Let’s face it: when you’ve been around for six or seven decades, you start to see life—and success—differently.
I’ve experienced it firsthand. After retiring from my long teaching career, I realized that what many of us baby boomers value now isn’t always what we valued in our younger years.
Whether it’s how we relate to money, community, or even our own sense of purpose, our generation has a few habits that might just surprise the folks who come after us.
These habits aren’t flashy or loud, but they’re certainly impactful.
I’ve touched on this before on DMNews, but today, I want to highlight nine subtle ways those of us born before 1970 are shifting traditional ideas of success.
Perhaps you’ll spot a habit or two in yourself—or maybe in the people you love. Let’s dive in.
1. Seeking meaning over material gains
Growing up, many of us were taught that success was about getting the biggest house, the nicest car, or the highest-paying job.
But over time, I’ve seen my peers gravitate more toward experiences and relationships than trophies. Personally, when I look back on my teaching days, the most fulfilling moments weren’t about the paycheck (which, let’s be honest, was never spectacular in education).
Instead, it was seeing a struggling student finally grasp a complex concept, or hearing from a former graduate who said my class inspired their career choice.
This shift might be subtle—you won’t necessarily see someone bragging, “I value experiences over money!”—but it shows up in the choices we make.
Baby boomers are volunteering more, mentoring young people, and focusing on projects that add meaning to our lives.
We haven’t stopped caring about financial stability, but we no longer see more “stuff” as the end goal.
As Winston Churchill famously said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” For many of us, that resonates now more than ever.
2. Valuing personal relationships more than professional titles
When I was working full time, it was easy to get caught up in job titles and position hierarchies.
Principal, department head, senior manager—those labels mattered. Yet, in retirement, I’ve noticed that I rarely introduce myself as a “former teacher” these days.
Instead, I find myself referencing the community literacy programs I volunteer for or the book clubs I attend.
There’s an understated sense of pride in the relationships we build rather than the roles we hold.
My friends—many of whom also retired from education or corporate roles—talk more about the people they’ve helped and the bonds they’ve nurtured rather than climbing any kind of “success ladder.”
It’s become less about brandishing a prestigious title and more about leaving a positive impact on the people around us.
3. Embracing a sense of community duty
One thing I admire about people my age is how often they show up for their communities.
It might be packing groceries at the local food bank, teaching a Sunday school class, or leading a volunteer group to clean up the neighborhood park.
For me, it’s hosting free creative writing workshops at the public library—an extension of my old classroom, I suppose.
Growing up in a time when neighborhoods were tight-knit, many of us have held on to that sense of responsibility toward others. We see community service not as a chore but as part of who we are.
And in that way, we’re changing the definition of success to include giving back to society. Bill Gates once said, “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”
That fits perfectly with this habit: success is about empowering people, not merely outdoing them.
4. Cultivating resilience through life’s transitions
We’ve lived through plenty of major events: economic booms and busts, social movements, technological revolutions.
Each shift has forced us to adapt—and adapt we did. The subtle habit here is resilience. Now, resilience isn’t usually something you flaunt, but you notice it when times get tough.
In my own life, transitioning from a structured school environment to the freedom (and uncertainty) of retirement could have been jarring.
I’ve seen friends retire and feel lost, unsure of their identity without a job title. But many of us have learned to bounce back by focusing on what truly matters: health, community, purpose, and learning new skills.
That ability to reframe challenges as opportunities is a hallmark of baby boomers—something younger generations often ask us about. It’s not about claiming we’re unbreakable; it’s about learning to bend without snapping.
5. Finding joy in simplicity and minimalism
I remember the days when collecting was a big deal—collectible plates, figurines, even stamps. Over time, however, there’s been a noticeable shift toward decluttering and downsizing.
Several of my friends decided to move into smaller homes, not because they had to, but because they wanted less maintenance and more freedom.
For me, the joy of simplicity shows up when I travel. I no longer overstuff my suitcase with unnecessary outfits or gadgets. Instead, I pack what’s essential and remind myself that experiences come from engagement, not from lugging around a bunch of belongings.
