That kind of statement is more of a catchy “viral advice” line than something you should take literally.
There isn’t any real rule that people aged 55–75 should hide “7 secrets” from their children. In fact, strong family relationships usually depend on honest and thoughtful communication, not secrecy. That said, I can guess what those posts try to get at—some topics older adults might choose to handle carefully, not necessarily hide:
- Financial details – You might not share every number, but important things like wills, property, or debts should be clear to avoid problems later.
- Personal regrets or past mistakes – Share them if they help your children learn, but not in a way that creates unnecessary guilt or stress.
- Health concerns – Hiding serious issues can backfire; it’s usually better to inform close family so they can support you.
- Family conflicts or old grudges – Sometimes it’s better not to pass down negativity.
- Private matters of others – Respecting other people’s privacy matters too.
The key idea isn’t “keep secrets,” it’s use judgment about what, when, and how to share. Completely hiding important things—especially about health, legal matters, or finances—can actually cause bigger problems for your children later.
If you want, I can break down what those “7 secrets” posts usually claim and tell you which ones make sense and which are just nonsense.