There’s a profound distinction between just getting old and actually growing older gracefully.

This difference is all about choices. Aging gracefully isn’t about trying to look like a twenty-something for the rest of your life. It’s about living your best life and having the physical and mental health to enjoy it.

Your 60s and beyond can truly be the golden years of your life if you’re open to change. Specifically, there are eight habits you might want to consider saying goodbye to.

Here are those eight habits you might want to reconsider for a healthier, happier journey into your 60s and beyond.

1) Letting go of the need to be always right

There’s a certain wisdom that comes with entering your 60s and beyond. And part of that wisdom is realizing that we don’t always have to be right.

As we age, our experiences and knowledge increase exponentially. But so does the realization of how much we don’t actually know. This can be both humbling and liberating.

Often in life, our need to always be right can become a barrier to learning and understanding others. This need can create unnecessary stress and conflict, which can affect our mental and physical health.

On the other hand, being open to new ideas and perspectives not only enhances our intellectual growth but also promotes better relationships with others.

So, the first habit to let go of as you step into your golden years is this need to always be correct. Embrace the unknown, be open to learning, and accept that it’s okay not to have all the answers.

2) Neglecting physical health

I’ve always been a firm believer that age is just a number. But as I moved into my 60s, I quickly realized that, while the mind might feel young, the body needs a little more attention.

For most of my life, I had a rather casual relationship with exercise and healthy eating. Fast food was my best friend and the idea of a regular workout routine was a distant dream.

But as I got older, I started noticing changes in my energy levels and overall wellbeing. I realized that if I wanted to continue enjoying life to its fullest, changes needed to be made.

I started incorporating regular walks into my day and made a conscious effort to eat more fruits and vegetables. The difference these small changes made was incredible. My energy levels increased, I slept better, and even my mood improved.

So, the second habit to bid farewell to in your 60s and beyond is neglecting your physical health. Remember, it’s never too late to start taking better care of yourself.

3) Holding onto grudges

Holding onto grudges can be like carrying a heavy backpack wherever you go – it weighs you down, and over time, it becomes exhausting.

Did you know that holding onto resentment and anger can actually have a negative impact on your physical health? Studies have shown that grudges can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

In other words, letting go of grudges isn’t just good for your mental health, but for your physical health too. As we move into our 60s and beyond, it’s important to prioritize peace of mind over past conflicts.

So, the third habit to kick to the curb as we enter our golden years is holding onto grudges. Embrace forgiveness and let go of the past. It’s not about forgetting, it’s about making room for happier, healthier experiences.

4) Ignoring the present

As we get older, it’s easy to spend a lot of our time either reminiscing about the past or worrying about the future. But living in the past or future means we’re ignoring the present.

The present moment is all we really have. Worrying about the future won’t change it, and reliving the past won’t bring it back. All it does is rob us of the joy we can find in the now.

A key habit to say goodbye to in your 60s and beyond is ignoring the present. Embrace mindfulness, engage fully with the people around you, and take time each day to appreciate what you have right now.

Remember, every day is a gift – that’s why they call it the present.

5) Neglecting personal relationships

Life is a journey, and it’s the people who accompany us on that journey that make it worthwhile. As we age, it’s easy to let life’s busyness or physical distance get in the way of maintaining our relationships.

But as I moved into my 60s, I realized just how crucial these bonds were to my happiness and sense of fulfillment. The laughter shared with old friends, the wisdom exchanged, and even the silent companionship – they all became increasingly precious.

So, the fifth habit to reconsider as you navigate your 60s and beyond is neglecting your personal relationships. Whether they’re friends, family or loved ones, make time for them. Life’s true richness lies in the connections we have with others.

6) Avoiding change

I’ve always found comfort in routine and familiarity. The known feels safe, while change can be scary and uncertain. But as I entered my 60s, I realized that avoiding change was keeping me from new experiences and opportunities.

Change is an inevitable part of life, and it’s how we grow and learn. By embracing change, I discovered new hobbies, met interesting people, and even found new perspectives on life.

So, the sixth habit to shake off as you step into your 60s and beyond is avoiding change. Embrace the unknown, welcome new experiences, and remember – life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

7) Overlooking self-care

In our younger years, we can often get away with neglecting self-care. But as we age, the importance of taking time for ourselves becomes abundantly clear.

Self-care isn’t just about physical health. It also involves nurturing our mental and emotional wellbeing. This could mean anything from taking a quiet walk, reading a book, or simply spending some time in reflection.

As you move into your 60s and beyond, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. So, the seventh habit to wave goodbye to is overlooking self-care. Make yourself a priority and remember – it’s not selfish, it’s essential.

8) Forgetting to laugh

Laughter truly is the best medicine. Not only does it release endorphins, our body’s natural feel-good chemicals, but it also boosts heart health, burns calories and lightens life’s burdens.

As we move into our 60s and beyond, it’s essential not to lose sight of the joy and humor in life. So, the last habit to bid farewell to is forgetting to laugh. Find reasons to smile every day, seek joy in the simplest of things, and remember – a day without laughter is a day wasted.

Final thoughts: The power of choice

The journey into our 60s and beyond is a pathway intricately woven with the choices we make. And these choices, more often than not, are underpinned by our daily habits.

One of the most inspiring quotes from the renowned business philosopher, Jim Rohn, is “You are the average of the five things you spend the most time with.” This concept applies not only to the people we surround ourselves with but also to the habits we choose to cultivate.

As we navigate this golden era of our lives, it’s essential to remember that our habits play a pivotal role in shaping our experiences. Whether it’s letting go of the need to be always right or finding reasons to laugh every day, each choice we make contributes to our overall wellbeing.

Entering your 60s and beyond doesn’t signify an end but rather a new beginning – a chance to redefine and reshape your life in ways you never imagined. So, as you journey through these years, remember to say goodbye to habits that no longer serve you and embrace those that enrich your life. After all, the best years of your life are waiting for you just around the corner.