It’s not uncommon to think of our youth as the “good old days”. But let’s face it, there are folks out there who are having the time of their lives in their 60s, 70s and even beyond!
The difference? It usually comes down to behavior. Those who are happier in their golden years than they ever were in their youth tend to exhibit a unique set of behaviors.
In this article, we are going to delve into these behaviors. We’ll explore what sets these individuals apart and how they’ve managed to turn the tables on aging.
Let’s dive into the seven behaviors typically displayed by those who find joy and satisfaction later in life, and see what we can learn from them.
1) Embracing change
One characteristic that shines through in those finding happiness later in life is their ability to embrace change.
As life progresses, change is inevitable. Our bodies change, our circumstances shift, and even our loved ones may come and go. Resistance to these changes can lead to stress, unhappiness, and a sense of being stuck.
But those who are happier in their 60s and beyond have learned the art of embracing change.
They understand that change is part of life’s journey, and instead of fighting it, they adapt and grow with it.
This ability to embrace change, to roll with the punches and see the silver lining even in challenging situations, is a key behavior that contributes to their increased happiness.
Rather than yearning for the past or fearing the future, they seize the present moment and live it fully.
And that’s a lesson we could all stand to learn.
2) Pursuing passions
When I look at my aunt who is in her 70s, she is the epitome of someone who is happier now than ever before. One of the significant behaviors that stand out is her pursuit of passions.
I remember, during my childhood, she was always busy with work and family responsibilities. She loved painting but barely managed to find time for it.
Now in her retirement, she’s picked up her brushes again and it’s incredible how much joy it brings her.
She often tells me, “I wish I had done this sooner but I’m grateful I have the time for it now.”
Her passion for painting has not only given her a creative outlet but also opened up a new social circle.
She attends art classes, participates in exhibitions and has even started teaching painting to youngsters in our community.
In pursuing her passion, she’s found a new purpose and zest for life that radiates happiness.
Those happier in their later years often reignite old hobbies or discover new ones, making life more fulfilling and enjoyable.
This personal example really drives home the point that it’s never too late to follow your passion.
And doing so could be a significant step towards finding happiness and satisfaction in later life.
3) Practicing mindfulness
Another common behavior among those who find happiness in their later years is practicing mindfulness.
Mindfulness, or the art of being fully present and engaged in the moment, can be a powerful tool for enhancing our sense of well-being.
It allows us to fully appreciate the world around us and the joy it offers, instead of getting caught up in worries about the past or the future.
In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I delve into how mindfulness can help us navigate life’s ups and downs more smoothly.
It provides practical tips and techniques for incorporating mindfulness into everyday activities.
Those who are happier in their golden years have likely realized the power of mindfulness in enhancing their quality of life.
They take time to savor their meals, appreciate nature or simply sit quietly in contemplation.
By being present and engaged, they’re able to extract more joy from ordinary moments, creating an overall sense of happiness and contentment.
If you’re looking for ways to increase your happiness as you age, cultivating mindfulness could be a great place to start.
4) Fostering gratitude
There was a time when the daily grind and numerous challenges seemed overwhelming.
It was easy to focus on what was wrong and what was lacking. Then, a shift in perspective happened.
Rather than focusing on the negatives, attention was shifted towards what was going right.
The small victories, the simple joys, the blessings that were always there but often overlooked. This is the power of gratitude.
People who are happier in their 60s and beyond often practice gratitude religiously. They make it a point to appreciate the good in their life, no matter how small.
They understand that life won’t always be perfect, but there’s always something to be thankful for.
By fostering gratitude, they’re able to see their life in a positive light and find happiness in the simplest of things.
Whether it’s a beautiful sunrise, a loving family, or just the ability to wake up each day, there’s always something to be grateful for. And this attitude makes their golden years truly golden.
5) Welcoming solitude
When you think of happiness, you might picture social gatherings, shared laughter, and being surrounded by loved ones.
While these are undoubtedly sources of joy, there’s also a less obvious, somewhat counter-intuitive source of happiness that many people discover in their later years: solitude.
As we age, we often find ourselves with more free time. Children have moved out, careers may have ended, and life generally slows down.
This newfound solitude can be intimidating for some, but those who are happier in their 60s and beyond learn to welcome it.
They see solitude not as isolation, but as an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth.
It’s a time to engage in activities they enjoy, to explore new interests, or simply to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.
This doesn’t mean they shun social interactions. But they appreciate the balance between spending quality time with others and enjoying their own company.
By welcoming solitude, they’re able to find contentment within themselves and discover a sense of peace that contributes significantly to their overall happiness.
6) Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
It might sound cliché, but a healthy lifestyle really does contribute to overall happiness, especially in the later years.
People who are happier in their 60s and beyond usually prioritize their health.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep – these are not mere checkboxes for them but an integral part of their lifestyle.
They aren’t running marathons or following fad diets, but they’re active and mindful of what they eat.
They take regular walks, engage in activities they enjoy, and make sure they get enough rest.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle not only helps them physically by boosting their energy levels and keeping illnesses at bay, but it also improves their mental well-being.
It gives them a sense of control over their life, reduces stress, and boosts their mood – all contributing to their happiness.
If you’re aiming for a happier life post-60, don’t underestimate the power of a healthy lifestyle. It’s never too late to start.
7) Cultivating resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversities and adapt well in the face of difficulties. It’s a key trait of those who are happier in their 60s and beyond.
Life will inevitably throw curveballs, no matter what age you are. But it’s how you deal with these challenges that determines your happiness.
Those who cultivate resilience don’t let setbacks define them.
They see failures as temporary hurdles, learn from them, and move forward. They focus on what they can control, rather than dwelling on what’s out of their hands.
By cultivating resilience, they’re able to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and come out stronger.
And this strength gives them the confidence and optimism to live a happier life, no matter what comes their way.
Wrapping it up: The power of choice
At the end of the day, our behaviors and attitudes play a significant role in our overall happiness, especially as we age.
These seven behaviors aren’t a magic formula, but they do shed light on how some people manage to find more happiness in their later years than they ever did in their youth.
They remind us that happiness isn’t just a destination, but a journey that involves constant growth and learning.
But perhaps the most essential takeaway here is understanding that we have the power of choice. We can choose to cultivate these behaviors and attitudes.
We can opt for gratitude over complaint, resilience over despair, and mindfulness over mindlessness.
In my book, The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment, I delve deeper into how cultivating mindfulness can enhance your happiness and overall well-being.
As you reflect on these behaviors, remember that it’s never too late to make a change.
Whether you’re in your 60s or beyond, or even if you’re still in your youth, the choice to live a happier life is always in your hands.
