- Tension: As we grow older, we grapple with the fear that lingering habits and regrets will block our path to late-life contentment.
- Noise: Popular narratives often reduce aging to inevitable decline, insisting that it’s too late to break free from negative cycles.
- Direct Message: By consciously letting go of toxic routines and embracing new perspectives, we can sustain joy and fulfillment well into our 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.
Getting older doesn’t mean life has to slow down or become less joyful. In fact, some of the happiest and most fulfilled people I know are in their 70s and beyond. They wake up excited for the day, stay curious, and keep finding new reasons to smile.
But here’s the thing—happiness at that stage of life isn’t just about luck. It’s about letting go of the habits that drain your energy, limit your growth, and hold you back from truly enjoying life.
As someone who helps people reset their life compass, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be to release what no longer serves you. If you want to feel lighter, freer, and more joyful as you age, here are eight habits you might want to say goodbye to.
1) letting negativity take over
Life brings many challenges to us all. No one reaches their 70s without facing hardships, losses, and unexpected turns. But underneath our external circumstances, it’s how we are inside that truly counts. The way we navigate our inner world of thoughts and feelings drives everything that matters in our lives.
One thing I’ve noticed about people who are happy in their later years is that they don’t let negativity take over. That doesn’t mean they ignore difficulties or pretend everything is fine when it’s not. It just means they’ve learned not to dwell in resentment, regret, or bitterness.
A practical tip? Practice shifting your focus. When you catch yourself spiraling into worry or frustration, pause and ask: What’s something good in my life right now? It might be as simple as a sunny morning, a kind word from a friend, or a favorite song on the radio.
Joyful people don’t wait for life to be perfect to be happy. They choose to focus on what lifts them up instead of what brings them down.
2) blaming others for their problems
At some point, we all face moments where life doesn’t go as planned. People let us down, circumstances take an unexpected turn, and unfair things happen. But here’s the truth—happy and fulfilled people in their 70s and beyond have stopped blaming others for where they are in life.
They understand that while we can’t control everything that happens to us, we can control how we respond. They’ve learned that holding onto blame keeps them stuck, while taking responsibility sets them free.
The reality is, we all have untapped potential. No matter what has happened in the past, we have the power to steer the direction of our lives. True empowerment comes from taking full responsibility—not just for our choices, but for our mindset, our happiness, and what we do with the time we have left.
If you catch yourself blaming others—whether it’s family, a boss from years ago, or even society—pause and ask yourself: What can I do right now to move forward? Because the moment you stop waiting for someone else to change, you take back control of your own life. And that’s where real joy begins.
3) ignoring their own inner voice
One of the biggest regrets people have later in life is realizing they spent too much time listening to others and not enough time trusting themselves. Happy and fulfilled people in their 70s and beyond have let go of the habit of ignoring their own inner voice.
The truth is, no one else can tell you what’s right for your life better than you can. Friends, family, and society will always have opinions, but at the end of the day, you are the one who has to live with your choices. Those who find lasting happiness have learned to develop the skills to become their own coach—learning to listen to themselves, trust their instincts, and take action based on what feels true to them.
If you’ve spent years doubting yourself or seeking validation from others, it’s time to change that. Start small. The next time you’re facing a decision, instead of immediately asking someone else for advice, pause and ask yourself: *What do I really want?* The more you practice tuning in, the stronger that inner voice becomes.
When you learn to guide yourself from within, you can navigate any major life change with confidence—and that’s what leads to a happier, more fulfilling life.
4) resisting change
Change is inevitable. No matter how much we try to hold on to the way things were, life keeps moving. People who are happy and joyful in their 70s and beyond have stopped fighting change and instead learned to flow with it.
As Lao Tzu wisely said, “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them—that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality.”
The truth is, resisting change doesn’t stop it from happening—it only makes the process more painful. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a shift in health, or even something as simple as technology evolving faster than we can keep up with, those who find joy in their later years have learned to adapt rather than cling to the past.
If change scares you, try shifting your perspective. Instead of seeing it as something being taken from you, ask yourself: What new possibilities could this bring? Growth never stops, no matter your age—unless you decide it does. The happiest people have embraced the fact that life is always changing, and instead of fearing the unknown, they stay open to what’s next.
