There’s a clear distinction between merely aging and truly thriving in your later years. It all boils down to habits.

Embracing certain habits can lead to joy and fulfillment in your 60s and onwards, while others can leave you feeling stagnant and unfulfilled.

Here’s the kicker: it’s all within your control. You have the power to choose your behaviors and, in turn, shape your future happiness.

If you’re ready to live your best life in your 60s and beyond, there are some behaviors you might want to bid farewell to. I’ll share eight of them with you in this article.

So, buckle up and get ready for a happier, healthier future.

1) Worrying about what others think

It’s no secret that as we age, we tend to worry less about what others think of us. But some of us still carry this unnecessary burden well into our later years.

This behavior can be a real happiness killer in your 60s and beyond. It can keep you from pursuing your passions, expressing your true self, and living life on your terms.

The truth is, people are too caught up in their own lives to spend much time judging yours. And even if they did, it wouldn’t change the fact that you’re the one living it.

So let’s start saying goodbye to this energy-draining behavior. Remember, your life is your own masterpiece – don’t let others hold the paintbrush.

2) Holding onto grudges

Let me share a personal story with you. A few years back, I found myself holding onto a grudge against a close friend. A misunderstanding had escalated and led to harsh words and hurt feelings.

Even though we had been friends for decades, I held onto this grudge for years.

As I moved into my 60s, I realized how much energy and happiness this grudge was stealing from me. It was like carrying around a heavy backpack filled with rocks. Every time I thought of this friend, instead of remembering the good times, all I could think about was this one incident.

One day, I decided it was time to let it go. I reached out and we had a long conversation. Yes, it was a bit awkward at first, but eventually we both apologized and rekindled our friendship. The instant I dropped that grudge, it felt like dropping that heavy backpack.

Carrying grudges into your 60s and beyond is not worth the lost happiness. If you want to enjoy your later years, it’s time to forgive and move on from past hurts.

Trust me, the relief and freedom you’ll feel will be well worth it.

3) Neglecting physical health

Did you know that by the age of 60, most people have lost about 30% of their muscle mass? This is a natural part of aging but it doesn’t mean we have to accept it without a fight.

Neglecting physical health in your 60s and beyond can lead to a lower quality of life and decreased happiness. But, the good news is that it’s never too late to start taking care of your body.

Regular exercise, even just walking for 30 minutes a day, can significantly improve your strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Not to mention, it boosts your mood and energy levels too!

So if you’re ready to boost your happiness in your later years, it’s time to lace up those sneakers and start prioritizing your physical health. Your future self will thank you.

4) Resisting change

Change is a part of life. As we move through different stages, we are constantly evolving and adapting to new circumstances. But sometimes, we resist change. We want things to stay the same, to hold onto the familiarity of the past.

This resistance can be especially prominent in our 60s and beyond. Whether it’s embracing new technology, accepting changes in our physical abilities, or adjusting to an empty nest, resisting change can lead to frustration and unhappiness.

But here’s a different perspective: Change is not something to be feared. It’s an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, to grow, and to experience new things.

So, if you want to increase your happiness in your 60s and beyond, it might be time to start embracing change rather than resisting it. After all, life is about growth and evolution, not stagnation.

5) Neglecting emotional well-being

As we age, we often focus on maintaining our physical health, but what about our emotional well-being? This is just as crucial, if not more so, for our overall happiness.

Many of us carry emotional baggage from the past, unresolved issues that we’ve swept under the rug or pushed to the back of our minds. But these can resurface in our later years, affecting our happiness and mental health.

It’s important to remember that it’s okay to seek help and lean on others. You don’t have to carry your burdens alone. 

So, if you want to live a happier life in your 60s and beyond, don’t neglect your emotional well-being. Take the time to heal old wounds, express your feelings, and seek help when you need it.

6) Living in the past

Years ago, I found myself constantly reminiscing about the “good old days”. My children were grown and had left home, and I was missing the hustle and bustle of those early years. It was easy to find myself stuck in the past, wishing for what once was.

But I soon realized that by living in the past, I was missing out on the present. The joy of now. The laughter, the lessons, and even the quiet moments of my current life.

It’s natural to look back and cherish memories, but it’s equally important to live in the here and now. Your 60s and beyond can be a wonderful time of exploration, growth, and joy if you allow yourself to fully experience them.

So, if you’re looking to increase your happiness as you age, try to focus more on the present rather than dwelling in the past. After all, life is happening right now. Let’s not miss it.

7) Avoiding new experiences

As we age, we can sometimes fall into a routine, choosing comfort and familiarity over novelty and adventure.

But did you know that new experiences are actually beneficial for our mental health?

New experiences stimulate our brains, keeping them active and sharp. They can also bring a sense of excitement and joy that can be a great boost to our overall happiness.

Whether it’s taking up a new hobby, travelling to a place you’ve never been, or even striking up a conversation with a stranger, new experiences broaden our horizons and enrich our lives.

8) Being too hard on yourself

If there’s one thing you should know, it’s this: Be kind to yourself.

Often, we are our own harshest critics. We berate ourselves for past mistakes, for not doing enough, or for not being enough. But this self-criticism can be a significant barrier to happiness.

Remember, nobody is perfect. Everyone has flaws and makes mistakes. It’s a part of being human.

So, as you move into your 60s and beyond, try to practice self-compassion. Forgive yourself for past errors. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a dear friend.

Happiness in later life isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about embracing who you are, flaws and all, and living each day with kindness and grace.