The truth is, life after 35 is less about looking impressive and more about functionality, health, and peace of mind. You start investing in things that make daily life easier, protect your body, and keep unnecessary drama away.
Some of these items are practical.
Some are a little funny.
But most of them are things you’ll eventually realize you cannot live without.
Here are 35 things you must have after 35!
1. 100% Cotton Underwear and 90–100% Cotton Socks
Otherwise your feet will smell from those 30 bob worth of nylon and polyester socks. Your crotch will itch with polyester underwear. Just don’t do it to yourself.
2. A Good Mattress
Kuamka kupumzika at 2am is real. Invest in a comfortable mattress. Sometimes your bed is the only place you find peace and happiness.
3. A Toilet Foot Stool
Hako ka-footstool is very important. Especially kama wewe ni mtu wa constipation. The position actually helps you dump faster.
4. A Routine Exercise Schedule
Good circulation will save you many problems as you age. Even simple walks matter. Even simple jumps in your living room matter.
5. Regular Sex
Very helpful for circulation and stress relief. However, excesses can bring you more stress than peace.
6. Awareness That You Can No Longer Blame People
Blaming your parents for everything officially ends at 25. After 35, you’re fully responsible for your life choices.
7. Blue Light Glasses or Anti-Glare Protection
You will be using gadgets more. Protect your eyes from blue light early.
8. A Tongue Scraper
Cleaning your tongue with a toothbrush isn’t enough. Get a scraper and you’ll be shocked at how much stinky stuff the tongue holds.
9. Seat Cushions
Proper seat cushions reduce discomfort and prevent those mysterious back and hip aches.
10. Kaluma
Aches can arrive any time, any day. Keep Kaluma and Menthol Plus balm in your closet.
11. Kahawa No. 1 or a Proper Coffee Maker
Coffee is life.
12. Open-Toe Sandals
For walks in the sun. You actually need sunlight more as you get older. Vitamin D is good for your bone health. Usikae kwa hizo dark apartments 24/7, you’ll start being deficient.
13. Sunglasses From a Real Eye Doctor
Nizo za finje wachana nazo. Buy proper sunglasses. Cheap ones can damage your eyesight.
14. A Hat
Protect your skin from UV rays when you’re out in the sun.
15. Compression Socks if You’re Overweight or Diabetic
Yep. Stock up. And maybe also talk to your doctor about cutting that weight.
16. A Proper Water Bottle
Dehydration now shows up on your face. Hydration also affects your breath, energy, and mood.
17. A Financial Plan — Not Just Millenial Vibes
Usiachie watoto wako TV. Leave something that can protect or help them.
18. One Friend Who Tells You the Brutal Truth
Very important. We all carry a little bit of nonsense in us.
19. A Multivitamin Your Doctor Actually Approved
At this age, don’t buy supplements from random hawkers. Too much of certain vitamins and these unregulated supplements can damage your organs. Ask your doctor, because I am not one; I only read lots of medical research.
20. A Good Pillow
Neck pain is real. Get a good pillow. Throw away the old ones or restuff them properly.
21. A Proper Mouth Routine
Not just 3 seconds of quick brushing with a 5yr old tooth brush. Mouth infections and gum disease can lead to serious health issues. Also, only see a qualified dentist. Nairobi quacks will maim you.
22. Comfortable Home Clothes That Aren’t Embarrassing if Visitors Show Up
A good pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt will always win.
23. A Small Emergency Fund
Because adulthood is full of plot twists. Employers can close shop overnight.
24. Boundaries — The Emotional Kind
Very important for people , especially your friends and family, to know you’re not a doormat.
25. A Reliable Fundi
A plumber or electrician who actually shows up. Otherwise, you’ll stay without a working shower for a month. Choose one that everyone gives the job, either your circle of friends or neighbours.
26. A Small Dawa Kit at Home
Panadol, Piriton, Eno, and something mysterious your mum swears by. Anything can go wrong at midnight.
27. One Good Thermos
For tea, porridge, or emergency hot water. The original Thermos brand will last forever.
28. A Favourite Butcher and Mama Mboga
Someone who doesn’t cheat you on the scale. Even when you send your younger sibling to buy. And, they deliver to your door.
29. At Least One Serious Jacket
For funerals, cold weddings, and Nyandarua weather. Black will always work. It is costly but worth it. Don’t buy 35 mtumba jackets at 100 bob each, you only need 2 good quality jackets.
30. The Ability to Leave Events Early Without Explaining Yourself
Either have your own car, be a fast walker, or have a friend who shares this philosophy.
31. The Skill of Saying “Let Me Think About It”
Instead of saying yes immediately. Think before committing. Don’t go signing documents without thorough reading.
32. A Bag of Random Chargers and Cables
You never know when a charging port starts misbehaving. Matata za Infinix na Redmi
33. One Favourite Mug
Nobody else is allowed to touch it. This mug obsession comes with age. You’ll understand when it happens.
34. One Good Friend Who’ll Show Up
This best friend can even be your sibling. One that will accept that video call. One who will be your emergency contact person because they know your blood group.
35. The Skill of Walking Through a Supermarket and Buying Only What You Came For
Be a firm decision maker. Don’t be swayed by the shelves at Carrefour. Otherwise, you’ll spend your money on nonsense you do not need.
So!
Don’t be afraid, 30s isn’t old per’ se, it’s just a phase that we need to start taking life seriously.
The mid and late 30s are the best to seriously work, invest, start a family, or even enjoy travel.
After 35, you’re not old and haggard; it’s just that life becomes less about impressing people and more about comfort, peace, and good coffee.
Preferably, an apartment that doesn’t have those characters that blast loud music from lousy speakers at 9 am.
Lemme know if I missed anything in the comments.