People who stay happy and joyful in their 70s and beyond usually have said goodbye to these 7 habits

There’s a common assumption that growing older equals growing unhappier. But that’s not the whole story.

Often, those who reach their 70s, 80s and beyond radiating happiness and joy have made some crucial lifestyle changes along the way.

They’ve bid adieu to certain habits that were holding them back. And no, I’m not talking about just physical habits like eating junk food or skipping workouts. It’s more about those subtle, psychological habits we often overlook.

In this article, I’ll share the seven habits that joyful seniors commonly kick to the curb. These insights might not only change your perception of aging but also help you lead a more fulfilling life – regardless of your age.

Get ready to take notes and reevaluate – because these are the secrets of the happiest old-timers around!

1) Letting go of negativity

Let’s face it, we all have moments of negativity. It’s part of the human experience.

But those who seem to effortlessly glide through their 70s and beyond with a smile on their face have often consciously chosen to leave this habit behind.

They’ve realized that harboring negative emotions – be it anger, resentment, jealousy, or regret – can take a serious toll on their overall well-being. It’s like carrying a heavy backpack up a steep hill – it makes the journey harder and less enjoyable.

Think about it. How often do you see joyful seniors complaining or holding onto grudges? Rarely, right?

They’ve learned to let go. To forgive. To move on. They choose positivity over negativity.

Now, this doesn’t mean they deny negative emotions or experiences. Rather, they acknowledge them, deal with them and then let them go, choosing not to dwell or ruminate excessively.

Embracing this attitude not only lightens their emotional load but also paves the way for more joy and happiness to enter their lives.

We could all learn a thing or two from this practice, don’t you think?

2) Saying goodbye to perfectionism

This one is a bit personal for me. You see, I’m a recovering perfectionist.

For years, I would push myself to the brink, trying to get everything just right – whether it was a work project, a dinner party, or even the way my home looked.

But as I started interacting more with people in their golden years, I noticed something. The happiest ones were far from being perfectionists. They embraced their flaws and the unpredictability of life with grace and humor.

Take my friend Jane, for instance. She’s in her late 70s and one of the most joyful people I know. Jane loves gardening, but if a plant dies or her garden isn’t picture-perfect, she just laughs it off and says, “Well, there’s always next year!”

Seeing Jane’s approach was eye-opening for me. She was not only content but joyful – without everything being perfect!

So, I decided to follow suit. I started consciously letting go of my need for perfection. And honestly? It’s been liberating.

3) Dismissing the fear of aging

This might surprise you, but research shows that people often grow happier as they age. A study found that levels of happiness increase with age, even in the presence of other health problems.

Individuals who are happy and joyful in their 70s and beyond have often bid farewell to the fear of aging. Instead of seeing it as an enemy, they embrace it as a natural part of life.

These people understand that aging isn’t about losing youth or vigor, but rather about gaining wisdom, experience, and new perspectives. They see each wrinkle as a testament to a life well-lived, each gray hair as a symbol of wisdom earned.

So, instead of dreading birthdays and obsessing over anti-aging creams, they celebrate their age. They view each new year as an opportunity for continued growth and learning.

If you’re striving for long-lasting happiness, maybe it’s time to change your perspective on aging. After all, it’s not about how old you are but how you are old!

4) Giving up on constant busyness

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to mistake being busy for being productive or purposeful. But the happiest seniors have generally realized that constantly rushing from one task to another isn’t the key to a fulfilling life.

They’ve learned to slow down, to savor the moments and appreciate the simple pleasures – a good book, a walk in the park, a chat with a friend.

They understand that life isn’t about ticking off tasks on a to-do list. It’s about being present, being engaged in whatever they’re doing, whether it’s baking cookies for their grandkids or simply watching the sunset.

Letting go of constant busyness also reduces stress and enhances mental health – both crucial for happiness at any age.

So, consider slowing down a bit. Make time for leisure, for hobbies, for just ‘being’. You might find that less is indeed more when it comes to busyness and happiness.

5) Releasing the need for external validation

When I was younger, I frequently found myself seeking approval from others. Whether it was about my career choices, my parenting style, or my appearance – I desired validation that I was doing things right, that I was on the right path.

But as I grew older, and especially as I observed the joyous seniors in my life, I realized that this constant need for external validation was draining my happiness.

People who truly enjoy their golden years have often let go of this habit. They’ve learned to trust themselves and their decisions. They know their worth isn’t determined by what others think of them.

They’re comfortable in their own skin and they’ve made peace with the fact that they can’t please everyone, and that’s okay.

Once I started to internalize this, I found a newfound freedom. It was as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

And you know what? It’s been one of the most liberating shifts in my own journey toward happiness.

6) Abandoning the habit of comparing

Comparison, they say, is the thief of joy. And it’s true.

Those who retain their joy and happiness in their 70s and beyond have often given up the habit of comparing themselves to others. They’ve realized that each individual’s journey is unique and that comparing one’s own life to someone else’s is like comparing apples to oranges.

They understand that happiness doesn’t come from having more or being more than someone else. Instead, it comes from appreciating what they have and knowing they are enough just as they are.

This doesn’t mean they don’t strive for self-improvement or growth. But they do so for their own satisfaction, not because they want to outdo someone else.

Letting go of comparison allows for a more authentic, content, and joyful life. So, if happiness is your goal, it might be worth saying goodbye to this habit.

7) Quitting the habit of living in the past or future

The secret to a joyful life, especially in our later years, does not lie in past glories or future possibilities. It lies in the present moment.

Those who stay happy and joyful in their 70s and beyond have usually said goodbye to the habit of dwelling on past regrets or worrying about the future. They’ve learned to live in the present, embracing each moment as it comes.

They know that life unfolds in the now, and that’s where real joy is found. They engage fully with the present, whether they’re spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, or simply enjoying a quiet moment alone.

Remember, the past is a place of reference, not residence; the future is a place of planning, not dwelling. True happiness can only be found in the present moment. This is perhaps the most important lesson we can learn from those who remain happy into their 70s and beyond.

Final thought: It’s all about choice

When it comes down to it, our happiness – in our 70s and beyond or at any age – is largely influenced by the choices we make.

Sometimes these choices involve saying goodbye to habits that don’t serve us well. Habits like harboring negativity, seeking external validation, or living in the past. While letting go of these can be challenging, the payoff in terms of increased joy and contentment is immense.

Just as we choose what to wear each day or what to eat for breakfast, we can choose our attitudes and responses. We can choose positivity over negativity, present over past, self-validation over external approval.

Aristotle once said, “Happiness depends upon ourselves.” And he was right. We hold the keys to our own happiness. The seniors who have learned this truth show us that it’s never too late to make choices that enhance our joy and fulfillment.

So as you go forward, remember: your happiness is in your hands. What will you choose?