Growing older is typically seen as a period of decline. But what if I told you it’s actually a time of happiness, perhaps even more than in our technologically obsessed youth?

It’s the truth. People in their 60s and 70s often carry with them perennial habits that fuel their contentment, habits that today’s tech-driven youth seem to have forgotten.

Let’s take a look at eight timeless habits aged people keep, that seem to make them a lot happier. Their wisdom and perspective can teach us a thing or two about real joy, after all.

Ready for a journey towards a more satisfying life? Similar to how the wise lead by example, I’ll delve into the precious practices you might want to adopt, right here. Trust me, it begins with the simplest things.

Here’s how they do it – happier, calmer and yes, even older.

1) They Live in the Now

When it comes to happiness, it seems our older and wiser counterparts have a lesson or two to share. One such secret is living in the present moment.

Unsurprisingly, today’s youth, often face-deep in screens, miss out on experiencing the world around them. They’re too busy following life through a digital lens, constantly multitasking and obsessively capturing moments rather than truly living them.

But, pause for a moment, look around. It is likely you’ll notice people of older ages soaking in the joy of the everyday. Content in their garden, savoring a cup of tea, or simply admiring a sunrise.

Our more mature friends aren’t glued to their smartphones as we are. They aren’t distracted by the constant social media updates. They intentionally remain focused on what’s happening around them, fully living in the ‘now’.

This simple yet profound habit of practicing mindfulness can be the key to experiencing the joy of life beyond the digital world. It teaches us to appreciate the beauty in everyday life and draws us out of the race to live in a perpetual ‘fast forward’.

As a habit to cultivate, it can serve as a reminder to take a breath, slow down and savor. Frankly, it’s a refreshing departure from the relentless pace of the tech-driven youth.

So, perhaps it’s time we borrowed a leaf from their book and made room for a little more presence in our lives, don’t you think?

2) They Prioritize Relationships

I have a dear old aunt in her late 70s and she’s one of the happiest people I know. When I asked her once what her secret is, she simply replied, “I keep my relationships alive”.

Unlike the majority of today’s younger generation, who often substitute real-life interaction with social media exchanges, she keeps her connections alive with personal interactions. She religiously hosts family gatherings, makes weekly phone calls, and nurtures her friendships with old schoolmates and neighbors. It’s such an integral part of her routine.

I’ve often observed her exchanging warm smiles with the grocery guy, genuinely asking about his family, and you can instantly feel the ripple effect of that cordiality. It’s at these moments that I’ve understood what she meant by keeping relationships alive.

The lesson here is clear. It’s not the number of followers or virtual thumbs up that contribute to real happiness. Instead, it’s the authentic connections, the meaningful relationships with the people we care about that truly matter.

It’s surprising, and a little sad, how far we’ve deviated from this simple truth – the one that our 60s and 70s folks seem to practice so naturally. Making a dedicated effort to nurture relationships might be the key to cracking the happiness code.

After all, at the end of the day, it’s not our Instagram feed that will keep us company, it’s the people we share our lives with.

Oh, the wisdom of ages, never fails to inspire!

3) They Nurture a Sense of Purpose

Purpose, it turns out, is a critical factor in our happiness. In Japan, there’s a concept known as “Ikigai”, which roughly translates to “reason for being”. It represents a purpose in life, a direction that gives one a reason to get up every morning.

Interestingly, numerous studies indicate that the residents of Okinawa, Japan, who have the highest concentration of centenarians in the world, attribute their longevity and happiness to having an Ikigai.

Let’s take a cue from our older folks who illustrate this concept in their daily lives. They often have hobbies, interest clubs, community activities or even part-time jobs that give them a sense of purpose outside their immediate familial roles.

Whether it’s honing a craft, volunteering at the local community center, or taking up a new learning opportunity, it seems they instinctually understand the importance of having a sense of purpose.

In contrast, the tech-driven world often promotes a lifestyle that revolves around momentary pleasures, thereby increasing the chances of missing out on the deeper joy that comes from engaging in fulfilling activities.

So, maybe we all should go looking for our Ikigai, our reason for being. After all, having something meaningful to wake up to every morning is a beautiful way to live, isn’t it?

4) They Practice Gratitude

From the earliest phases of life, older folks didn’t have the abundance of choice we’re used to today. But rather than viewing it as a constraint, they learned to appreciate what they had.

Their practice of expressing gratitude, whether in their thoughts or openly, helps them root into the joys of life and to distil happiness from the simplest things. A bursting flower bud, a well-cooked meal, or even an old song on the radio – they find joy in these everyday simplicities.

In stark contrast, today’s tech-driven youth might consider these joys as mundane. With the world literally at their fingertips, they are ceaselessly looking for the next big thing, unknowingly feeding a cycle of perpetual dissatisfaction.

Seeing our elders appreciating the little things in life, being thankful for what they have, serves as a reminder that contentment does not come with accumulation, but with appreciation. No wonder they seem happier!

