- Tension: As individuals age, they often grapple with the fear of losing joy and vitality, questioning whether happiness is still attainable in their later years.
- Noise: Societal narratives frequently portray aging as a period of inevitable decline, emphasizing limitations rather than opportunities for continued growth and fulfillment.
- Direct Message: By consciously releasing habits that hinder well-being—such as harboring regrets, resisting change, and neglecting self-care—individuals can cultivate a joyful and vibrant life well into their 70s and beyond.
This article follows the Direct Message methodology, designed to cut through the noise and reveal the deeper truths behind the stories we live.
There’s a clear distinction between merely aging and aging joyfully.
The difference lies in habits. People who stay cheerful and vibrant into their 70s and beyond usually say farewell to specific activities that weigh them down.
Instead, they embrace practices that promote happiness, vitality, and longevity.
I’ve noticed some common patterns in these evergreen folks. They’ve kissed goodbye to certain habits and embraced a happier life.
Ready to learn what these habits are? Let’s dive in!
1) They’ve abandoned the concept of ‘Too Late’
One thing I’ve noticed about those who remain cheerful and full of life in their later years is they’ve left behind the idea of ‘too late’.
This mindset of ‘too late’ can be debilitating. It implies missed opportunities and regret. It can hold you back from exploring new experiences or taking up new hobbies.
The joyful 70-somethings I’ve met have a different perspective. They see life as a series of opportunities, and age is not seen as a barrier, but as a passport to new adventures.
They’ve parted ways with the ‘too late’ mentality and instead, they embrace the mantra of ‘it’s never too late’. This shift in mindset can open doors to lifelong learning, personal growth, and countless adventures.
So if you want to keep your sparkle as you age, it might be helpful to say goodbye to the concept of ‘too late’.
2) They say goodbye to unnecessary worry
A common theme among those living joyfully in their twilight years is the ability to let go of unnecessary worry. They’ve learned to differentiate between what they can control and what they can’t, and they don’t waste energy fretting over the latter.
Let me share a personal example. My 80-year-old neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, is one of the most cheerful people I know. Once, when I was stressed about a situation at work, she shared her philosophy. She told me, “I’ve learned to only worry about things I can change. Everything else? I let it go, like leaves in the wind.”
Her attitude was a breath of fresh air and it taught me a valuable lesson. Letting go of unnecessary worry can free up so much mental space for more joy and positivity.
It seems like a simple shift, but it’s an empowering one. Saying goodbye to unnecessary worry could be your ticket to a happier life in your later years.
3) They’ve stopped trying to please everyone
One common habit those joyful in their 70s and beyond have given up is the impossible task of trying to please everyone.
This can be an exhausting endeavor and a surefire way to drain your energy and happiness. It’s simply not possible to make everyone happy, and the sooner this is realized, the better.
Interestingly, research has shown that as people age, they report better overall well-being and are less influenced by social pressures. This might explain why older people are more likely to prioritize their own happiness over others’ opinions.
In essence, saying farewell to the habit of people-pleasing can lead to a more authentic, fulfilling life.
4) They’ve discarded the habit of comparing themselves with others
Those who remain joyful and contented into their 70s and beyond have usually given up the habit of comparing themselves with others.
Constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and discontentment. Instead, they measure their progress by their own standards, celebrating their unique journey and personal growth.
They’ve realized that everyone’s life unfolds at a different pace, and that’s okay. They celebrate their own victories, however big or small, and appreciate their own journey without measuring it against someone else’s.
So if you’re striving for happiness in your later years, consider saying goodbye to comparisons. Recognize your personal growth, celebrate your accomplishments, and remember that your journey is unique to you.
5) They’ve let go of grudges and resentment
The happiest people in their 70s and beyond have often given up the heavy burden of holding onto grudges and resentment.
Harboring these negative emotions can be like carrying a heavy weight around. It drains your energy and prevents you from experiencing the joy and peace that comes with forgiveness.
They’ve learned the power of letting go, not for the sake of the other person, but for their own peace of mind. They understand that forgiveness is a gift they give to themselves.
There’s something incredibly liberating about releasing old grudges and choosing to live in a state of forgiveness. It allows you to open your heart to more love, joy, and peace.
If you want to maintain your happiness as you age, consider saying goodbye to old grudges. Embrace forgiveness, not just for others, but for your own peace and happiness.
6) They’ve stopped fearing change
Those living joyfully in their 70s and beyond have often stopped fearing change. They’ve come to understand that change is a natural part of life and instead of resisting it, they choose to embrace it.
I remember when my grandmother, at the age of 75, decided to move to a different city. While many at her age might fear such a major change, she embraced it with excitement and positivity. She saw it as a new adventure, an opportunity to make new friends and explore a new place.
Her attitude towards change was truly inspiring. It showed me that change doesn’t have to be scary. It can be an opportunity for growth and new experiences.
So, if you want to stay happy as you age, consider saying goodbye to your fear of change. Embrace it as an opportunity for growth and new adventures.
7) They’ve ditched the habit of operating on autopilot
The happiest individuals I’ve encountered in their 70s and beyond have often discarded the habit of operating on autopilot.
Living on autopilot means going through life without really experiencing it. It’s doing things without thinking, simply because that’s how they’ve always been done.
Instead, these joyful folks practice mindfulness. They savor life’s moments, big or small. They’re present in their conversations, they appreciate the beauty around them, and they celebrate the simple joys of everyday life.
By saying goodbye to autopilot and embracing mindfulness, they’ve found a deeper appreciation for life. This shift can lead to more joy, happiness, and fulfillment as you age.
8) They’ve given up the belief that happiness is tied to external circumstances
The most joyful individuals in their 70s and beyond have often relinquished the belief that happiness is tied to external circumstances.
They understand that happiness is a choice, not a result of what happens to them. They’ve learned to find joy in the journey, regardless of their circumstances.
They cultivate gratitude for what they have, rather than focusing on what they lack. They’ve learned to find joy in the simplest of things – a beautiful sunrise, a good book, or a heartfelt conversation with a friend.
This shift in perspective is perhaps the most powerful of all. It’s the understanding that your happiness depends on your attitude, not your circumstances. If you wish to stay happy and joyful as you age, it’s worth giving up the belief that external circumstances dictate your happiness. Choose joy, regardless of what life throws at you.
Final reflection: It’s all about choice
The beauty of aging gracefully and joyfully often lies in the choices we make.
The habits we’ve discussed are not just practices, but conscious choices made by those who’ve managed to maintain their happiness and contentment well into their 70s and beyond.
One remarkable quote by Abraham Lincoln comes to mind, “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” This encapsulates the essence of our discussion.
These individuals have chosen to let go of things that hold them back. They’ve chosen to embrace change, practice mindfulness, and cultivate gratitude. They’ve chosen to focus on their own journey rather than comparing it with others. They’ve chosen forgiveness over resentment, personal growth over people-pleasing, adventure over fear.
As we reflect on these habits, it’s important to remember that we too have a choice. We can choose how we respond to life’s ups and downs, how we grow from our experiences, and ultimately, how we define our happiness.
It’s not about age, it’s about attitude. And perhaps the secret to aging joyfully is making the conscious choice to live each day with positivity, gratitude, and an open heart.
