Growing older often involves a shift in perspective. We start to realize that happiness is less about what we have and more about how we live.

Hi, I’m Jeanette Brown, a Life Transition Coach and author of ‘A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World‘.

I’ve discovered that there are certain behaviors we tend to hold onto that, quite frankly, don’t serve us well as we age. If you want to enhance your happiness as you get older, it might be time to bid farewell to these behaviors.

Keep reading as I share the eight behaviors you might need to take on board for a happier, older age. It’s never too late to change, and I promise, you’ll thank yourself later.

1) Embrace change

Aging is synonymous with change. It’s an inevitable part of life. But sometimes, we find ourselves resisting these changes instead of embracing them.

I’ve observed over the years that resistance to change is one of the main things that can rob us of our happiness as we get older. We yearn for the past, and in doing so, we close ourselves off to the possibilities of the present and future.

As we age, instead of resisting change, it’s healthier to accept it as a natural part of life. This acceptance is not about giving up or surrendering but rather about understanding that change is a constant in life.

Embracing change means learning to navigate through life’s transitions with grace and resilience. It’s about finding new ways to be happy and fulfilled, even when things don’t go as planned.

When we learn to embrace change instead of resisting it, aging becomes less about what we’ve lost and more about what we have yet to discover. So if you want to increase your happiness as you get older, say goodbye to resistance and hello to acceptance.

2) Understand yourself and your core values

It may sound simple, but truly understanding ourselves is a journey that requires constant work and introspection. As we grow older, our values and priorities may evolve too. It’s important to regularly check in with ourselves to ensure we are living in alignment with those values.

In my eBook, ‘A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World‘, I delve into the significance of self-understanding and how it contributes to our overall happiness and well-being as we age. It’s not always easy to face ourselves honestly, but doing so can lead to profound growth and happiness.

So, if you want to be truly happy as you get older, bid farewell to living without self-understanding. Embrace the journey of knowing yourself better and aligning your life with your core values.

3) Set meaningful goals

As we grow older, it’s easy to lose sight of our goals or, worse, to stop setting them altogether. But no matter our age, having meaningful goals is an essential part of leading a fulfilling and happy life.

Without goals, we can drift aimlessly through our days, weeks, and years. This lack of direction can lead to feelings of stagnation and dissatisfaction. It’s like being caught in a riptide; we’re moving, but not necessarily in the direction we want to go.

But it’s not about setting any goal; it’s about setting the right ones. Goals should be meaningful to you, align with your values, and inspire you to take action. They should serve as a compass, guiding you towards your desired life.

If you’re not setting meaningful goals for your life, start now. Bid goodbye to drifting aimlessly through life and embrace the power of clear, purposeful direction. Your future self will undoubtedly thank you.

4) Take charge of your life’s direction

Life’s unpredictability can make us feel like we’re at the mercy of external circumstances. As we age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we’re just along for the ride. But you are the driver of your life.

Taking charge of your life’s direction means making conscious decisions about how you want to live. It’s about not letting external factors dictate your happiness. Yes, there will be things beyond your control, but there are also many aspects of your life where you can exert influence.

The key is to differentiate between what you can and cannot control, and focus your energy on the former. This shift in mindset can lead to a greater sense of empowerment and control over your own happiness.

So, if you’re ready to feel happier as you age, it’s time to say goodbye to the passenger seat. Grab hold of the steering wheel and take charge of your journey. Your happiness is in your hands.

5) Embrace the power of journaling

Journaling can be a powerful tool in living a fulfilling life. It provides space for self-reflection, understanding, and personal growth. It allows you to record your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, helping you make sense of your inner world.

I cannot stress enough how transformative journaling has been in my life and in the lives of many people I’ve worked with. It’s a simple practice that can yield profound results, particularly as we age and navigate through life’s transitions.

In my eBook, ‘A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World‘, I discuss the benefits of journaling and provide practical tips on how to integrate this practice into your life.

So if you’re striving for happiness as you age, consider saying goodbye to the days of neglecting your inner world. Embrace the power of journaling and witness how it can guide you towards a more fulfilling life.

6) Change your habits for the better

Habits form the backbone of our daily lives. They dictate our routines, behaviors, and ultimately, our outcomes. As we age, it’s essential to assess our habits and decide whether they’re serving us well or hindering our happiness.

Successfully changing your habits involves recognizing the ones that are destructive or unproductive and replacing them with habits that contribute positively to your life. It’s not always an easy process – old habits die hard, as they say. But the rewards are worth it.

Imagine a life where your habits align with your values and goals, where every action you take propels you closer to the life you want to live. That’s the power of habit change.

Embrace the challenge of habit change and experience the profound impact it can have on your happiness and overall quality of life.

7) Find meaning and purpose

One of the most profound things we can do to boost our happiness as we age is to find meaning and purpose in our lives. While it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, we must keep sight of the bigger picture.

Famed psychiatrist Viktor Frankl once said, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live, can bear with almost any ‘how’.” This quote speaks volumes about the power of having a purpose in life. It doesn’t have to be grandiose; it simply has to be something that gives your life direction and motivates you to get up every morning.

If your life feels devoid of purpose right now, that’s okay. It can take time to discover what truly brings you fulfillment and joy. But make no mistake, this journey of discovery is crucial for your happiness as you age.

I talk more about finding your purpose in this short video: ‘Tips for finding your purpose in life‘. It’s a journey worth embarking on, and I promise, it can make all the difference in your happiness as you get older.

8) Live authentically, even if it’s uncomfortable

Here’s a counterintuitive truth: living authentically can sometimes be uncomfortable. It often requires challenging societal norms, confronting fears, and stepping out of your comfort zone. But despite the discomfort, it’s a vital part of leading a fulfilling and happy life, especially as we age.

Living authentically means being true to who you are at your core. It means honoring your values, desires, and beliefs, even when they’re not popular or conventional. It’s about living a life that aligns with your true self, not a version of yourself that you think others want to see.

This may seem daunting, but the rewards are immense. When you live authentically, you create space for genuine happiness and fulfillment. It’s about living on your own terms and being at peace with who you are.

If you’re seeking happiness as you age, consider saying goodbye to inauthentic living. Embrace the discomfort of authenticity and discover the deep satisfaction that comes from being true to yourself.

By embracing change, understanding yourself and your core values, setting meaningful goals, taking charge of your life’s direction, harnessing the power of journaling, changing your habits for the better, finding meaning and purpose, and living authentically, you can enhance your happiness as you get older.

I delve deeper into these strategies in my course ‘A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World‘. It’s designed to provide you with practical tools and insights to navigate life’s transitions gracefully and build a happier life in our complex world.

In conclusion, aging doesn’t have to be a process of gradual decline in happiness. With the right mindset and behaviors, it can be a journey of profound personal growth and fulfillment.

It’s never too late to change. Your journey towards a happier older age starts today.