We might want to make a mental note to stop, take a deep breath, and be thankful for the life we have. A little gratitude can indeed go a long way in infusing happiness into our lives. So, thank you for reading this, may you find your happiness!

5) They Embrace Simplicity

Over the years, I’ve watched an innocent simplicity blossom in the lives of those who are more advanced in age. This simplicity has a certain radiance to it, shaping an outlook that can only be described as serene.

There’s something undeniably enchanting about witnessing older people enjoy the most basic things – rereading a favorite book, solving crosswords, knitting, or just sitting in the park feeding the birds. They don’t crave a constant barrage of stimulation or feel compelled to ‘keep up’.

Now contrast this with the younger, tech-engrained society. The appeal of the new, the endless crave for the next upgrade, the latest gadget, the constant feed of information – it can be exhausting and, oddly, depleting.

What they, what we, miss out on is the beauty of simplicity, of slowing down. A simplicity that seems to provide a lifetime supply of happiness for folks in their 60s and 70s.

It makes one wonder – is happiness not about having it all, but about cherishing the simple pleasures of life? Perhaps, this realization is the first step to embracing simplicity and aligning our lives with the key to true contentment. Once experienced, it’s a heart-fulfilling feeling, I promise.

6) They Dedicate Time for Self-Care

The one message that’s been echoed throughout my family generation after generation is the importance of self-care. I recall, quite vividly, my grandmother’s gentle nudge to “always take care of yourself first, child. You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

Our wise elders recognize the vitality of nurturing their physical and mental health. Regular walks, yoga, gardening, reading – they ensure they have a solid routine that includes activities they love and rejuvenate them. They understand that it’s not selfish to prioritize one’s own well-being.

Yet, many of us, especially the younger generation, often neglect this crucial aspect. We’re consumed by a culture of ceaseless productivity, ambition and constant connectivity that leaves very little room for self-care. And the more we keep ignoring our well-being, the more we invite stress and unhappiness into our lives.

The antidote? Reclaiming the vital practice of self-care, not as a luxury, but as a necessity. Remember, a healthier, happier you is capable of bringing more joy not only to yourself but also to the people around you.

So, let’s start to intentionally pause, take a deep breath, and care for ourselves. Because at the end of the day, it’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

7) They Stay Curious

Whether it’s learning to bake from an old recipe, figuring out how to plant tomatoes properly, or even mastering a new board game, folks in their 60s and 70s generally maintain a healthy dose of curiosity. They continuously learn and explore, not because they have to, but because they want to.

Unlike many of today’s youth who mainly consume instant information through screens, our mature friends understand the value of deep learning. They take the time to dissect a problem, learn a skill, or understand a concept. They don’t shy away from asking questions and seeking answers.

In truth, their curiosity fuels their vitality and mental agility. It also adds an element of fun and adventure to their daily life, making their journey all the more interesting and rewarding.

So, why not let go of the google search once in a while and dive into the thrill of discovery? After all, the world is a book, and he who does not travel reads only a page. Let’s learn from our older generations and keep the pages turning, shall we?

8) They Welcome Aging Gracefully

Our older generation has a different perspective on aging. They see their silver years as a time of freedom, wisdom, and growth. Laugh lines and gray hairs become badges of a life well-lived and enjoyed, not something embarrassing or scary.

In our age-obsessed culture where youthfulness is idealized and wrinkles are to be feared, we’ve forgotten that growing old is a gift denied to many. We’re so caught up in fighting the inevitable that we forget to enjoy the journey.

Our 60s and 70s folks, however, elegantly illustrate that aging does not mean stagnation, but the freedom to explore, learn, be and grow out of the societal constraints and the fear of judgment that often hinders our youth.

Arriving at a ripe old age, healthy and content, is something to aspire to, not dread. If we can learn to embrace aging as a blessing rather than a curse, we can unlock happiness that lasts a lifetime.

The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes. If you foolishly ignore beauty, you will soon find yourself without it.

Moral of the Story: Wisdom Accompanies Age

The beauty of life is deeply woven into its cyclical nature – youth progressing into adulthood, adulthood transitioning into old age. Each stage, filled with its unique wonders and challenges, contributes to the richness of the life tapestry we weave.

Paradoxically, in our obsession with preservation of youth and technological advancement, we often lose sight of the lessons and happiness that lie in the simple, timeless practices of those ahead of us in life’s journey.

The folks in their 60s and 70s have weathered life’s storms, enjoyed its sunny days, and learned valuable lessons along the way. They learned to live in the moment, value relationships, cultivate purpose, express gratitude, embrace simplicity, care for themselves, stay curious, and appreciate the joy of aging.

In the immortal words of writer and activist Betty Friedan, “Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” It’s a time of cherishing the journey already traveled, embracing the presence, and looking forward to more adventures, no matter how simple they might be.

So the next time you stumble across your neighbor gracefully tending to her roses or your grandpa lost in the magic of a good book, take a pause. Perhaps, it’s their contentment and joy that the tech-driven youth of today should aspire to.

In the larger fabric of existence, the wisdom of age could just be the thread of happiness we’ve been searching for.