Aging well isn’t just about good genes and luck. It’s also about the habits you cultivate as you go through life.

People who grow happier and more content as they age typically have a set of habits in common. They’ve cracked the code, finding ways to not just survive, but thrive, in their later years.

So, what are these habits? And how can you adopt them to ensure your own happiness as you age?

In the following article titled “People who become happier and more content as they age usually have these 8 habits”, we’ll explore these habits and give you the tools to incorporate them into your own life. Let’s dive in!

1) Embracing lifelong learning

If you’ve ever noticed, people who age gracefully and happily are often those who never stop learning.

They are curious and open-minded, always eager to learn something new or gain a different perspective. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re enrolling in college courses or getting multiple degrees, although they might.

Instead, they might read widely, participate in community groups, take up new hobbies, or travel to new places. They’re not afraid to step out of their comfort zone and learn something that challenges them.

And it’s this constant learning that keeps their mind active and engaged. It gives them a sense of purpose and fulfillment that contributes significantly to their happiness as they age.

Remember, it’s never too late to learn something new. So make learning a habit, and you might just find yourself growing happier and more content as you age.

2) Practicing gratitude

Something I’ve noticed in my own journey is the profound impact of practicing gratitude.

I started keeping a gratitude journal a few years back. Every night before bed, I would jot down three things I was grateful for that day. Some days it was as simple as a good cup of coffee or a phone call from an old friend. Other days, it was for bigger things like health or family.

Over time, this habit shifted my mindset. I found myself looking for positive moments throughout the day and appreciating the little things more. It also helped me navigate through tougher times with a better attitude because I could still find moments of joy.

And guess what? Research agrees. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can lead to increased happiness and contentment.

So, if you want to age happily, try adopting this habit. Start by noting down one thing you’re grateful for each day, and you might be surprised by the change in your outlook on life.

3) Staying active

Physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining mental health and happiness as we age. It’s not just about staying fit or looking good. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve mood, and increase longevity.

What’s more, a study from the University of Cambridge found that even a modest increase in physical activity could have significant health benefits. The research showed that a brisk 20-minute walk each day could be enough to reduce an individual’s risk of early death by between 16-30%.

So whether it’s going for a daily walk, attending a yoga class, or just dancing around your living room, staying active is a habit often found in those who age happily and contently.

4) Nurturing relationships

Humans are social creatures. We thrive on connection, camaraderie, and companionship. But as we age, maintaining these relationships can become more challenging. Friends may move away, loved ones may pass on, and social circles can shrink.

However, those who age happily understand the importance of nurturing relationships, not just with their family and friends, but also with their community. They invest time in strengthening these bonds and creating new ones.

Whether it’s going for a coffee with an old friend, calling up a distant relative, or volunteering in the local community, they make an effort to stay connected.

And it’s this habit of nurturing relationships that can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life as we age. After all, as the saying goes, “Happiness shared is happiness doubled.”

5) Letting go of regrets

Life is filled with ups and downs, successes and failures, joys and sorrows. And it’s perfectly natural to have regrets. But those who age with happiness and contentment have a remarkable ability to let go of these regrets.

They understand that dwelling on past mistakes or missed opportunities won’t change the past, but it can rob the present of its joy. They learn from their mistakes, forgive themselves, and then they move forward.

Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting or pretending things didn’t happen. It means accepting that we are all human, that we all make mistakes, and choosing to focus on the lessons learned rather than the regret.

Letting go of regrets can be a challenging habit to cultivate, but it’s one that can lead to a more peaceful and contented life as we age. After all, every day is a new opportunity to start afresh and make the most of what life has to offer.

6) Prioritizing self-care

A few years ago, I was juggling a demanding job, a busy family life, and a host of other responsibilities. I was always on the go, trying to meet everyone’s needs but my own. It wasn’t long before I burned out.

That’s when I realized the importance of self-care. I began setting aside time each day just for myself – whether that was reading a book, taking a walk in the park, or simply sitting in silence.

This habit of prioritizing self-care made a significant difference. I felt happier, less stressed, and more capable of handling life’s challenges.

As we age, taking care of our physical, emotional, and mental well-being becomes even more crucial. Those who age with happiness and contentment are often those who make self-care a priority. They understand that they can’t pour from an empty cup and that taking care of oneself isn’t selfish but necessary.

7) Embracing change

Change is the only constant in life, and yet, it’s something many of us struggle with. We resist change because it’s uncomfortable and scary. But those who age with happiness and contentment have a different perspective.

They embrace change. They understand that while change can be challenging, it’s also an opportunity for growth and new experiences. Instead of resisting or fearing change, they welcome it with an open mind and a willing heart.

Whether it’s a move to a new city, the start of a new career, or the loss of a loved one, they adapt and find ways to thrive in their new circumstances.

Embracing change is not about disregarding feelings of discomfort or uncertainty. It’s about acknowledging these feelings and choosing to move forward anyway. It’s a habit that can lead to resilience, growth, and increased happiness as we age.

8) Cultivating a positive mindset

At the heart of aging happily and contently lies a positive mindset. It’s easy to focus on the negatives—physical decline, loss of loved ones, or changes in life circumstance. But those who age with grace and happiness often maintain an optimistic outlook.

They choose to focus on the good in their lives, even when faced with challenges. They believe that life still has much to offer and that their later years can be filled with joy, purpose, and fulfillment.

This doesn’t mean they ignore the hardships. They acknowledge them but choose not to let them overshadow the positives. They celebrate their wins, no matter how small, and find joy in everyday moments.

Cultivating a positive mindset is a habit that can significantly influence our experience of aging. It’s a powerful tool that can help us navigate life’s ups and downs with grace, resilience, and joy.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey

The path towards aging with happiness and contentment is unique to each individual. It’s a journey, not a destination.

What all these habits have in common is that they encourage living in the present, nurturing relationships, taking care of oneself, embracing change, and maintaining a positive outlook on life.

Remember, it’s not about the number of years in your life, but the life in your years. As American novelist Mark Twain once said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

So as we age, let’s strive to cultivate these habits. After all, growing older is a privilege denied to many. Let’s make each moment count and age not just with grace and dignity but with happiness and contentment.