5) staying inside their comfort zone
People who are truly happy in their 70s and beyond have let go of the habit of playing it safe. They understand that real growth happens outside of their comfort zone, and they refuse to let fear of failure keep them stuck.
In a world where change and disruption are the norm, cultivating a growth and curious mindset is essential. Staying open to learning new things—not just when you’re young, but at every stage of life—keeps you engaged, adaptable, and excited about what’s ahead.
As Dr. Carol Dweck, renowned psychologist, puts it: *“Becoming is better than being.”* Happy people don’t just settle into a fixed way of thinking. They see challenges as opportunities, mistakes as lessons, and curiosity as a lifelong skill.
If you find yourself hesitating to try something new because you’re afraid of failing, ask yourself: *What’s the worst that could happen?* More often than not, the answer isn’t as scary as we imagine. Growth never stops unless we stop seeking it—so if you want to stay joyful and fulfilled as you age, keep challenging yourself. Keep learning. Keep stepping forward.
6) holding onto grudges
Happy people in their 70s and beyond have learned one of life’s most freeing lessons—resentment is a prison you build for yourself. Holding onto grudges doesn’t punish the other person; it only drains your energy and keeps you stuck in the past.
I’ve seen people carry bitterness for decades, replaying old betrayals like a movie they can’t turn off. But I’ve also seen those who have chosen to let go—and the difference in their happiness is undeniable. Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing bad behavior or pretending something didn’t hurt. It simply means deciding that your peace is more important than staying angry.
A practical tip? If you’re struggling to forgive, start small. Instead of focusing on the person who hurt you, focus on yourself. Ask: How would my life feel if I wasn’t holding onto this anymore? You don’t have to condone what happened, but you can choose to release the weight of it. And when you do, joy has space to return.
7) neglecting their health
One of the biggest regrets people have later in life is not taking better care of their bodies. The happiest people in their 70s and beyond understand that their health isn’t just about longevity—it’s about quality of life. They’ve said goodbye to the habit of neglecting their well-being and have embraced taking care of themselves as an act of self-respect.
I’m not talking about extreme diets or punishing exercise routines. It’s the small, consistent choices that matter—staying active, eating nourishing foods, getting enough rest, and managing stress. Your body is the vehicle that carries you through life, and treating it well makes everything else more enjoyable.
If taking care of yourself has felt overwhelming, start with one simple change. Drink more water. Take a short walk each day. Prioritize sleep. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s showing up for yourself in ways that keep you feeling strong, energized, and able to fully enjoy life’s moments.
8) thinking it’s too late
Perhaps the most damaging habit of all—the belief that it’s too late to change, too late to start something new, too late to create a life you love. The happiest people in their 70s and beyond have let go of this limiting mindset and embraced the truth: as long as you’re here, there’s still time.
I’ve met people who started businesses in their 60s, found love again in their 70s, and pursued passions they had ignored for decades well into their 80s. What they all had in common was a willingness to ask: *Why not now?* They didn’t let age define what was possible for them.
So if there’s something calling to you—a dream, a hobby, a change you’ve been wanting to make—stop telling yourself it’s too late. The only thing standing between you and a more joyful life is the belief that you can still create it.
Final thoughts
Happiness in your 70s and beyond isn’t about luck—it’s about the choices you make every day. Letting go of the habits that weigh you down creates space for more joy, freedom, and fulfillment.
The good news? It’s never too late to change. You have the power to steer your life in a direction that feels right for you. And the first step is learning how to coach yourself—how to navigate challenges, shift your mindset, and take control of your own happiness.
That’s exactly what I teach in my upcoming course, Coach Yourself to an Epic Retirement. You’ll not only develop the skills to guide yourself toward a more fulfilling and epic retirement, but also discover the transformative power of regular reflection and journaling.
By taking time to process your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, you’ll deepen your self-awareness and continue to grow—no matter what stage of life you’re in. Coach Yourself to an Epic Retirement, will come out soon on The Vessel. You can sign up to the newsletter here to find out when the course is launched.
Because at the end of the day, the happiest people aren’t just those who have had the easiest lives. They’re the ones who have learned how to truly live.
