There’s a stark contrast between retirees who are genuinely joyful and those who harbor a sense of quiet disappointment.

The difference? It all comes down to certain traits. Truly happy retirees embrace certain habits and attitudes that set them apart from their less content counterparts.

As a retiree, the power to shape your retirement experience is in your hands. You have the chance to choose happiness, to choose fulfillment. And yes, there are specific traits that can guide you towards this path.

In this article, we’ll explore 6 traits that separate truly happy retirees from those who feel quietly disappointed with life. These key traits could be the game-changer in your retirement journey. 

So, are you ready to discover these traits and how they can influence your retirement years? Let’s dive in!

1) Intentional living

One key trait that separates truly happy retirees from those feeling quietly disappointed is intentional living.

Intentional living is all about making conscious choices, rather than simply going with the flow or doing things out of habit. It’s about taking control of your life and making decisions that align with your values and aspirations.

In the context of retirement, this could mean choosing to pick up a new hobby, volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about, or even just taking time each day to appreciate the small things in life. The point is to fill your time with activities that you find fulfilling and meaningful.

Happy retirees understand the value of intentional living. They don’t just let their retirement years pass them by; they actively shape these years to be some of the best ones yet.

On the other hand, those who feel quietly disappointed often lack this sense of purpose. They may feel lost or directionless, unsure of how to fill their newfound free time.

Reflect on what truly matters to you and let that guide your decisions. After all, retirement is a significant chapter in your life, make it count!

2) Staying connected

Be it with family, friends, or within their community, they understand the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships.

Allow me to share a personal example. My mother, a spry octogenarian, is the perfect embodiment of this trait. Even after retiring from her long-standing teaching career, she kept her social calendar as busy as ever.

She’s part of a book club, volunteers at the local library, attends weekly yoga classes, and never misses a chance to catch up with old friends or meet new ones.

She often shares that these activities keep her feeling vibrant and alive. “Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down,” she always says, “It’s just a shift in gears.”

On the flip side, retirees who feel quietly disappointed often isolate themselves, either out of habit or due to a lack of opportunities to socialize. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction.

Keep your social connections strong and stay engaged with the world around you. After all, humans are social creatures, and maintaining these connections can significantly contribute to your happiness in retirement.

3) Practicing mindfulness

Mindfulness is about being present, fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment — free from distraction or judgment, and aware of our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them.

In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment“, I delve into the importance of this practice and how it can lead to increased happiness, reduced stress, and improved mental clarity.

For retirees, practicing mindfulness can mean savoring a morning cup of coffee, enjoying a peaceful walk in the park, or simply appreciating the company of loved ones. It’s about cherishing every moment and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Unfortunately, retirees who feel quietly disappointed often get caught up in their thoughts or worries about the past and future, missing out on the beauty of the present moment.

So why not give mindfulness a try? Start by taking a few minutes each day to focus on your surroundings and your senses. You’ll be amazed at how this simple practice can bring more joy into your retirement years. Plus, it’s never too late to start!

4) Embracing change

Change is a constant in life, and retirement is one of the biggest changes one can experience. Some people resist this change, finding it hard to let go of their professional identities or the routines they’ve been accustomed to for so many years.

However, truly happy retirees are those who are able to embrace this change and see it as an opportunity for growth and new experiences.

I remember when I first retired. There was a sense of loss, a fear of the unknown. Who was I without my job title? How was I supposed to fill my days? It was a challenging time, but I soon realized that retirement was not an end but a new beginning.

I began exploring new hobbies, traveling to places I’d always wanted to visit, and spending more quality time with my family. Change wasn’t easy, but it opened up opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

For those who feel quietly disappointed with life after retirement, it’s often because they’re stuck in the past, unable to adapt to their new circumstances.

So embrace change. See it not as a threat but as an opportunity to reinvent yourself and explore new possibilities. Remember, it’s not about what you’ve lost but what you stand to gain.

5) Welcoming imperfection

This might sound counter-intuitive, but truly happy retirees are those who welcome imperfection. They understand that life is not always picture-perfect and that’s okay. Trying to maintain a flawless image or striving for perfection in every aspect can be draining and ultimately, unfulfilling.

Retirees who are content with life embrace their flaws and imperfections. They recognize that it’s these quirks and faults that make them human, unique, and interesting. They don’t feel the need to put on a facade or hide their true selves.

On the contrary, those who feel quietly disappointed often strive for a perceived ideal of retirement—traveling the world, having a perfect physique, or doing something extraordinary every day. But when reality doesn’t meet these lofty expectations, they can feel disheartened and discontent.

Remember, it’s your quirks and eccentricities that make you distinctively you. And there’s nothing more fulfilling than being comfortable in your own skin, even (or especially) during retirement.

6) Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Taking care of your physical health is a trait that can’t be overlooked when it comes to happy retirees. It’s true, your health is your wealth, especially as you age.

Happy retirees understand this and make conscious efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They stay active, engage in regular exercise, eat balanced meals, and make sure they get enough sleep. By doing so, they not only boost their physical health but also their mental well-being.

On the other hand, those who feel quietly disappointed with life after retirement often neglect their health. Whether it’s due to laziness, lack of motivation, or simply not knowing where to start, this neglect can lead to various health problems and decreased quality of life.

Don’t underestimate the power of a healthy lifestyle. Start by making small changes – go for a walk around the block, swap that bag of chips for a piece of fruit, or try to get an extra hour of sleep each night. These little steps can go a long way in ensuring a happier and healthier retirement.

Final thoughts: The choice is yours

At the end of the day, the happiness you find in retirement boils down to the choices you make. 

These choices might seem simple, but they can significantly shape your retirement experience.

In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment“, I delve into how these choices and practices can lead to increased happiness and fulfillment not just in retirement but in every stage of life.

As you reflect on your retirement journey, remember that it’s never too late to make these choices. Each day presents a new opportunity for you to shape your life in a way that brings you joy and fulfillment.

Because ultimately, retirement is not about ending a phase of life but about beginning a new one — one filled with opportunities, growth, and happiness. The choice is yours.