There’s a significant difference between merely existing and truly living, especially as we age.

The difference? It all comes down to habits. Some habits can rob us of our joy, keeping us stuck in a life that’s less than what we desire.

On the flip side, letting go of certain habits can open up a world of joy and fulfillment as we get older. The trick? Identifying which habits aren’t serving us and consciously choosing to let them go.

In this article, I’ll share the top 10 habits you need to say goodbye to if you want a more joyful life in your older years. 

Let’s get started.

1) Worrying about the future

I can’t stress this enough – worrying steals your joy.

As we age, it’s easy to get caught up in worrying about the future. Our health, our finances, our family’s wellbeing – the list is endless. But here’s the thing: Most of what we worry about never happens. And even if it does, worrying doesn’t help us handle it any better.

Living in constant worry is like tying a rock around your happiness and tossing it into the sea. It weighs you down and keeps you from experiencing the joy of the present moment.

If you want to live a more joyful life as you age, this is one habit you need to say goodbye to. Instead, focus on what you can control in the present and trust that you’ll be able to handle whatever the future throws at you.

Letting go is not about being careless or irresponsible – it’s about making a conscious choice to not let fear of the unknown rob you of your current happiness.

2) Neglecting self-care

I’m guilty of this one myself.

For years, I would put everyone else’s needs before my own. I thought self-care was selfish and that I needed to be there for others all the time. But I was wrong.

One day, I found myself feeling drained and unhappy. My joy was gone, and I felt like a shell of my former self. That’s when I realized that neglecting my own needs wasn’t just harmful to me, but to the people around me as well.

So, I made a change. I started taking time for myself – whether it was going for a walk, reading a book, or just enjoying a quiet cup of coffee in the morning. And you know what? It made a huge difference.

Caring for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. If you want to live a more joyful life as you age, make self-care a priority. Trust me, it’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

3) Holding onto grudges

Grudges are like leeches. They latch onto your happiness and suck it dry.

Johns Hopkins Medicine states that holding onto negative feelings like anger and resentment can lead to physical problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, and even a weakened immune system.

Letting go of grudges doesn’t mean condoning someone’s wrong actions. It means choosing to release the negative emotions tied to those actions for your own well-being.

If you’re aiming for a more joyful life as you get older, it’s time to bid goodbye to old grudges. Embrace forgiveness, not just for others, but for your own peace of mind.

4) Living in the past

Here’s the deal – you can’t change the past, but you can ruin a perfectly good present by obsessing over it.

Living in the past, whether it’s regretting mistakes or missing “the good old days”, can rob you of the joy in your current life. It’s like trying to drive forward while constantly looking in the rearview mirror – you’re bound to crash.

If you’re serious about living a more joyful life as you get older, make peace with your past. Acknowledge it, learn from it, but don’t let it dictate your present or future.

Every day is a new opportunity to create beautiful memories. Don’t miss out on them because you’re too busy looking backward.

5) Overcomplicating life

We often have a tendency to make life more complicated than it needs to be. Whether it’s overthinking decisions, trying to please everyone, or setting unrealistic expectations for ourselves – these habits can easily suck the joy out of life.

The truth is, simplicity breeds contentment. When we learn to simplify our lives, we create space for joy and peace to flourish.

If your goal is to live a more joyful life as you age, start by simplifying. Say no to things that don’t serve you, let go of the need for perfection, and focus on what truly matters.

Trust me, there’s a unique kind of happiness found in living a simple life. Give it a try!

6) Ignoring your passions

Life is too short to spend it doing things you don’t love.

We all have things that make our heart sing – those activities that light us up and make us lose track of time. But as we get older, it’s easy to push these passions aside, thinking they’re not practical or important.

Let me tell you something: Your passions are a part of who you are. They’re the spark that can ignite joy in your life, no matter your age.

If you’ve been ignoring your passions, it’s time to reconnect with them. Start that painting class you’ve always wanted to join. Dust off that old guitar and start playing again. Write that story that’s been brewing in your mind.

It’s never too late to do what you love. And when you follow your passions, you’ll find a depth of joy that’s truly fulfilling.

7) Fear of change

Change can be scary. I get it.

There was a time in my life when I was terrified of change. I liked my comfort zone and I didn’t want anything to disturb it. But I realized that my fear of change was holding me back from experiencing new joys and opportunities.

Change is a natural part of life. It’s the only constant. And more often than not, change leads to growth, learning, and new experiences that can bring us joy.

If you’re clinging onto the familiar out of fear, it’s time to let go. Embrace change and trust that it’s leading you to where you need to be. It may not always be comfortable, but it’s often worth it.

8) Chasing after happiness

Now, this may sound odd, especially in an article about living a joyful life. But hear me out.

Happiness isn’t something you chase; it’s something you cultivate. The more you chase after it, the more elusive it seems to become.

Why? Because happiness isn’t a destination you arrive at – it’s an approach to life. It comes from finding contentment in who you are, where you are, and what you have right now.

So instead of constantly chasing after happiness, focus on cultivating it in your everyday life. Appreciate the small things. Practice gratitude. Find joy in the present moment.

Before you know it, you’ll realize that happiness has been there all along, waiting for you to notice it.

9) Comparing yourself to others

Comparison is the thief of joy. When we compare our lives, our achievements, and our possessions to others, we set ourselves up for disappointment and dissatisfaction.

Everyone is on a unique journey, with different paths, different pace, and different lessons to learn. Comparing your chapter two to someone else’s chapter ten is not only unfair to you, but it also robs you of the joy of living your own story.

If you’re serious about living a more joyful life as you get older, it’s time to let go of comparisons. Celebrate your own victories, learn from your own mistakes, and embrace your own journey.

The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.

10) Neglecting relationships

At the end of the day, it’s not about the money we’ve made, the success we’ve achieved, or the possessions we’ve accumulated. It’s about the relationships we’ve nurtured and the lives we’ve touched.

Neglecting relationships in the pursuit of other things can lead to loneliness and regret.

So, cherish your relationships – your family, your friends, your loved ones. Invest time and effort into strengthening these bonds.

Remember, joy is best experienced when shared. And the relationships you nurture along the way are the true measure of a life well-lived.

Final reflection: The key to joy

The essence of joy, particularly as we age, is often deeply intertwined with our daily habits.

It’s in the mindful savoring of a cup of tea, the casual laughter shared with a dear friend, the contentment found in surrendering control, or the silent satisfaction of letting go of a long-held grudge.

The renowned poet Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

In the broader context of life, this quote not only applies to our interactions with others but also to our relationship with ourselves. How we treat ourselves, the habits we cultivate or discard, profoundly influence how we feel and consequently, the quality of joy we experience.

As we journey through our older years, it’s important to remember that while circumstances might be transient and unpredictable, our perspective and habits are within our control.

So as you reflect on these ten habits to let go of for a more joyful life, remember that each small change is a step towards a happier, more contented you.

Embrace this journey of transformation. Remember, it’s never too late to cultivate joy. It’s not just about adding years to your life but adding life to your years.