Sometimes, I catch myself picturing life in my 60s as a golden era—like a long, laid-back Sunday morning that stretches out for decades.
It’s that stage of life where many of us hope to enjoy more free time, wisdom from years of experience, and hopefully a healthy mind and body to savor every minute.
But it doesn’t happen by chance. From my work as a counselor—and also just from observing the older folks in my own family—I’ve learned that staying happy and active well into our golden years often comes down to everyday habits.
Sometimes, we inherit or adopt little patterns that can undermine our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
So, if you truly want to glide into your 60s and beyond with a smile and plenty of energy, I believe it’s vital to cut ties with the habits that drag you down.
In today’s post, I’m sharing seven habits you should seriously consider giving up if you want to maintain a vibrant, fulfilling life as the years roll on.
1. Living a sedentary life
Let’s start with the habit that’s easiest to slip into: a sedentary lifestyle.
I get it—after a long day, it feels like heaven to sink into the couch with a comfy blanket and your favorite TV show.
But if that’s the main activity you’re doing most days, you’re missing out on the incredible benefits of movement.
My own wake-up call came a few years back when my knees started aching after just a short walk in the park. It dawned on me that I wasn’t moving nearly as much as I thought.
The pros over at Healthline back this up, saying that a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and even mental health challenges like depression.
This doesn’t mean you need to start training for a marathon in your 50s or 60s. But regular movement, whether it’s daily yoga, brisk walking, or dancing in your living room, is a game-changer.
Personally, I love trying new yoga routines—my downward dog might not be perfect, but it makes me feel alive and energized. Trust me, your body will thank you, and so will your mind.
2. Neglecting mental health
We talk a lot about how to keep our bodies healthy, but sometimes we skip right over emotional well-being.
It might be invisible, but mental health shapes everything we do, whether it’s forging strong relationships or making daily choices that serve us well.
When you’re younger, it’s easy to sweep your worries under the rug and power through stressful days. But as we get older, unaddressed anxieties or hidden depression can start to feel heavier.
This is where an honest check-in can help. Am I giving myself space to decompress? Am I talking openly with trusted friends, family, or a professional when life’s weight feels a bit too much?
I remember a client who, after retiring, lost her sense of purpose because her identity had been so wrapped up in her career. She found help in consistent therapy sessions and by exploring new hobbies.
Emotional well-being isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity if you want to keep waking up each morning with enthusiasm for the day ahead.
3. Overindulging in unhealthy foods
I’m all for the occasional slice of pizza or a favorite dessert. No one should be expected to eat salads 24/7—that’s no fun! But making unhealthy food choices a regular event is another story.
Our metabolism and our body’s resilience shift as we grow older, and what we eat starts to matter even more.
Eating too much sugar or processed foods can leave you feeling sluggish, mess with your energy levels, and negatively impact long-term health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol.
The folks at Verywell Mind stand behind this, noting that a nutrient-rich diet helps keep your brain in top shape as you age.
One trick I’ve learned is to focus on adding in healthy foods rather than obsessing over cutting things out. When my fridge is stocked with colorful veggies and fresh fruits, I’m naturally less tempted to binge on junk.
It’s all about building a relationship with food that supports your body’s needs—so you can maintain steady energy to tackle each new day with joy.
4. Wallowing in negative thinking
“Your vibe attracts your tribe,” as the saying goes. Or, as Michelle Obama so aptly put it, “We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to do’ list.”
The environment we cultivate within our own minds is crucial. If you constantly dwell on what’s going wrong instead of looking for what’s going right, that negativity can color everything you do.
In my counseling sessions, I’ve watched negative thought patterns stop people from taking rewarding risks, like starting a volunteer project in their community or learning a musical instrument they’ve always been interested in.
Health experts often emphasize that persistent negative thinking might feed into depression, anxiety, and a host of physical health issues.
Now, I’m not saying we should all walk around with forced smiles, pretending life is perfect.
But I am suggesting that we practice catching ourselves when we spiral into negativity, and then choose a more balanced or hopeful perspective.
Sometimes, just stepping outside for five minutes or calling a friend can snap you out of a negative rut.
Over time, you’ll realize a mental shift can inject more optimism into everyday life, giving you a lighter emotional load to carry.
5. Stifling your social life
As a self-proclaimed introvert who occasionally loves a good Netflix binge, I understand the comfort of solo time.
Just be careful not to go overboard and isolate yourself for too long.
When you reach your 60s, it becomes even more important to maintain a sense of community.
Friends, family, and social connections can lift your mood, encourage you to stay active, and give you a reason to keep exploring the world.
I’ve seen this play out among my older clients: those who cultivate friendships—be it through a local hiking club, church group, volunteer initiative, or simply weekly coffee dates—tend to handle life’s big changes with much more resilience.
The key is finding the right social outlets that resonate with your personality and values.
Don’t let fear or laziness rob you of the relationships that could make your later decades more vibrant.
6. Carrying unresolved stress
Stress is a sneaky creature. It can creep in and become a constant hum in the background of our lives.
By the time we realize we’re frazzled, we’ve already experienced sleepless nights, poor digestion, and maybe even tension headaches.
Let’s face it, the older we get, the harder it is for our immune systems to bounce back the way they did when we were in our 20s or 30s. Carrying chronic stress might pave the way for a host of health issues.
I remember distinctly a period when I was juggling my counseling practice and writing my first book, “Breaking The Attachment.” I put intense pressure on myself and nearly burned out.
Eventually, I learned the power of mindfulness and boundary-setting: it’s okay to say no to extra responsibilities when your plate is already full.
Daniel Goleman, who has written extensively about emotional intelligence, advocates for self-awareness as the first step in managing stress.
The moment we recognize tension piling up, we can step in with healthy coping mechanisms—like meditation, gentle exercise, or a hobby that calms the mind.
You deserve the peace of mind that keeps your later years looking bright and fulfilling.
7. Sticking to the same old routine
There’s comfort in routine, no doubt about it. But if you lock yourself into the same day-to-day script for years on end, you risk missing out on new joys, connections, and experiences.
Part of the fun in life is the ongoing discovery—and that never has to stop unless we decide to let it.
Trying new hobbies, taking a class, or exploring different parts of your city can bring fresh energy to your everyday life.
The aging process doesn’t have to be a downhill slope; it can be an upward exploration where every turn reveals something new about yourself and the world around you.
Final thoughts
Old habits die hard—I know. But the good news is, with a little determination and self-compassion, we can always rewrite our lifestyle choices.
We all deserve to enjoy our later years with a spring in our step and a sense of excitement about life’s possibilities.
So, do that mental inventory: which of these habits are snagging you the hardest? And which ones can you start letting go of right now?
Be patient with yourself, celebrate small wins, and remember that while growing older is a journey we can’t fully control, we absolutely can influence how we feel along the way.
Signing off.
