What would you say to your younger self? Six older Americans asked themselves this question and wrote letters for a Business Insider video.
They're a small sampling of the more than 3,800 older Americans who have shared their life regrets in the past three months through reader surveys and emails to reporters. See our full list of stories, and watch our video here:
Their letters highlight what they would have done differently and what they're proud of. A former healthcare worker said she wished she had advocated more for herself at work. A truck driver said he shouldn't have sold his home. A health librarian described letting investment opportunities pass. A manager said she retired too early. And a couple said they wished they had prioritized their passions and saved more cautiously.
Scroll down to meet each person and read their full letters.
BI reporters worked with participants to refine their letters for clarity and to ensure key quotes and details from their interviews were included.
We want to hear from you. Are you an older American with any life regrets you'd be comfortable sharing with a reporter? Please fill out this quick form.
Hank Faber, 77
Faber, a truck driver in Indiana, said he regretted leaving his farm, which he estimates is now worth over $1 million; piling up debt; not preparing financially for health challenges; and not building a large nest egg for retirement.
He said that while he doesn't expect to retire soon, he's thankful that he kept playing music and found a career he enjoys.
Anita Clemons Swanagan, 59
Swanagan, who held various positions in prisons and hospitals, said she regretted offering too much financial assistance to friends, not prioritizing her health earlier in life, and not advocating for herself to get paid more.
Still, the Illinois resident said she was proud of herself for returning to work after the first of her two strokes, raising her three daughters, and staying positive about the future.
Nancy Seeger, 64
Seeger, a health librarian in Ohio, said she wished she had taken the time to learn investment strategies earlier in life, opened a Roth IRA earlier in her career, and shifted careers sooner.
But she also said she made many smart decisions, including securing good health insurance before her cancer diagnosis and starting a freelance writing gig after navigating a recent layoff.
Misty Miller, 65
Miller, a staff services manager in California, said she regretted retiring too early, overspending in the first year of her retirement, and cashing out her 401(k). But she said that staying connected with many people in her life and continuing to work had kept her positive.
Steve Dacus, 67, and Mary Dacus, 69
Steve Dacus, a retired salesman, and Mary Dacus, a retired secretary, both said they wished they had pursued careers they were passionate about, worked longer before retiring, and been more cautious about saving.
The couple, who live in rural Illinois, said they were proud that they took care of their parents and were looking forward to getting out of their home and moving to a different community.
Editor's note: January 27, 2025 — This article has been updated to make clear that BI reporters worked with participants to refine their letters for clarity and to ensure key quotes and details from their interviews were included.
