I’m in my 60s and more fulfilled than ever — here are 7 things I stopped doing after I retired
Getting to my 60s has been a journey of self-discovery and fulfillment, but it wasn’t always this way.
Retirement brought about a crucial turning point in my life. It was like finally getting the keys to choose my own path, minus the work-related stress and constraints.
What really made the difference, though? I stopped doing certain things.
This is not about a magical transformation, but rather about making some deliberate choices that have led to a more fulfilled and content life.
Here are seven things I stopped doing after retirement that have made me feel more satisfied than ever.
1) Saying yes to everything
In our younger years, there’s often pressure to be everywhere, do everything and please everyone. Saying ‘yes’ becomes a default response, even when we’re already stretched thin.
But when I retired, I realized just how much energy I was losing by not setting boundaries.
And so, I made a conscious decision to stop saying ‘yes’ to everything.
This doesn’t mean I became a recluse or stopped helping others. Instead, I give myself permission to choose where my time and efforts should go.
This simple act of prioritizing my own needs and happiness has led to a greater sense of fulfillment and contentment in my 60s. The beauty of it is, it’s not selfish—it’s about self-care.
Remember, it’s okay to say ‘no’ sometimes. It’s your life; you should have the final say in how you spend your time.
2) Worrying about the future
Before retirement, my mind was always a whirlpool of worries. I was constantly thinking about deadlines, promotions, and planning for the future. It was like driving a car with no brakes — the anxiety was relentless.
One day, during my first year of retirement, I found myself sitting by the lake near my home. As I watched the calm water, it dawned on me how peaceful it was. I realized that I wanted to feel like that lake — serene and unperturbed.
So, I made an active decision to stop worrying about the future.
It wasn’t easy at first — old habits die hard. But with time and mindfulness, I learned to live in the present and enjoy every moment as it comes.
Now, whether I’m sipping my morning coffee or going for a late-afternoon walk, I take time to appreciate the beauty of each moment. This shift in mindset has brought a sense of peace and fulfillment that I hadn’t felt before retiring.
3) Stopping the habit of always wanting more
In earlier years, it was easy to get caught up in the quiet race to have more — the nicer car, the better house, the new gadget. But at some point, I realised that the constant striving wasn’t adding to my happiness; it was just adding noise.
Retirement has a way of clarifying what really matters. When the pace slows, you start to see that contentment comes not from accumulation, but from appreciation.
I began focusing less on what I owned and more on how I spent my time — sharing meals, walking in nature, having long conversations with people I love. Those things cost very little but bring the kind of joy money can’t buy.
These days, I think of “wealth” as peace of mind, time freedom, and meaningful connections. Letting go of the pressure to have more has made life feel lighter — and far more abundant in the ways that count.
4) Neglecting my health
In the hustle and bustle of my working years, I often put my health on the back burner. There were days when I skipped meals, substituted sleep with caffeine, or missed my exercise routine.
Retirement gave me the opportunity to reassess my habits. I realized that good health isn’t a given; it’s something you have to work towards.
The difference was like night and day. I felt more energetic, my mood improved, and even my thinking seemed clearer.
Taking care of my health and wellbeing has not just added years to my life, but also life to my years. It’s a key reason why at this stage of my life I am more fulfilled than ever.
5) Holding onto grudges
I’ve learned that grudges are one of the biggest wastes of emotional energy. You think you’re punishing the other person, but in reality, you’re the one carrying the weight. Every time you replay the hurt or justify your anger, you drain the mental space that could be filled with something lighter — peace, creativity, connection.
Over time, I realised that holding onto resentment doesn’t protect you; it keeps you stuck in the past. Forgiveness isn’t about excusing someone’s behaviour — it’s about freeing yourself from the emotional loop that keeps you tense and tired.
When you choose to release that energy, you make room for better things to grow. In my 60s, that’s become one of my quiet superpowers — protecting my peace by refusing to hold onto what no longer serves me.
6) Staying in my comfort zone
There’s a certain comfort in routine and familiarity. We know what to expect and there are fewer chances of unpleasant surprises. But staying in a comfort zone can also mean missing out on new experiences and personal growth.
Pushing myself out of my comfort zone wasn’t always easy, but it was definitely rewarding. It opened my eyes to new perspectives, helped me learn new skills, and boosted my confidence.
In my 60s, stepping out of my comfort zone has led to some of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It’s never too late to try something new!
7) Ignoring my passions
During my working years, there were many things I was passionate about but could never find the time to pursue. Retirement presented me the perfect opportunity to reconnect with these interests.
So, I stopped ignoring my passions. I started spending more time on things that truly brought me joy and fulfillment. I was able to focus on my writing and my coaching website.
Focusing on my passions has been a game-changer. It has given me a sense of purpose and made every day something to look forward to.
In my 60s, following my passions has been the cornerstone of a deeply fulfilling life.
Final thoughts: It’s all about choice
The journey to fulfillment in our 60s and beyond is largely a matter of choice.
Retirement presents us with a unique opportunity to reassess our lives and make deliberate decisions about how we spend our time, resources, and energy.
Whether it’s saying ‘no’ more often, embracing the present moment, managing finances wisely, prioritizing health, letting go of grudges, stepping out of comfort zones, or following passions, each choice paves the way towards a more fulfilling life.
In the words of renowned psychologist Carl Jung, “Life really does begin at forty. Up until then, you are just doing research.”
Perhaps the same could be said for our 60s. It’s a time to apply the wisdom we’ve gathered through our research and live life on our own terms.
If you’re interested in learning about how you can thrive in this next chapter of your life, download my free guide A Guide to Thriving in Your Retirement Years.
As we navigate this golden phase of life, let’s remember that every day is a new opportunity to choose fulfillment.