Growing older can often be linked with growing grumpier, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Some people seem to get happier and more joyful as they age, and it’s not by accident. These folks often exhibit certain habits that contribute to their happiness.
Getting older can be a joyful journey if you know the right behaviors to adopt. And trust me, these aren’t hard to master.
Let’s dive into these 8 behaviors that happy older folks usually display. Adopting these could make your golden years genuinely golden.
1) Embracing change
Aging is all about change – your body changes, your priorities change, even your taste buds change!
However, those who get happier and more joyful with age are the ones who embrace this change instead of resisting it.
Let’s face it, change is often daunting. It’s human nature to stick with the familiar and be wary of the new. But those who approach aging with a flexible mindset tend to fare better.
They see each wrinkle as a sign of experiences lived, each gray hair as a badge of wisdom. They understand that change is a part of life and embrace it with open arms.
And this doesn’t just apply to physical changes. It means being open to new experiences, new ideas, and new ways of doing things.
In short, they see change as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat. And this simple shift in perspective can make a world of difference to your happiness levels as you age.
2) Cultivating gratitude
I’ve always admired my grandmother’s ability to find joy in the simplest of things, from a beautiful sunset to a freshly brewed cup of tea. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that her secret is her unwavering sense of gratitude.
Gratitude is about appreciating what you have instead of focusing on what you don’t. It’s about acknowledging the good in your life and being thankful for it.
My grandmother starts each day by writing down three things she’s grateful for, no matter how small. It could be something as simple as having a warm bed to sleep in or getting a friendly phone call from a neighbor.
This habit has helped her create an attitude of gratitude that permeates her entire life. And believe me, it’s infectious! Spending time with her has made me realize that I have so much to be thankful for too.
Developing a habit of gratitude might be one of the most crucial steps towards becoming happier and more joyful as we age. After all, happiness isn’t about having what you want, but wanting what you have.
3) Maintaining social connections
As people age, their social circles often shrink due to various reasons such as retirement, the death of friends and family, or relocation. However, those who stay happier and more joyful as they age usually make an effort to maintain their social connections.
Those who are happier in their later years understand the value of maintaining relationships and being socially active. They make an effort to keep in touch with friends and family, participate in community activities, or even adopt a pet for companionship.
Don’t underestimate the power of being socially connected. It’s worth making the effort to nurture your relationships and actively seek out social interactions. After all, we are social creatures who thrive on connection and interaction.
4) Living in the present
In our fast-paced, future-oriented world, it’s easy to get caught up in worries about what’s next. However, one of the key behaviors that those who become happier with age adopt is living in the present.
This concept is central to Buddhism, which teaches the importance of mindfulness and being fully present in each moment. It’s about not getting caught up in past regrets or future anxieties, but appreciating and experiencing the here and now.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into how embracing Buddhist principles can significantly enhance our lives. One of these principles is the practice of mindfulness, which encourages us to focus on our current experiences and sensations rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Living in the present allows us to fully engage with life. It gives us the chance to appreciate the small joys that we might otherwise overlook. So, if you’re interested in diving deeper into this concept and learning how to incorporate it into your own life, I’d highly recommend giving my book a read.
5) Pursuing passions
As a child, I loved painting. The colors, the textures, the simple joy of creating something from nothing – it was my happy place. But as I grew older, life got in the way. Work, responsibilities, and the constant pressure to be ‘productive’ made me push my passion to the backburner.
However, as I entered my later years, I realized that I missed painting. I missed the joy it brought me. So, I decided to pick up my brushes again. And you know what? It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Those who become happier as they get older often have something in common – they pursue their passions. Whether it’s gardening, painting, writing, or even bird watching, they make time for what brings them joy.
Passions add a spark to our lives. They give us something to look forward to and provide an escape from the humdrum of everyday life. Plus, they offer a sense of accomplishment and purpose that can significantly boost our happiness levels.
6) Accepting imperfections
In a world obsessed with perfection, this might sound a bit counter-intuitive. However, those who seem to get happier and more joyful as they age are often those who have learned to accept their imperfections.
Psychologists call this “self-acceptance,” and it’s a vital part of mental health. It’s about acknowledging that we all have strengths and weaknesses, and that’s okay. No one is perfect, and that doesn’t make us any less valuable or worthy.
These people understand that mistakes and flaws are a natural part of being human. Instead of beating themselves up over them, they see them as opportunities to learn and grow.
They don’t let their imperfections define them or bring them down. Instead, they focus on their strengths, their achievements, and their potential for growth.
7) Prioritizing self-care
As we age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of neglecting our own needs. We might feel guilty for taking time for ourselves or think that we’re being selfish. But people who get happier and more joyful as they age understand the importance of self-care.
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days (although those are great too!). It’s about taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s about listening to your body and giving it what it needs, whether that’s a nutritious meal, a good night’s sleep, or a walk in the park.
Moreover, self-care is about setting boundaries and saying no when you need to. It’s about understanding that you can’t pour from an empty cup and that taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity.
So don’t be afraid to prioritize self-care. Remember, you’re important too, and you deserve to be taken care of. By making self-care a priority, you’re setting the stage for increased happiness and joy as you age.
8) Cultivating a positive mindset
If there’s one thing you should know about becoming happier and more joyful as you age, it’s this: your mindset matters.
Those who age joyfully understand the power of a positive mindset. They choose to focus on the good in their lives rather than dwelling on the negative. They see challenges as opportunities for growth, not as insurmountable obstacles.
A positive mindset is not about ignoring life’s difficulties or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about choosing to believe that despite the ups and downs, life is good. It’s about choosing hope over despair, optimism over pessimism.
Cultivating a positive mindset takes practice, but the rewards are worth it. So, start today. Choose to see the good in each day, embrace positivity and let it guide your journey into older age. You might just find that with each passing year, life becomes a little bit sweeter.
Final thoughts: It’s a journey
Getting older is an inevitable part of life, but how we age is largely within our control.
The way we approach life, our attitude towards change, our relationships, and our passions play a significant role in shaping our happiness as we age.
Incorporating these behaviors into your life might not always be easy, but remember, it’s a journey, not a destination. It’s about making small changes every day that add up over time.
If you’re interested in exploring more tools for living a happier and more fulfilled life as you age, I would recommend my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. The principles discussed in the book offer a roadmap to embracing the beauty of aging with grace and joy.
As we navigate through this journey of life, let’s remember to celebrate each moment, embrace every change, and cherish every connection. Because at the end of the day, it’s these experiences that make our lives richer and our hearts fuller.
Remember, getting older is not about adding years to your life, it’s about adding life to your years. So here’s to living fully, loving deeply, and aging joyfully.
