomes for social conflict and were better at imagining different points of view from their younger counterparts.

You keep getting smarter 

Crystallized intelligence is a psychological term to describe intelligence based on what you’ve learned in the past i.e. information and skills you’ve already mastered. This type of intelligence is recruited in situations like vocabulary tests and reading comprehension. So as you keep aging and collecting knowledge, these skills keep increasing with you.

A greater sense of well-being

Many studies have found that people get happier and more trusting as they age. Plus, older people often have increased financial well-being, taking monetary stresses off the table.

An immunity window

From our late 40s through to our late 60s or early 70s, the immune system provides us with a sweet spot. Here, our immune memories are in top working order, being able to recognize and fight off microbes very efficiently.

Learning not to sweat the small stuff

Although the stereotype of old people is cranky, science has actually proved this to not be true! A personality trait study showed that participants started to become more agreeable in their 30s and continued to improve throughout their 60s.

Fewer migraines

With age comes peace for migraine sufferers, with the frequency and intensity decreasing as we get older.

The self-confidence that comes from knowing who you are

Despite the benefits of youth, insecurity is rife during this time. Research finds that self-esteem is highest between 60 and 70 years old, so enjoy this time without the unnecessary chatter of your inner critic.