There’s a vast difference between just aging and truly growing as you advance in years.

The distinction boils down to habits. Holding onto certain behaviors can keep us stuck in our old ways, preventing us from becoming the best versions of ourselves in our 60s and beyond.

Letting go, however, gives us the freedom to choose, to change, and most importantly, to evolve.

Being a better person isn’t about being perfect. It’s about recognizing your imperfections and making a conscious effort to change for the better. And trust me, there are certain behaviors that need to be kicked to the curb if you want to thrive in your golden years.

Here are seven behaviors you should say goodbye to if you want to be a better person in your 60s and beyond.

1) Living in the past

There’s a key distinction between learning from the past and living in it.

As we grow older, it can be tempting to dwell on past experiences, victories, and even mistakes. We may find ourselves stuck in a loop of nostalgia or regret, which can hinder our personal growth.

Living in the past prevents us from embracing the present and looking forward to the future.

Think about it – you can’t drive a car by constantly looking in the rearview mirror. Similarly, you can’t navigate life effectively if you’re always looking backward.

Saying goodbye to this habit doesn’t mean forgetting your past. It means acknowledging it, learning from it, but not allowing it to dictate your present or future choices.

So if you want to be a better person in your 60s and beyond, it’s time to let the past be just that – the past. Focus on living in the now and planning for the future.

Remember, moving forward isn’t about erasing your history – it’s about choosing not to be defined by it.

2) The compulsion to always be right

I used to have a real issue with always needing to be right. No matter the conversation, I would argue my point until I was blue in the face. I believed that conceding meant admitting defeat.

But as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized how counterproductive this behavior is.

Being right isn’t as important as being open-minded and willing to learn. There was an incident a few years back that really drove this lesson home for me.

My granddaughter was trying to explain how to use a new smartphone app. Stubbornly, I insisted that my way was the right way, even though I’d never used the app before. She patiently showed me how it worked, but I was too caught up in being right to listen.

Finally, after much frustration, I gave her method a try – and it worked like a charm.

That moment taught me that it’s okay not to have all the answers. It’s okay to be wrong. In fact, admitting when you’re wrong shows strength of character and humility.

So if you want to be a better person in your 60s and beyond, let go of the need to always be right. Embrace learning and growth instead – it’s far more rewarding!

3) Neglecting your health

We’ve all heard the saying “health is wealth”, and it couldn’t be more accurate. As we age, our health becomes even more crucial. It’s the foundation upon which we can enjoy our later years.

The World Health Organization reports that a majority of illnesses suffered by older people are the result of lack of proper self-care, including not getting enough physical activity, eating poorly, or neglecting regular check-ups.

Neglecting your health doesn’t just affect you physically. It can also lead to mental and emotional strain.

If you want to be a better person in your 60s and beyond, prioritize your health. Establish a balanced diet, incorporate regular exercise into your routine, and keep up with medical appointments.

Remember, taking care of your health isn’t just about adding years to your life; it’s about adding life to your years. It’s never too late to start.

4) Holding onto grudges

We’ve all been wronged at some point or another in life. It’s an inevitable part of being human. The problem arises when we hold onto these grudges, allowing the negativity to fester and affect our mental and emotional well-being.

Holding onto grudges keeps us stuck in the past, reliving painful moments over and over again. It’s like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick.

The truth is, forgiveness isn’t about the other person – it’s about you. It’s about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment and anger.

If you want to be a better person in your 60s and beyond, learn to forgive. It doesn’t mean you have to forget what happened or pretend it didn’t hurt. It simply means letting go of the resentment and anger that is holding you back from living a happier, healthier life.

Remember, forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself. It allows you to move forward and find peace.

5) Living by comparison

There was a time in my life when I measured my worth by comparing myself to others. My friends’ successes felt like my failures. If someone was doing better than me, it made me feel less than.

In my 60s, I’ve realized that comparison is a trap. It’s an endless cycle of discontentment and self-doubt. The reality is, there will always be someone who is better off or worse off than you.

The day I decided to stop comparing and start appreciating, everything changed. I found more joy in my own accomplishments and more compassion for my own shortcomings.

If you want to be a better person in your 60s and beyond, stop living by comparison. Your journey is your own, not a competition with anyone else. Celebrate your victories, learn from your failures, and remember: the only person you should strive to be better than is the person you were yesterday.

6) Avoiding change

Change can be scary, no doubt. We often prefer the comfort of familiarity, even if it’s not serving us well. But avoiding change can keep us stuck in situations that dampen our growth.

Change is the only constant in life. It’s how we evolve, learn, and grow. Embracing change allows us to adapt and thrive in any situation.

If you want to be a better person in your 60s and beyond, it’s time to embrace change instead of avoiding it. Welcome new experiences, step out of your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to take risks.

Remember, growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. It’s through change that we uncover new strengths and discover new possibilities.

7) Neglecting relationships

At the end of the day, it’s not the number of years in your life that counts, but the quality of those years. And nothing contributes more to the quality of life than our relationships.

We are social beings. We thrive on connection, companionship, and love. Neglecting our relationships can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

If you want to be a better person in your 60s and beyond, prioritize your relationships. Spend quality time with loved ones, nurture friendships, and don’t hesitate to express love and appreciation.

Remember, life is about connections and shared experiences. Nurture your relationships and they will undoubtedly enrich your life.

Final thoughts: The choice is yours

The essence of personal growth lies in the power of choice.

The American psychologist and one of the founders of the humanistic approach to psychology, Carl Rogers, once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”

Our behaviors guide us in this process, shaping our experiences and ultimately, our lives. The behaviors we choose to hold onto or let go of can make all the difference as we journey through our 60s and beyond.

We can choose to live in the past or embrace the present. We can choose to hold grudges or forgive. We can choose to live by comparison or appreciate our unique journey.

The choice is always ours.

So if you’re committed to becoming a better person in your 60s and beyond, reflect on these seven behaviors. Remember, it’s never too late to change, grow, and evolve.

After all, the journey towards becoming a better person isn’t about reaching a destination. It’s about the choices we make along the way.