There’s a certain magic to people who radiate happiness and joy well into their 70s and beyond.
Is it good genes or is it a secret recipe that they follow? I believe it’s a collection of certain traits that sets them apart.
It’s not about being immune to life’s hardships but rather how they navigate through them and still manage to keep that sparkle in their eyes.
In this piece, we’re going to explore the eight common traits that these evergreen individuals often display. Stay tuned to find out what these are, and who knows, maybe you can cultivate them too for a joyful journey into your later years.
1) Embrace optimism
Let’s start with a trait that’s common among the happiest and most vibrant seniors – optimism.
Maintaining a positive mindset in the face of life’s ups and downs is no small feat. Yet, those who stay joyful into their 70s and beyond seem to have mastered this skill.
Optimism is about more than just seeing the glass as half full. It’s about expecting good things to happen, even when circumstances are less than ideal.
For these evergreen individuals, optimism isn’t a fleeting state of mind, but a permanent disposition. It’s a lens through which they view life, making the best out of every situation, and always looking forward to brighter days.
Just like them, embracing optimism can significantly improve your quality of life as you age. But remember, it’s a trait to be nurtured over time. It may not happen overnight, but with practice, it sure is attainable.
2) Maintain a sense of humor
If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about people who stay joyful even in their later years, it’s their capacity to laugh and find humor in life.
I’ll never forget my own grandmother. She was in her 80s, yet her laughter was the most infectious sound to fill our home. She used to say, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” Even when she faced health challenges and setbacks, she managed to crack a joke or share a funny anecdote that lightened the atmosphere.
It’s not about denying difficulties or masking pain with humor. It’s about finding joy amidst the chaos, and not taking life too seriously.
A sense of humor can act as a stress reliever, a mood lifter and a social bonding tool. So next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, remember to laugh it off. It might just be the secret to a happier, longer life.
3) Stay physically active
Movement is life. It’s no surprise then that those who remain spirited and joyful into their 70s and beyond are often physically active.
Research shows that regular physical activity can improve mood, reduce stress, and boost overall well-being. It’s not just about fitness, but also about the natural endorphins released during exercise that promote feelings of happiness.
These evergreen individuals understand this well. Whether it’s a morning walk, yoga, gardening or dancing, they make sure to include some form of physical activity in their daily routine.
So, if you’re looking to add years to your life and life to your years, staying physically active might just be the key.
4) Nurture relationships
One common trait among people who stay happy and joyful into their 70s and beyond is their ability to maintain strong relationships.
Be it family, friends, or even pets, these individuals understand the value of companionship and the joy it brings. They make an effort to nurture these relationships, understanding that they are a source of love, support, and happiness.
They’re often the ones you’ll find at family gatherings, catching up with old friends, or volunteering in their local community. They actively engage with others, and this interaction plays a significant role in their overall happiness.
In essence, nurturing relationships is not just about the quantity of connections but more importantly, the quality. It’s about forming deep, meaningful bonds that bring joy and fulfillment.
5) Practice gratitude
One of the most beautiful traits I’ve noticed in people who maintain their joy into their 70s and beyond is their practice of gratitude.
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about witnessing an individual who, despite having experienced decades of life’s trials and tribulations, still finds reasons to be thankful every day.
These people understand that life is a mix of good and bad times. However, they choose to focus on the good, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to others. They appreciate simple pleasures – a bird’s song, a warm cup of tea, a friendly smile.
This practice of gratitude doesn’t just happen. It is cultivated over time and becomes a habit. It’s as if they carry a constant reminder in their hearts that there is always something to be thankful for.
Perhaps it’s this attitude of gratitude that enables them to stay happy and joyful for so long. It’s a gentle reminder for all of us to count our blessings, not just on the good days but especially on the tough ones.
6) Keep learning
One trait I’ve always admired in people who stay joyful into their 70s and beyond is their insatiable curiosity to learn.
Growing up, I remember my grandfather always had a book in his hand. Even in his 80s, he was more knowledgeable about current affairs than anyone else in the family. He used to say, “The day you stop learning is the day you stop living.”
His thirst for knowledge was inspiring. It taught me that age is no barrier to learning. On the contrary, it’s a journey of constant discovery and growth.
These individuals understand that learning keeps their minds sharp and active. They’re often open to new ideas and experiences, constantly seeking to broaden their horizons.
In essence, they remind us that life is a classroom where learning never stops, and each day brings with it lessons, big or small.
7) Find purpose
People who stay happy and joyful into their 70s and beyond typically have a sense of purpose that guides them.
They don’t just live life; they live it with a purpose. They have goals, passions, or causes that they deeply care about and that give their life meaning. These can range from hobbies, to volunteering, to spending time with loved ones.
Having a purpose provides a sense of direction. It gives them something to look forward to each day, something to strive for. It fuels their motivation, gives them energy, and most importantly, brings them joy.
So, finding your purpose is more than just discovering what you love to do. It’s about aligning your actions with your passions and values for a fulfilling life.
8) Cultivate resilience
Resilience is the cornerstone of lasting happiness and joy. Those who remain vibrant into their 70s and beyond have been through a lifetime of experiences, and not all of them pleasant.
Yet, they stand tall. They’ve mastered the art of bouncing back from adversity, of turning challenges into opportunities for growth. They understand that life isn’t about avoiding difficulties but about developing the strength to overcome them.
Resilience isn’t something you’re born with; it’s a trait you develop through life’s trials and tribulations. It’s about accepting that setbacks are a part of life and developing the courage to move forward despite them.
Cultivating resilience is perhaps the most empowering thing you can do for your own happiness and well-being. After all, a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
Reflection: It’s about the journey
As we explore the traits of those who maintain their joy into their 70s and beyond, it’s important to remember that happiness isn’t a destination, but a journey.
It’s not about reaching a certain age or achieving a particular milestone. Instead, it’s about how we navigate through life, how we embrace the good times and weather the storms.
The famed psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The afternoon of life is just as full of meaning as the morning; only, its meaning and purpose are different.” This statement beautifully captures the essence of growing older and finding joy within it.
These traits – optimism, humor, physical activity, relationships, gratitude, learning, purpose, and resilience – are not exclusive to those in their 70s or beyond. They are universal qualities that each one of us can cultivate at any age.
Perhaps the secret to staying happy and joyful isn’t so much about age, but rather about attitude. It’s about choosing to see each day as an opportunity to grow, to learn, to connect, and most importantly, to enjoy the journey.
In essence, it’s about living life with grace and gusto, no matter what stage of life you are in. After all, age is just a number; it’s how you live that truly counts.
