If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 60-something years on this planet, it’s that how we age has less to do with luck and more to do with the choices we make—especially the things we choose to let go of.

I spent decades chasing success, handling responsibilities, and pushing through life’s challenges. But as I entered my 60s, I realized something: Flourishing in this stage of life isn’t about doing more. It’s about unlearning the habits that quietly hold us back.

Some of these habits were so ingrained in me that I didn’t even recognize them as self-sabotage. But once I did? Everything changed.

If you want to make the most of your 60s and beyond, it might be time to say goodbye to these seven behaviors.

Let’s get into it.

1) Believing you’re “too old” to try anything new

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, right?

Well, that’s what so many people believe. I did too—until a conversation with my granddaughter changed my mind!

Not long after, I signed up for a local college course. If you’re a regular reader here at GEE, you already know this—I’m always banging on about it! 

And for good reason.

Learning something new has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my 60s. It’s keeping my mind sharp, my curiosity alive, and, honestly, it makes me feel younger. There’s something energizing about stepping out of your comfort zone, even at this stage of life.

If I can do it, you can too. Don’t let the idea of “being too old” hold you back

2) Dwelling on past regrets

Do you ever catch yourself replaying old mistakes in your head, asking “What if I’d done things differently?” 

The past can feel like a weight around your neck, but carrying that burden into your 60s and beyond only drags you down.

Instead of ruminating on regrets, channel your energy into what you can do today. As Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher, noted:
“Each of us lives only in the present, this brief moment; the rest is either a life that is past or is an uncertain future”

We can’t rewrite old chapters, but we can make sure the new ones sparkle with possibility.

3) Withdrawing from social connections

Did you know that an estimated 24% of elderly people in the US are considered socially isolated? 

That’s huge. 

…but it’s hardly surprising. It’s easy to isolate yourself once you’ve retired or the kids have flown the nest. 

I used to slip into long spells of solitude—and then wondered why I felt down and unmotivated. Study after study backs up the importance of social interactions for both mental and physical well-being.

I’m not saying you have to become a social butterfly. Start small. Invite an old friend for coffee, join a local club, or schedule regular calls with family.

4) Ignoring physical health because “It’s too late”

Not long after I retired, I was out walking my dog when I noticed how winded I got going up a mild incline. It was a wake-up call.

Many of us assume it’s too late to start exercising or eating better, but the truth is, every healthy choice adds up, no matter your age.

So, I made a decision. I started with small changes—taking longer walks, adding more fresh foods to my diet, even doing a bit of strength training. And let me tell you, the difference has been incredible. My energy levels are higher, my joints don’t ache as much, and I feel more capable in my own body.

The biggest lesson? Your body is always ready to adapt if you give it the chance. It’s not about running marathons or lifting heavy weights—it’s about staying active, making better choices, and refusing to let age be an excuse.

If you think it’s too late, I promise you—it’s not.

5) Avoiding technology and change

This is a big one. 

I remember resisting smartphones for the longest time, arguing I didn’t need one. 

But once my grandkids showed me how to use messaging apps to stay connected, I never looked back. Avoiding tech only keeps you disconnected from a rapidly evolving world.

Sure, learning something new can be tricky, but it’s also rewarding. Ask a friend (or a grandchild!) to help you out, or watch simple tutorials online. 

In this day and age, being afraid of technology is the fastest route to isolation—so stay curious.

6) Engaging in negative self-talk

I’ve always prided myself on being realistic but there’s a big difference between being realistic and being self-critical. 

Phrases like “I’m useless” or “My best days are behind me” can become self-fulfilling prophecies. If you tell yourself you’re powerless often enough, you’ll start to believe it.

Look, I’m no know-it-all, but I’ve learned we can talk ourselves into or out of just about anything.

As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.” 

Switch the narrative. Celebrate small wins—like finally mastering that tech tool or trying a new exercise class. And if you catch yourself spiraling into negativity, pause and remind yourself: you have decades of experiences to be proud of.

7) Ignoring your passions

Do you ever find yourself thinking, “Why bother?” when an old passion stirs up? 

Maybe you used to paint, play an instrument, or dream of writing a book. Letting those sparks fizzle is one of the greatest disservices we can do to ourselves in our later years.

I recently picked up an old guitar I hadn’t touched in ages, and although my fingers felt clumsy, the joy was undeniable. 

Creativity keeps us vulnerable and alive. Denying that part of ourselves might feel safer, but it also makes life dull. 

Give yourself permission to explore what lights you up—no matter how small or silly it might seem to others.

Where do you go from here?

So there you have it—seven habits I’ve seen trip up too many folks, including me at times. 

Flourishing in your 60s and beyond doesn’t mean having all the answers, but it does mean releasing the old baggage, regrets, and limiting beliefs.

My question to you is this: Which one of these habits will you ditch first? Because the moment you decide to let it go, you’re already on your way to a richer, more fulfilling life.

Here’s to making these years count—and to finding new joys in places you never expected. Let’s keep exploring, learning, and thriving, one day at a time!