As the years pass, routines shift and so does the way many of us choose to spend money. Aging is often framed as a slowdown, but plenty of research suggests people in their sixties can feel more satisfied than younger adults. Journalist Danny Bonvissuto has pointed to survey findings where roughly a third of people in their sixties describe themselves as very happy, and a big part of that may come from spending with more intention.
One of the first purchases many people rethink is the big, flashy car. Geriatric medicine professor Stuart Lewis notes that getting in and out of a vehicle can feel tougher with age, which nudges practicality and comfort ahead of status. The same mindset shows up with technology, since plenty of older adults still value devices but have less interest in upgrading for the sake of having the newest model. A study in Frontiers in Psychology also suggests many older users appreciate tech while preferring simpler options and feeling that society leans too heavily on complicated tools.
Home habits change, too, especially when the goal becomes ease rather than constant refreshing. People often buy less decor as they simplify their spaces and aim for a timeless look instead of frequent makeovers. Real estate company Redfin has highlighted that many baby boomers do not plan to sell their homes, which can make big style splurges feel unnecessary. Clothing choices often shift in a similar way, with less attention to fast-moving trends and more focus on what feels good and works well.
That does not mean appearance stops mattering, it just looks different. Marketing professor Charles Taylor, referencing research from Age of Majority, has noted that older adults often feel overlooked in campaigns, which can make trend driven fashion and beauty launches feel less relevant. Many people also buy fewer just released makeup products, sticking to what they know suits them. Research led by Stephen Smagula has linked routines with positive effects on older adults’ mental well-being, which helps explain why familiar products can beat constant experimentation.
Spending tied to big family events also tends to cool down. Once kids are grown and building their own lives, large group vacations happen less often, and travel can become shorter or more budget mindful, as economic reporter Abha Bhattarai has observed. KPMG chief economist Diane Swonk has also pointed to rising financial stress, which can push people toward smaller, simpler plans. Nights out often shrink, too, from fewer concert tickets to fewer late dinners and bar tabs, with the National Institute on Aging noting how fatigue and sleep pattern changes can make late evenings less appealing.
Parenting expenses shift instead of disappearing entirely. People stop buying everyday children’s items like toys and gear, but support may continue in other ways. Savings.com has reported that many parents of adult children still help financially, averaging about $1,474 per month, which reflects a different kind of contribution.
What purchases have you personally stopped making with age, and which ones will you never give up? Share your thoughts in the comments.
