There’s a clear distinction between growing older and growing older joyfully.

The distinction lies in habits. Some habits, as they pile up over the years, can cloud your joy and happiness.

Kicking these habits to the curb, however, can make all the difference in your golden years. They pave the way for a more fulfilling, joyful life as you age.

But let’s remember, unlearning habits isn’t easy—it’s a journey. As Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and an expert in mindfulness and Buddhism, I’m here to guide you through this journey.

Here are eight habits that you might want to say goodbye to if you are looking to age with happiness and joy. You’ll discover that letting go of these habits isn’t just about being happy—it’s about embracing a better version of yourself as you age.

1) Dwelling on the past

One of the foremost habits that can steal your joy as you age is dwelling on the past.

We’ve all experienced moments of nostalgia, where we yearn for the ‘good old days’. But there’s a wide chasm between fondly reminiscing and being stuck in the past.

It’s a common trap to compare our present with our past. The problem? It often leads to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

As an expert in mindfulness, I can tell you that happiness lies in the present moment. That’s where life is happening.

The past has already happened, and we can’t change it. What we can control is how we live today.

If you’re in the habit of always looking back, it might be time to let it go. Instead, embrace acceptance and mindfulness. These are key skills that invite joy into your life as you age.

Growing older doesn’t mean losing joy—it’s about finding joy in new ways and living fully in each moment.

2) Neglecting self-care

I’ll be honest with you. I’ve been guilty of this one myself.

In our quest to keep up with life’s demands, we sometimes neglect the most important person: ourselves.

Self-care isn’t just about getting enough sleep or eating healthy; it’s also about taking time for mental rest and rejuvenation, which is often overlooked.

As you get older, ignoring self-care can lead to increased stress and a decrease in overall happiness and joy.

Mindfulness expert Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “To meditate means to go home to yourself. Then you know how to take care of the things that are happening inside you, and you know how to take care of the things that happen around you.”

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. So if you’ve made a habit of putting everyone else first, it might be time to say goodbye to that habit and start prioritizing your own well-being.

When we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t pour into the lives of others. As we age, let’s strive to be a source of joy and happiness, not only for ourselves but for those around us as well.

3) Clinging to material possessions

Here’s a raw truth: Happiness and joy don’t come from materials possessions.

In our society, we’re often led to believe that the latest gadget, the biggest house, or the most expensive car will bring us happiness. But this is far from the Buddhist wisdom.

Buddhism teaches us that attachment to material possessions leads to suffering. When we base our happiness on things that are impermanent, we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment.

As we grow older, we begin to realize that what really matters isn’t what we own, but our experiences and relationships. It’s about the love we gave and received, not the things we accumulated.

If you’re holding onto the habit of seeking happiness in material possessions, it might be time to let go. Instead, invest in experiences and relationships – these are the real sources of joy as we age.

Things come and go. But your experiences can enrich your life and bring genuine joy that lasts.

4) Neglecting mindful moments

Let’s face it: We live in a fast-paced world.

We’re often rushing from one task to the next, barely taking a moment to breathe. This constant hustle can lead to stress and rob us of our happiness as we age.

Here’s where mindfulness comes in. Mindfulness is about being fully present and engaged in the here and now. It’s about appreciating the simple moments and finding joy in them.

Unfortunately, many of us have developed the habit of overlooking these mindful moments. We’re so focused on what’s next that we forget to enjoy what’s now.

If this sounds like you, it might be time to say goodbye to this habit. Start cultivating mindfulness.

Take a few minutes each day to simply be. Whether it’s savouring your morning coffee or taking a mindful walk, these moments can greatly enhance your happiness and joy.

Life isn’t a race. It’s a journey to be experienced and enjoyed. As we grow older, let’s slow down and appreciate the beauty of each moment.

5) Letting ego run the show

I’ve noticed something in my journey as a mindfulness and Buddhism expert, and it’s a truth I explore in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.

The ego can be a real joy-stealer.

Our egos often push us to constantly prove our worth, to always be right, and to compare ourselves with others. As we age, this habit can become an exhausting pursuit that steals our joy.

Ego is necessary for survival, but letting it run the show isn’t. It’s essential to find a balance, where you can acknowledge your ego without letting it dictate your life.

When we start to release our ego’s grip, we open the door to more compassion, understanding, and joy.

If you’re interested in learning more about taming your ego and living with more impact, I invite you to check out my book. It’s a guide that will help you navigate the path to a more joyful life as you age.

Growing older is an opportunity for growth and wisdom—not for an inflated ego. Let’s embrace this journey with humility and joy.

6) Resisting change

Here’s an undeniable truth: Change is the only constant in life.

Yet, many of us struggle with this reality. We resist change, clinging to the familiar and fearing the unknown. This resistance can breed stress and rob us of our happiness as we get older.

This is where Buddhist wisdom comes into play. Buddhism teaches us the concept of impermanence—that everything in life is transient and subject to change.

When we resist change, we’re essentially fighting against the natural flow of life. This resistance can lead to suffering.

But when we learn to accept and embrace change, we open ourselves up to new experiences, growth, and joy.

If you’re holding onto the habit of resisting change, it might be time to release it. Start cultivating a mindset of acceptance and adaptability.

Change isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace. As we age, let’s welcome change as an opportunity for growth and new joy-filled experiences.

7) Holding onto grudges

Here’s a harsh truth: Holding onto grudges is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer.

Grudges only bring bitterness and resentment, which can hinder our happiness and joy as we age.

Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”

If you find yourself clinging to old grudges, it might be time to let them go. Forgiveness isn’t about letting the other person off the hook—it’s about setting yourself free from the burden of resentment.

As we age, it’s essential to cultivate a heart that forgives. It not only brings peace but also opens the door to more joy and happiness. Let’s choose forgiveness over bitterness as we journey through life.

8) Constantly seeking happiness

This might sound counterintuitive, but here’s the truth: Constantly seeking happiness can actually make us less happy.

In our pursuit of happiness, we often fall into the trap of thinking, “I’ll be happy when…”. When I get that job, when I lose weight, when I find a partner. This mindset keeps us in a state of perpetual longing.

Mindfulness teaches us to find joy in the present moment, instead of constantly reaching for a future that promises happiness.

If you’re always seeking happiness, you might be missing out on the joy that’s right in front of you. It might be time to let go of this habit and start practicing mindfulness.

Remember, happiness isn’t a destination—it’s a way of living. As we grow older, let’s strive to find joy in the journey itself, not just the end goal.

Conclusion

Aging joyfully isn’t about avoiding the inevitable changes that come with time. It’s about embracing them with the right mindset and habits.

Saying goodbye to these eight habits can open up a world of happiness and joy as you age.

It’s about living in the present, embracing change, letting go of materialistic pursuits, ego, grudges, and not constantly chasing after happiness.

Remember, it’s never too late to start creating a joyful life. Each moment is a new opportunity to choose joy over negativity.

For more guidance on this journey, I invite you to check out my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It’s a guide that will help you navigate the path to a more joyful life as you age.

Here’s to growing older with grace, wisdom, and abundant joy!