Getting older doesn’t have to mean losing your zest for life. In fact, many people who stay happy and lively well into their 70s and beyond share one important secret: they’ve let go of certain habits that bring them down.
By saying goodbye to these negative routines and thought patterns, they free themselves to truly enjoy each day.
In this article, we’ll explore eight habits that the happiest seniors no longer carry around with them.
You’ll discover how letting these go can boost your mood, energy, and overall sense of well-being—no matter what stage of life you’re in.
Let’s dive in.
1) Dwelling on the past
There’s no denying the power of reflection in life, especially as we age.
However, people who radiate happiness in their 70s have learned the difference between reflection and dwelling.
Consistently getting stuck in the past can rob us of the joy of the present. It can be quite challenging to let go, particularly when certain memories hold immense emotional weight.
Welcome to the concept of mindful living.
Mindfulness encourages us to live in the present moment, appreciating what we have right now rather than what was or could have been.
Consider this. When confronted with a wave of nostalgia or regret, individuals who practice mindfulness choose to acknowledge these feelings without getting lost in them.
2) Holding onto grudges
Grudges can be heavy. I’ve realized this first-hand.
I used to hold onto grudges for a long time, allowing past arguments and misunderstandings to affect my current happiness. And trust me, it’s exhausting.
But, people who are content in their 70s and beyond have often learned the art of forgiving and moving on. They’ve understood that holding onto grudges only weighs them down and steals their joy.
Take my Aunt Martha for instance. She’s in her late 70s and is one of the happiest people I know. She once told me her secret: “Let go of the bitterness, dear. It’s not worth the wrinkles or the heartache.”
So, I tried it. I slowly started releasing the grudges I held against others. It wasn’t easy, but it was liberating. And guess what? Aunt Martha was right. Letting go of grudges has made me a much happier person.
3) Neglecting physical health
You’ve probably heard the saying “health is wealth”. There’s more truth in this statement than we often realize.
Individuals who maintain their happiness into their 70s and beyond typically prioritize their physical health. They understand that a healthy body is a key component of a joyful life.
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves mood, and increases energy levels. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, adults aged 65 and above who engage in regular physical activity have a lower risk of falls, depression, cognitive decline and functional limitations.
It’s not about running marathons or lifting heavy weights. It’s about making small but consistent efforts to stay active, whether that’s through daily walks, yoga, gardening, or even dancing around the living room.
4) Living with a bloated ego
Buddhism teaches us many things, one of which is the concept of egolessness. It suggests that inflated egos can lead to suffering, while living with humility can bring joy and harmony.
Those who thrive in their 70s and beyond often embody this principle. They’ve learned to let go of their egos, to live life with humility and grace.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into this concept. It’s a fundamental shift in perspective that can have a profound impact on our happiness and overall life satisfaction.
Letting go of the ego doesn’t mean losing one’s identity or self-worth. On the contrary, it means embracing our true selves without the need for validation or superiority over others.
Buddhism also teaches us the importance of compassion and empathy towards others—traits that often come naturally when we let go of our egos.
5) Avoiding new experiences
Change can be intimidating. The unknown can be scary. In my younger years, I often found myself sticking to what was familiar and comfortable. This choice, however, kept me in a bubble, limiting my growth and potential for joy.
People who are happy and content in their 70s and beyond have usually embraced change and new experiences. They’ve stepped out of their comfort zone, understanding that growth often happens when we dare to venture into the unknown.
I remember my first solo trip abroad. It was daunting, I won’t deny that. But it was also one of the most enriching experiences of my life. It opened my eyes to different cultures, pushed me to be more independent, and made me realize that I am capable of handling things on my own.
If you’re looking for happiness in your 70s and beyond, consider saying goodbye to the fear of new experiences. Embrace change, embrace the unknown. You might just discover a whole new side of life awaiting you.
6) Chasing after happiness
This might sound counter-intuitive, but people who are genuinely joyful in their 70s and beyond have often stopped chasing after happiness.
They’ve realized that happiness isn’t something to be pursued. It isn’t a destination, but a by-product of living a fulfilling life.
Often, we think that achieving certain things will make us happy. We believe that once we have that job, that partner, or that house, we’ll be content. But the truth is, once we achieve these things, our goalposts for happiness often shift.
Instead of chasing happiness, people who are content later in life focus on living meaningfully. They engage in activities they love, spend time with people who matter to them, and contribute positively to the world around them.
In doing so, they find that happiness naturally follows.
7) Ignoring self-care
Self-care is often seen as a luxury, but those who are thriving in their 70s and beyond know it to be a necessity.
They’ve realized the importance of taking care of themselves, both physically and emotionally. This isn’t about pampering oneself or being selfish. It’s about acknowledging that in order to care for others, we first need to care for ourselves.
They understand that their bodies are like vehicles that require regular maintenance. This means eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and making time for physical activity.
But self-care goes beyond just physical health. It also involves caring for our mental and emotional well-being. This could mean spending time doing things we love, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or seeking support when things get tough.
8) Living life on autopilot
The most crucial habit to say goodbye to, if you aspire to stay happy and joyful in your 70s and beyond, is living life on autopilot.
Those who thrive in their later years have often learned to be present in each moment, appreciating the here and now rather than merely going through the motions.
They’ve realized that life is too short to be lived on autopilot. They savor each moment, each experience, each interaction. They find joy in the simple things and value the beauty of everyday life.
Break free from autopilot mode. Embrace each moment. Live consciously, intentionally. This could be the key to unlocking a life of sustained happiness and joy as you age.
Conclusion
Our fulfillment and joy in life, especially as we age, are often deeply intertwined with our habits and attitudes.
The key to staying happy and joyful in our 70s and beyond could lie in letting go of certain habits that hold us back.
It’s about choosing to live mindfully, to embrace change, to prioritize self-care, to let go of grudges, and to live a life that’s meaningful to us.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore many of these concepts in greater depth. It’s about understanding that life is not a destination but a journey, one filled with countless opportunities for growth and joy.
Whether it’s saying goodbye to an inflated ego, embracing the unknown, or simply choosing to live in the present moment, each step we take towards letting go of these habits could potentially enhance our experience of life.
