7 surprising predictors of happiness in your later years, according to psychology

Growing older has its perks: more life experience, fewer insecurities (hopefully!), and a sense that you’ve done and seen quite a bit.

But if there’s one question that seems to keep coming up, no matter our age, it’s: What truly makes us happy as we get older?

Plenty of us assume the biggest determiners of later-life happiness might be wealth, social status, or good genes.

And while these things certainly help, psychology points to a few more unexpected contributors that can make a world of difference. Let’s dig in.

1 You actively maintain close connections

Most of us know that people with strong friendships and family ties tend to be happier overall.

But you might be surprised at just how crucial this becomes as the years pass. The famous Harvard Study of Adult Development, which tracked participants for over 80 years, found that the quality of our relationships is one of the top predictors of long-term well-being—often more important than money or fame.

I’ve met quite a few folks who reach a point in mid-life where they realize they’ve invested so much time in their careers that their personal relationships have dwindled.

And then, as the big milestones approach—like retirement or a major birthday—they suddenly feel isolated. Yet even small actions can help.

Whether it’s planning a monthly coffee catch-up with friends or making a point to call a sibling, these little gestures of connection can significantly lift our day-to-day mood.

The surprising part? It’s not about the number of people in your life, but the authenticity of those bonds. A couple of close friends you trust completely can be more powerful than a packed Rolodex of superficial acquaintances.

2 You embrace hobbies (and don’t worry if you’re any good at them)

Ever notice how some people seem content to spend hours tinkering in their garage or learning to paint just because? That sense of doing something for the pure joy of it can be a game changer in later-life happiness.

Hobbies aren’t about impressing others or even being proficient. Instead, they’re a great way to keep the mind active, reduce stress, and add more color to everyday life—literally, in the case of painting.

Years ago, before I transitioned into writing full-time, I worked in digital marketing. It was a high-pressure environment. You’re pretty much on call 24/7, handling client demands and analytics, always connected to devices.

I found my escape in learning to roast coffee beans at home. I loved the experimentation and the satisfaction of perfecting different roast levels—even if my first few batches tasted more like charcoal.

Now, I’m convinced that finding that personal pursuit outside of work was part of what kept my stress in check and allowed me to feel more fulfilled.

Psychologically, engaging in an activity purely for fun taps into the concept of “flow”—that state where we get so immersed that time seems to fly.

It’s linked to increased happiness and even better brain function.

3 You nurture a positive relationship with technology

We often hear about the dangers of too much screen time, and trust me, I get it.

But as you get older, having a healthy connection to technology—one that keeps you engaged, curious, and connected—can actually boost happiness levels.

Research often highlights how seniors who use technology to stay in touch with loved ones, learn new skills, and access resources experience less loneliness.

Adapting and staying tech-savvy, even if it’s just learning how to make a video call or editing a funny short clip, can make you feel like you’re part of the modern world rather than watching it pass by.

Yes, you want to avoid living online 24/7, but blocking it out entirely can disconnect you from the things (and people) that make life enjoyable.

Balance is key, and using tech to foster real connections helps amplify that sense of belonging.

4 You choose essentialism over materialism

We’ve been told time and again that money doesn’t buy happiness. But what if it’s less about money itself and more about our relationship to it?

I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m a big fan of focusing on what truly matters. After stumbling upon Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, I realized that acquiring more stuff doesn’t necessarily lead to greater fulfillment.

Instead, being deliberate about what we own—and, more importantly, how we spend our energy—tends to have a bigger impact on long-term satisfaction.

As McKeown has said, “If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.” I’ve seen too many people chase the latest gadgets or clothes, only to find that the thrill fades quickly.

In contrast, those who learn to let go of superficial wants and concentrate on experiences, relationships, and personal growth often report higher levels of contentment.

The surprising element is that it’s not about a vow of poverty or minimalism for minimalism’s sake.

