There’s a common misconception that growing old alone is a fate to be feared. But that’s not necessarily the case.
Many people in their 70s and beyond live rich, fulfilling lives on their own terms and in their own company.
These folks usually exhibit certain distinctive behaviors that enable them to flourish in solitude.
In this article, we’ll be uncovering the eight key behaviors common among those who thrive while living alone in their later years. It’s not so much about being alone, but how you embrace and navigate it.
So whether you’re in your golden years or just planning ahead, these insights could be of value to you. Let’s delve into it.
1) Embracing solitude
The first and perhaps most fundamental behavior of people who thrive alone in their later years, is their ability to embrace solitude.
The word solitude often carries a negative connotation, associated with loneliness and isolation. But these individuals perceive it differently.
For them, solitude is an opportunity for introspection, personal growth and true freedom. It’s a chance to engage in activities that they enjoy, without any external pressure or judgement.
They cultivate hobbies, read books, or even just relish the silence and peace that comes with living alone. This isn’t to say they shun social contact – they appreciate meaningful interactions, but they don’t rely on them for their happiness or sense of self-worth.
In essence, they see solitude not as a curse, but as a gift – an opportunity to truly know themselves and live life on their own terms.
Embracing solitude isn’t about being isolated or reclusive, it’s about finding joy and fulfillment within oneself. And that’s a powerful trait to have at any stage of life, but particularly in one’s golden years.
2) Staying active
Speaking from personal experience, my grandmother was a prime example of someone who thrived while living alone in her 70s and beyond. A significant factor contributing to her sense of fulfillment was her unwavering commitment to staying active.
Every morning, rain or shine, she’d go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood. She believed in the importance of physical activity and made it a priority. I remember she used to say, “Motion is lotion for your joints.”
But her active lifestyle wasn’t just about physical exercise. She also kept her mind sharp by engaging in activities that challenged her mentally. She loved solving crossword puzzles and was an avid reader.
The key point here is that staying active, both physically and mentally, can significantly improve one’s quality of life, particularly when living alone in the later years. By keeping the mind and body engaged, we can lead more fulfilling and independent lives—just as my granny did.
3) Maintaining a positive mindset
One of the most common traits among people who thrive alone in their 70s and beyond is a positive mindset. They don’t just see the glass as half full, they’re grateful for the glass itself.
Despite the various challenges that come with aging, these individuals choose to focus on the positives. It might surprise you to know that according to a study, older adults tend to be more positive than younger ones.
They’ve mastered the art of reframing negative situations into learning experiences, and they actively practice gratitude for both small and large blessings in life. This positive attitude helps them deal with loneliness and other difficulties that might come with living alone.
So, if you want to thrive in solitude in your later years, cultivating a positive mindset could be a good starting point. After all, our outlook in life often becomes our reality.
4) Keeping a strong social network
While it might seem contradictory to the whole concept of thriving alone, maintaining a strong social network is crucial.
People who successfully live alone in their 70s and beyond understand the importance of staying connected with others. They keep in touch with family, friends, and even make new connections.
Being alone doesn’t mean being lonely. These individuals often have a rich social life. They might invite friends over for tea, engage in community activities, or simply make a phone call to catch up with loved ones.
Keeping a strong social network provides a sense of belonging and helps to keep feelings of isolation at bay. Plus, it’s always good to know that there are people you can count on when you need them.
So, thriving in solitude doesn’t mean cutting off from the world; it means striking a healthy balance between enjoying your own company and maintaining meaningful relationships with others.
5) Cherishing independence
There’s something incredibly empowering about being able to take care of oneself, especially in the later stages of life.
People who thrive alone in their 70s and beyond often cherish their independence. They take pride in managing their own affairs, be it cooking their meals, managing finances, or simply performing daily chores.
They see this not as a burden, but as a testament to their resilience and capability. It’s a heartfelt affirmation of their self-sufficiency and strength.
This independence, however, is not about refusing help when needed. It’s about having the courage to embrace life and its challenges on their own terms, while being open to assistance when necessary.
In essence, cherishing independence is about acknowledging that while aging might bring certain limitations, it can also usher in a new era of self-reliance and personal growth. It’s about celebrating the ability to lead your life your way, with dignity and self-respect.
6) Adapting to change
Change is a constant in life, and as we age, it can become more pronounced. It could be physical changes, like needing glasses to read or not being able to move as swiftly as before. Or it could be emotional changes, like dealing with the loss of loved ones.
I remember when my father started losing his hearing. He was an avid music lover, and the prospect of not being able to enjoy his favorite symphonies was disheartening. But instead of letting this setback define him, he chose to adapt.
He learned to appreciate music in a new way, focusing more on the emotions it evoked rather than the melody itself. He also took up reading about composers and their works, further enriching his understanding and love for music.
People who thrive alone in their 70s and beyond usually have this ability to adapt. They understand that change is inevitable and instead of resisting it, they learn to adjust and make the most out of their circumstances. This resilience not only helps them cope with life’s adversities but also allows them to continue living fulfilling lives despite the challenges.
7) Nurturing a sense of purpose
Purpose. It’s a powerful word that carries so much weight, especially as we age.
People who thrive while living alone in their 70s and beyond usually have a strong sense of purpose. They have activities, goals, or tasks that give their life meaning and guidance.
This could be anything from tending to a garden, volunteering at the local community center, painting, writing memoirs, or even taking care of a pet.
Having something to look forward to every day can make a big difference in how one perceives life. It provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, and brings joy to the daily routine.
So, nurturing a sense of purpose isn’t just about staying busy. It’s about finding something that you love doing and that gives your life a sense of direction and fulfillment. It’s about knowing that you still have valuable contributions to make and experiences to cherish.
8) Prioritizing self-care
Above all, individuals who thrive while living alone in their 70s and beyond prioritize self-care. They understand the importance of looking after their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
This means maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, ensuring they have enough rest, and attending regular check-ups. They indulge in activities that nourish their soul and uplift their spirit.
They also recognize the importance of mental health, and aren’t afraid to seek help when needed. They might practice mindfulness, meditation, or engage in therapeutic activities like journaling or painting.
Prioritizing self-care is about respecting and nurturing oneself. It’s about understanding that to live a fulfilling life, you need to take care of your greatest asset – yourself.
