Watching the number of candles on the birthday cake multiply each year isn’t easy. Getting older brings a new set of challenges. But, it’s not all bad. Here are four ways we get better with age. 

1) Word to the wise. With age comes experience, and with experience comes better decision-making skills. We get to share our wealth of wisdom with the younger women in our lives. Plus, our enlightened selves give us a big self-confidence boost. 

2) Get along gang. As we get older, we tend to get along better with others. We do a better job of putting ourselves in others’ shoes and being aware of their feelings. We also tend to avoid negativity, and let insults and other annoyances slide. 

3) You sexy thing. We may have sex less often than younger women, but we are all in when we head to bed. In a recent survey, women over 80 were more likely than women between the ages of 55 and 79 to report their satisfaction during sex. 

4) The long haul. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to slow down as you grow older. In fact, some studies show our physical endurance may improve in our later years. Need proof? Sister Madonna Buder, 86, (aka the Iron Nun) holds the current world record for the oldest person to finish an Ironman Triathlon. She earned that honor at age 82.