It’s about mindfully choosing what to invest in—emotionally, mentally, and financially—so you can live a life that aligns with your values. That’s the kind of clarity that pays dividends in your later years.

5 You stay physically active—but on your own terms

Most people know exercise is good for them, but the surprising piece of the happiness puzzle is how you incorporate it.

It’s not about running a marathon (though if that’s your thing, go for it!). It’s about weaving movement into your daily life in a way that feels doable and enjoyable.

We have plenty of research showing that regular physical activity boosts mood, decreases stress, and helps maintain cognitive function.

I’m a big believer in “micro-workouts.” A quick 10-minute yoga session in the morning or an after-lunch walk along the coast can be enough to clear my head.

And the older we get, the more these small bursts of physical activity seem to pay off.

Why? Because they keep our bodies in motion without placing massive strain on our joints or schedules.

The real surprise? You don’t need a fancy gym membership or intense workout regimen to reap the benefits.

Even casual gardening, dancing around your living room, or playing with your pets can provide a healthy dose of endorphins and keep you feeling positive.

6 You find ways to serve a bigger purpose

Feeling part of something greater than yourself—whether it’s volunteering, activism, or simply mentoring someone younger—can dramatically impact your happiness as you age.

When I first left digital marketing to pursue writing, I worried that I might lose a sense of purpose.

The hustle and bustle of agency life was gone, and I had to figure out how to fill that space meaningfully.

What ended up re-centering me was getting involved in local community events and workshops. Sharing knowledge, whether it was marketing tips or writing advice, reminded me that we’re all interconnected.

Seeing someone else light up when they finally get a concept is an experience that can’t be bought.

Social scientists note that altruistic behaviors release oxytocin and other feel-good chemicals in the brain. And those who engage in volunteer work or acts of service report lower levels of depression and higher overall life satisfaction—especially in mid-life and beyond.

The key is finding something you genuinely care about. It could be environmental causes, tutoring kids, or organizing local fundraisers. The joy comes from seeing the ripple effect of your contributions.

7 You show curiosity about what’s next

Last but not least, maintaining a curious mindset can help you stay excited about life—no matter your birthday count.

Being open to new experiences, ideas, and connections is surprisingly critical to long-term happiness.

Some research even suggests that curiosity is linked to better mental health, increased problem-solving abilities, and more satisfying personal relationships.

That’s because curiosity keeps us in learning mode. And when we’re learning, we’re growing, which naturally combats the stagnation that can creep in with age.

I’ve had moments where I’ve felt I already knew everything about a topic—digital marketing, for example. But every time I challenge myself to read a new book, explore an unfamiliar marketing platform, or chat with a younger marketer who has fresh ideas, I’m reminded that there’s always more to discover.

As Tim Ferriss famously said, “Life punishes the vague wish and rewards the specific ask.” Staying curious is essentially asking questions—specific ones—about the world around us.

It’s being open to the possibility that life still has plenty of surprises up its sleeve. And that’s a mindset that can keep you eager to get out of bed each morning, well into your later years.

Putting it all together

At the end of the day, happiness in our later years isn’t just about how big our bank account is or whether we won life’s major milestones.

It’s often about seemingly small but surprisingly powerful factors: the people around us, the hobbies we nurture, the technology we embrace (on our own terms), and the curiosity we cultivate.

Here at DM News, we understand that the psychology behind our choices can significantly shape both our personal and professional journeys.

From the connections we form to the ways we find purpose, these “surprising predictors” of happiness have a way of weaving into every aspect of our lives—even marketing strategies, believe it or not.

As we each move forward—whether you’re 25 or 65—it’s worth taking a moment to ask: Which of these areas could I embrace more? Sometimes the littlest changes can make the biggest difference.

Feel free to share your own thoughts or experiences in the comments, and remember, the best time to start building these happiness predictors is always now. Because, if you ask me, there’s never an expiration date on choosing a more fulfilling life.