Plus, there’s something freeing about letting go of what we once considered “must-haves.”
In a way, that simplicity also makes room for more genuine forms of success—like quality time with loved ones and the peace of mind that comes from living lighter.
6. Approaching finances with caution and a long-term lens
Now, this might not sound particularly groundbreaking, but it’s truly a subtle habit: many baby boomers take a slow-and-steady approach to money.
We’re not always looking for the next big investment windfall. Instead, we often think in terms of “How can I stretch my retirement fund while still enjoying life?” and “What legacy can I leave for my family?”
Growing up before digital banking and instant trading taught us that finances aren’t just about quick returns. They’re about stability, preparedness, and a certain level of caution.
I remember talking to my sons about 401(k) plans and IRAs back when they were just starting their careers. They’d laugh and say, “Mom, that’s so old-school.”
Today, they’re thankful for the advice, seeing how a long-term lens can protect you in unpredictable times. It’s a quiet kind of wisdom: planning with patience rather than chasing every trend.
7. Staying open to lifelong learning
One of my proudest accomplishments in retirement is that I never stopped learning.
Believe me, it’s tempting to say, “I’m done with studying and tests—I paid my dues!” But we live in a world that changes faster than ever.
Smartphones, social media platforms, streaming services—these were non-existent or in their infancy for much of our lives.
What’s interesting is that many people my age take online courses in everything from photography to cooking to coding. Personally, I joined a local group that meets every month to discuss emerging technology.
I’ve also started reading up on digital publishing, hoping to self-publish a collection of short stories someday.
This thirst for learning, even in our 60s and beyond, subtly redefines what “success” looks like—because success also means staying relevant, curious, and engaged with the world around us.
8. Celebrating small wins and daily gratitude
For years, I believed that success had to be some grand accomplishment—landing a dream job, finishing a major project, or buying a new house.
Now, I find myself celebrating the little things: getting through my entire morning walk without knee pain, mastering a new healthy recipe, or hearing my granddaughter read a chapter book out loud with confidence.
There’s also a strong undercurrent of gratitude among baby boomers. We’ve seen life’s ups and downs enough times to know that every day truly is a gift.
If a friend recovers from an illness, that’s a reason to celebrate. If my rescue dog, Rosie, finally learns not to chase the neighborhood cats, that’s a minor miracle worth acknowledging.
Cultivating this habit of gratitude might seem subtle, but it has profound effects on how we measure our success—by the joy we find in everyday life, rather than only waiting for big milestones.
9. Rediscovering a sense of purpose in retirement
Finally but perhaps most importantly, there’s a quiet determination among my peers to keep contributing, even after leaving the traditional workforce.
I talk to many retired teachers, former nurses, ex-police officers, and they all say the same thing: they still have more to give.
Whether that’s through volunteer work, part-time consulting, starting a small business, or mentoring the next generation, there’s no shortage of ways we baby boomers are finding renewed purpose.
For me, writing has become both my hobby and a means of sharing insights. I still wake up most mornings with a sense of mission, whether it’s a new blog post, a workshop on journaling, or simply being present for my family.
Brene Brown once wrote, “Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” That rings true for me. Even if we’re not clocking in at an office anymore, the drive to connect and to make a difference hasn’t faded one bit.
Retirement is not the end; it’s a transition—and a chance to live out our purpose in fresh, creative ways.
Where do you see yourself in these habits?
I’ve found that these nine subtle shifts reflect more than just personal preference.
They point to a deeper change in how people born before 1970 (myself included) define success at this stage of life. We’re more interested in giving back, staying curious, and nurturing the relationships that have sustained us through thick and thin.
And we’re doing it in ways that might not grab headlines, but certainly shape our day-to-day happiness and the well-being of our communities.
So, how do you see success evolving in your own life journey? Let me know what you think, and remember: it’s never too late to start defining success on your own terms.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in retirement, it’s that small changes in perspective can create a ripple effect you’ll feel for years to come.
