40 Things Every Person Should Know By Age 40

As people go through different generations, their experiences growing up can also differ greatly. For example, the way the “Greatest Generation” grew up was different from how the “Baby Boomers” did, and the millennials have a different set of experiences altogether. However, despite these generational differences, there are certain life experiences and knowledge that people tend to accumulate as they age, at least to some extent, regardless of their upbringing or gender.

The question of what everyone “should know” by the age of 40 is subjective and depends to a large extent on each person’s individual experiences. After all, 40 years is a long time, and many individuals may have gained a wealth of knowledge, skills, and insights that may help or inspire other 40-somethings.

Therefore, we’ve created a list of 40 things that may be considered useful or insightful for people to know by the time they reach the age of 40. However, we must emphasize that this list is intended to be fun, humorous, and thought-provoking, and not meant to be a definitive guide or taken too seriously. Some of these items may apply to you, while others may not, and that’s okay. Our goal is to provide a lighthearted and entertaining resource that can maybe give you a laugh or inspiration.

Here Are 40 Things Every Person Should Know By Age 40

1. How to cook at least one healthy meal from scratch: Being able to prepare a healthy meal for yourself and others is a valuable life skill that can promote well-being.
2. Basic first aid, including CPR and the Heimlich maneuver: Basic first aid knowledge can make a significant difference in emergencies.
3. How to manage your finances and create a budget: Financial literacy is essential for achieving financial stability and meeting long-term goals.
4. Knowledge of your own strengths and weaknesses: Knowing your strengths and weaknesses helps you to recognize opportunities for personal growth and development.
5. How to change a tire and perform basic car maintenance: Basic car maintenance skills can save you time, money, and trouble in the long run.
6. Basic knowledge of politics and current events: Staying informed about politics and current events can help you make informed decisions as a citizen.
7. Coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety: Knowing how to manage stress and anxiety can help improve your mental and physical well-being.
8. How to apologize and practice forgiveness: Knowing how to apologize and practice forgiveness can foster healthier relationships and promote personal growth.
9. Basic etiquette for social and professional situations: Good etiquette can help make positive impressions and foster good relations.
10. How to negotiate and advocate for oneself: Being able to negotiate and advocate for yourself can help you achieve your goals and protect your interests.
11. How to build and maintain healthy relationships: Developing positive relationships is key to leading a fulfilling life.
12. How to write a professional email: Professional communication skills can help you build trust and excel in your career.
13. Basic knowledge of the history of your profession or industry: Understanding the history of your profession or industry can help you become more knowledgeable and successful.
14. How to read and interpret body language: Being able to read and interpret body language can help you understand people’s behavior and gain insight.
15. The ability to identify and challenge your own biases: Acknowledging and challenging your own biases can promote tolerance and fairness.
16. How to set and achieve personal goals: Knowing how to set and achieve personal goals is essential for self-motivation and self-improvement.
17. How to sew a button and perform basic clothing repairs: Basic sewing skills can save you money and help you fix clothes at a moment’s notice.
18. Basic knowledge of nutrition and exercise: Knowing how to stay healthy and active is important for physical and mental well-being.
19. How to identify and address negative self-talk: Negative self-talk can be harmful to mental health, so learning to address it is crucial.
20. How to effectively listen to others: Active listening skills can help you to communicate better and gain valuable insights from others.
21. The importance of diversity and inclusion: Understanding and appreciating diversity and inclusion can help promote social harmony and equity.
22. How to give and receive feedback constructively: Knowing how to give and receive feedback can promote learning and growth for all parties.
23. How to create a resume and cover letter: Writing a compelling resume and cover letter is important for landing your dream job.
24. Basic computer skills and proficiency in digital tools: Being proficient in digital tools and computer skills is necessary in the modern world.
25. How to decipher and navigate legal documents: Understanding how to read, understand and interpret legal documents can help protect your rights and obligations.
26. How to plan and execute a successful event: The ability to plan and execute successful events can help you become more organized and efficient.
27. How to pack for a trip effectively: Knowing how to pack for a trip efficiently can save you time and hassle on your travels.
28. How to set healthy boundaries with others: Setting healthy boundaries can help you maintain healthy relationships and protect your well-being.
29. How to identify and address implicit biases: Understanding implicit biases can help avoid unintentional discrimination and contribute to an inclusive environment.
30. Basic knowledge of different cultures and customs: Understanding different cultures and customs can promote global and social awareness.
31. How to network and build professional relationships: Building a strong professional network is key to achieving career success.
32. How to effectively communicate with different personality types: Knowing how to communicate effectively with different personality types can improve relationships and reduce conflict.
33. How to start and maintain a successful garden: Successful gardening skills can promote sustainability, self-sufficiency, and well-being.
34. How to identify your own values and priorities: Understanding your values and priorities can help you make important decisions and set goals.
35. How to manage conflict effectively: Effectively managing conflicts can help resolve issues and improve relationships.
36. Basic knowledge of personal finance and investments: Understanding personal finance and investments can help secure your financial future.
37. How to utilize social media for personal and professional purposes: Social media can be a powerful tool when used effectively for personal and professional purposes.
38. The importance of self-care and mental health maintenance: Self-care and mental health maintenance can promote well
39. Basic understanding of global environmental issues: Having a basic understanding of global environmental issues can help us become better stewards of the planet and take action to protect it for future generations.
40. How to navigate and address workplace discrimination and harassment: Knowing how to effectively navigate and address workplace discrimination and harassment is essential for creating a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees.

Do any of these 40 items resonate with you as something you should know by age 40?